On May 7, 2025, the Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian (Carpathian) National University hosted a major educational event — STEFANYK OPEN DAY: Master’s Level – Level Up, Startups, and Top Investment! The event was designed for students planning to continue their studies at the second (master’s) level.
The event welcomed 4th-year students, bachelor graduates, and anyone interested in further academic and professional development. The program was rich and focused on the practical needs of young people.
At the start of the discussion panels, the Acting Rector of Precarpathian (Carpathian) National University, Ihor Tsependa, welcomed the participants.
In his speech, he encouraged students to understand the significance of a master’s degree and to make an informed choice about their future in Ukraine:
“We are starting these discussions to help you understand why a master’s degree is important and why it’s worth staying in Ukraine. These are two questions many of you have today. We want you to succeed, and for that, it’s important to clearly understand your goals: is a bachelor’s degree enough to start working or go abroad, or should you continue your studies here?”
“Yes, there is a war in Ukraine, and the security situation is complex. But even in these conditions, we must think strategically and look to the future. Young people have enormous opportunities — exchange programs, double degrees, international collaboration. A master’s degree gives you a competitive advantage. It allows you not only to gain deeper knowledge but also to change your specialization and adapt your education to personal experience and the labor market.”
“Our university offers a flexible approach. You can shape your own educational path, choose courses that interest you, and have the support of a tutor. We can also adjust schedules to accommodate work commitments, offering classes after 5 p.m. This flexibility allows you to combine study with work. We focus not on the number of students but on quality education. With a master’s degree, you don’t just get a diploma — you learn to think, analyze, and make decisions. You will be prepared for challenges and stand out in the labor market.”
“Our cooperation with EU universities through Erasmus and double-degree programs allows you to gain European-level knowledge without leaving Ukraine. Everything that is new for Ukraine is already familiar in Europe — and returning here, you can apply your experience. Education is not just a diploma; it is a lifelong process. A master’s degree is your launch platform. Make a wise choice, and a wise choice is a better life. We look forward to seeing you on September 1 as master’s students.”
During STEFANYK OPEN DAY, discussion panels and presentations of master’s programs were held across four educational areas:
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Education, Humanities, and Arts — Faculty of Pedagogy, Faculty of Philology, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Institute of Arts, Kolomyia Educational and Scientific Institute
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Business, Economics, and Tourism — Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Tourism, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Management
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Natural Sciences, IT, and Engineering — Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, Physico-Technical Faculty, Faculty of Natural Sciences
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Law, Public Administration, and Psychology — Law Institute, Faculty of History, Political Science and International Relations, Faculty of Psychology
“If you are fortunate enough to study at a university, to choose higher education, and stand at a crossroads — bachelor’s or master’s — this is one of the best opportunities you can have. I always say: if you can enter a master’s program after your bachelor’s, don’t hesitate. Do it. It’s not even up for discussion. Education is never too late — at 21, 35, or even 50. Today, it’s completely normal,” emphasized Ukrainian Member of Parliament Oksana Savchuk, one of the event speakers.
The panels explored key questions:
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How does a master’s degree differ from a bachelor’s in the labor market?
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How can education help change your professional trajectory?
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What scientific opportunities exist for startups and projects?
During his panel, “How Science Makes Money”, Ihor Tsependa noted:
“Choosing a profession, we should enjoy it. But life also requires building a financial cushion — a basis for a comfortable life. How can one earn through science? Many of you already work; some may even earn more than your parents. IT specialists might joke that their salaries exceed the rector’s. So why pursue a master’s? This is a misconception. Immediately after a master’s, you may not earn thousands of euros. But you enter a scientific environment with access to real financial opportunities. Modern science thrives not only on salaries but also through large grant projects. What makes our university strong? Though only 25 years old, it ranks among the top institutions for publications. The secret is scientific schools — groups of researchers united by common interests. This immediately produces results.”
STEFANYK OPEN DAY became a platform for meetings with faculty, department representatives, graduates, and students already building successful careers. Participants explored master’s programs, asked questions, and mapped their educational paths.
Special thanks to panel moderators: Taras Paska — alumnus and pedagogy researcher; Taras Vasilyuk — acting skills instructor and alumnus; Nazar Tymkiv — student and aspiring actor. The event was inspired by alumna Nelya Dolynko, Chair of the Young Scientists’ Council, and organized with the support of Halyna Voloshchuk, PhD in Philology and Director of the Lifelong Career and Education Center.
Representatives of the Department of Pedagogy and Educational Management, named after Bohdan Stuparyk, actively participated. In the “Education, Humanities, and Arts” area, speakers included:
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Liubov Prokopiv, Head of the Department, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor
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Maryana Derenyuk, PhD, Assistant
In the “Business, Economics, and Tourism” area, the session was moderated by Taras Paska, PhD, Assistant.
We invite students to pursue master’s studies in Educational and Pedagogical Sciences at the Department of Pedagogy and Educational Management. Our program prepares modern educators capable of implementing innovative teaching technologies, leading change, and effectively working in a transforming educational environment. Students gain theoretical knowledge, practical experience, international mobility opportunities, personalized learning paths, and guidance from experienced faculty. Graduates work successfully in schools, educational management bodies, training centers, and as consultants, tutors, facilitators, and project managers.
We sincerely thank the organizers of STEFANYK OPEN DAY for the opportunity to showcase master’s programs, share experience, and inspire future students to make informed professional choices. This event once again demonstrates that Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian (Carpathian) National University is a space for opportunities, growth, and high-quality education.
