You've decided to continue your education after you graduate, but you're not sure where. No wonder: the number of schools out there is enough to make anyone lose focus, and the opportunities for specialization within a single field seem endless. Physics majors have to choose between scary words like quantum, biological, or condensed physics. English specialists can study everything from medieval lit to feminist perspectives of Hemmingway through the post-marxist gaze.
If you need a graduate degree to start your career (think lawyers and doctors), your decision is made for you; all you have to do is compare university programs. But if you don't need a post-graduate education to get work in your field, you should be asking yourself some questions to sort out all your options before you apply. This will help you make your final decision, and may just help keep you from accepting an offer you don't really want.
Where do you want to go to school?
Location, location, location. Before you go application-happy and sign up for a master's degree in Thailand, Spain, and Venezuela, sort through where you're willing to live first. Take some time to figure this ou, and all the ramifications a decision like this can have. Do you have family obligations that require you to stay close by? Are you worried about the cost of travel (or cost of living) in a new area? And what about all the other small things ' the familiar sights, your friends, your barber ' that you'll have to give up. Are you willing to sacrifice them to pursue your area of interest. If you're affected by any of these factors, start narrowing down your potential schools and programs by the geographic areas you can feasibly live in.
What interests you the most?
Goodbye generalist undergrad degree. If you want to be a grad student, that means specializing. Within your field, what's the specific area that interests you the most? If you're going for an MBA, you'll probably have to choose a specific part of business to study, like marketing or strategy. And if you're in political science, maybe you'll want to focus on the politics of a certain area, like the Middle East, or a certain time period. Determine your area of specific interest, then compile a list of programs within your chosen geographical areas that fit the bill. By looking at program specifics, as well as the experts available on faculty, your choice should be narrowed down even more.
What degree do you want to earn?
When it comes to post-graduate degrees, there are a lot of options. Universities usually offer both master's and doctorates. A master's degree is often more practical in nature and is often research-based. A doctorate is more intellectual in nature and allows students in delve into the theory and philosophy behind their field of study. These two types of degrees also provide different career opportunities, depending on the field of study and your desired career. When it comes to deciding which degree to earn, knowing what you want to do with it makes all the difference. Researching your options takes time, but it's better to do it now than find out later you've made decisions that don't take your fundamental needs and goals into account. By strategically planning your education, you'll avoid major reversals down the road.
College or university learning?
A university education will land you a master's degree or a PhD. These degrees are essential for fields like law, engineering, medicine, science, and even business management. Graduate programs at university generally range in length from three to five years (but medical studies can last a decade). Universities teach and test theories. If that's your thing, you'll need to be prepared to listen in lecture halls and seminars, write research papers, exams, and possibly complete a thesis.
Colleges offer one and two-year programs. They tend to teach hands-on learning. Many college programs will expose you to a work environment immediately via an internship or co-op placement, or by reproducing the work environment in the classroom. Courses range in length from two months to two years, resulting in certificates or diplomas. At some industry-specific schools, however, you may be able to earn a master's degree.
In the end, your choices are endless, but by being smart, you can narrow down your options into a career path that best fits your ambitions and future.
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