Dear Prospective Graduate Student:

I am very happy you decided to visit our website and hope the information presented here is valuable to you. The Watson School is a dynamic organization that offers many opportunities for graduate students. My aim here is to put in perspective a few key elements of our program that you might find of particular relevance in your review of our program.

Our overriding principle for graduate study is to foster a successful transition from industry, or undergraduate study, into the academe. Graduate study offers a unique opportunity for you to delve into new topics and to contribute to the broader research community. In addition to covering core classroom fundamentals, the Watson School offers a robust research program that spans a broad spectrum of interests. I hope you will take the time to visit the research section of the Watson School website. The faculty and students work together to ensure that we continue to work on meaningful initiatives and contribute in meaningful ways to the academic disciplines. This is in large part achieved by working in partnership with members of industrial, government or other educational entities. While this sort of advanced study is challenging, I am confident that our students find our program immensely rewarding.

One of many unique characteristics of Watson graduate programs is the "learning contract". With the contract, students are afforded the opportunity to play a pivotal role in crafting their educational studies. The contract, by recognizing the individuality of graduate learners' experiences, needs, and interests, allow students to play a key role in developing program curricula. Students are involved in determining the educational paths to accomplish their personal and professional goals. Both faculty and administration respect students' input in the planning process. The contract creates the foundation of the Watson School's "self-directed study".

Faculty, Staff, and Administrators of the Watson School are dedicated to continuous quality improvement in order to consistently provide academic challenges that are diverse and intellectually stimulating. We invite you to join us in this educational partnership that is characterized by knowledge and passion centered on contribution to the disciplines, the constituent communities and our students.

Sincerely yours,
Cynthia Sedgwick
Associate Dean
Academic Affairs and Administration