The question that almost every senior is getting right now -- "so what will you be doing after you graduate?" For many the options may seem vast, but for others school is far from being over.

Graduate school may not be for everyone, but for the Southeast Missouri State University students currently considering, the process is made simple through a step by step application.

Southeast has five distinct colleges with 20 programs available for graduate students. The options vary from getting your master's degree in business administration, also known as an MBA, to a Master of Arts, which could be one of many things including communication disorders. Prospective students may discover that the requirements are different within each program. For example, the communication disorders graduate school application deadline is before many of the other programs and must be submitted by Feb. 1 for consideration for the fall semester.

"The program departments are the greatest resources for additional information regarding curriculum and career opportunities," assistant director of admissions for operations Alisa McFerron said.

Other requirements could include tests such as the Graduate Record Examination, Graduate Management Admission Test or the PRAXIS II, which must all be taken before applications are submitted. Another requirement some programs ask for is a letter of intent along with a resume. A letter of intent asks a student to explain why he or she would be a perfect fit for the school in which they are applying. Students can apply both online or via mail at Southeast.

"We have some wonderful professors that provide good support and attention to our students. We also have some great flexibility," McFerron said. "We have some good online program options and those just continue to expand and of course our class sizes are always a good small average. But affordability is a key thing, I think, for grad programs."

The application cost for Southeast is a non-refundable $30 and, according to McFerron, a student should receive a notice within a couple of weeks on whether or not they are accepted into their program. Credit hours are priced similarly to undergrad students with a $56.75 difference. For out of state students the price increases and can cost as much as $505.50 per credit hour.

Each program has its own requirements to be accepted, but the overall School of Graduate Studies has two main stipulations for students. The student must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Although, even if a student meets these requirements depending on their selected program, there may be additional requirements for some programs.

"It was worth all the stress. It's just different from undergrad -- it's harder, but worth it. It was a big transition, but after the first semester you get used to it," said Jessica Deaton, a second degree seeking student.

For students looking for help in any aspect of applying for graduate school at Southeast contact admissions at 573-651-2590 or admissions@semo.edu.