When you’re in college, you may not interact with the registrar’s office very often, but when you do, it is tied to important events like changing your major or preparing for graduation.

The registrar’s office manages course registration and student records and handles the registration process by maintaining the integrity, accuracy and confidentiality of all academic records. Staff have access to your academic history (ie: grades, test scores, class schedules and transcripts), your enrollment status (ie: degrees awarded and financial information) and personal information (your name and date of birth). Some of their key duties include handling registration for courses, processing grades, maintaining the accuracy and integrity of transcripts, managing class schedules and certifying student degree completion.  

This article will tell you everything you need to know about the registrar’s office and role.

The registrar’s primary responsibilities:

• Academic records: They maintain and update all official student academic records such as enrollment, academic standing and grades.
• Registration and scheduling: They manage student registration and are responsible for scheduling classes and allocating classroom space.
• Data privacy and compliance: They help enforce academic policies and ensure compliance with data policy regulations like FERPA.
• Graduation: They oversee degree audits.
• Transcripts and diplomas: They process requests for official transcripts and are responsible for issuing diplomas.

How do college students usually interact with the registrar?

Students usually interact with the registrar to:

• Register for classes
• Make inquiries about their grades
• Change their majors
• Request transcripts
• Get permission for courses
• Get help resolving registration problems
• Gain assistance with study abroad applications and other academic processes

At many universities, when students get close to graduation, they work with the registrar’s office to make sure they can participate in the commencement ceremony.

If you have questions about or run into problems in any of these areas, it’s best to contact the registrar’s office as soon as possible to get things fixed quickly.

Note: A registrar is different from a student adviser. A student adviser guides students in their academic and career development. Advisers help plan students’ courses, connect with campus resources and understand university policies.

A college registrar is an administrator who oversees and manages student account records such as registration, transferring course credits, graduation and more. An easy way to think about the difference between the two roles is that a student adviser helps you make and execute plans, and a registrar makes records of things you’ve done.

Course registration and scheduling

Course catalog

The registrar’s office creates the course catalog (sometimes called the academic catalog or general catalog) in collaboration with faculty, other university offices and more. A college course catalog is a comprehensive, official that details its academic programs, courses and policies. The course catalog lists all courses, degree programs and academic policies, often published online and integrated with other systems for accessibility and accuracy.

Students often look at the course catalog when they are exploring programs or checking degree requirements and prerequisites, and to make sure they reach all the requirements to graduate.

Academic calendars

The registrar’s office also creates the academic calendar which is built to integrate plans developed years in advance, including key registration dates, holidays and breaks, to ensure smooth operations for students, staff and everyone at the university throughout the academic year. Students should consult the academic calendar as soon as it’s available to plan their semester, noting when the semester starts and ends, the dates of breaks and holidays, and when finals take place.   

Registering for classes and course units

When looking for classes to take, or signing up for them, you will see how many units each class has. In college, a unit is a numerical value assigned to a course that measures its weight based on the time and effort it requires. Courses are valued in units because they determine a student’s workload and are used to track progress toward graduation requirements. It is important to make sure you know how many units you are taking each semester, as college students ordinarily cannot take more than a certain number of units each semester.

Depending on your academic standing and situation, you might be able to exceed the standard load of 12-18 units per semester with special permission, which is typically granted by your academic adviser, the major department chair, the college dean, a representative from the registrar’s office or the dean of undergraduate studies.     

How to ask if you can switch classes in college

If you want to switch classes in college, talk to your adviser to see if you can switch classes. After you make your changes in the portal, the registrar will be able to see the changes you make to your schedule in your academic records. It is important to remember to not switch classes without talking to someone who has the authority to give you the OK to move, so you do not mess up your degree and graduation plan.

Can you rescind college credits?

Students and alumni cannot rescind college credits from their own academic records. But colleges can. Some of the reasons that colleges rescind credit are academic dishonesty, failure to meet financial obligations or issues with admission applications. While these aren’t necessarily common situations, it is important to understand and meet all the university policies and rules to avoid losing the college credit you earn.

Data privacy and security 

The registrar’s office stores a lot of your information and is responsible for keeping it secure. Staff do this through a combination of legal compliance, technical safeguards and administrative policies. The registrar must also follow specific regulations, such as the Privacy Act in the U.S., to protect the data they hold. These rules and regulations ensure that your information is safe in the registrar’s office.  

Financial aid processing and adjudicating student appeals

The registrar’s office supports the financial aid process by verifying enrollment, moderating academic process, providing documentation and resolving confliction information. Many scholarships and other forms of financial aid have enrollment or grade point average requirements, and information provided by the registrar can determine a student’s aid eligibility. The registrar’s office typically does not decide financial aid appeals directly; that role is handled by the financial aid office.

Graduation certification

The registrar’s office provides graduation certification by verifying that a student has met all academic requirements and coordinates the conferring of degrees and diplomas. Graduates typically receive their physical diplomas in the mail, as well as digital diplomas or formal degree conferral letters, as proof of graduation before the physical diploma arrives in the mail.

It is important to make sure all your academic records are updated and accurate, so you can meet your degree requirements, graduate and get your diploma. If things don’t look right in your academic record, reach out to the registrar’s office as soon as possible so you can work with them to fix it and minimize any chances that it might affect your degree and graduation process.     

Transcript requests

The registrar’s office processes and sends official transcripts upon student request, verifying academic and disciplinary information, ensuring the request is authorized and complies with privacy regulations.

If you have transcript requests—whether for official or unofficial transcripts, in paper or digital form, to be sent directly to a third party like a graduate school or job or received by you for later use—the registrar’s office will be able to help you.

If you’re a clinician with a master’s degree, or already hold a clinical doctorate, you may be asking a familiar question: What’s next?

