FAQ: Ask a Current Student!
FAQ
Below is a video of Graduate Assistants Sarah Haslinger and Cheyenne Cunningham answering some FAQs for the incoming students of Fall 2023!
Do you feel like there is a good balance in the program between coursework and more hands-on work, like internships or research?
The balance between coursework and extracurricular work is great for me. Presently, since I haven't solidified a thesis, most of my workload has been with my office graduate assistantship and coursework. Many of my EVSS friends have formally started their thesis work and some also work on top of that, so they have more of an even balance between workloads.
What is your favorite aspect of the EVSS/MPA program? Do you have any favorite classes that you've taken so far?
Did you know what you wanted to do for a thesis coming into the program, or did that develop while you were there?
Current EVSS Student Kayla Squiggins says she had experiences in undergrad that helped develop her research interests. "I first became interested in water quality when I performed research at Erskine detecting tetracycline, a common antibiotic, in simulated agricultural wastewater lagoons. After this research, I was an intern at a wastewater treatment plant, and I became interested in how chemicals are used to treat water along with the types of contaminants found in wastewater. When I joined this program and began living in Charleston, I noticed there were many flooding events, and I wanted to do a project that would help identify any emerging contaminants or address the water quality in stormwater." Kayla is currently working on her thesis project researching antibiotic resistant bacteria presence in stormwater within the City of Charleston.
While some students like Kayla have a clear idea of what there research interests are, many students do not have a clear idea of what they want to do for a thesis coming into the program. It make take a semester or two to learn what you're interested in and think of ideas for potential projects. My advice is to view our faculty directory and email professors who have similar interests as you. They might have some advice on projects happening in the area that you may be able to work on. Even if you email a professor and find they are not a perfect match with your interests, they may be able to direct you toward someone who could be more helpful.
Are there a lot of students in the program? What is the program like from a social standpoint?
There are approximately 80 active students in the EVSS program, so not too small but not too large. Since I work in the EVSS office and I'm taking mainly EVSS courses this semester, I'm in more contact with EVSS students. I engage with a few MPA students from classes, there's an unspoken divide that is not animus at all, but since I come from a science background it's easier to connect with EVSS people. However, being in graduate school is different socially than undergrad, since we have a lot more on our plate and professionalism is more important. I've befriended everyone in my EVSS cohort and I've met almost everyone in the EVSS cohort in the year ahead of me. We'll go out for drinks or have small parties. But a significant minority of students are married and/or have kids and/or have full time jobs--so I don't see those people very often. Our student association MESSA does a great job of organizing fun social events where you can hang out and get to know new people throughout the program, I'd highly recommend attending these events as a great way to make friends!
Do you feel like the program is preparing you for a career in your interest area?
"I definitely feel like the program is teaching me skills and providing opportunities to make connections that will help me as I pursue a career! If you are interested in a certain topic, project, or learning a specific skill, all you have to do is ask one of your instructors or program administrators and they can point you to information and opportunities. I feel very supported in my graduate school journey by my peers and professors alike!"
I've never actually been to Charleston... what is it like there?
Check out our whole webpage dedicated to this question here! Charleston is a beautiful, historic city located on a peninsula. I live in the historic district downtown and walk to work/school every day. My area doesn't flood badly--though there are many areas that do, I got lucky. I love living here because it's pretty walkable and that's great for my dog. Cost of living is pretty high when you live downtown, but to me it all evened out when I factored in gas, driving, and parking costs when living off the peninsula. There are suburban areas around Charleston that are a bit more affordable and more family oriented. I would say it's roughly 50/50 on students living in or outside of downtown. Many of my friends drive and pay for a garage spot or figure out unconventional ways to park--they make it work so it's not impossible. Most of the 2nd year students lived downtown their first year and then moved off the peninsula once they were well oriented. I'm planning on staying downtown though. I really recommend visiting if you can.
Program Contact
EVSS Program
The College of Charleston
66 George Street
Charleston, SC 29424
Phone: (843) 953-2000
Fax: (843) 953-2001
E-mail: EVSS Program