Programs at Yonsei that boost academic achievements
MANY STUDENTS probably already have their own plans of studying and expectations to spend the rest of the year fruitfully. Some might want to concentrate more in studying, some might want to challenge themselves, and others might wonder about ways to link their major to possible careers. Yonsei has many programs that connect your current courses of studies with your fields of interests.
Combined degree programs
Yonseians interested in entering graduate school should keep in mind the two types of combined degree programs offered by the university: the Bachelor’s-Master’s program and the combined Master’s/PhD program. Students accepted into these programs can enter the Yonsei University Graduate School without taking the entrance exam for the graduate program. Park Ji-yeong (Sr., Dept. of Child & Family Studies), who is in the Bachelor’s-Master’s program said, “The advantage of this program is that I will not need to stop my studying even after graduation, but can study continuously.” Also, students can take up to four graduate courses during their senior year to begin earning credits while still completing their undergraduate studies.
Students should note that each semester, the graduate school provides full scholarships to graduate students who entered through combined degree programs. As such, they can acquire degrees at a lower cost than is normally required. Therefore, this program is beneficial for those who feel it will be necessary to further their studies immediately after graduation. Park mentioned, “I decided to take this program because I found that a higher degree is required to work in the field of counseling later on.” In order to apply to this program, students must first check whether the combined degree program is offered by their department. For instance, there are some departments that either provide only one of the two types of combined degree programs, or provide none at all. Students can go online and visit graduate.yonsei.ac.kr to find out if the program they are seeking is offered. Further details are shown in the table below.
Combined Degree Program | |
Qualification | Junior year students with GPA higher than 3.3/4.3 (allowed to apply only once) |
Application period | Twice a year (January and July) |
Documents for submission | Application Study plan Recommendation letter from the academic advisor of the department in which the program is based Undergraduate transcript |
For more specific information: graduate.yonsei.ac.kr -> Admission -> Combined Degree Program |
Education training programs
A Latin proverb says that “By learning you will teach. By teaching you will learn.” Yonseians can develop themselves into those who can motivate younger students to learn. Students enrolled in departments that provide the teacher training program may apply to complete the course and become teachers.
Park Min-won (Jr., Dept. of System Biology), who participates in the training program mentioned, “Students can think over issues in Korean education through the program. I think it is a necessary part of training of becoming a teacher.” Kam Eun-hye (Sr., Dept. of Child & Family Studies), who is now working toward certification in her double major, English Literature & Lit, added, “The professors actually also work as high school teachers, so we can hear realistic opinions about education in their lectures.” In the senior year, students are required to take four weeks of teaching practice. By undergoing field experience at high schools, students gain hands-on experience as teachers.
Other than that, students can also participate in the lifelong education specialist program offered by the College of Education Science. Interested students need only take any available lectures in the Lifelong Education Specialist Program. Once they complete all the required credits, they will acquire level 2 certificate for lifelong educator. The specifics are shown in the table below.
Kim Jung-whan (Manager, Administrative Support Team, College of Education Science) said, “Students do not have to complete the course in four years so after they graduate they can still fulfill the rest of credits if they want to.” If students complete the required credits through the Academic Credit Bank System and Institute for Lifelong Education, they can receive the certificate. For students interested in teaching and caring for others, these education training programs would be the best chances for them to express those desires.
Teacher Training Program | ||
Qualification | Students in their 2nd~4th semester Teaching profession aptitude test + GPA + Interview | |
Application period | May | |
Subjects of course completion | Major (50credits) + teaching profession courses (22credits) | |
For more information: web.yonsei.ac.kr/teacher How to apply: Portal Service -> Academic Management System -> Teaching profession menu | ||
Life-long Education Specialist Program | ||
Subjects of course completion | 30 credits of life-long educator courses (5 required courses + 5 elective courses and 4 weeks of teaching practice) | |
How to take a course: Undergraduate Course Enrollment -> Life-long Education Specialist Program |
Yonsei SCSC program
The Yonsei Samsung Convergence Software Course (SCSC) is a program operated by the Department of Computer Science and Samsung Electronics to support other department student taking basic software subjects. International students enrolled in Yonsei University can also apply to the program. It was initiated in 2014 and so far has enrolled approximately 130 students from various departments. Kim Jae-kyung (Prof., SCSC, Dept. of Computer Science) said, “Many students apply to SCSC with their academic interests in software, so their participation in program has become increasingly active.” Choi Jung-yoon (Jr., Dept. of Business Admin.), who has finished her first year of SCSC program, also stated that, “SCSC is a program offered to computer beginners like me so we can learn software related lectures without competing against related major students.” In the lectures, students are required to complete number of assignments such as designing software program. Choi added that, “SCSC professors are so supportive when we ask for help. Furthermore, we can receive their sincere advice on what it is like to be a software developer.”
Special privileges await Yonseians who have taken the SCSC program. While they are taking the course, scholarships are selectively provided to some of the best performing students. Also, students receive double major credits of Department of Computer Science if they complete the course by taking all 36 credits. What’s more, students taking the SCSC course are given preferential treatment in open recruitments of Samsung Electronics and Samsung SDS. Hence, it will be advantageous for students to earn both knowledge of software and benefits for their future career.
Yonsei SCSC program | |
Qualification | Students in their 2nd~6th semester (S/W related department students and students in combined degree programs are not allowed) |
Application period | Twice a year (January and July) |
Subjects of course completion | Major courses (36 credits) of Department of Computer Science |
Benefits | Selective scholarships Preferential treatment in the open recruitment of Samsung Electronics and Samsung SDS. |
For more details:cs.yonsei.ac.kr/scsc |
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The curriculum correlation program is a desirable option for those interested in ways to connect different courses and study with a broader perspective. There is no doubt that participation in combined degree programs, teacher training program, and Yonsei SCSC Program will help promote a more interactive studying. Thus, Yonseians, motivate yourself and take advantage of these useful programs.
Kim Hyo-jin
hjstella218@yonsei.ac.kr