10 Reasons Why We Chose Graduate Studies at the NC State College of Education

The NC State College of Education held its first Graduate Student Appreciation Week April 1-5. Over the past few months, we have engaged with a number of graduate students who have shared with us why they chose to pursue their advanced degrees at NC State Education. Here’s what they said.

To gain hands-on research experience. “Working with IDEALS [as a graduate student researcher], I have had the opportunity to get my hands on rich quantitative data as well as travel the United States performing case studies at various colleges and universities. . . . I’ve also benefited from the mentorship of higher education faculty at the NC State College of Education. They are truly committed to the success of students, and for that, I am so grateful. With their support and encouragement, I am confident that I will be well-positioned after graduation to achieve my professional goals.” — Kevin Singer, a Ph.D. student in the Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development program area of study in higher education

To become a better science teacher. “I chose to go back to school for this particular program because I wanted to become a better science teacher. There isn’t another program in the area that offers everything that this science education program did, so I thought it would be a perfect fit.”
— Nakia White, a master’s student in elementary education specializing in science education

For its academic reputation. “I originally chose to attend NC State [for graduate coursework] because it provided me with invaluable experience as an undergraduate and graduate student through the cooperative program. My education has given me a solid foundation for a career in STEM. My program enables me to put everything I’ve learned into practice and develop my skills even further. I’m so glad I made the decision to go to school here.” — Mariam Elias, a master’s student in technology education

To learn how to support students’ overall well-being. “Studying school counseling is giving me the tools to support my students socially and emotionally, and to help prepare them for their future. I was drawn to the NC State College of Education because of its reputation and rigorous coursework.” — Mollie Tucker, a master’s student in counseling education specializing in school counseling

To gain valuable experience working alongside faculty. “Having completed my bachelor’s degree at NC State, I knew the people I would be working with and that continuing working with them would be a valuable experience. It is near my family and there were funding opportunities available to pursue my doctoral degree. I didn’t really consider any other schools, because I knew NC State was the place for me for this chapter of my life.” — Teena Coats, a Ph.D. student in the STEM Education program area of study in learning and teaching in STEM

For the flexible course schedule. “As I started looking for a school and program to finish my doctorate, NC State was miles above the rest in my opinion. Not only did the program offer a large amount of the courses at reasonable times for full-time employees, but the community as a whole seemed far more welcoming of diverse students than other regional programs.” — Lynley Wentzel, a Ph.D. student in the Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development program area of study in adult and community college education

To help other teachers. “After teaching for 23 years, I enrolled in this program because I wanted to continue my learning. . . and gain more strategies to better equip myself so that I can help other teachers.”  — Vangela Eleazer, a master’s student in elementary education specializing in mathematics education

To grow into a scholar-leader. “I chose to attend NC State because of the connections and opportunities to grow as an emerging scholar-leader. I appreciate the numerous opportunities to be engaged on-campus and within the community. I have had the opportunity to meet and establish connections with people in and out of the College of Education, who only enrich the work that I hope to do in the future.” — Iwinosa Idahor, a Ph.D. student in the Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development program area of study in educational evaluation and policy analysis

To gain a better understanding of student achievement. “The College of Education’s curriculum design, faculty expertise, strong communication and resources were exactly what I had been looking for. The university has also identified a direct and immediate need to support minority students in their graduate studies; this resonated with me considering the fact that I am both African-American and female. Ultimately, I believe that the educational psychology program will help me gain a better understanding of how psychosocial development plays a critical role in African-American student achievement in STEM studies, a focal point of my future studies.” — Whitney McCoy, a Ph.D. student in the Teacher Education and Learning Sciences program area of study in educational psychology

To enhance my teaching skills. “After I discovered my passion for teaching undergraduate students, I knew I had to further my education so I could be in the classroom on a regular basis. NC State is an outstanding university, and. . . I knew it was the kind of welcoming and supportive atmosphere in which I would excel. Choosing NC State has led to a number of opportunities I would not have experienced at any other university.” — Deidre Kelly, an Ed.D. student in the STEM Education program area of study in technology, engineering, and design education