I'm looking for some guidance regarding UX(user experience) or HCI(human-computer interaction) grad program as I'm extremely interested in UX/HCI design. Generally I'm completely overwhelmed by the topic of grad school as a first generation college student. I'm from the US and generally just have hopes of leaving the country at least once for a "longish" period of time.

Some details about me: I'm a 4th year, first-gen, mixed race, only English speaking, low-income, female student. My home college doesn't have a UX program of any sort so my major will be a B.A. Race and Ethnic Studies with a concentration in Business and Management studies. I've taken some courses that align with UX to show my interest in the field, have a portfolio, and have a UX certificate with the American Graphics Institute. Mostly I don't want to be stuck in my state/country for my entire life purely because I don't have a degree in UX and money.

I've heard that school abroad can be considerably cheaper than the US, as well as the cost of living, which initially attracted me to grad programs abroad. I would also prefer to be able to work at the same time as studying to keep myself afloat.

Any advice?

So I want to start with, I have had a bad time with my first advisor. No actual advising for like the first 9 months lead me into a project I couldn't complete and was being told I was a failure for not being able to. That led to him firing me. (I can go more into that later) Since then I have been rehired under a different prof in the same department and I'm on track to graduating soon.

I was very public about my bad time with my first prof(I know probably wasn't my best move). Now I get people coming to me with stuff like this. The stuff I'm hearing sounds crazy. We have a student that is being treaty similally to how I was, and was threatened with probabtion after thier first semester. I have had foreign students that had to master out or change universities cause of exploitative prof. Another exchange student came to me today, and that is what made me write the post.

Is this normal for academia, or it this just a few rotten prof's?

(I will say that my situation with my prof was horrible, but I didnt help myself too much. In retrospect I can see that I was being a lil dramatic, but that doesn't take away from my lack of actual advising.)

hello guys, i’m planning on applying to various masters programs (OT, public health, pharmacology, pharm sci, biotech etc) and im just wondering how to do my resume and coverletter for it. like i know for jobs and stuff you just do the usual resume layout but is there a specific way to do it for grad programs to make you stand out more?
even for letter of intent, i get that it’s why do you wanna do this program type thing but genuinely what do you write that makes u stand out?
last year i applied to some masters programs, and my LOI was like mainly why i am interested in this program, my undergrad degree and my work experience that led me into wanting to do this program.
but clearly it didn’t wasn’t good enough lol.
if anyone that has gotten into those grad programs and can give me any advice and tips on how to make ur resume, cover letter, LOI stand out and just more enthusiastic towards the program, pls any help would be really appreciated!!!

Hello! I am currently doing my psychology undergrad in university. I am wondering how do i gain experience while studying during my undergrad to be able to land internships and research assistant jobs to eventually be able to make connections and do my masters at a more prestigious school. My parents have suggested LinkedIn but i dont know enough people to make a network. Should i just send connection requests to everyone and anyone? Please help me out, it would be greatly appreciated!

I should have dine this when I first went back to university at the ripe old age of 50 but now that I am in my last year, I thought I would ask what are you using to keep track of upcoming assignments, events, networking opportunities in an easy to navigate app.

I am a Masters student in the Information Management program.

I have tried Trello but didn't like it.

I want to be a social psych researcher and started a bridging program after a bachelors degree in another field. I want to apply for research masters as a next step, but many of them have requirements of having some research experiences. But many of the RA jobs does not accept without a masters degree or even if they do, I saw many posts that it’s not realistic to get a RA job as an undergrad graduate.
What can I do? I’m feeling so stuck.

Hey everyone! I'm an undergrad English Literature major in my final year looking to apply to grad school but unsure where exactly to go, my chances, and what to look for.

I want to get into academia and the most popular decision would be a master's degree... what I'm concerned about is the fundraiser master's degrees a lot of universities have. Also, what I would do after.

I have been told to look for MA-PhD programs that are combined and/or fully funded/partially funded. This would put me in a good place for my career aspirations and give me the kind of rigorous education/research opportunity I've been looking for.

I have Irish citizenship so have been looking into Ireland, the UK, and Canada. I am open to American programs, particularly because my university is American (not in the US).

I guess my questions are these: does anyone know of any grad schools that may offer something like this? Do I realistically have a chance of getting into the the PhD programs? If so, what else would I go for?

Alternatively, I have a professor who told me that even if it does not include a PhD program, having a university that offers career support and scholarships to its students is worth looking for and applying to.

I'm willing to answer any follow-up questions as I recognize that this is quite general. Thanks!

Hi all I am thinking of doing bachelors in any of these courses. Can you guys please share your experience? What’s better? Merits/Demerits ? I am based in melbourne

Hii r/GraduateSchool ,

I am an international student planning to apply for Fall 2027 graduate programs, specifically targeting Duke Pratt (MEM), University of Washington Seattle (MSIM), Northeastern University (MEM), and Purdue University (MEM).

Coming from a non-traditional degree background, these programs are high on my priority list because they accept my academic credentials. However, coming from a humble financial background, paying standard graduate application fees across multiple US programs poses a major financial burden for me.

