The handbook also provides market growth forecasts and earning potential to help inform your decision. Does the curriculum emphasize theory, original research, or a more practical application of knowledge? Listening to their experiences as a graduate student and in the job market post-degree can help you gauge if the program is in line with your goals. After exploring your range of program options, consider your career goals and how each specific graduate program can help you get there.
One graduate program in education might prepare you to specialize in higher education administration or elementary instruction, while other institutions may offer concentrations in special education or classroom technology. Make sure the program you choose reflects your career interests. Some degree programs, such as a Master of Business Administration , teach skills that can be applied across multiple professions. Examine the types of credentials professionals in the industry possess and research the types of skills potential employers are looking for.
Check to see that the degree program offers opportunities to learn and develop those same skills. Location is also an important factor to consider when thinking about potential employment opportunities after graduation.
Individuals interested in financial services may consider schools in a major banking center, such as Charlotte , while those pursuing a technology career might look for programs in Silicon Valley. Universities often have corporate partnerships in which employers recruit graduates to work at their organization. Check to see if your dream company partners with any nearby universities. While aligning your career goals, make sure the degree program you choose will realistically fit within your lifestyle, and determine what level of flexibility you need.
There are many options available that will allow you to earn an advanced degree at the right pace and in the right format for you. Some degrees can be earned in as little as 12 months, while others can take years. Full-time graduate studies are not for everyone. You might also consider the benefits of online or hybrid graduate programs that provide access to worldwide institutions that may have otherwise not been an option. While your education is an investment, make sure you can cover the costs associated with earning your graduate degree.
Paying for graduate school can seem intimidating, but there are many different options available to you. While you narrow down your list of schools, be sure to check out the financial aid options at each institution. Along with scholarships , loans, and grants, some schools may offer assistantships or fellowships for graduate students. For those who may already be working in their industry, your employer may offer tuition reimbursement which pays for a predetermined amount of continuing education credits or college coursework to be applied toward a degree.
Talk to other graduate students about how they decided on a subject for study. Skip to main content Skip to main navigation. Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Graduate School.
Choosing a Subject for Study. Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you think about subjects for study: In your undergraduate classes, what content area interested you the most? What did you want to learn more about? Why do you find this area intriguing? Is it personal interest or is it because of someone you admire who does research in this area?
You don't need to know the exact topic of your dissertation or master's thesis before you apply. But you should have a clear sense of your field of interest, and you should feel confident that you'll be able to study this field without growing bored. The more specific you can get about your interests, the stronger your application will be.
For example, if you're applying for a PhD in English , try to identify a focus such as 19th-century American literature. If you don't yet have a clear sense of what you would like to concentrate on, take some time to meditate on the topic and hold off on applications till you feel confident about your choice.
Though you may not want to start thinking already about what comes after grad school, this question could prove the most crucial when deciding whether or not to return to school. Research what you'll actually be able to do with your degree after graduation.
Some fields are a no-brainer: Law, business, and medical schools attract so many applicants because they provide solid promises of careers after graduation. The PhD track often leads to a career in academia though academic jobs are growing increasingly few and far between in proportion to the number of doctoral candidates.
Other fields provide less career certainty: An MFA in fiction writing or a master's degree in art history promises to be intellectually enriching but may offer limited practical returns.
If your trust fund is burning a hole in your pocket, you can skip this question. For the rest of us, the financial repercussions of attending graduate school will have an impact on the decision to return. Of course, this is no reason to back away from the graduate school plan.
A well-chosen program is an investment in your future, and, theoretically, you will be able to pay back your loans when you have become professionally established. And keep in mind that many schools do offer financial aid, merit scholarships, teaching assistantships , and student loans with manageable interest rates.
If you are thinking of attending a master's program, you can also look into the possibility of going to school part-time while you hold down a job to cover expenses.
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