Southwestern College Collegian

Issue date: 3/5/08 Section: Campus Life

Earning a master's degree in a year can be hard work. Southwestern offers its on-ground master's degree programs in one year or two year track programs, allowing flexibility for students. Robyn Crosby chose to get her master of science in leadership on a two-year trek. Crosby graduated last year with a bachelor of science degree in athletic training. "We use leadership in athletic training everyday. Partly, I chose the master of science in leadership to better myself as an athletic trainer," Crosby said. "It was going to give me more opportunities in the career world if athletic training doesn't work out." Crosby said she works in the afternoon and evenings, which allows her to take classes in the mornings. The on-ground master's degrees offer five sessions of eight-week classes. This session, Crosby has one class Wednesday mornings. Last session she had classes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Stephanie Humphries, graduate admissions counselor, said students interested in getting a master's degree in business administration should consider the leadership degree. "Everybody knows what an MBA is, but not everyone knows what a leadership degree is," Humphries said. "It's leading teams, ethics, and different types of leadership theories, styles and communication." Humphries added that the degree can be applied to any undergraduate major. "It would be easy for someone who has a history degree or a psychology degree to go and do a program like this," Humphries said. The on-ground master's degrees start in July. There is no fee to apply for admission and the GRE is not required. Crosby said she uses what she learns through her classes every day as an athletic trainer. There are 14 undergraduate students in the program who look up to her for guidance. "If they have any issues that they don't know how to handle, they come to us. We have to use leadership," Crosby said. "There are 14 kids who all have their own personalities. We have to learn how to communicate with each one of them as individuals and as a team." Humphries is completing the online version of the degree and said it's helped her professionally. "I've enjoyed it thoroughly. I've been able to apply the theories and concepts to every concept of my life. "The leadership program is new. It's pretty exciting. It's not only a trend in master's programs and degrees, but it's a new beginning for Southwestern as well," Humphries said. Editor's note: This is the second in a three-part series focusing on the master's degree programs at Southwestern. Monica Springer is a senior majoring in journalism. You may e-mail her at monica.springer@sckans.edu.

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