This article describes LIT 730: Teaching Composition, a three-credit graduate seminar in American University's Department of Literature for master's-degree students interested in teaching composition. The Literature Department offers both an MA in Literature and an MFA in Creative Writing, and attracts applicants with a flexible "teaching…

Introduces and includes "The Ritz Bar or ABD: In Defense of the MFA," in which Peter Garvie defends the professionalism of the MFA degree in theatre, and "The PhD in Theatre--A Vanishing Degree?" Richard Hornby's discussion of the importance of the doctoral degree as the standard teaching degree. (PD)

Discusses issues surrounding the clinical master's degree: the belief that the only true psychologist is a PhD, public confusion between doctoral and subdoctoral psychologists, training guidelines, role responsibility, employment, licensing and competency, accreditation, and supervision. Suggests an APA sponsored conference to discuss and resolve…

Examines issues arising from recent controversy associated with American Library Association's (ALA) support of MLS degree as minimum requirement for professional employment. Highlights include ALA involvement in legal cases and viewpoints of ALA groups focusing on goals, constituency and handling of conflict versus nature of librarianship and its…

The historical background and development of postgraduate education in the People's Republic of China (PRC) are discussed. Before the founding of PRC, there were only a few higher education institutions that offered postgraduate programs at the master's level. No doctoral programs were offered and no doctorates were awarded in old China. Before…

The conference described in this report had five objectives: to examine the existing curricula for medical librarianship in accredited library school programs; to examine trends in post-master's training programs for health sciences librarianship; to explore the relationship between graduate education for health sciences librarianship and the…

Considers aspects of good masters and doctoral programs in creative writing and suggests ways in which to integrate creative writing with literature programs. (CRH)

Graduate education faces the task of adapting to changes in the greater society so that its traditional influence may not only be maintained but broadened. Continued delay in reaching a strong national commitment to graduate education will reduce the preeminence of this nation. (Author/MLW)

Discusses four questions to be considered when graduate students in theater are considering whether to pursue the Master of Fine Arts degree or the doctoral degree. (SR)

This essay on the issue of qualifications for librarianship highlights debate over the Master of Library Science (MLS) as legitimate academic credential or minimum qualification, use of the MLS, change and new directions that are transforming field of librarianship, nonlibrarian specialists, and professional role and behavior. Ten sources are…

Discusses the problem with the career track in graduate study in astronomy. Reports that the number of postdoctoral positions has doubled in the last ten years and far exceeds the number of tenure-track openings in astronomy departments. (DDR)

Describes the development of a hybrid master's degree that combines research and practice at the University of Nevada-Reno. Relates how the curriculum in journalism and mass communication was developed, including descriptions of core courses and applied research techniques. Concludes that while the experience has not been completely satisfactory,…

Low national reading achievement scores and inadequate academic and certification requirements provide the fundamental rationale for extending and refining regulations concerning the amount of course work required in elementary and secondary education programs. The theoretical and practical reading backgrounds of both prospective and inservice…

Six points with which graduate education should be concerned are argued: Maintain the quality and quantity of graduate education and attendant reserach; articulate graduate programs with industry and government; welcome second career; encourage specialization; revitalize the M.A.; and maintain a high level of Ph.D. production. (JMF)

Discusses the advantages of getting graduate degrees in pharmaceutical sciences, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and respiratory therapy. Looks at the cost of education, degrees offered, research and clinical options, availability of programs, and career options. (JOW)