Master Your Future: 6 Steps to Choosing the Right Graduate Program that Fits Your Goals

Graduate school is an investment of time, money, and energy. Whether you are deciding on a master’s, PhD, or a professional degree, the key to a fulfilling and productive experience is choosing a program that aligns with your goals.

Following the steps below can help you find that program.

Step 1: Clarify Your Goals

Define your academic and career goals:

• Do you want to become a researcher, practitioner, or educator?

• Are you pivoting careers or deepening expertise in your field?

• Are you aiming for industry, academia, nonprofit work, or government?

Understanding your goals will help you evaluate each program and pick those that align with your goals.

Step 2: Program Focus and Curriculum

After making a list of available programs, review:

• Curriculum: Are there required core courses? Flexibility to specialize?

• Thesis or non-thesis options: Is a research component required?

• Interdisciplinary options: Can you take courses across departments?

• Browse course catalogs and syllabi.

Step 3: Faculty Research and Advising

• Identify professors whose work matches your interests and focus.

• Consider how faculty work with students.  Do they offer research labs? Do they publish with students?

• Use Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/ or university lab websites to explore faculty publications.

Step 4: Career Outcomes and Alumni Networks

Ask:

• Where do graduates work or conduct research?

• What support is offered for internships, networking, or job placement?

• Check career outcomes data (often listed on the program’s website) or search LinkedIn for alumni of the program to see common career paths.

Step 5: Location and Lifestyle

Graduate school is more than academics—it’s also where you’ll live for 1–7+ years.

• Do you prefer a city or a college town?

• Will you be close to professional networks, research hubs, or fieldwork sites?

• What’s the cost of living, public transportation, or housing availability?

  
  

Step 6: Funding and Affordability

Graduate funding varies by degree and field:

• PhD programs often offer stipends through assistantships or fellowships.

• Master’s programs may offer limited aid, some include graduate assistantships.

• To help determine costs, compare: Tuition, Scholarships or Fellowships, Part-time Work, RA/TA positions, and Internships

Choosing the right graduate program is about finding the best match for your goals, values, and resources. If you need guidance and help along the way, contact me!

References and Resources

• National Center for Education Statistics – College Navigator

• Peterson’s Graduate School Search – https://www.petersons.com/graduate-schools