For many health care professionals, the answer is no longer limited to more patient care. Increasingly, clinicians are moving into health care education, academic leadership and faculty roles. And across disciplines, these roles are beginning to require something more: an academic doctorate. As accreditation standards evolve and expectations rise, universities need faculty who are not only experienced clinicians, but also trained educators, researchers and academic leaders.

Accreditation standards are raising expectations for faculty credentials

Across health professions, accrediting bodies are signaling a clear shift: doctoral preparation matters more than ever for faculty and academic leadership roles.

In nutrition and dietetics, the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) has introduced Advanced Practice Doctoral (APD) accreditation standards. While some leadership roles currently allow master’s-level preparation, future-facing standards aligned with 2027 expectations require doctoral-level training for program directors and academic leaders.

This isn’t hypothetical. It’s a directional shift already underway.

Physical therapy shows the future of health care education

Some professions are further along in this transition. Physical therapy offers a clear example of where health care academia is headed.

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) already requires that at least 50% of core faculty in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs hold academic doctoral degrees, such as a PhD, EdD or DHSC. Program directors and core faculty are expected to meet doctoral standards or formally document exemptions.

In other words: if you want to teach, lead or advance in physical therapy education, an academic doctorate is often no longer optional; it’s expected.

Why academic doctorates are different from clinical doctorates

Faculty with academic doctoral training bring a different skill set to health care education:

• Stronger research literacy and evidence-based decision making
• Better instructional design and assessment skills
• Experience with program evaluation and accreditation demands
• Active scholarship: publishing, presenting and shaping the field

For students, this means stronger programs and deeper academic preparation. For institutions, it means faculty who can lead, mentor and adapt as educational standards continue to rise.

More health professions are reaching the same conclusion

Nutrition and physical therapy aren’t outliers.

Other disciplines, including physician assistant education are actively debating whether master’s-level preparation will be sufficient for the future. These conversations echo earlier transitions in nursing, pharmacy and physical therapy, where doctoral expansion followed increased clinical complexity, accountability and educational expectations.

The pattern is consistent: as professional and accreditation standards rise, faculty preparation rises with them.

How Pacific prepares health care educators and academic leaders

At University of the Pacific, the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) and Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) programs are designed specifically for clinicians who want to teach, lead and shape the future of health care education.

These programs emphasize:

• Applied research
• Educational leadership
• Scholarly writing and dissemination
• Practical preparation to succeed as faculty and academic leaders

Eighty-four percent of graduates publish in a peer-reviewed journal within six months of finishing the program. That level of productivity reflects both academic rigor and hands-on mentorship, not just theory.

“The DHSc program gave me exactly what I needed to pursue a tenured faculty position,” said Pacific graduate Michael Robinson, PT, DPT, DHSc, faculty at Howard University. “The interdisciplinary approach and focus on scholarship elevated my ability to contribute meaningfully to my field.”

Health care education is changing. Accreditation expectations are rising. And institutions need faculty who can teach, research, lead and evolve with the field.

For clinicians considering their next step —or current master’s students thinking long-term—an academic doctorate isn’t just another credential. It’s a distinct career path into higher education, leadership and lasting professional impact.

Pacific’s Pacific’s Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) and Doctor of Medical Science (DMSC) programs are built to help you step into that role with confidence and credibility, ready for what’s next.

Renowned naturalist John Muir learned by doing. He spent his time hiking, camping and documenting what he found in nature. So, when University of the Pacific professors put together a class about him, it made sense that their students should follow in his footsteps.  

The course, called John Muir and the Environmental Movement, gives students a unique opportunity to make use of Pacific’s extensive John Muir Collections. Made up of letters, drawings, manuscripts, books and other personal effects, students can dive into Muir’s life and work.  

To bring the class’s learning to life, four Pacific faculty members took 20 students to Yosemite National Park in November 2024. The students spent their time learning about Muir and his involvement in the fledgling environmentalist movement—all while seeing some of the same views he did over 100 years ago.  

“The principal goal of the class is to get students to understand the connection with John Muir, but also to connect with the environment,” says Professor Mike Wurtz, head of Pacific’s special collections and archives and one of the faculty members who led the group.  

It’s not hard for students to connect with the world outside Pacific’s Stockton campus. It sits in the Central Valley, which means it’s right in the center of everything. Yosemite National Park is just a few hours’ away by car. 

Pacific is also near many state and national parks. For students interested in sustainability, history or science, Pacific is an ideal location to study.  

“Living in California and also being around other things in nature made me realize how valuable nature is and how we need to protect it,” says history major Danny Udermann ’25. “So, taking this class about environmental history has been a great opportunity for that.” 

Pacific students don’t need to leave the campus to learn about the importance of protecting nature; Pacific is dedicated to a greener future. All the electricity used on campus comes from renewable energy. Pacific also ranks in the global top 10 for its sustainable food and dining practices.  

And it’s not just about institutional programs: Pacific students can also volunteer their time to help campus stay green.  

It’s no secret that graduate school is a big decision and a big commitment—of time, money, and energy. So how do you know if you’re ready? It’s not just about meeting admission requirements. It’s about having a clear understanding of why making this commitment is important to you, whether the timing is right and whether you have the motivation, preparation and support to see it through to completion.

Here are some checklist items that will help you know when you’re ready for grad school:

You have a clear purpose and goal
Earning a graduate degree can have a transformative impact on your life and those you share it with. Whether you wish to advance or gain deeper expertise in your field, change careers or be a positive role model for your family and community, success in graduate school starts with having a clear purpose and goals and developing an informed plan for achieving your them.

