So, you've decided on going to graduate school, but you aren't sure what steps to take and when to do them.
In the following sections, you will find resources to help you explore programs, including program types, admissions requirements, and reaching out to potential faculty.
The first step, however, is do decipher what type of program you want to apply to and what types of funding you can receive.
Master of Science (MS) - Non-Thesis
Coursework: Emphasizes completing a predetermined set of courses and sometimes a capstone project.
Professional Development: Designed to enhance practical skills and knowledge in a specific field.
Timeline: Typically completed in 1.5 to 2 years, depending on the program and enrollment status.
Professional Application: Ideal for students seeking to enter industry or pursue careers where a research focus may not be necessary.
Flexibility: Provides flexibility in course selection and completion, accommodating students with specific career interests.
Master of Science (MS) - With Thesis
Research Emphasis: Includes coursework and independent research leading to a thesis under faculty supervision.
Timeline: Typically takes 2 to 3 years to complete, depending on the research and thesis requirements.
Research Skills: Develops advanced research skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and scholarly writing.
Publication Potential: Offers opportunities for publishing research findings in academic journals, enhancing academic credentials.
Career Paths: Positions in research institutions, government agencies, or industry R&D departments.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Original Research: Emphasizes independent and original research contributing to the field's knowledge base.
Timeline: Typically takes 4 to 6 years to complete, including coursework, qualifying exams, and dissertation research.
Career Flexibility: Opens doors to academia, industry research, government positions, and leadership roles. You may want to think about the "overqualification" issues for future job avenues.
Career Paths - Academia: Faculty positions at universities or colleges. Research Leadership: Leading research teams in academic, industry, or government settings. Consulting and Policy: Roles in consulting firms, think tanks, or policy organizations requiring deep expertise.
For more information on types of degrees, check out GradSchool.com's Degree Guide.
Research Assistant (RA)
RAs primarily work on research projects, either independently or as part of a research team. Responsibilities may include data collection and analysis, conducting experiments, literature reviews, writing research papers, and presenting findings.
Stipend: RAs usually receive a stipend for their research work, which can help cover living expenses.
Tuition Waiver: Many RA positions come with a tuition waiver, reducing or eliminating the cost of tuition for the student.
Grants and Scholarships: Research funding often comes from grants and scholarships awarded to the faculty advisor or research project.
Note: Some schools also classify a group of RAs as Research Fellows (RFs) which usually means the graduate student brought their own funding.
Teaching Assistant (TA)
TAs assist in teaching undergraduate or sometimes graduate courses, helping with various instructional duties. Responsibilities may include leading discussion sections, grading assignments and exams, holding office hours, and assisting with lecture preparation. More often than not, TAs are also completing research outside of their teaching duties.
Stipend: TAs typically receive a stipend for their teaching duties, which helps cover living expenses.
Tuition Waiver: Many TA positions include a tuition waiver, reducing or eliminating the cost of tuition for the student.
Departmental Funding: TA funding usually comes from the academic department’s budget.