The first step is deciding to pursue a graduate degree. The second step is choosing one. This process can be intimidating, but this guide will walk you through how to choose a graduate program and how to set yourself up for success.
Taking the next step in your education journey means making a commitment to yourself and to your future. With so many graduate schools to choose from, it can be difficult to know what the best option is for you.
Deciding whether or not to go to graduate school in the first place can be challenging to figure out. Graduate certificates are also an option for those who want to hone a specific skill set and — in many cases — can be completed along the way to a master’s degree.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, enrollment in master’s and doctoral programs is on the rise and is projected to be 6 percent higher in 2030 than in 2020 (3.3 million vs. 3.1 million students, respectively).
This blog post will offer a few tips on how to choose a graduate program that fits both your goals and your lifestyle, as well as what will help set you on the pathway to success.
Deciding what to study in graduate school is no easy task. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose a subject area and degree program that aligns with your interests, goals, and lifestyle.
This complete guide will walk you through the key steps to take when figuring out what to study at the graduate level. Follow this process, and you’ll be on the path to enrolling in a fulfilling graduate program.
Examine Your Academic Interests
First, reflect on topics and subject areas you’ve enjoyed learning about in the past, both in school and through independent learning.
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Make a list of your favorite classes from high school or college. What did you love about these classes?
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Think about what subjects inspire you and get you excited to learn more
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Consider any academic extracurricular activities or organizations you participated in What kinds of projects did you work on or research did you conduct?
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Reflect on books, documentaries, podcasts, and other materials you’ve engaged with in your personal time. What topics stood out to you?
Looking back at your academic experiences so far will provide insight into your natural interests and passions. These are good starting points when deciding what to study at the graduate level.
Determine Career Opportunities You’d Like to Pursue
Another factor to consider is your ideal career trajectory. Determine what types of jobs interest you and what you hope to do after completing a graduate program.
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Research job descriptions and qualifications for roles that appeal to you. See what skills, education level, and experience is required or preferred.
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Reach out to professionals in your desired field to learn more about their graduate school experiences and how it prepared them for their career. You can connect on LinkedIn or schedule informational interviews.
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Talk to your undergraduate career counseling office to get their perspective on how further education could enhance your employability in your field of choice.
Once you identify careers of interest, you can shape your graduate school search around the programs that will best prepare you for those roles. Aligning your studies with your professional aspirations will provide extra motivation too!
Identify What Type of Degree You Need
There are a few main types of graduate degrees, each with their own purpose:
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Master’s degrees take 1-3 years to complete and provide advanced training in an academic or professional discipline. Pursuing a master’s opens up career options and higher pay.
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MBA programs take 2 years and build business acumen and leadership skills. An MBA leads to business and management roles.
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Law school takes 3 years and qualifies graduates to sit for the bar exam and practice law.
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Medical school takes 4 years and trains students to become physicians. Graduates can apply for residencies in their specialty.
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PhD programs take 4+ years finishing with a dissertation. They prepare students for academic and research careers.
Once you identify your goals, you can narrow down the type of graduate degree that makes the most strategic sense. A master’s degree is the most common for those looking to enhance their career prospects.
Figure Out What Degree Program Will Help You Achieve Your Goals
Within degree types, there are still so many graduate program options out there. Here are some considerations when selecting a specific degree path:
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Subject matter: Does the program align with your academic interests and support your career goals? Look for an area of focus that excites you.
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Program format: Would you prefer full-time or part-time? Online or in person? Cohort model or self-paced? Think about what schedule works for you.
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Program length: How long do you want your graduate studies to take? 1 year? 2-3 years? Factor in the time commitment.
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Cost: What tuition costs seem reasonable for your budget? Make sure to research scholarships and financial aid.
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School reputation/ranking: Does the program have strong career outcomes and reputation? Highly selective schools can open doors.
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Location: Do you need to attend in person or can you do an online program? Will you need to relocate?
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Student experience: Will you get mentorship, research, or networking opportunities? Look for a supportive environment.
By weighing all of these factors, you can find a degree program that checks your key boxes for subject matter, format, cost, outcomes, experience, and more.
Research Graduate Schools in Your Area
Once you’ve narrowed down the type of degree and subject area you want to study, the next step is researching schools that offer those programs.
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Start local. Search for graduate programs at colleges and universities in your city or region. On-campus programs allow for networking and in-person support.
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Look nationally too. Many graduate degrees are offered online, giving you flexibility. Widening your search can lead to more options.
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Utilize graduate school rankings to find top programs in your desired field of study. Higher ranked schools may provide more career doors.
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Check out each school’s website to learn about academics, student outcomes, program format, admission requirements, and more. This will help assess fit.
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Talk to enrolled students or alumni to gain insights about academics, program experience, career prep, and whether they recommend the program.
Researching a range of graduate school options will allow you to find programs that align with your location needs, learning priorities, and post-graduate goals.
How to Finalize Your Graduate School Choice
By following this step-by-step process to determine what to study and where, you’ll gather all the information you need to make an informed graduate school decision.
Here are a few final tips when deciding on a graduate program:
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Make a pros and cons list for your top choices to visually compare them.
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Determine if you meet the admission requirements for each program.
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Ask current students and alumni if the program met their expectations.
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Schedule campus visits for on-campus programs still under consideration. Get a feel for each school.
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Evaluate total costs, funding options, and return on investment for each option.
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Trust your gut. Which program feels like the best fit based on all your research?
The graduate program you choose sets the foundation for your post-graduate career and continued education. Weigh all the factors carefully, stay true to your goals and interests, and you’ll select a program where you’ll thrive!
Quality of Faculty and Instructors
“Whatever your ultimate goal may be, learning from faculty at the top of their fields or with extensive academic and research experience will help set you up for success,” says Lonergan.
Graduate faculty and instructors should teach a curriculum that is up-to-date and provides you with the knowledge you need to be successful on your next steps.
Lifestyle and Program Format
Most adults who are working full time in addition to balancing family responsibilities likely do not have time to take two to three years off to complete a graduate degree program. You may find online classes or alternate class schedules work best for you.
Most IMPORTANT Considerations for Graduate School | How To Pick the BEST Grad Program For You
FAQ
How to figure out what to study in graduate school?
How do I decide what to study in graduate school?
Examine your academic interests When deciding what to study in graduate school, first consider your academic interests. You may choose to continue your studies from your undergraduate degree or take a completely different academic path.
How do I choose a graduate school?
With a stronger idea of what you want to research, you can apply to graduate schools and enroll with the confidence you’re pursuing the right course of study for you. Learn what graduate school is, why candidates decide to attend graduate school and how to decide exactly what you want to study through an 8-step guide.
How do I find out if a grad school is a good school?
Contact graduate schools to find information about the average class size, as well as information on what resources each grad school provides to help graduate students succeed, such as career support, mentorship opportunities, professional development, and advising. Most graduate schools will also have this information posted on their websites.
How do you know if a graduate program is right for You?
If their stories inspire you, that’s a positive sign the graduate program may be a good fit for you as well. School websites will also often include profiles on current grad students and alumni, which can give you a sense of their academic experiences and career outcomes. Many alums are eager to share their experiences.