You’re intellectually and emotionally prepared
Graduate school is challenging and rigorous, but the truth is that most people who have earned a bachelor’s degree are better prepared to be successful grad school students than they might think. Many of the most successful graduate school students are the same ones who, at one point, had been wrongly led to believe that they weren’t “grad-school” material. If you’re excited about learning at a deeper level, can manage independent work and are ready to contribute to a community of your peers, you may be ready for graduate school.

You’ve explored your options
Being ready means doing your research: comparing program designs and outcomes (graduation and job placement rates), talking to an admission adviser and attending program information sessions (such as those regularly offered at University of the Pacific). When you’ve taken the time to learn what’s out there and what fits your needs, you can make well-informed decisions about the options that will work best for you.

You’ve thought about timing
Whether you’re thinking about starting grad school right after completing your bachelor’s degree or returning several years later, there’s no single “right” time to go to graduate school. Being “grad school-ready” often means you’ve made space in your personal and professional life to grow, have the support needed to stay focused and on-track, and you’re excited about what lies ahead. If you’ve been able to check some or all these boxes, giving graduate school a more serious look may be your next step. Schedule a personal chat with one of our graduate advisers who are ready to help you create a graduate school plan that works best for you.

Michael Daly

If you’ve thought about graduate school, you’ve probably wondered: Is it really worth it? The answer depends on your personal goals—but when it comes to return on investment, the numbers speak for themselves. 

According to a 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, individuals with a master’s degree earn a median salary of $1,840 per week, compared to $1,543 for those with a bachelor’s degree. That’s over $15,000 more annually—and more than $600,000 over a 40-year work life. For professional or doctoral degree holders, the earnings are even higher, often exceeding $2,200 per week. 

Graduate degrees expand possibilities 

Beyond income, graduate degrees open doors to new career paths, leadership positions and specialized roles that aren’t available to those with only an undergraduate education. Many employers now prefer or require advanced degrees for competitive or supervisory roles, especially in fields like health care, education, business and technology. A graduate degree communicates to employers and those in your professional network that you have taken the initiative to invest in and successfully acquire advanced knowledge to lead and make an impact in your field. 

Graduate degrees can lead to greater community impact 

But, earning a graduate degree isn’t only about the financial return, it’s also about gaining additional personal and professional fulfillment and making positive impacts. Graduate degree holders not only enjoy more job opportunities and job stability, they serve as role models to their family and community members, are more likely to be homeowners, have access to better health care and enjoy longer life longevity, and are more likely to be engaged in civic activities that benefit their communities. 

At the University of the Pacific, our graduate programs are designed with your future in mind. With flexible program formats, career-focused curriculum, and personalized support, you can earn a degree that pays dividends for years to come. 

So, is graduate school worth it? If you’re ready to explore making a graduate degree investment in yourself, contact one of our graduate advisers who are ready to help create a plan that works for you. 

Michael Daly

Some people have trouble communicating. Sometimes they’re born with it, other times they develop it due to neurological disorders or traumatic injuries. These are the people speech-language pathologists worth with. 

Speech-language pathologists, sometimes known as speech therapists or SLPs, work with their patients to address communication disorders and other mouth or throat problems.  

“Our scope of practice is very broad. We see people for feeding and swallowing issues, who may have had a stroke or been in a car accident” says University of the Pacific School of Health Science Professor Madhu Sundarrajan. “We see people who may have neurodegenerative issues like dementia or Parkinson’s. And we see everything in pediatrics. Any child who may have a speech issue, who may have a language issue, who may be deaf, hard of hearing, may be autistic or may be a person who stutters.” 

SLPs work with people at all stages of life in schools, hospitals, retirement communities and private practice. And the need for them is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates SLP employment will grow 18% by 2033, much higher than the overall employment growth of 4%. The importance of their work is actually recognized by law, too.  

“We are a growing profession,” Sundarrajan says. “Because, by law, children who require communication support have to get services. Schools may be out of compliance if they don’t provide those services, so they’re constantly looking.” 

Working with children is just one aspect of what SLPs do, but it is a vital one. Before diving into how to become an SLP, let’s explore what it is they do.  

What does a speech-language pathologist do?  

Put simply, speech-language pathologists help people communicate. They diagnose and treat a wide variety of problems, including articulation issues, speech impairments and swallowing disorders. Treatments for these disorders can include therapy or assistive technologies.  

You’ve probably seen their work without realizing it. The famous scientist Stephen Hawking lost his ability to speak and move due to Lou Gehrig’s disease. But he was still able to talk to others with the help of a high-tech augmentative and alternative communication device, also known as AAC. Some AAC systems are high tech, like Hawking’s voice generator, while others are low or no tech.  

“It can be anything that’s considered augmentative,” says Sundarrajan. “It could be texting someone. But we have specific devices and apps that we use. [For] an individual with restricted mobility, we might trial some things that do eye gaze. [For] a child who’s non-speaking but has a lot of physical dexterity, we may use apps that they can swipe very quickly with.”  

What a speech-language pathologist does day-to-day varies based on where they work. School systems employ SLPs to work one-on-one with kids or in special education classrooms. In hospitals, they often focus on swallowing and feeding issues in adult or child patients. SLPs in retirement communities often work with elderly people who need higher levels of support.  

Those are just a few examples. SLPs also work in corporate businesses, public health departments and universities, which highlights how important their work is across all stages of life. Problems with communications, swallowing and feeding can happen in developing infants, after traumatic injuries, due to neurocognitive disorders and as people get older.  

“It is such a vast field,” Sundarrajan says. “And we change settings all the time.” 

Speech-language pathology prerequisites

If you want to become a speech-language pathologist, it helps to start preparing for this career as early as possible. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that preparing early for the degree is helpful but it will not make or break your career.  

What you do in high school or college helps you get into a speech-language pathology master’s degree program and may even open accelerated learning options. But not every program requires a specific degree. Some only require you to take certain classes such as biology, statistics and sociology.  

