Considering Graduate School

Making the decision to attend graduate school is a long-term commitment. People offer many explanations for their own decisions to pursue graduate school. It may well be worthwhile to examine your own reasons for pursuing graduate study. A period of self-assessment may prove beneficial. Knowing why you are going to graduate school will help you get what you want from your graduate experience. It will help you maintain the motivation and dedication needed to succeed in a graduate program.

It is vital that you gather enough information about your field to make a wise decision about graduate school. Every field is different, in fact, in some fields you can be in a negative position if you attend graduate school at the wrong time during your career. Speak with faculty, professionals in the field, or the Career Center to gather information about your chosen field.

You also need to ask yourself the following questions.

• Am I ready to continue my formal education?
• Do I have sufficient financial resources?
• Do I know enough about the field to make this commitment?
• Would it be more appropriate to work first and then return to school?
• Are there other options that I should consider?
• Is this the best career path?

Choosing a Graduate Program to Fit Your Needs

After making the decision to go on to graduate school, the next step will be locating and evaluating potential graduate schools and programs. In evaluating a graduate school it is important that you evaluate the following to assist you in making an informed decision that will benefit you in the long run.

Program

• What is the reputation?
• Is the opportunity for specialization present?
• Will you feel comfortable with the method of teaching used?
• Does the school offer the type of enrollment option you want?
• Does it offer you sufficient courses and career options?
• Are internships or work-study programs part of the curriculum?
• If certification is required, what percentage of the class passes?
• How long is the program (number of credits)?
• How many classes are required outside of the discipline?
• What is the retention rate into the second year of the program?
• Is it a research based or applied based institution?
• What are the pre-requisites for admission?

Faculty

• What is the make-up of the faculty?
• How many professors hold doctoral degrees?
• How many professors have had extensive work experience in the field?
• What is the faculty's quality with regard to teaching and/or research?

Students

• Is the school selective with regards to admissions?
• What is the make-up of the student body?
• What academic standards are placed on the student?
• What percentage of students have worked full-time?
• How many enter directly from their undergraduate degree?
• Is there a student association?

Job Placement

• Where are most graduates employed?
• What types of jobs do recent graduates hold?
• What placement or career services are offered?
• If certification is required, what states have reciprocity?

Degree Fit

• Can you be competitive and effective in the program?
• Will it offer you knowledge within your capability and interests?
• Will it challenge you?

Campus Life

• What social/cultural life will be available?
• Do most students reside on-campus or off-campus?
• What living accommodations are available and what are they like?

Student/Faculty Ratio

• Will you be comfortable with the class size?
• Is the faculty accessible to students?

Support Systems

• What library and computer facilities are available?
• How accessible will they be to you as a student?
• What types of professional affiliations are there?

Geographic Location

• Do you prefer an urban or rural environment?
• A hot, cold, or mild climate?
• Will the location offer an outlet for your individual interests and activities?
• What is the distance from home?

Costs and Financial Aid

• Do the tuition fees fit your budget?
• What type of work-study programs, loans, scholarships,
  research opportunities, and assistantships are available?

Admissions Procedures

• Do you know the admissions procedures?
• Are any advanced exams required?
• What documents will you need?
• Is there an interview process?