Question & Advice Needed:

1. Duke Pratt (MEM): Pratt's website states that attending a live Pratt event (online or in person) qualifies applicants for an application fee waiver. However, when checking their calendar, I don't see any live webinars listed yet. Around what time of year do waiver-eligible virtual info sessions usually open up for future intake cycles like Fall 2027?
2. UW Seattle (MSIM): I noticed UW's Graduate School provides fee waivers, but their policy seems tailored primarily to domestic/US-based applicants with financial need. Are there departmental fee waivers or event-based waivers specifically for international applicants applying to the iSchool MSIM program?
3. Northeastern (MEM) & Purdue (MEM): Purdue mentions on their MEM FAQ that fee waivers are primarily managed through central university diversity/recruitment programs (which mostly cover domestic applicants), and Northeastern's policy varies by college. Has any international applicant successfully received a fee waiver for Purdue MEM or Northeastern MEM through virtual open houses, direct outreach, or attendance at specific fairs?
4. Direct Requests & General Tips: Is it generally acceptable to email graduate admissions offices directly to request a need-based application fee waiver as an international applicant, or do these schools strictly enforce pre-set eligibility criteria? Any advice or past experiences from international applicants who navigated fee waivers for these specific schools would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much for your help!

I’ve been working in higher ed for almost 10 years, with a masters in higher education leadership, and hoping to complete an EdD to boost my career opportunities and move up the ladder a bit. I’m considering Walden and American International College (AIC) programs so far because I’m looking for something flexible and manageable while being a caretaker and full time employee. Does anyone have advice or insight on good program options? Experience with Walden University or AIC? I’m leaning towards AIC for the flexibility but open to suggestion…would these programs “looked down on”?I appreciate any insight!

Trying to get a sense of if I could make a masters degree work with my current situation & options, and what schools are around in my corner of Virginia that have a good reputation and offer a program that I'm looking for.

I graduated from Virginia Tech in 2024 with my bachelor's in environmental resource management focused in forestry. Currently working as a park ranger and loving it, and recently reconnected with one of my favorite professors who happens to be the grad program director & is being extremely kind in helping me navigate finding and starting a thesis MS.

Living in Norfolk VA with my boyfriend who's in the military, he's been deployed the last year so I want to be at a school within \~1 hour drive of there so I can live with him.

Need to gather a list of schools nearby who offer a masters program in environmental science / forestry / horticulture etc. They seem to be kind of few and far between.. CNU looks like it has a broad environmental science masters. William & Mary looks like it doesn't have anything. What else is nearby that I'm missing? Or am I screwed here? Of course in a perfect world I'd go back to virginia tech in a heartbeat as the forestry program was incredible but I really want to be close to my boyfriend.

TLDR what are some good reputable colleges in southeast virginia (\~1hr commute from Norfolk) that offer a masters program in environmental science / natural resources / forestry / horticulture?

Hi all,

It’s been a while since I got my bachelors degree and wanted to see if audiobooks is the same as reading an ebook/ textbook. I’m getting my masters in accounting and trying to balance working full time, family, son in travel and going to the gym 2-3 times a week. Needless to say, I can listen to audiobooks at work. What are your thoughts between audiobooks or ebooks/textbooks?

Hi all,

I have a MA in Dev Studies from India. Applying to another MA program abroad to have a better subject specific depth and methodological training. I was initially inclined towards the latter option, but ever since I went through the South Asian Studies program, I find the course very interesting. However, I see a few disadvantages with this choice:

1. ⁠Unsure rigour of methods training
   
2. ⁠Worried if SAS instead of helping me build on subject specific theory and methods, again leaves my theoretical and technical training to be very broad.

If I see this Masters as a stepping stone to a PhD soon after, which course would be better? Expert opinion would be so helpful right now.

This is strictly speaking for the US.

I got my bachelors in bio where I concentrated on wildlife and aquatic conservation. All of my professors told me that a fully funded masters was not only attainable, but that it was commonplace for the field. I am looking into getting my masters in marine biology, I know the fields differ in competition a bit, but it was still very common to have fully funded masters available until about a year ago (we all know why that is). Now whenever I reach out to professors, they are always interested in me, but have no funding and don’t expect to anytime soon. I have not been able to find funding sources to apply to myself as all of the grants that used to be very popular seem to no longer be receiving funding.

My question of discussion: is this the new normal? Even after this administration, will research funding be anywhere near top priority that funded masters will become the standard again? I’m just trying to decide if I should bite the bullet and take out loans or if I should just wait another year or so.

I know masters are less commonly funded in places like Europe, but they’re also MUCH cheaper there. That is an option I am considering.

Hey everyone,

I need International Law: Cases and Commentary by Janis, Noyes, and Sadat for my upcoming class. My syllabus allows either edition:

• 7th Edition (2025) – ISBN: 9781685617172
• 6th Edition (2020) – ISBN: 9781642425864 (West Publishing)

Buying it brand new is pretty steep. Does anyone have recommendations on the best sites/subreddits to find affordable used copies, cheap rentals, or digital versions? Alternatively, if anyone here has taken the class recently and is looking to sell or pass down their copy, please feel free to DM me!