Sundarrajan, in fact, got her undergraduate degree in computer science before obtaining her speech-language pathology master’s degree. So, you do have flexibility, but preparing early can ease the transition into graduate school or a career.  

If you’re still in high school, you can look for volunteer opportunities in speech-language clinics, hospitals or schools. This experience gives you a better idea of what SLPs do, which allows you to make more informed career decisions. Your school might also have honors, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate classes in essential subjects including biological, social or physical sciences.  

In college, you also have some flexibility with your degree choice. You can get a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology to focus your studies on communication disorders, biological sciences and similar topics. This degree can ensure that you’re ready to tackle more advanced topics.  

You may see other degrees with similar names, like communication science, communication disorders or even communication sciences and disorders. These are not exactly the same as a speech-language pathology degree, but they have a high degree of overlap.  

Some community colleges offer programs for speech-language pathology assistants. In some states, you can work under the supervision of an SLP after completing a relevant associate or bachelor’s degree. After completing an associate’s degree, you can also transfer into an SLP program at a four-year university.   

Even if you do pursue a BS in speech-language pathology, you should research master’s degree programs you’re interested in to make sure your degree fits its requirements. Not all programs require this degree, but some may offer accelerated pathways if you do get it.  

There are other majors which can also provide a good background for speech-language pathology. Getting a psychology degree, for example, can cover some of the same ground. If you are pursuing another degree, be sure to research master’s degree programs that interest you and make sure your degree covers its prerequisites.  

Speech-language pathology graduate programs

It’s never too early to start looking into master’s degree programs. Beyond making sure you’re taking the prerequisite courses, you also want to ask yourself a few questions as you evaluate those programs.  

When you look at a program, be sure it’s accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Most states require you to graduate from an accredited program to get your license to practice.  

Here are some high-level questions you should keep in mind as you look at SLP programs.  

• How much does this program cost? When you’re calculating cost, you should definitely consider tuition, campus fees and program fees. You may also want to include the cost of university health insurance, if you aren’t already covered.  

• Where is this program located? You may move to a new town or city for a program. It’s important to consider the cost of living there, expenses like housing, food and transportation. 

• What kind of financial aid is available? Assistance like loans, financial aid and scholarships offset the cost of education. Scholarships may be offered by the university or by an outside source. Universities determine financial aid packages after you apply, but you can reach out to a program with specific questions. 

• Does the program offer graduate assistantships? This is another good way to offset the cost of education.  

• How long is the program? Typically, a full-time SLP master’s program lasts around two years. Part-time programs will take longer. Pacific offers an accelerated 15-month program for students with an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology.  

• Is there a minimum GPA requirement?  

• Does the program require the GRE? Not all master’s degree programs require that you take the GRE. If you’re not certain, you should reach out to the program. 

• What do I want out of my graduate program? ASHA recommends that you consider your plans after graduation and use them to create personal criteria. These can be questions like, “Does this program offer concentrations?” or “Does it have such-and-such type of clinical experience?” 

Once you’ve created your list of options, you should compare the clinical opportunities available at each program. You need at least 400 hours of supervised clinical experience to get certified, which you get during your master’s degree program. You should pay attention to the quality of experiences they offer you.  

“We have two free, on-campus clinics for our community here in Stockton,” Sundarrajan says. “Our pediatric clinic. We have our Pacific Speech and Language Clinic in the same space. We also have a Language and Literacy Center, where our 24-month students participate. In that same space, we also have TBI groups, caregiver support groups and aphasia groups. So, we have a lot of different, specialized clinical experiences.” 

Master’s degree programs will often highlight their clinical opportunities on their web pages. If you have other questions, you can reach out to the program directly.  

With all that in mind, all that’s left to do is apply! Make sure you’re paying close attention to deadlines. Speech therapy master’s degrees are often competitive, so applying by the priority deadline can give you an edge.  

Application requirements vary by program, but you’ll usually need to submit your official transcripts, some kind of personal essay and three letters of reference. Another benefit of starting your search early is giving your recommenders plenty of time to get their letters done. 

Speech-language pathology certification and continuing education

Once you’ve completed your master’s degree, you still need to pass a test known as the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology and complete a clinical fellowship before you can get your license to practice. You can, optionally, also get certified. 

In some cases, like Pacific, you may take the Praxis before you graduate.  

“We want to ensure they’re all passing,” Sundarrajan says. “The Praxis is a combination of all these different topics across the lifespan, across all these disorders. We want to ensure they don’t forget anything before they take their big exam and recommend all our students take it over the summer before they go out for externship.” 

After passing the Praxis and graduating, you need to complete a clinical fellowship. During this time, you’ll apply your education to refine your skills and start working more independently. To complete this fellowship, you need to work, at minimum, for 36 weeks and complete 1,260 hours.  

It is your responsibility to find a mentor to practice under, who must meet certain qualifications. You can learn more about those qualifications on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s website. In California, you need to apply for a temporary Required Professional Experience license to practice during this time.  

Once you’ve completed this fellowship, you are eligible to apply for a license to practice! The exact qualifications vary by state, so be sure to research the state you’re interested in. You can find California’s qualifications on the Department of Consumer Affairs website.  

Optionally, you can apply for ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, known as a CCC-SLP, after completing these requirements.  

“It’s not necessarily required to practice, but it is required to bill for insurance in some cases, like Medicare and Medicaid,” Sundarrajan says. “So, most SLPs tend to have both.” 

Because speech-language pathology is a constantly evolving field, SLPs need to continue their education while they practice. Every three years, you need to complete at least 30 hours of professional development. Universities that offer SLP master’s degrees may also have professional development courses available.  

