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Prospective students explored the possibilities of pursuing an advanced degree at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville during the Office of Graduate Admissions’ Open House on Wednesday, April 12.

Nearly 55 applications were filed as students, eager to continue their education, gained information on the University’s diverse array of program options, including more than 70 master’s programs, post-baccalaureate certificates, specialist degrees, doctoral degrees and cooperative doctoral programs.

“Attendance at the Open House exceeded our expectations, leaving us pleased with the success of this first-time event,” said Jim Monahan, director of graduate and international admissions. “This spring semester event was intended to supplement the larger Graduate School Open House held in the Fall.

“We wanted to provide current SIUE undergraduate students, in particular those graduating this semester, with the opportunity to learn more about graduate studies and the diverse research and scholarly activities available through the Graduate School.”

Advisors from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Business and Nursing, as well as graduate program directors from Social Work, Integrative Studies, Accountancy and Marketing Research were available to speak with student attendees.

Prospective students also had the opportunity to meet with representatives from Financial Aid, the Career Development Center, Learning Support Services, the Kimmel Student Involvement Center and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.

Alumna Kimberly Wirts and current student Jennifer Robbins both attended the Open House and excitedly applied for Graduate School on site.

“I found a lot of helpful information about SIUE’s Graduate School online, but I was excited about this event as it offered me a chance to meet with representatives personally,” said Wirts, who earned a bachelor’s in business administration with a specialization in finance from SIUE in 2016. “I want to continue my education and gain a broader skillset by pursuing an MBA.”

“My main professional goal is to work as a psychologist in a hospital setting,” added Robbins, a junior in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior. “I’d like to get a graduate degree to help me reach that goal. Hopefully pursuing my master’s will help me decide if I want to then go on for a doctorate.”

The Office of Graduate Admissions plans to make this spring offering an annual event. For more information, visit siue.edu/graduate-admissions.

Photo: Jantzen Rosales, a senior in the School of Business, visits with Mike Costigan, PhD, chair and graduate program director in the Department of Accounting, during the Graduate Admissions Open House.