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).