Become a speech-language pathologist

Your journey to becoming a speech-language pathologist, not counting undergraduate, will take two to three years. It requires planning and commitment, but it’s also a rewarding career where you’ll make a lasting impact on people’s lives.  

You might help a child form their language ability, support adults recovering from a medical condition or find ways to help someone regain their ability to communicate. SLPs are at the heart of this essential human trait.  

If you’re interested in an always growing and vital health care career, speech-language pathology is worth exploring. 

Every day I talk with prospective graduate students of all ages and backgrounds who wonder if they are “grad school-worthy.” I usually find their self-doubts to be rooted in myths they’ve heard or read about from non-graduate school sources.  It pains me to learn that many of these folks have let these myths hold them back from pursuing their master’s or doctoral degrees for several years.   

If you’re thinking about going to graduate school but feel unsure because of something you’ve heard or read about, you’re certainly not alone. While there are many myths floating around about graduate school, let’s set the record straight on a few of the most common ones here. 

Myth #1: You need a near-perfect undergraduate GPA to get accepted to graduate school

Grad admissions committees believe that past academic performance is a strong indicator of your chances for success in grad school. However, committees take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and consider your entire applicant profile: academic records, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, work experience, etc.  

Evidence of growth, resilience, and commitment on a graduate application can sometimes help compensate for a less-than-perfect undergraduate GPA. 

Myth #2: Grad school is too expensive, takes too much time, and it’s not worth the cost

Grad school is certainly not free, but it can be considered one of the best investments you can make in yourself. It’s an investment that never breaks, never gets lost or stolen, never loses value, and keeps paying you back every year.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, master’s degree holders earn nearly 20% more per week than those with only a bachelor’s degree. Over time, that adds up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional lifetime earnings—not to mention greater job security and career advancement opportunities.  

Additionally, many Pacific graduate programs offer financial aid opportunities to reduce your out-of-pocket costs, as well as some accelerated graduate degree programs that can be completed in as little as 12 months. Together, these reduce your investment of time and money and allow you to start receiving the benefits of your advanced degree sooner. 

Myth #3: You must quit your job to attend grad school

Not necessarily. Many Pacific graduate programs offer evening, weekend, and hybrid options that allow you to study while working. In fact, many of our grad students (like me) are working professionals.

Myth #4: Grad school is only for people seeking a career in academics

Graduate degrees open career doors in business, healthcare, technology, education, and more. Whether you’re looking to upskill, change careers, or take on a leadership role, grad school can be a practical next step.

Myth #5: Grad school is REALLY difficult! 

Although the process of developing advanced knowledge and skill in a graduate program is challenging and requires strong motivation and commitment, most people who have earned a bachelor’s degree and meet the minimum admission requirements for the program they are interested in have the necessary foundation to succeed as graduate students.  

In addition to the personal knowledge and attributes you bring to a Pacific graduate program, you are provided with a high level of support from our dedicated faculty and a wide range of support services from the university. By looking at the graduation rate for the program you are interested in, you can see the results for yourself.  

Bottom line? Question what you feel is holding you back from pursuing a graduate education. Don’t let graduate school myths guide your decisions or hold you back any longer. Contact a graduate admissions team member to get answers to your questions, get the facts, and explore what a Pacific grad school program could mean for your future. 

Michael Daly

Senior Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions – A proud first-generation student, Mike began his college education at a community college and is currently pursuing his doctoral degree at University of the Pacific. His career in education spans over 30 years in roles that include ESL teaching and curriculum development, school management, college consulting and working in undergraduate and graduate university admissions.

Health science is a broad and rapidly growing field that encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including community wellness, exercise physiology, audiology and clinical nutrition. It offers many opportunities for students interested in improving lives through health care, especially when undergraduate and graduate pathways are thoughtfully connected. 

“Students who pursue health science degrees or follow a pre-health pathway are afforded opportunities to prepare for graduate education through participation in on-campus clinics, pre-health advising and job shadowing,” said Kelly Lootz, Pacific’s director of graduate enrollment. “These opportunities open the door for students to explore graduate and professional education options early, giving them time to ensure they apply to the right program and fit the prerequisite requirements into their undergraduate studies.” 

Some universities offer structured pre-health pathways to guide students through their undergraduate degrees and into graduate-level training in fields such as physical therapy, dentistry, pharmacy or other health sciences. Students can even accelerate their programs of study, allowing them to graduate early and begin professional school sooner. 

“The biggest mistake I see students make is not working with the on-campus pre-health adviser or academic counselor,” Lootz said. “These professionals will work to ensure you meet the prerequisite requirements for your chosen graduate or professional program. By meeting with them early in your undergraduate career, you can plan your program of study to fit in the prerequisites needed for your intended program.” 

Undergraduate degrees 

Undergraduate health science programs tailored to specific areas of interest in health, wellness and medicine include: 

Health and exercise sciences: This program combines biology, physiology and kinesiology to prepare students for careers in physical therapy, athletic training and medical school. 

Human performance: Focused on optimizing movement and health, this major explores exercise science, performance coaching and rehabilitation science. 

Public health and community wellness: Students learn how to design and promote health programs for diverse communities, providing ideal preparation for work in public health, nonprofits and social services. 

Speech-language pathology: This bachelor’s degree is the foundation for becoming a speech-language pathologist. Students are introduced to communication sciences and disorders. 

Entry-level jobs for a bachelor’s degree in health science 

Health science majors who enter the workforce directly after their undergraduate degree can find meaningful work in clinical, community and business settings. Typical entry-level roles include: 

• Occupational therapy assistant: Assist patients in developing or recovering the skills necessary for daily living and working under the supervision of an occupational therapist. 

• Medical lab technician: Perform laboratory tests and procedures that assist physicians in diagnosing and treating diseases. 

