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Is Graduate School For Me?

There are several considerations to consider when thinking about graduate school such as professional requirements and advancement, finances, time commitments and stress. By taking time to answer the following five areas of consideration, you will be able to better decide if graduate school is for you.

Am I going into a field that requires more than an undergraduate degree?

If you need certification, licensure, or an advanced degree for your chosen profession, graduate school is a path you will need to prepare for. Certain professions require additional schooling after completion of an undergraduate degree (law, medicine, and psychology for example). Management positions in the corporate climate often require an MBA degree. Reference occupational directories to find out what education or training the profession you are looking into requires. If you are entering a field that requires an advanced degree you should begin graduate school soon after you complete your undergraduate degree—which means that preparation starts early.

Does my chosen occupation require graduate study for advancement?

Some professions require advanced degrees for pay increases, promotions, and other added benefits. Teachers with advanced degrees, for example, may be eligible for promotions, pay increases, and tenure. If you are going into a profession where an advanced degree is not required for an entry-level position, but is required for advancement graduate school may not be an immediate concern after graduation.

How will I pay for it?

Graduate school tuition may be thousands of dollars per year. Books costing hundreds of dollars and a laptop computer required by some programs are other expenses to take into account. Think through various loan, grant, and work options when it comes to funding graduate school classes. Some employers provide benefits packages that include paid or reduced tuition. Benefits that include professional development might be something to look for when applying for employment after completing an undergraduate degree.

How much time will it require?

Prepare for at least two years of full time study at the master’s level and four to six years on the doctoral level. Doctoral programs usually include academic course work, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation. Use your time wisely so that you can create a balance between school, work, home, and leisure time. If you find yourself becoming stressed and overwhelmed, you may wish to extend your graduation timetable.

What do I do about stress?

It is important to think about the stress involved in graduate school. Stress may result from financial concerns, academic workloads and competitiveness, long study hours, deadlines, and time constraints. These may interfere with relationships involving family and friends as well as cutting into personal leisure time. If you find yourself developing an increase of alcohol use, irritability, or depression you should seek help from the counselors on your university campus.