University
Learning at Vanderbilt
Two-year Study Plan

Two-year Study Plan

Overview

The IEPM program requires 36 credits to graduate:

  • 18 credits of required courses
  • 18 credits of electives
  • Internship experience is required
  • Most students graduate in two years. One student in my cohort completed the program in 1.5 years.

The most standard graduation plan follows this structure:

  • First year (Fall & Spring semesters): 3 courses per semester, 9 credits per semester, total 18 credits
  • Summer: Internship (can be taken for 0 credits)
  • Second year (Fall & Spring semesters): 3 courses per semester, 9 credits per semester, total 18 credits
    Total: 36 credits over two years

    💛 I highly recommend designing your course plan based on your post-graduation goals.

Example ①: Planning for Employment After Graduation

For students who aim to work after graduation, I suggest making full use of the practicum (independent study/internship course). This course can be taken for 0, 3, or 6 credits, and allows students to apply for CPT during summer and in the second year.

Suggested timeline:

  • First year: Look for on-campus positions to gain experience (on-campus jobs do not require a visa sponsorship, and you don’t need to enroll in the practicum course).
  • Summer internship: Start looking for internships in spring semester or late fall of the previous year.
    You can enroll in the practicum course for 0, 3, or 6 credits (note: taking credits means paying tuition). If you take credits in the summer, you can take fewer courses in the final semester.
  • Second year: Take the practicum course as an elective (3/6 credits per semester) and apply for CPT internships.

    By graduation, you will have around 1.5 years of internship experience (in reality, due to visa restrictions, it may be slightly less—please check official resources for precise details).

    Key points:
    The practicum course has no coursework—it is primarily for securing CPT eligibility.
    Pros: Helps accumulate work experience.
    Cons: Taking credits means paying tuition, and internship salaries may not always cover tuition costs. Some students prefer taking academic courses (like me). Choose based on your personal priorities.

Example ②: Planning for a PhD After Graduation

My experience:

  • First semester: Took 3 courses to adjust to studying in the U.S.
  • Second semester: Took 4 courses, completing both quantitative and qualitative research methods (since I didn’t have a social science background).
    IEPM allows master’s students to take PhD-level courses—I enrolled in a research-related PhD course. These courses helped me build relationships with potential PhD recommendation letter writers. With quantitative and qualitative research experience, I used my coursework projects to strengthen my CV and apply for summer research assistant (RA) positions.
  • Summer: Worked in a professor’s research team, gaining more research experience and additional recommendation letters.
  • Second year (Fall semester): Took 3 easy courses to free up time for PhD applications. Final semester: Took 2 courses.

    Reflection: Looking back, this timeline had a low margin for error. If I were to do it again, I would start reaching out to professors for RA positions earlier (first or second semester). I would take more advanced courses or explore electives from other departments.

    Other Course Planning Options
    1️⃣ Study abroad at Columbia University for one semester (3 courses), which can also fulfill the internship requirement.
    2️⃣ Cross-school program in the Business School, including an international study trip during spring break.
    3️⃣ Combine electives to earn a Global Health Certificate or complete two degrees in three years (M.Ed. + MPH).
    4️⃣ Starting Fall 2024, Peabody College will offer four new graduate certificates—keep an eye on updates.

    Summary:
    💡 Be bold in customizing your study path to align with your goals!