• Audiology technician: Support audiologists by conducting basic hearing tests and maintaining equipment. 

• Medical assistant: Perform administrative and basic clinical tasks in hospitals, clinics, or physicians’ offices. 

• Community health specialist: Educate communities about healthy behaviors and connect people to local health resources. 

• Health care social worker: Assist patients in understanding diagnoses, navigating care systems, and accessing support services. 

• Health science writer: Create content on health topics for websites, medical publications or public health campaigns. 

• Pharmaceutical sales representative: Educate health care professionals about new medications and medical products. 

• Patient care advocate: Support patients by helping them understand treatment options, coordinate care and navigate insurance issues. 

Job outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in health care occupations will grow 13% from 2021 to 2031, significantly faster than the average for all occupations, resulting in approximately 2 million new jobs. This growth is driven by an aging population and increased demand for health care services.  

TIP: The last thing you want to do is arrive at your graduate program and discover that this isn’t your career goal. “During your undergraduate degree, shadow or volunteer at several health facilities,” said Lootz. “Some campuses make this even easier with on-campus clinical sites where health students work or volunteer their time. This will give you real-world experience and expose you to various career options and clinical sites so you can make the best choice for your future career.” 

Master’s degrees in health science

Many students pursue a master’s degree to specialize or meet licensure requirements in their desired field. Popular graduate programs include: 

• Master of Science in Athletic Training 

• Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition 

• Master of Science in Emergency Management  

• Master of Science in Nutrition Science 

• Master of Science in Nursing 

• Master of Physician Assistant Studies 

• Master of Social Work 

• Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology 

Doctoral degrees 

Some health science students pursue doctoral-level training, especially in clinical fields or research-intensive areas: 

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) 

• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) 

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) 

• Doctor of Audiology (AuD) 

• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) 

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) 

• Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) 

• Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) 

Why study health science at Pacific? 

At University of the Pacific, students in health science majors benefit from hands-on learning, dedicated pre-health advising, and early exposure to clinical and professional environments. 

Pacific combines small classes, experienced faculty and industry partnerships with extensive hands-on learning. Students in Pacific’s health science programs are guided by faculty who care about their success and connect them with real-world opportunities. 

Students benefit from: 

• Experiential learning in on-campus clinics and research labs 

• Clear pathways from undergraduate to graduate education 

• Specialized scholarships for students who commit to working in the region after graduation (available in fields such as social work and clinical nutrition) 

Pacific’s undergraduate graduates have been admitted to top graduate and professional programs in these fields, including PharmD, DDS and physician assistant studies. 

Learn more about Pacific’s pre-health options. 

Arguably the best 3-point shooter in NBA history, it’s hard to imagine basketball without Golden State Warriors’ star Stephen Curry. But when the Warriors extended his rookie contract in 2012, it was considered a risky move. The main reason was his injury-prone ankles, which caused Curry to miss dozens of games in prior seasons. 

After getting ankle surgery that year, Curry and his trainers worked to mitigate that issue with targeted exercises. The treatment drastically reduced his number of injuries and kept him on the path to stardom. His experience shows the importance of athletic trainers in sports.  

Athletic trainers work with health care teams to prevent, treat and rehabilitate injuries and other medical conditions.  They often work under or alongside physicians to provide services like wellness education, examination, therapeutic intervention and emergency care.  

Despite the name, athletic trainers don’t work exclusively with athletes. They also work with physically active people in commercial settings, performing arts, civil servants and the military.  

The profession requires a mixture of specialized health care, therapeutic and human body knowledge. You need to complete an accredited master’s degree and pass a national exam to become a certified athletic trainer.  

You can see the importance of athletic trainers in Bureau of Labor Statistics data: it projects a 13% increase in employment by 2033. That’s more than triple the average employment increase, which sits around 4%.  

Being an athletic trainer isn’t just about working in an expanding field. It’s about helping people. Aron West, who earned an athletic training master’s degree from  University of the Pacific, says that’s why he does it.  

“I went to a small high school. So, when I got injured during team sports, I had no one to advise me or even let me know what was wrong with my body,” West says. “One of those instances caused me to almost lose my leg. If I had an athletic trainer, I would have been hurt two weeks instead of months and would not have needed three surgeries.” 

Here’s what you need to know about becoming an athletic trainer.  

What does an athletic trainer do?

A key part of an athletic trainer’s job is to prevent injuries, whether they happen in practice, during a game or in the workplace. In sports, for example, they conduct physicals, create conditioning programs and educate patients about proper warm-up routines.  

Despite this preparation and risk-mitigation, people do still get hurt. Athletic trainers, especially in sports, are trained to assess an injured person and provide immediate first aid. In emergencies, they stabilize the person until more thorough medical care is available.  

After an injury, athletic trainers also develop rehabilitation plans to help people heal as quickly and safely as possible. These treatment plans can include exercises, therapeutic intervention and other technologies so the injured person can return to a high level of performance and prevent reinjury.  

This work is vital for professional sports leagues, but that’s just part of the story. Many other institutions like universities, hospitals and businesses also rely on these professionals to keep people healthy.  

In fact, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association estimates around 50% of all athletic trainers work for universities, colleges, middle- and high schools. Athletic trainers also work in fields you might not expect, like the performing arts, the military, in occupational health departments or in commercial industry.  

West works as an injury prevention specialist for Amazon, where he tracks and mitigates occupational health concerns that can result in doctor’s visits and lost worktime.  

 “It’s just as busy as an athletic training room,” he says. “In this field, people work their body hard and for long hours, just like our athletes, so we refer to them as industrial athletes. 

Undergraduate education

While many fields have a “standard” undergraduate degree, like psychology or biological sciences, this is not the case for athletic training. Master’s degree programs in athletic training don’t require a particular degree. They do, however, require coursework in areas like biology, anatomy and physiology.  

