Graduate School

2. Investigating Programs

  • Check out specific departments at the Universities you have selected – Which areas of study are they engaged in, what faculty members are doing research that interests you, etc.
  • Talk to currently enrolled graduate students.
  • Communicate with the Faculty members at the Universities you are investigating – What is their alma matter, what are their research areas, is grant money available, and what research opportunities exist, etc.
  • What are existing standards for application? How competitive is the acceptance process?
  • Contact the graduate program directly, visit the campus.
  • Based upon your research, make a list of schools that match your list of criteria. The following items may assist you in judging the educational quality of the graduate program:
    • Faculty
      • Academic training
      Research activity and productivity
      Teaching effectiveness
      Interaction with students
    • Students
      • Academic ability at entrance
      Achievements, knowledge, skills at time of degree completion
      Professional accomplishments of graduates
      Judgments and satisfaction on program quality
    • Resources
      Library
      • Financial support
      Laboratory equipment and facilities
      Computer facilities
    • Operations
      • Purpose of the program
      Course and program offerings
      Admission policies
      Program leadership and decision-making
      Job placement of graduates
      Student-faculty interaction
      Internships, assistantships, and other opportunities for relevant student experiences

 

 

 

 

 

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