Advancement to Graduate Education (AGE) Conference
Thinking about pursing a master's or doctoral degree?
The AGE conference is an all-day event where CSUN students learn about graduate school—both master’s and doctoral degrees. The conference begins with our distinguished keynote speaker, followed by a variety of workshops to assist students with applying to graduate school.
If you would like to view the featured workshops, please select the tabs within the accordion below.
Dear AGE Participants:
Welcome! We are thrilled to have you join us today. Our plan is for you to spend the day learning more about the path to applying to graduate school. You will have an opportunity to acquire information about the process from our incredible faculty members, staff, and alumni. Whether you are currently applying to graduate school for a 2025 start or you are just exploring options, these sessions ensure that you gain a greater understanding of the graduate school experience. We encourage you to take advantage of the workshops being offered both today and throughout the year ahead in Graduate Studies.
Please visit our office or explore our website to learn ways we can support your journey to graduate school. We wish you personal success and professional fulfillment in your future graduate educational endeavors and beyond.
Sincerely,
Dr. Amy Levin
Assistant Vice President of Graduate Studies
Dr. Allen Lipscomb, Social Work Department
About the Keynote Speaker
Allen E. Lipscomb, PsyD, LCSW is an Associate Professor, Associate Chair, Director of MSW Online Program; as well as Director of Minority Male Mentoring (M3) and Student Success Allies (SSA) program at California State University Northridge in the Department of Social Work. Dr. Lipscomb is a clinical psychologist with the highest degree earned and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of California. Dr. Lipscomb received his doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) with a clinical emphasis in marriage, family and child psychotherapy from Ryokan College and his Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California. Upon completing his doctorate, he earned a certification in mixed-methods community-based research from the University of Michigan in the School of Social Work. In addition, Dr. Lipscomb studied diversity and inclusion practices within organizations through Cornell University, earning a certification from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell. In 2022, Dr. Lipscomb earned a certification in Executive Public Leadership within organizations at Harvard University in the Kennedy School of Executive Education.
Dr. Lipscomb specializes in providing anti-oppressive and inclusive mental health services to individuals, children, youth, and families of color. His areas of research are centered on the psychiatric epidemiology among racialized and marginalized individuals who have experienced trauma (i.e., complex trauma, traumatic-grief, and race-based trauma). Specifically, Dr. Lipscomb has conducted numerous qualitative research studies on racialized Black identified men across the Black/African Diaspora exploring their grief, loss, and complex-trauma experiences. His pedagogy is centered on cultural anti-oppressive and clinically responsive inclusive practices with communities of color. Dr. Lipscomb maintains a private practice; conducts local, national, and international trainings; is a clinical consultant and keynote speaker. Dr. Lipscomb has numerous peer review journal articles that centers Black male grief experiences and has a published two books titled: Black Male Grief Reaction to Trauma: A Clinical Case Study of One Man's Treatment; and BRuH Approach to Therapy (BAT) and Other Related Services to Promote Healing of Traumatic Grief Among African American Men and Youth: A Clinical Practice Guide and Workbook: Honoring-Based Practice Approach.
9:00 AM Welcome Remarks Presenter
Dr. Amy Levin, Asst. Vice President of Graduate Studies
9:05 AM Keynote Address Presenter:
Dr. Allen Lipscomb, Social Work Department
10:00 AM
- Applying to Graduate School: Choosing Schools, Creating a Strategy, and Identifying your Brand
Presenter: Professor Heidi Schumacher, GRAD Center
Location: University Student Union, Northridge Center
11:00 AM (Select one of the workshops below)
- Statement of Purpose and Diversity/Personal Statement: Social & Behavioral Sciences, Business and Economics, and Health & Human Development
Presenter: Dr. Anastasiia Timmer, Criminology and Justice Studies Department
Location: University Student Union, Northridge Center
Statement of Purpose and Diversity/Personal Statement: Science & Mathematics and Engineering & Computer Science
Presenter: Dr. Priya Ganguli, Geological Sciences Department
Location: Thousand Oaks Room, University Student Union
Statement of Purpose and Diversity/Personal Statement: Humanities, Arts, Media & Communication, University Library, and Education
Presenter: Dr. Mira Pak, Secondary Education Department
Location: Lake Balboa Room, University Student Union
12:00 PM LUNCH and CSUN Graduate Program Fair
1:30 PM (select one of the workshops below)
- Application Components: Letters of Rec, Transcripts, Resume, GRE, Writing Sample, Interviews
Presenter: Dr. Hilary Yip, Music Department
Location: University Student Union, Northridge Center
- Financing a Graduate Education
Presenter: TBD
Location: University Student Union, Northridge Center
2:30 PM (select one of the workshops below)
- Panel: Grad Health and Wellbeing During the Application Process and Beyond
Presenter: Dr. Elizabeth Dabach, Family and Consumer Sciences Department
Graduate Student Panel: TBD
Location: Thousand Oaks Room, University Student Union
3:30 PM Concluding Remarks and Resources for Additional Support
Applying to Graduate School: Choosing Schools, Creating a Strategy, and Identifying your Brand
Presenter: Professor Heidi Schumacher, GRAD Center
Workshop Description: In this workshop, students will learn about selecting a graduate program, application timelines, application fee waivers, and how to make application materials come together to convey a clear message to graduate programs.
