Once you have decided to go to graduate school, your next challenge is to choose programs to apply to. Although you know what field you are interested in, you will need to become aware of all the ins-and-outs and nuances of your field in order to choose a program that is right for you. Don’t assume that all programs in a given field have the same focus.
You will also need to know whether you are going for a Master’s or a Doctorate. Although you might be able to change your mind and shorten or extend your education, knowing to start with how far you want to go can be a big plus in making sure you find the right program. (If you are applying to a Ph.D. program, be aware that some schools, but not all, will grant you a Master’s degree if you drop out of the program with sufficient credits.)
Think about what you will want to do with your degree. If you want
to teach at the university level, you will definitely need a Doctorate.
Speak to professors in your department – several of them – and ask
them what they know about different programs. Realize up front that
teaching opportunities for professors are few and far between, and
the competition is stiff. If you really want to go this route, pick
an institution with a strong reputation in the field.
If you want to use your degree in a work setting, chances are you will want to stop at the Master’s level. Think about the kinds of jobs you might ultimately be interested in. Do some research on the education and experience needed for those jobs, then investigate programs accordingly.
When choosing schools, think about some of the factors below. Some are more important when choosing an institution for pursuit of a Doctorate, but they can also be used when choosing an institution to pursue a Master’s. Some might be more important to you personally than others. There is no “one right way” to choose a graduate program, but it is important to think through your own reasons.
- The academic focus of the program
- The faculty – what are their research interests? What experiences do they bring?
- Location, facilities, and proximity to other institutions, researchers, and libraries
- The reputation of the program – and the faculty – in your field
- Costs – tuition, living expenses, etc.
- The feel – is it a place you can spend several years in, and be happy?
Use books, the internet, professors, colleagues, and professional associations to learn about programs in your area of interest.
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