Once you have made the decision to go to graduate school, the next step is to research programs that match your interests and fit your needs. Do not limit yourself at this point, but instead gather information on a broad range of programs.

Gathering Information

• Talk to faculty members on Campus and at other institutions that teach in the field you plan to pursue or seek the help of a career counselor; they can often provide you with the best information that will help steer you in the direction of good programs.
• Since most universities have websites, the Internet is a great resource to find information quickly and easily. Some sites will provide complete information, while others may tell you where to get additional information.
• Contact programs directly to get detailed information such as courses, professors, costs, financial aid and application forms.
• Read professional and academic journals related to your areas of interests.

Deciding Where to Apply

• After researching your options, the next step is to decide where to apply. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating programs.
• The Reputation of the Faculty: What are their academic degrees, credentials and research specialties? What is the student/faculty ratio? Some faculty may have homepages that include some of the above information.
• The Quality of the Program: This is measured by many different factors such as talking to several faculty members and graduate students in the field you are planning to pursue regarding the various graduate programs available. You may choose to look at graduate school rankings to help you assess a program’s quality, however you need to realize that the rankings may be based on criteria that are different from your own as well as many scholars, deans, and advisors question the validity of such rankings.
• Financial Cost of the Program: What are the opportunities for fellowships, assistantships, or scholarships? What other sources of financial aid are available?
• The Program Requirements: Are you eligible to meet admission requirements in terms of GPA test scores, undergraduate coursework, and specific entrance examinations?
• Available Course Offerings: Are courses you need to fulfill for the degree frequently offered? Will they help you meet your professional or educational goals?
• Facilities: Consider the quality of on-site facilities such as libraries, computer labs, and research facilities.
• Employment: Where are graduates of the program working, and how much are they earning?
• Student Life: Consider the diversity of students, student organizations, housing, and campus support services.