While a bachelor’s degree has become the standard for entry-level positions, more and more undergraduates are extending their education further by entering Masters and Ph.D. programs. Students who choose this route do not find relief from senioritis, nor are they freed from growing student loan debt. Yet for such students the payoff is worth it; namely, specializing in fields they love (and probably a higher salary, too).
Soon to be Houghton graduate Thomas Eckert, a physics major, will enter a Ph.D. program in nuclear physics at the University of Rochester. He will be doing his work at the Laboratory of Laser Energetics. His research at the lab will begin one week after graduation. “I plan on going into experimental nuclear physics, as opposed to a theoretical branch of physics. I went into college planning on getting a degree in industrial design – which is the design of products like iPhones.” According to Eckert, it was his studies in the science honors program that showed him his love of nuclear physics. “Something in my head clicks with nuclear physics. [It] is elegant, there’s an element of unpredictability.”
Benjamin Yuly, a computer science and music composition major, plans to attend the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. to earn his Masters of Music in composition. When asked why he decided to forego a gap year, Yuly smiled and said, “I’m not done learning.” On his computer science degree, Yuly said, “Everyone knows it’s hard to make a living as a musician, and I’ve always been pretty good with computers. I thought ‘might as well’. The broad liberal arts education I’ve gotten here has prepared me for graduate school. It sets me apart from other graduate students.”
The breadth of a liberal arts education offered at Houghton has also served senior Hattie Burgher well. An English and art major, Burgher has been accepted into the New York University Master of Journalism program. Like Yuly, Burgher “wasn’t ready to stop learning.” She noted that her range of involvement at Houghton, especially her role as a reporter and features editor for The Houghton STAR, was well received by NYU. “I have so many different interests, and I hope grad school will help me hone in on what I’m really meant to do” said Burgher. She continued, “I enjoy writing features, and I’m also interested in writing investigative pieces [for a newspaper]. If I were working for a magazine, I’d love to be a photo editor. I don’t really know where I fit best yet, but I’m looking forward to mentors and professors guiding me.”
By contrast, philosophy and theology major Holly Chaisson is at this point fairly solidified in her future plans: “I will be entering Yale’s MAR (Master of Arts in Religion) program this fall and plan to concentrate in systematic theology.” Speaking to her decision to pursue graduate work Chaisson said, “I am an academic at heart. The study of theology has become part of who I am.” Chaisson added that she was interested in a professorial career, as well as one in academic administration. Yet, in the interest of avoiding “sitting in a library all day,” she said she may also create a career in writing or do nonprofit work.
A pressing question for the evangelical students who largely comprise Houghton college is, “How in the world will I afford another degree?” While not a faith question, the financial issue is pertinent to those who have already shelled out plenty to attend Christian colleges. Biology major Erin Salati, who plans to attend SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, has pondered this extensively. She admits that while earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) will be “super expensive,” especially in light of the loans she has accumulated to finance her undergraduate degree, she feels called by God to pursue her passion for physical therapy. As the DPT degree is the physical therapy field’s professional standard, Salati feels that completing the degree and following her calling are worth the expense and extra schooling. “I’m hopeful that once I have a job as a physical therapist I’ll be able to pay off my loans quickly.” said Salati. “I am trusting in the Lord when it comes to finances though, because I can’t do this on my own!”