4 ways a cohort model can help graduate students succeed

Definition: A cohort is a group of people banded together or treated as a group.

As opposed to a traditional graduate program where students are expected to change courses every semester, a cohort engages a tight knit learning community of students, usually 10-12, throughout their entire academic program. Each member of the cohort is encouraged to listen, think deeply, and actively participate in discussions as they work towards their degree.

While staying with the same group of people throughout your entire graduate program may seem odd, studies have shown cohorts in higher education has become popular over the last several years because of the benefits the model can provide to students, faculty, and administrators.

If you’re considering applying to a graduate program based on the cohort model, here are a few of the positive outcomes you may be interested in knowing about.

1. Student-Centered
Cohorts are inherently designed to focus on the needs of the graduate students because the environment is a shared learning experience. In other words, each member of the cohort is seen as the teacher and learner, actively participates in discussions and learning activities, and encouraged to support everyone’s contributions to the group.

2. Builds Strong Bonds
Over the course of a one-three year graduate program, cohorts spend a considerable amount of time together in small participatory group discussions. Given this, students can develop deep friendships and family-like bonds with the other members of the group because of the intense and in-depth conversations the cohort has shared with each other.

3. Professional Network
The professional relationships cohorts build can result in a network, which extends beyond the classroom, and can significantly help students’ career development and professional advancement.

4. Efficient Administration
Since cohorts enroll the same students every semester, they are predictable. Students benefit because they can enroll in courses non-competitively and complete their program requirements in a timely manner. It also helps administrators stabilize revenue sources and expenditures.

Is a masters in urban education, right for you?

It’s a known fact that children living in low-income and impoverished neighborhoods don’t receive a high quality education. What’s even more devastating is the rate at which teachers in high needs public schools leave the profession after a few years.

The Urban Accelerated Certification & Master’s Program (UACM) at Georgia State University in bustling downtown Atlanta offers you the opportunity to fill this growing gap by preparing you to earn a master’s of education.

Are you ready to make a difference in a child’s life?

• Two-year, master’s of education program
• Career changing professional and/or college graduate
• Interested in teaching at an urban elementary school
• One-time, $7500 stipend available
• Earn PreK-5 certification and English as a Second Language endorsement

What do our alumni have to say about the UACM program?

What you need to know about graduate school accreditation

Are you considering applying to graduate school?

If so, it’s imperative that you choose a college/university that’s accredited by one of six regional accrediting bodies. Depending on the type of program you’re interested, you should also determine if the program needs to be accredited by a specialized or professional accrediting agency. Learn more below.

Regional Accreditation

The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize the following six accrediting bodies that can award regional accreditation to degree granting institutions.

• Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Specialized Accreditation

The Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA) provides a collaborative forum for  organizations in the U.S. that assess the quality of specialized and professional higher education programs and schools. These organizations ensure students receive an education consistent with standards for entry to practice or advanced practice in each of their respective fields or disciplines.

5 Reasons to Apply to GSUs M.Ed. in School Psychology Program

1. Interdisciplinary Training

Graduate students enrolled in the School Psychology program are exposed to faculty and students from across the University, College of Education, and the community. For example, the program has working relationships with Early Childhood Education, Community Psychology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Public Health, which gives students exposure to opportunities throughout the University.

2. Consultation Expertise

In addition to having the nation’s leading scholars in consultation on faculty, students can expect to receive a good grounding in consultation, both school-based and organizational.

3. Applied School-Based Experience

As opposed to other graduate psychology programs that focus on child clinical psychology or assessments, we make an effort to ensure our students are exposed to schools…

4. Integrated with Center for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities

Our partnership with the University’s Center for Excellence on Development Disabilities reflects how we include and promote the well-being and success of individuals with developmental disabilities into the curriculum – this is key to becoming a well-rounded school psychologist.

5. Diversity

Our students reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of the community we serve, and this is core to our commitment to social justice.