Graduate school is a significant commitment that requires research, planning, and self-reflection. For some career paths, such as law, medicine, or mental health counseling, a graduate degree is required. In other fields, graduate study may be optional but can enhance career advancement and leadership opportunities.
Attending graduate school should be a purposeful decision, not simply a way to postpone career choices. Students who carefully match what they want from their graduate education with what a particular program offers are generally more satisfied with their choice. Before applying, clarify your career goals and determine how graduate study aligns with them. The Center for Career Development and Internships (CDI) can help you evaluate your options.
Resources for Research
Online tools for identifying and researching programs are incredibly useful, but they may spotlight paid advertisements before you find the comprehensive listing of all available programs. The best starting point is to visit Dacus Library (or your local public library) and ask a librarian for assistance! Useful online guides include:
Curriculum & Courses
Review each program’s required coursework and course sequencing to ensure the curriculum provides the knowledge, training, and skills you need to achieve your career goals. Get advice from faculty members in those disciplines here at Winthrop. What programs do they recommend and why? Look at the balance of required courses and electives, and consider whether the program offers concentrations, specializations, or experiential learning opportunities that align with your professional interests. A strong program should not only match your academic strengths but also prepare you with the competencies employers or advanced fields of study expect.
Faculty
At the graduate level, aligning your interests with faculty expertise is crucial. Working closely with a professor whose research matches your area of focus may be more valuable than attending a prestigious institution.
Admission Standards
Graduate admissions can be competitive. Consider:
Current Students
Peer interactions play a major role in graduate education. Research the demographics of the program:
Accreditation & Program Reputation
Accreditation is essential and may affect licensure or employment eligibility. Program and faculty reputation also matter. Speak with your current faculty as well as professionals in your desired field of study to learn which programs are considered strong.
Program Length & Progress Requirements
Consider how long it will realistically take to complete your degree, especially if you plan to work while enrolled. Program timelines may differ from the advertised “expected” time to completion. Ask about:
|
Program Type |
Typical Duration |
Coursework |
Capstone Requirement |
Outcomes |
|
Graduate Certificate |
6 months-1.5 years (part-time: up to 2 years) |
3-6 courses (9-18 credit hours), often focused on a specialized skill set or subfield |
Typically no thesis; may require a final project or portfolio |
Provides targeted skill development; can enhance employability or prepare for a master’s program |
|
Master’s Degree |
1-2 years full-time (longer part-time) |
~30-45 credit hours (about 10-15 courses) |
Many programs require a capstone project, thesis, or comprehensive exam |
Prepares for professional advancement; may qualify graduates to teach at the undergraduate level (especially in community colleges) |
|
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., etc.) |
4-7 years after bachelor’s (3-5 years after a master’s) |
Varies: 60-90 credits beyond bachelor’s (often ~30 beyond a master’s) |
Dissertation required in most research-focused programs; professional doctorates may substitute with a capstone or applied project |
Prepares graduates as subject-matter experts; eligible for advanced research roles, teaching at all levels, and leadership positions |
|
Post-Master’s Certificate |
1-2 years |
3-6 courses (often 12-18 credits) |
Usually no thesis; may require a portfolio or project |
Designed for professionals who already hold a master’s and want to deepen expertise or meet licensure/credentialing requirements |
Professional degrees like the JD (law), MD/DO (medicine), DVM (veterinary medicine), PharmD (pharmacy), DDS/DMD (dentistry), and DPT (physical therapy) don’t fit neatly into the “master’s/doctorate” research model. They are typically considered first professional degrees, meaning they prepare graduates for direct entry into licensed professional practice.
Graduate education can be expensive. Investigate funding options early:
Research field-specific funding (e.g., NSF grants for sciences), consult your university’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and use library resources to explore scholarship databases.
Entrance Exams
Many graduate and professional schools require standardized exam scores of potential graduate students. Requirements vary depending upon the school and the specific program.
Begin preparation early. Explore prep resources from the test providers, Princeton Review, and Kaplan. Some colleges offer test prep courses as well.
Transcripts
Admissions committees consider GPA, rigor of coursework, and institutional reputation, alongside other application materials.
Essays & Personal Statements
A personal statement (also called a statement of purpose) introduces you to the admissions committee and explains your motivations for pursuing graduate study. It highlights your academic background, relevant experiences, professional goals, and why a particular program is the right fit for you. Unlike a resume, the personal statement gives context to your accomplishments and allows you to demonstrate writing ability, critical thinking, and alignment with the program’s mission. A strong statement should tell your story in a professional way, sharing what shaped your interests and goals, without being too casual. Balance how much you share personally and ensure the emphasis is on your educational preparation and experience.
Letters of Recommendation
Strong letters of recommendation should come from individuals who know your academic or professional abilities well and can speak to your qualifications for graduate study. Ideally, this includes professors in your major field, research supervisors, or employers who can address skills relevant to the program. Avoid asking family members, friends, or others who cannot provide an objective, detailed assessment of your readiness for graduate school. Request at least one month in advance; as soon as you realize you might like to apply to a graduate program, start talking to people about their willingness to provide a recommendation and the lead time they would prefer. Provide them with your resume or CV, a draft of your personal statement, and program details.
Resume vs. CV
Admissions Interviews
Some programs require interviews. Treat these as professional job interviews: research the program, prepare to articulate your interests and goals, and practice with a Career Coach in a mock interview.
With the variety and flexibility of graduate, professional, and continuing education options, there is no one timeline to follow. Consider the following examples for an overview, then when you begin researching specific degrees and programs, build your timeline accordingly.
If you still aren't sure if graduate school or professional school will contribute to your career goals, need help deciding which programs to apply to or want assistance writing your statement of purpose you can make an appointment with a member of our team.
