Graduate school can open up doors, but for many people, it can also be a challenging decision with serious personal and financial implications. We can help you identify whether grad school is your best option, how to find the right school for you, and how to put together a compelling application.
Why go to graduate school?
For occupations such as accountancy, health, education, law, and engineering, further study is often necessary for professional certification and licensure. Graduate school can be a great option for students who wish to gain specialized knowledge or skills, access higher-paying opportunities, or go into an industry that requires an advanced degree.
Questions to consider:
- What are the job prospects and earning potential in my field after graduation with and without an advanced degree? Are they typically required?
- Is the program a good fit with my life, values, and next steps?
- Graduate degrees are typically very specialized. Do I feel confident in the direction I am going?
- Am I prepared for the academic and personal challenges of graduate school?
- Can I afford the cost of grad school? Are there funding options available?
Types of advanced degrees
Master’s degree
A master’s degree is a common next step after a bachelor’s degree which typically takes 1-2 years. It is often used to narrow down a specialized focus or gain additional skills for a position. One option for students is accelerated programs, which allow students to begin graduate coursework while completing the bachelor’s degree.
Doctoral degree
A doctorate is the highest traditional academic degree and can take several years of study (or more!) The most common types are Doctor of Education (Ed.D) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Candidates are expected to conduct research and write and defend a dissertation.
Professional degree
Professional degrees allow students to become licensed in specialized fields such as law (Juris Doctor or J.D.) and medicine (Doctor of Medicine or M.D.). Often, these jobs will have additional work requirements such as residency for medical students.
Specialist degree
Specialist degrees are more advanced than a master’s degree but less advanced than a doctorate. It is usually intended for individuals seeking to advance their credentials. Specialist degrees are often found in the fields of education and psychology.
