History of Graduate School

A history of the events that shaped graduate school from 1900 to the present

Cynthia Kaletka BSN RN CCRN

1900 formation of the AAUBenjamin Wheeler from the University of California came up with the proposition for the University presidents to convene and discuss matters of graduate study.

The purpose was to make education uniform and quality, such as the European graduate schools.

1930s The New DealEconomic times were hard. Government was

becoming more involved in higher education, and there were scholarships available for some to attend graduate school that could not otherwise afford to go.

1940s WWIIThe Great War impacted graduate school by

helping a huge number of soldiers go to college that never would have been able to go.

1940s WWIIBecause of the war, there was a lot of federal

funding for research that helped graduate schools. Scientific and Medical research mostly were funded at this time.

1957 SputnikThe Cold War sparked a need for more research so

that we would surpass our rivals, the Soviets. There was a lot of money available for education and research.

1962 AAU moves to WashingtonThe government is gaining even more control

over higher education by the accrediting agency moving closer to the legislatures and law makers. There was now more a focus on federal issues. There was still plenty of money for research.

1970s InflationHard economic times caused money for

school and research to be cut. Meanwhile the costs of education were rising

1980s Academic CompetitivenessThe introduction of businesses getting

involved with research led to new issues of ethics. There was conflict of interest and monies earmarked for some research over others due to political power. Reform was started at this time to account for this.

Present times-Online EducationThere is still traditional graduate school, but

with the creation of online schooling more nontraditional students can attend graduate school.

Present times-Online educationSchool is more affordable and necessary in

this changing economic climate. There is more diversity in the graduate student now.

Shaping EducationGraduate school is shaped by the economic

times and the changes going on in society at the time. What will graduate school look like in the future?