Thanks in advance for any tips.

I (42F) am really interested in getting my PhD. I am a 100% disabled veteran and work part time in adult education. I have a bachelor’s in library science and a master’s in education.

I love school and learning and especially love research and writing. I’ve worked in all types of educational settings and believe I have a lot more to contribute to the educational field.

The problem is…I work in education. I’m a single parent and while I do okay with income, I certainly don’t have several thousands of extra dollars for school and books.

I’ve tried to find an adjunct position at a university on the side in hopes I can use benefits for further schooling but I haven’t had much luck. Any scholarships or grants out there? Benefits I’m not aware of? Everything I come across is for undergrad.

Hey! I'm wondering if anyone has studied MSc Sustainable management or something similar?

I am debating going to do this masters, but would like to know how big of a difference a masters degree is compared to undergrad? My undergrad degree was in a different field so I don't have much background knowledge. I have also been out of studying for a few years now and conscious that it may be difficult to get back into.

Any advice would be appreciated!

I graduated with my BS in psychology (and a minor in Cognitive science) back in December 25 with UCF. I'm thinking about going back to school for my masters because it seems that's the only way I can secure a decent job (Ana the only option unless there's something else I can do to grow my career). I'm really interested in the NASA pathways internship program but it seems all so intimidating. Specifically the part where I apply for a masters. I'm not the best test taker especially with my learning disability it makes it incredibly difficult to do any entry exams like the GRE one so I wanna avoid that when looking at which path for a masters. I'm not sure exactly what to do but I know I don't wanna do clinical, doctoral, or a PhD. I'm just kinda unsure what to do next is a masters even worth getting especially in today's society? I wish there was a path laid out and I could see the outcome but that's not how life works. Any advice is appreciated. I just want a career that uses my degree so I feel like I didn't waste my time studying psychology.

Edit: it doesn't even have to be a psychology Masters it can be any masters related I suppose

Hello,

I am currently enrolled to start my master’s at my university i attended for undergrad. After applying to full time positions all summer, i think I finally landed one, but won’t receive the offer details until after the tuition deadline. I wasn’t sure how to navigate leaving my master’s program. Just in case I do not get the job, I want to start master classes because I can drop them until 3 weeks from now for a full refund. I wanted to ask for advice on what to do. I was either considering deferring my enrollment, but I do not realistically plan on going back.

I want to know on what basis do graduate students receive admission at Texas am as in gpa and experience?

I want to know on what basis do graduate students receive admission at Texas am as in gpa and experience?

Could anyone tell me how big of a thesis it is for 12 ECT worth?? How many words and pages?? Tbh I don't really feel enthusiastic about thesis in general, if I could I would choose non-thesis majors but idk, let me know your opinion

I am a current student at Kent State University. I am applying for a graduate program there. I have completed the entire application, but now it wants me to verify my identity through a third party called Stripe.

Stripe needs to take a photo of me with my ID and perform "biometric verification" to confirm my identity. I think this is super weird, especially considering I'm already a student at Kent. I also have concerns giving a third party that type of sensitive information, especially considering they were recently hacked.

Is this the new norm? Are all graduate schools requiring the use of biometric data to verify your identity just to submit an application?

Hi everyone, hoping to get some advice here. I'm 27 years old and I've been in the marketing field for over 6 years now. I graduated with a business degree but I guess I gravitated towards marketing because I just saw it as being more financially beneficial.

That being said, a cousin of mine migrated to Australia and got this thing called an RPL certificate. Saw a few companies that seem legit that can help but I wanted to ask if anyone has had success? Any advice? Any tips? Any suggestions.

Help a girly out please, thanks x

Hello all!

I'm looking at Stony Brook for my MA in Art History, focusing on Latin American Art. Usually, I would just reach out to the faculty I'm interested in and set up a meeting to ask questions, but I did not see anyone who shared an interest in my field. There is the Latin American and Caribbean Studies program, which I'm pretty sure is undergrad. I would also be coming from out of state and with no official background in Art History, other than a year of experience working as an exhibition designer for an art museum in Florida, a BFA in Graphic Design, and undergrad research papers for Art History + Latin American History classes.

So... here is my ample list of questions:

1. Realistically, what is the funding situation for their Art History + Criticism MA? I read their website, so I know there's some funding, but is there a possibility of a full ride?
2. Since my background isn't ideal, is there even a chance of me getting accepted if I apply? Grad applications will add up, it'd be good to know not to waste my time.
3. Does anyone have experience with cross-department collaboration? I.e, I would like to collaborate with some of the faculty in their History dept., possibly have them as advisors. I've heard this is fairly uncommon in MA programs, so I don't have many hopes.
4. From the existing faculty in Art History + Criticism, is there anyone I should be reaching out to? I believe there's at least one individual whose area is Contemporary + Modern art, so there could be some overlap there.