So, if you want to get a master’s degree, you should research programs you’re interested in and keep their requirements in mind as you choose your classes. Degrees in sports medicine or kinesiology are good options, although they aren’t offered at all universities.  

Another good option is a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise sciences. This degree offers an interdisciplinary education to prepare you for careers or advanced study in athletic training, occupational therapy or physical therapy.  

Master’s degree programs also require a certain number of clinical observation hours verified by a certified athletic trainer. Many undergraduate programs build internships into the degree, but you can also look for opportunities with athletic trainers in high schools, community colleges or universities.  

Graduate school

In a Master of Science in athletic training program, you learn proven techniques to minimize injury risk, handle emergency situations and recover from injuries.  When you chose a program, there are a few things to keep in mind.  

You should be sure the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, also known as CAATE. Only those programs make you eligible to take the Board of Certification test required to become a certified athletic trainer.  

One of the measures of a program’s success rate is its first-time BOC exam pass rate. In its most recent review, 86% of Pacific’s graduates passed the exam on their first try.  

Your clinical education is one of the most critical parts of your athletic training master’s degree. That’s where you’ll get hands-on opportunities under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer, learn to apply your knowledge and build connections in the industry.  

So, when you’re choosing a master’s degree program, look at what kinds of clinical experiences they can offer you. In Pacific’s program, there are extensive opportunities for direct athlete care at the university itself, with other universities and with sports teams like Sacramento Republic FC and the San Jose Sharks 

Students in Pacific’s program have also done independent internships with the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Diamondbacks.  

“I got to work with hundreds of athletes,” West says. “I worked with multiple D1 teams, best-of-the-best athletes whose bodies went through a lot. I worked in a physical therapy clinic as well, so I saw a variety of injuries and learned so much from different experts in the field.” 

Once you’ve finished your master’s program, there is still a major step you need to take before you can start practicing as a certified athletic trainer.  

Athletic trainer certification

The Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers, more commonly known as the BOC, sets the standards for athletic training practices, certification and continuing education the U.S. It is the only body in the U.S. where you can get an certification as an athletic trainer.  

To get this certification, you need to pass the BOC certification exam. The exam tests you on the five domains of athletic training:  

• Risk reduction, wellness and health literacy 
• Assessment, evaluation and diagnosis
• Critical incident management
• Therapeutic intervention
• Health care administration and professional responsibility

You can apply to take this exam once you’ve obtained your CAATE-accredited master’s degree or are in your final semester/quarter before graduation. In either case, you will need your program director to confirm that you have earned or will earn your master’s degree. 

For more information about applying for the exam, test conditions or the scoring process, check out the 2025-2027 BOC candidate handbook.   

Licensing

In most states, once you’ve obtained your BOC certification, the next step is to get licensed. Licensing happens on a state-by-state basis, requiring you to submit an application and get a background check.  

There is one notable exception: California. The state of California does not license athletic trainers, although it is illegal to portray yourself as one if you haven’t graduated from a CAATE-certified program or passed the BOC certification exam.  

Pathways into athletic training 

If you’re interested in the field, chatting with a certified athletic trainer is a great first step. You should also research accredited master’s degree programs with an eye toward the clinical experiences they can offer you, and how they can prepare you for the BOC certification exam.  

Learn more about Pacific’s Master of Science in athletic training program. For specific questions, you can also contact a program director at msat@pacific.edu. 

How much should you charge to insure a new roller coaster? Normally, you’d look at past data about its injury rate or repair costs. If it’s new, though, you won’t have that information to reference.  

“There’s not an easy answer,” says University of the Pacific math professor, Chris Goff. “You have to have good problem-solving techniques in order to make sure you’re accounting for all the possible outcomes of things that can happen.” 

One way you can learn problem-solving: through a math degree. One Pacific math graduate ran into that very problem while working as an actuary, someone who uses math to measure financial risk and uncertainty. 

She had to be a bit of a detective and ask a lot of questions. What kind of insurance does it need? Are there similar attractions with a history of costly injuries? How many people would be riding the roller coaster regularly?  

It’s common for people to associate math degrees with teaching, but that’s just one option. People with math degrees also work in data science, logistics, finance, engineering, medicine, animation and many other careers that depend on mathematical concepts.  But a math degree can also help you develop your logical and analytic thinking to quantify difficult real-world problems into math models. 

Growing employment for mathematical careers

Bureau of Labor Statistics data reflects the importance of these roles. Averaging all mathematical science jobs, it projects a 7% growth in employment by 2033. Compare that to the overall job average of 4%. Within this data, there are some roles that are especially strong: BLS projects 15% job growth for office administrative services and nearly 18% growth for computer systems design.  

This article will break down the types of degrees, the concepts you learn and what careers you can enter.  

Applied math vs. pure math

You may have heard the terms “pure math” and “applied math,” which may come across as different fields. But the difference is less about the math itself and more about your goals.  

Pure math, though it may draw inspiration from practical application, is aimed at exploring the hardest questions of mathematical concepts and theories. Speaking simply, these researchers push forward our understanding of mathematical possibilities.  

While you might not be motivated by solving non-mathematical problems in pure math, the ideas you uncover can still have practical uses. 

“One of the big factors in internet security is the assumption that it’s difficult to find prime factors of really big numbers,” Goff says. “If you had asked number theorists a hundred years ago, they probably would not have predicted the applicability of what they were studying.” 

Applied math, on the other hand, seeks to solve specific, practical problems. A foundation in applied math can apply to many fields like engineering, insurance, health care and others. You may even create novel solutions using concepts uncovered by pure mathematicians.  

