Choosing a Graduate School Program

Many college students consider attending graduate school after attaining their undergraduate degree.  The search to find the perfect graduate school program can seem all too familiar, mirroring the world of uncertainties that we faced as high school students when it came time to choose a college.  There are many graduate school choices and the search process can seem overwhelming, especially on top of rigorous studies, part-time jobs, and other campus activities.  But don’t despair! Consider the following and you can narrow down your choices and find the best program for you.

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Specialization

When choosing a graduate program, give the greatest consideration to your current interests.   Look for a degree program that nurtures your passions and is on target with your academic and career goals.  At the same time, you may also want to think about the job market.  While some specialties are expected to experience growth in the future, others may become stagnant.  If you can, take into consideration the marketability of your specialization.  This will help to ensure obtaining your graduate degree is worthwhile in the long run.

Ranking

To many students, ranking is an important factor in the search for the right graduate program.  While a higher ranking often indicates the availability of greater resources, don’t be discouraged if the program you feel fits you best is not at the top of every list.  Often programs with lower rankings are more affordable and have lower student-to-faculty ratios.  Whether the program you choose is ranked first or is not in the top fifty, it’s what you put into your education that determines what you’ll get out of it.

Location

Considering a graduate degree can take anywhere from 2-6 years to complete, it is important to choose a program in an area in which you want to live.  Do you want to be near your family?  What do you want the culture to be like?  The weather?  Is there an area of the country in which you might find greater job opportunities in the future?  These are all important questions to ask yourself when it comes time to make a decision.  If possible, visit the areas in which your potential programs are located to get a better idea of what life there will be like.

Cost

Continuing your education is an investment, but that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to decades of debt.  Depending on the degree you’re seeking, there will be different levels of financial support available to you.  Many doctoral students receive tuition remission, and are often offered stipends, grants, or assistantships.  There is less financial support for a student seeking a Master’s degree, but it is still possible to obtain scholarships, work-study, and teaching assistantships.  Speak with financial aid officers for the programs you’re considering to get a better idea of what opportunities you might have for aid.

Though this is not an exhaustive list of factors to consider when selecting your graduate program, it can help you narrow down your choices.  The earlier you begin your search, the more time you will have to determine what you really want to get out of furthering your education, and the more likely you are to find the best program for you.