Research and Evaluate Programs
Finding Programs
- Talk to professors, instructors, and advisors.
- Search online resources like Peterson's and Gradschools.
- Considering graduate schools abroad? Check out the Learning Abroad Center for get tips on pursuing graduate school abroad.
- Ask grad students and professionals for ideas.
Evaluate Schools for Fit
- Reputation of the faculty - What are their academic degrees/credentials and research specialties? What is the student/faculty ratio? Look at faculty websites if available.
- Quality of the program - This is measured by many different factors, many of which are mentioned below. You may choose to look at graduate school rankings to help you assess a program's quality; however, the rankings may be based on criteria that are different from your own. In addition, many scholars, deans, and advisors question the validity of such rankings.
- Financial costs - What are the opportunities for fellowships, assistantships, or scholarships? What other sources of financial aid are available?
- Admission requirements - GPA, test scores, undergraduate coursework, specific entrance examinations, etc.
- Available course offerings - Are courses you need to fulfill degree requirements frequently offered? Will the course offerings help you meet your professional or educational goals?
- Employment - Where are graduates of the program working, and how much are they earning?
- Facilities - Consider the quality of on-site facilities such as libraries, computer labs, and research facilities.
- Geographic location - Will studying in a particular location help you meet personal or professional goals?
- Student life - Consider the diversity of students, student organizations, housing, and campus support services.
Credit: UC-Berkeley Graduate School - How Do I Choose a School?