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At a time when a bachelor's degree may be arguably deemed "not enough" to compete in one's respective concentration, increasing numbers of students are furthering their education to acquire graduate degrees.
Recent studies by the U.S. Department of Education illustrate that black students are in fact more likely than whites to enroll in graduate school.
Blacks are earning bachelor's degrees at new record highs in the United States. Black graduates accounted for 8.9 percent of those who earned bachelor's degrees in 2005.
Sophomore advertising major Dave McClain said, "I want to go to graduate school because I would like to develop my own company. I can't expect advanced degrees from my employees if I don't have the same expectations for myself."
U.S. Department of Education research indicates that of the students who graduated from four-year colleges in 1993, 45.4 percent of black students went on to enroll in graduate programs by 2003. The number was compared to whites, who enrolled at a rate of 39.2 percent during the 10-year time span.
Black student enrollment is at a higher rate across the board in graduate education with educated blacks more likely to enroll in MBA programs, professional degree studies and in doctoral programs, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
Many incentives come from obtaining a graduate degree, however many areas of concentration allow for successful competition with just a bachelor's degree. Pursuing a graduate education is a decision that rests with the individual and is often pursued after years of working, if the path is pursued at all.
Sophomore philosophy major Sharday Shelby said, "While I don't plan on pursuing a professional degree directly after I earn my bachelor's, I do feel that a bachelor's degree is often not enough for certain fields in the professional world." She added, "I think further education is important to become more knowledgeable in your field."
While furthering one's education may pan out to be rewarding, it is not always for everyone.
Sophomore audio production major Raquelle Mayoral said, "Successful competition in my field is possible with just a bachelor's degree, so I'm not sure if graduate school is for me."
Other students said that a traditional four-year college education is enough and are ready to begin performing in their field of interest.
"I'm just trying to jump straight into the workforce. I'm honestly tired of school," said sophomore marketing major Patrick Scott. Whether an individual plans to enroll in graduate education or not, their decision may change as time elapses. However, it is anticipated that the number of black students being awarded bachelor's degrees will continue to rise, thus impacting the percentage of blacks considering graduate level education.