(select one of the workshops below)
Statement of Purpose and Diversity/Personal Statement: Social & Behavioral Sciences, Business and Economics, and Health & Human Development
Presenter: Dr. Anastasiia Timmer, Criminology and Justice Studies Department
Workshop Description: The Statement of Purpose (SOP) is generally the most important component of your application, and the Personal/Diversity Statement complements that document to reflect how your experiences contributed to your goals within your SOP. In this workshop, we will explore how this document; outlines what you intend to focus on, how your experiences contribute towards your success, and how your intended school is the ideal place to pursue your graduate education. We will also discuss strategies for standing out while adhering to the structure and content that schools expect to find in your SOP. You will leave this workshop with an understanding of content and a plan to get started on a draft.
Statement of Purpose and Diversity/Personal Statement: Science & Mathematics and Engineering & Computer Science
Presenter: Dr. Priya Ganguli, Geological Science Department
Workshop Description: The Statement of Purpose (SOP) is generally the most important component of your application, and the Personal/Diversity Statement complements that document to reflect how your experiences contributed to your goals within your SOP. In this workshop, we will explore how this document; outlines what you intend to focus on, how your experiences contribute towards your success, and how your intended school is the ideal place to pursue your graduate education. We will also discuss strategies for standing out while adhering to the structure and content that schools expect to find in your SOP. You will leave this workshop with an understanding of content and a plan to get started on a draft.
Statement of Purpose and Diversity/Personal Statement: Humanities, Arts, Media & Communication, University Library, and Education
Presenter: Dr. Mira Pak, Secondary Education Department
Workshop Description: The Statement of Purpose (aka. Personal Statement, Objectives Statement, etc.) is an important component of your application, and the Personal/Diversity Statement (or similar title) complements that document to reflect on how your lived experience has contributed to the goals outlined in your SOP. In this workshop, we will explore how to examine the prompt, what you might write about, and how your intended school is the ideal place to pursue your graduate education. You will leave this workshop with an understanding of content and approach so you can get started with a draft.
We are hosting a Graduate Fair during lunchtime for students interested in pursuing graduate studies at CSUN. Please make sure to attend to learn more about your program of interest.
(select one of the workshops below)
Financing a Graduate Education
Presenter: TBD
Workshop Description: This workshop will cover funding opportunities for graduate education. Students will learn about financial aid, merit-based resources, fellowships, and grants that are available at various campuses. In addition, students will learn about the specific kinds of funding packages offered to doctoral students.
Application Components: Letters of Rec, Transcripts, Resume, GRE, Writing Sample, Interviews
Presenter: Dr. Hilary Yip, Music Department
Workshop Description: In this workshop, we’ll run through the components of the application package. We will review who to ask and how to ask for letters of recommendation, the GRE exam, requesting transcripts, formatting your CV or resume and the kinds of things to include in both, discuss the different kinds of writing sample programs are looking for; and key things to know about interviews. While this workshop will provide an overview of all of these application components, you’ll also learn about the ongoing support CSUN’s Office of Graduate Studies provides, including workshops you can attend in the fall to do a deeper dive into each of these components.
Panel: Grad Health and Well-being During the Application Process and Beyond
Presenter: Dr. Elizabeth Dabach, Family and Consumer Sciences Department
Graduate Student Panel: TBD
Workshop Description: This workshop will cover approaches to stress management during the application process. A panel of former CSUN graduate students will share how they balance graduate school with other responsibilities to make their well-being a priority.
This section will be updated closer to the event.
We at the GRAD Center are eager to support you as you continue on your path towards graduate school! Below are some further resources that may be helpful as you continue to achieve your goals.
- AGE Workshops
Who: Students interested in graduate school
When: Fall and Spring semesters
This series of workshops is designed to help students explore, prepare for, apply to, and transition into graduate school. To learn more about each pathway, please select one of the links below.
Learn more about the Exploring Workshops
Learn more about the Preparing Workshops
Learn more about the Applying Workshops
Learn more about the Transitioning Workshops
- GRAD Center Peer Mentoring Program
Who: Students seeking guidance as they explore graduate school possibilities
When: Fall and Spring
Peer Mentors guide students in exploring possible pathways to graduate school. Peer mentors are available to meet with students one-on-one (in-person or on Zoom). To schedule an appointment, please send an email to GRAD Studies Peer Mentors.
- GRAD Center Faculty Mentoring Program
Who: Students applying to graduate programs who want to be matched with a faculty mentor
When: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis (final deadline is October 15th)
This program provides support to current students preparing or applying to graduate school. Students are matched with a CSUN faculty member and receive one-on-one mentoring. Interested students can apply by selecting 2024 GRAD Center Faculty Mentoring Program.
- The California Pre-Doctoral Program
Who: Students interested in pursuing a PhD (must be enrolled at CSUN next year)
When: Fall semester (more information will be available on October 1st and students must attend an Info Session).
This program is designed to increase the pool of potential CSU faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages. Once selected as a Sally Casanova Scholar, students are supported by a faculty mentor as they explore and apply to PhD programs. Students will also receive financial support for application fees, travel to visit doctoral programs, and other activities. Please visit the website below to learn more about this program.
- The Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program
Who: PhD students who want to teach in the CSU (may apply before you leave CSUN)
When: Fall semester (more information will be available on October 1st and students must attend an Info Session).
This program prepares faculty to teach in the CSU and is the largest pipeline program in the nation. PhD students who are interested in teaching in the CSU are mentored by a faculty member, receive financial support through travel and research funds, and have access to an optional loan which is forgiven if the CDIP Fellow obtains a faculty position in the CSU. CSUN students can apply for this program while they apply for PhD programs.
The PowerPoints from the conference will be available after the event..