Bad grade

[RHD]

Hi!

     I have recently completed, the first semester of my MS Chemical Engineering program. My GPA is 3.11 and I have passed a core course with a C ( I really screwed up the subject). I am confident of boosting my GPA to 3.61 after second semester, but how much badly will the "C" affect in my near future? I cant retake that course as I have passed it. Also I am not interested in working in that area in future. Please help!

[Victoris]

What does your school's graduate policy entail?  Have you spoken with your advisor?

 

Remember that your core courses in grad school are not the same as those undergrad general courses.  Grad core courses relate to your field some type of way; meaning you will need to fall back on the information from that course in your future courses/papers/projects/internships (from my own view of my program's final thesis/capstone projects).

 

In the end, if you school is okay with the C and you can bring up your GPA in the future, then don't stress it.  Life happens.  Be well-rounded, network, volunteer, join the grad club or something.  Study/concentrate harder.  Love the field of your masters.  Before all things, make sure you read your school's graduate student policy.   

 

Per a future job or doctoral program, one C is not going to negatively affect your future.  

 

FYI: 

In my current masters program, if one makes a C, he or she has one chance to retake the course to get a higher grade.  If he or she decides not to repeat the course and receives a C in a different course, that individual is kicked out of our program; for having two Cs.  Also, be glad that you aren't in a program like mine, for you would be on probation for having a GPA close to a 3.0; the minimum to stay in my program (not to scare you).

[RHD]

This is what is written in the grad catalog of my school:

The only passing grades for graduate students are A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, and S. Grades of B-, C+ or C count toward a graduate degree if an equal number of credits in courses numbered 5000 or higher have been earned with grades of B+, A- and A, respectively.

I have an A in the other subject this semester. So it will be fine, right?

[Victoris]

Cool.  Yes.  You will be fine.  Don't stress it.