Graduate School Prep
There are many reasons to pursue a graduate education including the need for an advanced degree to enter your chosen profession.
Since the decision to attend graduate school requires careful planning, start early and take advantage of our many resources.
"Career Services is perfect for anyone needing assistance with obtaining admission to graduate school!" - KSU Student
Why Consider Graduate School?
While some students may consider graduate school as a way to temporarily delay career decisions, students who are apprehensive about entering the job market should carefully evaluate their decision to enter graduate school.
While in some fields an advanced degree will increase your marketability, in others additional work experience will be more relevant. Graduate school is self-directed in nature, therefore a student who is not self-motivated and unsure of their goals will face a bigger challenge in successfully completing a graduate program.
Are you prepared to commit to a career field?
Are you interested in attending graduate school but are unable to select a specific field or degree program? You will want to spend some time defining your interests before completing your undergraduate program. Meet with a career counselor, talk with faculty members, and consider an internship in your field of interest. You may also want to consider gaining a year or two of work experience to help clarify your interests and goals.
Will the degree prepare you for a specific occupation or career field? If so, what is the employment outlook for that field? Make arrangements to talk with professionals about the benefits and potential drawbacks of that path. Currently enrolled graduate students can often provide useful information.
Are you comfortable with living the lifestyle of a student for a few more years?
A full-time Master's degree will typically take two years to complete, while Ph.D. and some professional degrees require three or more years. Part time enrollment will require additional time and may even be discouraged in some programs. During this time period you will focus intensely on your academic subjects and typically forfeit a competitive salary, workday routine and leisure time.
Is it worth the financial investment?
Ultimately you will need to decide if graduate school is of value and worth the investment. Before making that decision, you should investigate potential funding sources. Fellowships or scholarships may be awarded by universities as well as outside organizations. Institution-based aid most frequently takes the form of a graduate assistantship. Graduate Assistants work part-time in exchange for a stipend and tuition reimbursement.