Winding down my time at USC (RIP don’t remind me), you can imagine that the number one question I get from literally everyone is: “What are you going to do when you graduate?” I know this is a normal question, but let me tell you I will never enjoy answering it. Not because I’m worried about the future, but because I’m not ready to leave the past. My time at SC has been the best 4 years of my life and I don’t want it to end! That’s partly why I’ve decided to do the Progressive Degree Program.

senior year fun with the roomies

The Progressive Degree Program (PDP for short) is a 1-year Master’s program. Current USC students can apply during their junior year and begin taking classes as early as second semester junior year. Then 1 year (or even 1 semester depending on the degree and how many classes were taken during undergrad) later you graduate with a master’s!

seniors!!

The program that I’m in is an M.S. in Green Technologies. I had the option to do an M.S. in Environmental Engineering (like my B.S.), but I’m choosing to go to grad school to broaden my horizons and career prospects. I love my ENE degree, but I am really interested in expanding into other areas related to the environment like the energy industry! The best part about PDP is that you can apply as a junior and keep it in your back pocket as an option. I mean you really can’t beat getting a B.S. and an M.S. in 5 years – but if you choose to work in industry immediately after graduation, you totally can!

Don’t remind me I’m graduating

So while yes, I am extremely passionate about my grad degree, I would be lying if I said expanding my expertise was the only reason. I love USC and especially Viterbi so much and getting an M.S. is the perfect excuse for me to stick around one more year (my kinda victory lap).

Bria

Bria

Environmental Engineering, Class of 2018, Learn more on her profile here!