COLLEGECAREER

How to Choose an Advanced Degree Program

Census Bureau data indicates that the number of adults with a master’s degree and doctoral degree increased by 50% and 54% respectively between 2011 and 2021. More people pursue advanced degrees to stay ahead of the competition in the job market, gain stability in their current role, or just for personal satisfaction. Navigating the variety of options can be tricky if it’s been a while since you last applied to an educational program. To start your journey toward an advanced degree, one of the first steps is deciding what your focus will be.

Choosing an Educational Program

When looking for an educational program, keep your long-term goals in mind. There are different types of master’s degrees, including the Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or a more specialized degree like a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Will your selection propel you forward in your career? Will it give you the flexibility to pivot into an area you couldn’t previously?

If you’re on the fence about whether it will be worth the investment, there are alternatives to a master’s degree. Graduate certificates — or professional certificates in general — can serve similar purposes. Depending on your career, there might be tailored learning experiences you can take advantage of such as lab or research experience. Investigate the quality of the facilities, the opportunities offered, and ask others about their experiences. If you’re looking for information you can’t find online, you can always reach out to people affiliated with the college. Faculty, current students and alumni are great to connect with for building professional relationships and gaining insight about programs. If the institution you prefer doesn’t offer an educational program that will bring value to you, maybe that institution isn’t the right choice. It’s a balance of finding an education institution you love and a degree program suited to your goals.

Choosing an Institution

Like undergraduate, having multiple options is best for ensuring a backup program or school in the case of rejection. When deciding between programs, also consider the rate of acceptance and the requirements for applying. Many colleges evaluate undergraduate transcripts, entrance exams and letters of recommendation to decide acceptance. There is also always the risk of not receiving financial assistance, so if you are relying on that, apply to other programs that are within your budget as a backup. Dedicate time to researching the scholarship opportunities the institution has and determine if you would be eligible for them. While prestigious programs are popular and competitive for a reason, being open minded about where you study could provide similar experiences without the hefty price tag.

Don’t forget to examine secondary aspects of where you’ll be learning. For example, if you prefer more one-on-one help and guidance, you may want to go to a smaller school. Knowing if you want to attend virtually or in person already narrows down your options quite a bit. If you’re further along in your career, you might not be looking for a program that requires relocation or a large time commitment. But if you have the desire to relocate and attend school full time, will your employer allow the time off? If they do, will you be able to afford the cost of living in that area without your current income? Taking a pause from your career can be rewarding later on, but it’s a big risk with the financial commitment it poses. If you decide an advanced degree isn’t in the cards for you now, you can always revisit the idea later. It’s never too late to go back to school, so don’t let that be what holds you back.

Sources:

https://extension.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-choose-a-graduate-program/

https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022/educational-attainment.html#:~:text=From%202011%20to%202021%2C%20the,up%20from%2010.9%25%20in%202011