What to Consider When Considering Graduate School

Wherever you are in your college journey, chances are that you may have considered graduate school at one time or another. It could be a serious consideration – especially depending on how close you are to graduation – or more of a thought that simply crossed your mind. Either way, graduate school can give undergraduate students a lot to think about. Choosing schools to apply to, deciding what program to enroll in, and even making the choice between pursuing a degree or not can be stressful for students getting used to the independence of making their own academic decisions. There may not be a “one-size-fits-all" guide for students wanting to further their education, but some general considerations can make the process much easier.  

The first and arguably most difficult decision to make is whether to attend graduate school at all. In many cases, further education is a commitment that lasts several years, requires thousands of dollars, and a lot of hard work. To answer this question, ask yourself whether your ideal career would require you to attend graduate school. If you can get a job that will make you happy with only a bachelor’s degree, then do not feel obligated to pursue further education. Although some fields or careers do require their employees to hold a degree or certificate past an undergraduate degree, many do not. In other fields, graduate degrees may provide opportunities for higher pay and job security, and advancement. Again, however, this is not ubiquitous to all areas of study.  

Attending graduate school can, in some cases, conflict with a student’s preferred lifestyle. Some graduate students may choose to delay getting married or having children due to graduate school's time requirements. In addition, the financial burden of paying for school can delay buying a house or saving money. One must weigh the possible benefits of attending graduate school against the drawbacks like these to make their final decision.  

Another factor in considering furthering one’s education is the amount of work that it can require. A master’s degree, which can take two or more years, generally requires 30 to 60 hours of coursework, as well as a master’s thesis, internship or practicum hours, or a capstone project. A PhD typically takes longer, averaging between four and seven years. These programs usually require coursework, exams, and a final project called a “dissertation,” which is an original body of research created by the student. Likewise, other graduate degrees, such as an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine), J.D. (Juris Doctor), MSW (Master of Social Work) or MBA (Master of Business Administration) require work at similar levels to these.  

For many students, graduate school is a fantastic option; it challenges them intellectually and allows them to contribute original work to a specialized field in which their interests lie. Therefore, students who know that they want to attend graduate school should consider their passions and where they fit with a degree that’s offered at a school they want to attend. They should decide on a school based on several factors: distance from home, student body size and the availability of graduate assistantships, among others.  

Earning a graduate degree can confer numerous benefits on students, including higher pay ranges, lower rates of unemployment, and opportunities for advancement within one’s field. Students should consider whether they may be required to have a graduate degree to practice their “dream” job. For example, students who want to become college professors, physicians or dentists must attend graduate school to achieve a position in their desired profession. 

Finally, prospective graduate students should consider what the graduate school admissions process will require of them. They should explore standardized tests like the MCAT, LSAT, or GRE, which may be required to be considered for acceptance, as well as GPA requirements and the average statistics of students who were accepted into their program of choice. They should also ask themselves whether their physical and/or mental health will respond favorably to the workload of graduate school and its associated changes in lifestyle.  

Graduate school is a significant consideration and a considerable commitment. However, it’s also one of the best educational choices that many students make in their academic careers that offers myriad benefits and opportunities for growth in a field of one’s choosing.  

Interested in beginning your postsecondary educational journey at Concordia University, Nebraska? Learn more here.