Graduate degrees are becoming more popular with the national enrollment increasing in graduate certificate programs by 13%, master’s programs by 2.7% and doctoral programs by 2.9% from fall 2022 to fall 2024, according to The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center

For many, the University of Mississippi is known as the best four years of their life, but for others, it is the next step of their journey in higher education. As of the 2023-24 school year, there were more than 2,264 graduate students at UM, according to the Office of Institutional Research, Effectiveness and Planning (IREP). 

Caroline Helms, a second-year integrated marketing communications master’s student, completed her undergraduate degree at UM before deciding to stay for graduate school.  

“I just loved Ole Miss and Oxford, and also, they have really good graduate assistantship opportunities here,” Helms said. “I found that really useful and something that stood out to me that’s different from other graduate programs.”

Through her assistantship, she is building a website —  something she never anticipated doing. 

Since starting her master’s program in 2023, Helms said her classes have broadened her perspective on the marketing field. 

“(My classes) have also been helpful to pick out the different parts of marketing that I like and don’t like and the jobs I want to apply to,” Helms said. 

She also values the small class sizes, which allow her to develop relationships with professors.  

“(The class sizes) are really helpful because they can be used as a resource for you and even help you network,” Helms said.

Jessica Johns, a first-year geology master’s student, chose to pursue a graduate degree at UM for  the research opportunities. She first met her adviser, Jennifer Gifford, at a Geological Society of America Convention.

Johns, who completed her undergraduate studies at Edinburgh University in Pennsylvania, is taking courses in her program on remote sensing, petroleum geology and pedology. 

Johns appreciates the friendly nature of people at the geology department. 

“In the geology department, everyone’s friendly, everyone’s helpful, so it’s great,” Johns said.

Despite the friendly attitudes, Johns’ graduate experience has not been without challenges. Coming from out of state, she had difficulty finding an apartment in Oxford. She and her roommate called more than a dozen places before finding availability. 

“I lucked out in my apartment because it’s affordable, and we have enough room,” Johns said. “Our landlady, she’s pretty cool. If we have an issue, she’s pretty quick with maintenance.”

Tyranda Williams, a first-year public health master’s student from Lamar, Miss., is taking one of her classes online this semester and finds the experience seamless.

“It feels like I’m taking it in class, so it’s not a problem,” Williams said. “My instructor, Dr. (Hannah) Allen, she’s a little energetic, and you can tell she’s a great teacher.”

Williams completed her last two undergraduate years at UM but felt disconnected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Returning for graduate school has given her a second chance to fully engage with campus life, she said. 

“I’m trying to get out, talk to people, network and join groups,” Williams said. 

Jacqueline Cole, a second-year integrated marketing communications master’s student, said the graduate program has helped her build a strong support network. 

“If you’re worried about that, you will definitely build that community,” Cole said. “It just takes the step of putting yourself out there.”

The Graduate School Council at UM organizes events such as movie nights and networking opportunities to help graduate students connect. 

“Building that community is super important in graduate school because it gives you so much more love and support,” Cole said. 

Cole transitioned directly from her undergraduate degree into the graduate program. Even though she is still taking integrated marketing communications classes, Cole said her graduate classes cover topics more in-depth. 

“I feel like my graduate degree is really polishing and perfecting my skills,” Cole said.