Testing Standards for Graduate Schools Enrolling in Distance Learning Programs
Getting a degree from an accredited American university is very different than those degrees conferred from other countries. Unlike at European and Asian universities where a graduate degree is the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree in the United States, there are three very distinctive educational levels: Bachelors Degree, Master Degree, and Doctoral Degrees. Most foreign universities are very limited in the delivery format whereas United States universities have a variety of means to deliver instruction. While the academic standards may vary between the traditional formatted learning environment and a hybrid/online setting, the admittance process is similar. In fact, it may actually be more difficult.
A fairly broad consensus is that most graduate school programs require a student to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. The average required GPA (Graduate Point Average) may differ from school to school, but often average 3.25. Most universities and colleges require some form of standardized testing assessment to measure a potential student’s verbal and mathematical aptitude. Common exams taken include the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogy Test (MAT), Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), or Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Additionally, students from non-English speaking countries will have to take the TOEFL exam too so that they can prove their verbal abilities are adequate to be a part of a non-native university. Most universities require a student to prepare an admissions statement or essay. Reference letters also carry considerable weight. One unique factor about graduate admissions that is not taken into account during an undergraduate degree is life experience and personal validation. In a study conducted by Landrum, Jeglum, and Cashin (1994), autobiographical statement and research experience has strong emphasis in graduate level admissions. Landrum et al also indicated that applicants’ experiences were evaluated under three approaches: quantitative, qualitative, and situational.
Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (Dowley, 2009) reinforces this point. In almost any occupation, the higher the level of education attained, the higher the paycheck. In the field of business, there is some caution though. Older learners wanting to go back into academia often find it more difficult because it is challenging to get substantive GRE/GMAT scores. Attempting to enroll in a traditional program may be more difficult whereas an online learning environment may potentially relax the standardized testing score requirements. Rather, such universities emphasis practical work experience and career achievements as a measure of a student’s potential success.
Regardless of age though, a graduate degree whether it is from an online university or a traditional school offer an adult the potential for better compensation and promotion potential. These are two of the most motivating factors. So long as the student meets the requirements of a specific university, their chances of admission are quite strong.
References Cited
Dowley, C. (2009). Education for prime time careers. Yahoo! Careers. Retrieved on May 14, 2009, from http://education.yahoo.net/degrees/articles/featured_education_for_prime_time_careers.html
Landrum, R.E, Jeglum, E.B., & Cashin, J.R. (1994). The decision-making processes of graduate admissions committees in psychology. Journal of Social Behavior & Personality, 9(2), 239-248.
