As the unstable economy persists, it’s no coincidence Baker University’s graduate school enrollment numbers are increasing.

Director of Enrollment Management Kelly Belk said enrollment numbers have increased, though next year’s numbers have not been finalized for the Baker University School of Professional and Graduate Studies.

“We’re not sure if we’ll continue to increase,” Belk said.

With many companies resorting to layoffs and hiring freezes, the idea of going back to school to become more qualified and better educated makes sense to many, Belk said.

“One of the things we are encouraging students to do is go back to school to further their credentials so they are prepared for the future,” she said.

Andrew McGregor, track and field graduate assistant, thinks the current state of the economy is affecting graduate school enrollment numbers.

“A lot of people aren’t sure if they are qualified for work,” McGregor said. “I think it depends on what you’re doing.”

Senior Carissa Nichols said she knew when choosing a major that graduate school was a must.

“When I chose my psychology major, and when I came to college, I knew I couldn’t do anything with a bachelor’s degree,” she said.

Nichols, who plans to go into social work after graduate school, said she isn’t concerned the economy will hurt her chances of obtaining a job.

Belk said students are worried about the cost of an education as much as ever, and that searching for financial aid and tuition assistance are becoming even more important.

“We are starting to see a little bit of a hesitation from the students,” Belk said.

Nichols is not sure how her career choice will be affected by the current financial woes.

“I primarily want to work with nonprofit organizations, and I don’t know how they will be affected by the economy,” Nichols said.

Belk said many students are going back to school to gain more career opportunities.

“We are finding that students are trying to enhance their skills in a particular area,” Belk said.