Types of math degrees

Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts in mathematics

Earning either a BA or BS in mathematics can give you a firm foundation in mathematical principles and generally require classes that advance your understanding of the field’s concepts and quantitative reasoning.  

These degrees have clear applications if you’re interested in teaching or continuing to graduate mathematical study, but they also give you knowledge and skills useful in nearly any career.  

“They may not have specifically trained for that job they have, but they have this general kind of liberal arts training that involves quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills—especially the quantitative part,” Goff says. “There’s a lot of data in the world today. People who are willing to work with data and figure out what that story is, that’s going to be more and more important in the future.” 

Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics

A BS in applied mathematics starts with many of the same foundational courses in calculus and linear algebra, then diverges after that point. In this degree program, you’re encouraged to take classes including computer or data science, statistics and probability, research modeling or financial mathematics.  

Universities approach applied mathematics programs in different ways. A good way to compare programs is to look at the major’s course catalog, where you can see how a university structures its program.  

Some applied mathematics programs may have a more formal structure, requiring specific classes in non-mathematical sciences along with elective courses where you can specialize in certain topics. Others may have a less formal structure where you and an adviser can tailor your courses to fit your interests and career goals.  

Other degrees

There are also math degrees that may not be available at every university. Statistics is a mathematical discipline that may be offered as its own degree at some schools, while others include statistics education as part of a math or applied math degree.  

Another discipline is actuarial science, which trains you to apply math and statistics to assess risk for industries like finance, insurance or investment. Universities do not commonly offer this as its own degree, but some may offer it as a minor or a concentration for another math degree. 

It’s also worth mentioning that you can generally take either math or applied math as a minor. This can help round out your education in another area and demonstrate a breadth of skills to an employer. 

“It helps their resume stand out differently than the other students competing for certain jobs. It shows that you’ve thought more about problem solving on its own, that you’re more versed in different ways of solving problems,” Goff says.  

Bachelor of Science vs. Arts

A university may offer you either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics. What is the difference between the two?  

While a BS in most fields indicates a more technical education, like more math/science courses and lab work, this differentiation isn’t quite as clean for mathematics degrees themselves.  

The biggest difference is generally the number of math courses required. A BA in math often requires less major-specific course work, meaning you have more room to pursue another academic interest.  

If you want to become a teacher, for example, a BA gives you room to pursue educational courses alongside mathematics. If you plan to go to law school, the BA option would allow more room in your schedule to include more law-oriented courses.  

A BS in math requires more coursework in math. If your career goal is oriented around mathematics itself, like graduate study or economics, this is a great option to hone your knowledge.  

If a university offers both options, you can compare the two in the course catalog. There, you’ll learn about the exact requirements to graduate with either a BS or a BA in mathematics.  

Studying math at Pacific

Pacific can offer you a goals-oriented, hands-on education in mathematics. Because of Pacific’s relatively small student body, you can interact more with your fellow students and your professors.  

Goff points out his most recent Calculus II class had just 25 students. Compare that to some larger universities, where you may be in classrooms with dozens to hundreds of other students.  

Pacific also offers a comprehensive set of disciplines, meaning you can pair your study of mathematics with other fields. If you’re studying to be an engineer, you could double major or minor in applied mathematics.  

“We’re a comprehensive small university,” Goff says. “If you wanted to study mathematics and economics, you could do that here. There are a lot of different offerings here I hope would appeal to a variety of students.” 

Pacific can also help you become a teacher through the Single Subject Credential, which you can use to teach math at middle- or high-school level.  

If you were really interested in the actuary’s dilemma at the opening of this article, Pacific does have a BS in applied mathematics with a concentration in actuarial sciences. 

Careers with math degrees

Even though you may not immediately associate math with a particular job, a math degree can open doors across a variety of industries.  

You can pursue careers in mathematical research or data science, for example. There are positions across private industry, government agencies and research institutions requiring advanced knowledge in any number of specialized mathematical topics.  

Goff highlights data science, which relies heavily on statistics, as a rising industry. We live in a world full of data about our consumption habits, political tendencies, medical incidents and more. Having a foundation in statistics and computer science is a potent combination to interpret that data and find the story within it.  

Mathematics is an essential part of an actuary’s toolkit. Many actuaries work in insurance or consulting, but industries like health care, banking and finance also need people to assess risk. 

Another option you may not have considered: working in logistics. Shipping a single item from one place to another is relatively easy. Shipping hundreds or thousands of items to places around the country or around the world? That’s much harder.  

Logistics specialists help companies get products to brick-and-mortar stores at a large scale, and they help large e-commerce stores ship efficiently. They may even serve a civilian role in the military, where they organize large movements of people, equipment and supplies. 

“It may not be numerical and may be a little more creative, but our math majors have experience with problem solving,” Goff says. “They can see it and say, ‘Oh, that’s not going to be a good avenue. This is a better avenue toward a solution,’ so they can help steer complex situations.  

Some students take their problem-solving skills into fields you don’t associate with math at all. Goff points out that Pacific math graduates have gone on to law or medical school.  

“They feel like diagnosis is very similar to problem solving,” he says. “You’re looking at data. You’re looking at past experiences and asking, ‘Does this apply? Is this the same? Is this different?’” 

Math degrees can be an excellent pathway into any job that needs people who have training in formal logic, critical thinking and quantitative analysis. Here are a few other careers:  

• Accountant
• Meterologist
• Investment analyst
• Financial analyst
• Cryptographer
• Statistician
• Market researcher  

“Oh, I forgot one more,” Goff adds. “You can become the Pope.” 

Pope Leo XIV does indeed have a BS in mathematics. You probably shouldn’t hold your breath on that one, though.  

Math degree crossword 

See if you can remember some basic math terms with our math-focused crossword.