MAKING THE DECISION
The decision to attend graduate or professional school should be given much thought. You are committing to focused, intentional research and studies that will last from two to eight years or more (depending on your selected program and focus area). Use the following guide to help evaluate your decision to pursue a graduate degree and complete the application process.
Strong Reasons to Attend Graduate School
You have a definite passion for concentrated learning about the selected area of study.
Your target professional interest requires a graduate degree.
Career advancement in your chosen career path necessitates an advanced degree.
Poor Reasons to Attend Graduate School
You don’t know what else to do after graduation.
You believe job options don’t exist with your undergraduate degree.
You don’t want to enter the world of work.
You are unsatisfied with your current job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a graduate degree?
There are many careers that do not require an advanced degree. In fact, you may better be served with an internship or related work experience. First ask yourself, have you thought about your future career and established any career goals? Graduate school usually does not define your career choices. Remember a graduate education requires time and money (possibly loans). Make sure you are selecting an area of personal interest, one that will help you enhance your career direction – one worth your time and money. We encourage you to visit the Matthews Center for Career Development to discuss your career interests and graduate education plan.
Should I pursue graduate school immediately after earning my undergraduate degree?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. You know your career goals, work ethic, motivation and personality. following ideas when deciding.
Waiting to Attend Graduate School
Many students choose to pursue other opportunities after undergrad before applying to graduate school, such as work, fellowship, internship or travel. Doing so allows you the chance to gain experience, explore the world of work or take a break from the academic environment.
Post-graduation experience adds a professional element to your graduate school application. Some programs (MBA, for example) often require demonstrated work experience of their applicants. Additionally, waiting affords you time to solidify your career goals and research graduate programs to help you achieve them.
Pursuing Graduate School Immediately After Graduation
If you are certain of your career goals, and further education is required to achieve them, heading to graduate school right after graduation makes sense. Students also often say they’ll be better able to focus on graduate studies while still in “student mode” right after graduation. Additionally, as you age you assume more life roles (partner, parent, employee, etc.). With more roles comes more responsibilities that might impact your abilities to focus on studies.
Should I pursue a Masters or a PhD?
Masters and PhD degrees are awarded in a variety of fields. A masters degree is the first level of graduate study and allows concentration within a specific field. A full-time master’s program usually lasts two years. A PhD can take an average of five or six years to complete, but may take more depending on exams, research and/or dissertations. PhD candidates may complete coursework and spend time afterward completing research in their chosen discipline.
Factors such as time commitment, cost and external responsibilities (family, finances, etc.) impact your choice. Career interests are a primary influence. Many professions require advanced knowledge and training that is obtained through a master’s degree program. Others, however, ultimately necessitate earning a PhD. Review your career interests through research and informational interviewing to help you decide.
How do I find the right school/program?
Factors to Consider
When choosing programs to which you wish to apply, there are many factors to consider. It’s tempting to use graduate school rankings as a way to evaluate programs. Program rankings can help inform your decision but shouldn’t be used as the sole criteria.
Other factors that should weigh into your selections:
Cost: Obviously you want to graduate with the least amount of debt possible.
How much do tuition and fees cost (including books/required program supplies, living expenses)? What is the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition?
What financial aid is available in addition to loans (scholarships, teaching/research assistantships, work study)?
What is the area’s estimated cost of living? For example, Charlotte cost of living is significantly different than that of Washington, DC. Such differences impact rent, food prices, entertainment, just to name a few.
Faculty: In graduate school faculty serve as valuable partners and advocates for your studies and professional development.
What is the faculty/student ratio?
What are their credentials with regard to grants or special recognition?
Do faculty members possess expertise in your specific area of interest?
Where have they published or what research have they done?
Environment: This will be your home for at least the next two years, if not more.
Are you looking for an international or domestic graduate program? If within the United States, do you have a geographic preference?
Would you like to attend a small, medium or large-sized institution?
Do you prefer an urban, suburban or rural setting?
What type of weather suits you? Do you want to experience all four seasons, a heavy dose of winter or sun and warmth all year long?
Facilities: When evaluating programs, pay attention to resources available to you.
What is the size of your specific program of interest? Even large universities have small graduate programs. Does this matter to you?
What is the availability of computers, laboratories, seminar rooms?
Will you have access (online or books) to substantial reference material in your area of specialization?
Campus culture: The campus itself will be your core community.
What opportunities exist for graduate students to connect? Examples include program-specific student groups as well as campus-wide organizations.
What entertainment activities are offered (arts, culture, sports, seminars)?
How diverse is the institution (student body, faculty, staff)?
Career and professional development: While enrolled and after graduating, how does the college/university or program support your professional goals?
Is funding available for students to attend professional conferences?
What career planning assistance is provided through the department?
Does the institution’s career services office work with graduate students?
What statistics are available regarding job search success upon graduation?
What career assistance is provided to alumni?
Resources to Consult
When you’re evaluating programs to apply to – and ultimately accept an offer of admission from- there are many resources that can help.
Online
Davidson Connect: Research Davidson alumni who have attended your graduate school and/or program of interest.
Websites for individual schools or programs
Social Media: Many university graduate schools (and even specific programs) maintain an active LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram presence. You can often find the most recent information about events and activities here.
In Person
Davidson faculty
Faculty in your target institutions/programs
Current students and alumni from your schools of interest
Career services professionals (both at Davidson and your target graduate schools)
Visit schools of interest. Tour the campus and surrounding area. Check out the library and other resources. Talk to faculty and current students. A campus visit can help determine which schools make your final list of those to which you want to apply.
What questions should I be asking?
What are my long-term goals and how will this degree help me accomplish those goals?
What career paths do graduates typically follow?
Are graduate placement statistics available?
Are program requirements full time or part time?
What career & professional development resources are available?
What internship, fellowship, or clinical opportunities are offered?
What is the reputation of the program within the field? • What is the cost of living in the area?
What financial aid or scholarships are available?