Heather Adamcewicz, a 22-year-old Montclair State student from Old Bridge, is getting an early start to professional success. She will earn a bachelor’s degree in May 2021 and a master\u2019s in 2022 as a student in the BS\/MS combined program in Nutrition and Food Science. With both degrees in hand, she plans on becoming a registered dietitian and working clinical dietitian in a hospital or long-term care setting.<\/p>\n
\u201cConsidering my major, it was in my best interest to get my master\u2019s now rather than later,\u201d says Adamcewicz.<\/p>\n
Adamcewicz is among the many students across dozens of disciplines \u2013 from business to psychology to education and more \u2013 who are enjoying the benefits of the University\u2019s combined programs through The Graduate School, which provides students a way to earn two degrees in just five years.<\/p>\n
\u201cNumber one, you’ll be able to graduate early,\u201d says Chase Montani, digital marketing coordinator for The Graduate School. \u201cYou’ll be able to get your master’s degree sooner than you would if you had taken a traditional route because you\u2019re taking graduate courses during your senior year that will count toward both your bachelor’s and your master’s degree.\u201d<\/p>\n
Combined programs also work for the financial bottom line, saving students as much as $7,000 in tuition costs overall, in addition to saving on application fees.<\/p>\n
Going the combined program route also streamlines and simplifies the process. In fact, most programs do not require standardized tests. \u201cIt’s great for the students to be able to seamlessly transition from their undergraduate studies into graduate education,\u201d says Montani.<\/p>\n
Ashley Vitiello of Saddle Brook will graduate with her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) this May with an Elementary Education K-6 and Teacher of Students with Disabilities Dual Degree\/Dual Certification from the Teacher Education program. \u201cThere was no better way to become an educator than through this program,\u201d says Vitiello, 22. \u201cHaving the opportunity to have dual certifications to teach all students, including students with disabilities, was such a great opportunity.\u201d She adds, \u201cI believe all students should be included in classroom environments and I saw how Montclair State\u2019s dual degree program emphasized those practices and principles.\u201d<\/p>\n
Parker Santos, 21, is in the combined BA\/MAT program for Teacher of Students with Disabilities and is on track to graduate with a bachelor\u2019s in May 2021 and master\u2019s in May 2022. \u201cI chose the program because I wanted to get a variety of certifications so that I can branch out and not be limited in my teaching career.\u201d Plus, Santos adds, \u201cGetting my master\u2019s in only a year appealed to me greatly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Taking both bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s courses was \u201ca huge transition,\u201d says Santos, \u201cbut my professors have supported me every step of the way. I am learning a great deal through this program and feel that my expertise as a teacher has grown tremendously due to being in the dual program.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adamcewicz agrees and notes an upside to the challenge: \u201cThe rigor of the graduate courses is helping me do better in my undergraduate classes. Additionally, having classes with most of the same people who are also in the program makes it feel like you are really in a cohort.\u201d<\/p>\n
Geena Falconi, age 23 of Glen Ridge, is in the 4+1 accelerated MBA program. After graduating, she plans to work in the human resources field. Falconi says that the high-quality virtual graduate classes \u2013 which predated the pandemic \u2013 have helped her to juggle her studies and her job. \u201cAvoiding the commute after work has saved me time to either do homework or attend Zoom classes at night.\u201d<\/p>\n
Falconi says that not only will she graduate earlier and start earning more sooner, going through the program will also help her to stand out from the crowd when looking for a job. \u201cThe Combined MBA program gives students the opportunity to be able to network with other students in the program and with professionals in different areas of business, giving you the exposure to possible potential future employers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Talk with your advisor to see if you are on track to be considered for a Combined program (minimum GPA varies by program). Visit the\u00a0<\/em>Combined Program<\/em><\/a>\u00a0website for more information.<\/em><\/p>\n Story by Staff Writer\u00a0Mary Barr Mann<\/a><\/p>\n