Guide to Exploring Graduate School

Choosing to pursue graduate education is a decision that should be made carefully and thoughtfully, as graduate school can require significant time and financial resources. 

Below is an overview of four factors to keep in mind when considering this decision. For each factor, there are important questions to ask yourself, as well as suggested action steps to help you begin to answer these questions. 

Factors to Consider 

Program Specifics 

Consider the degree options, duration and format, accreditation, applied opportunities, licensure preparation, and career aspiration alignment of each program. 

• What degree(s) are offered? Do these align with your professional aspirations and requirements within your industry? 
• How long is the program? 
• Does the program offer both full-time and part-time enrollment options?  
• Are there additional certificates, concentrations, or foci within the program that students can pursue to specialize within their program? 
• Are the program’s available applied opportunities (e.g., internship, practicum, clinical, etc.) a good match for your aspirations? 
• Is the program cohort-based? If so, how large is each cohort? 
• If applicable to your industry, does the program have the necessary accreditation(s)? 
• If you are seeking licensure or certification in your field, will the program prepare you to be eligible? 
• Is this program a match with your professional interests and goals? 

Curriculum & Faculty 

Consider the coursework that is both required and elective as well as the faculty you would be learning from and researching alongside. 

• What coursework is offered through the program? 
  • To what extent is the curriculum predetermined? 
  • Do students have the opportunity to select specific courses that are of interest to them? 
  • Does the curriculum focus more on theoretical foundations or on practical applications? 
  • What makes the curriculum in one program unique from other programs? 
  • Does the curriculum integrate current trends, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary approaches relevant to today’s job market? 
• What instructional methods (lectures, seminars, online modules, etc.) are most used by the program? 
• How research-oriented or research-focused is the program? Are graduate students expected to contribute to research, or is it an optional component of the program? 
• Are current faculty members active in the field (i.e., publishing in journals in which you would like to be published, attending conferences, and presenting their findings)? 
  • Do any of the faculty members specialize in your niche area of interest? 
  • What supports does the program provide for graduate students in pursuing professional activities, such as publications, presentations, and conferences? 

Finances & Logistics 

Consider the financial resources required, sources of funding available, and other logistics associated with starting a new degree. 

• What is the cost to attend this graduate program? 
  • Does the program offer opportunities for financial assistance, including stipends, fellowships, assistantships, and/or scholarships? 
  • Are graduate student employees at the university unionized? 
  • Would you need to take out loans to finance your graduate degree? Do you have any existing loans? 
• Are students able to work part- or full-time while enrolled in the program (consider program commitments, etc.)? 
• Where is the program located geographically? 
  • Is it in an urban, rural, or suburban setting? 
  • How close are nearby grocery stores, airports, train stations, medical offices, daycare, schools, places of worship, or other key resources?  
  • What are the transportation options to/from campus and local resources?  
• Is the program offered in-person, online, hybrid, or in multiple formats? 
• Does the university offer on-campus housing, or will you be looking for housing off-campus? 
  • Where do most graduate students in the program live? 

Program Culture & Atmosphere 

Consider the academic and social culture of the university, specifically for graduate students. 

• Does the institution offer student activities or other campus involvement opportunities for graduate students? 
• What resources are available to support graduate students in this program? 
• What kind of academic culture does the program have (e.g., competitive, cooperative, etc.)? 
• What is the social culture in this program or at this institution? 
• What has the school or department done to create an inclusive environment for diverse populations of students? 
• Do the program’s and/or institution’s values align with your personal values? 
• Are there any opportunities to visit campus before applying? 

Suggested Action Steps 

1. Research your field. 

Take some time to learn about typical career trajectories in your area of interest and determine how necessary it is for you to pursue graduate education. Also try to determine whether it would be best to pursue graduate education immediately after completing your undergraduate education or if having work experience before attending graduate school is valued in your field. 

Some specific reflection questions related to this action step include: 

• What are my short- and long-term career goals? 
• Is a graduate degree essential for my desired career path? 
• Should I go to graduate school right after completing my undergraduate education or first pursue work experience? 

2. Gather information about graduate programs.  

Look at specific programs to get an accurate sense of what graduate education would look like for you. Spend time on program websites exploring information about cost, curriculum, faculty, and application requirements. It may also be helpful to seek advice from professors, career coaches, and alumni to help inform your decision. 

Some specific reflection questions related to this action step include: 

• Do I have an accurate understanding of what graduate school looks like in my field? 
• What additional information do I need to make the best decision? 
• Have I gathered advice or input from trusted mentors to help me make this decision? 

3. Assess your readiness. 

Based on what you have learned throughout your research, determine whether you are ready for graduate school. Readiness may look different to each student but often is dependent on mental, emotional, and financial factors. 

Some specific reflection questions related to this action step include: 

• Am I financially prepared for graduate school right now? 
• Do I feel ready to commit to the demands of graduate education? 
• Are there other pursuits I want to explore, such as travel, volunteering, or an internship? 
• Could work experience provide clarity or a competitive edge for my application? 
• Do I have a strong support system in place to help me navigate graduate school challenges?