Area offers many grad-school options

Looking to start a graduate program, but aren’t sure where to start? The Hill compiled a list of a few of the interesting, innovative programs from schools in the area perfect for getting ahead while living inside the Beltway.

American University

{mosads}AU’s School of Public Affairs has master’s, doctoral, executive and certificate degrees in its graduate education program.

Executive degrees are offered in organization development and key executive leadership. According to the school’s website, the curriculum for the “key executive leadership MPA” is based on courses that coincide with AU’s Master of Public Administration degree, according to AU’s website.

AU’s School of Communication also offers master’s programs in journalism, film and media arts, media entrepreneurship and public communication, a Ph.D. in communications and, for those itching to spend time overseas, a master’s in international media.

Catholic University

The Columbus School of Law offers students the chance to choose their own curriculum based on their own interests, according to CUA’s website.

Catholic also offers a National Catholic School of Social Service M.S.W. and Ph.D. program in social work.

The Gourman Report, a ranking of programs in American universities, rated the National Catholic School of Social Service in the top 11 percent of accredited social-work programs.

“Within the past decade, there have been significant changes affecting workforce needs, creating what can be effectively called the ‘knowledge economy,’ ” said James J. Greene, Ph.D., dean of graduate studies for Catholic University. “Jobs today, particularly in the greater Washington, D.C., region, have increasing need for technical, management and specialized skills.”

Georgetown University

In addition to its vaunted law school, Georgetown offers a prestigious international affairs program. Degrees are offered in security studies, Arab studies, foreign service and economic development, among others.

The foreign service J.D./M.S.F.S. degree requires a certain amount of law classes to complete the degree, according to the school’s website.

George Washington University

The George Washington University offers more than 200 master’s doctoral and graduate certificate programs. The university houses a law school with J.D.s in full-time three-year or four-year part-time programs, according to its website.

“Starting this fall, every incoming student is matched with a mentor from practice and the first-year program will include comprehensive professional development training in the sorts of capabilities law schools have historically ignored,” said Dean Paul Schiff Berman, who is also a Robert Kramer Research Professor of Law. 

 Kristin S. Williams, George Washington University assistant provost for graduate enrollment management, said that a graduate degree increases lifetime earnings and enhances job mobility and flexibility. “In professions in which a master’s or doctoral degree is an entry-level requirement, the degree is crucial, not simply important,” she added.

George Mason University

George Mason University offers more than 100 degree programs or certificates in graduate education. The school caters to today’s working professional, offering multiple evening classes and online and weekend courses.

University of the District of Columbia

The University of the District of Columbia offers graduate programs in the business and public administration, science, engineering and technology fields, as well as education and human services.

“Timely new master’s degree programs in homeland security, nutrition, architecture, rehabilitation counseling, applied statistics, cancer biology, electrical engineering, computer science and water resources management have joined the always-popular MBA and MPA offerings,” said Beverly Karplus Hartline, Ph.D., dean of graduate studies for UDC. “Building on our 161-year tradition of excellence, opportunity, affordability and service to the community, the University of the District of Columbia enables grad students to gain the knowledge, skills, experience and networks to achieve their dreams and make our city, region, country and world a better place.”

Howard University 

Howard University offers graduate programs African studies, world languages and culture.

Programs are diverse and offer the ability to specialize in specific areas.

A unique degree offered is in health, human performance and leisure studies. The M.S. has specializations in exercise physiology, health education, sports management and sports sociology, perfect for the exercise-loving D.C. area.

Gallaudet University

The graduate school at Gallaudet University, or the Graduate School and Professional Programs (GSPP), offers master’s degrees in many diverse programs.

Gallaudet is the world’s only university specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

“An applicant for a professional position who has a graduate degree or credential is attractive to a potential employer, especially given the current economic climate and intense competition for jobs,” said Dr. Carol J. Erting, dean of the GSPP. “A new hybrid degree, our Master of Arts in Sign Language Teaching, is at capacity for the second year in a row and our Audiology and Speech Pathology programs continue to be rated among the best in the nation and are enrolled to capacity.”