Back to College: June 1, 2004: Graduate School with a Low GPA, Accelerated Programs, the Top 10 Online Business Degrees

Ask the Experts: Graduate School with a Low GPA?
Featured Expert: E. Faith Ivery, Ed.D.

Question: Hi, I graduated with a BA in computer science in 2002 and since graduation I have struggled with odd jobs/unemployment due to a poor market for programmers, etc. I had a REALLY bad GPA (2.0) graduation from school, so I am now worried that if/when I go to apply for a graduate program, I won't be accepted... Are my fears well founded or would they take my job history (I currently work for a large bank) into account? I am currently looking into getting a masters in education. Thanks! - Drew

Answer: Drew, first, let's examine why you want a graduate degree in education. Do you want to be a teacher, or are you considering this career switch because teaching jobs are more abundant? Teaching is a very hard job with low pay, and lots of commitment is needed. Make sure you are choosing education via some career assessment tools, and a realistic knowledge of the job. At some point you will need to do student teaching on the K-12 level for your area of expertise - possibly computers - for a good combination of your education. Your 2.0 GPA for your undergraduate work will hinder your opportunities for admissions to graduate school. However, the "formula" for admissions includes GPA, work experience, letters of reference, GRE scores and the interview. So, if you exceed in all the above, you may still be able to be admitted to some graduate programs. I'd suggest you contact the graduate schools that you would like to enter and ask their admission department how you can raise your GPA by taking additional courses, which courses to take, and how your standing is for the other factors listed above. Every graduate program admission requirements are a bit different, so talk to the school directly. - Faith

More Ask the Experts.

Feature Article: The Accelerated Learning Style: Is it Right for You?
by Tony L. Bell

With the ever-increasing advancements in information and technology, continuing education has never been more important. With these advancements, concepts in learning styles are also evolving, including the Accelerated Learning Style (ALS), a relatively new concept in education based on the work of Dr. Georgi Lozanov (a professor of psychiatry and psychotherapy) in the 1970s.

Accelerated learning is a combination of principles and techniques that allow learners to use their brains more efficiently. Potential students often misunderstand the concepts and requirements of an ALS program. The attraction of completing a bachelors or masters degree in as little as fifteen months is very alluring. Often overlooked, however, is that the volume of information covered in the ALS program is no less and often more than traditional programs. And the pace at which the information must be absorbed is very fast and not viable for everyone. Strong skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and articulating your thoughts in oral speech and in academic papers are necessary for success.

Traditionally, academic subjects are taught through lectures and logically formatted textbooks and courses, using rigid multiple choice, true or false, and short essay testing to evaluate the learning outcomes. The subject matter is normally delivered in small blocks and taken one step at a time. You independently attend the lectures, study the textbooks, and take the exams.

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