Thinking About Graduate School

An undergraduate degree provides a very broad educational background. Graduate school, on the other hand, allows one to specialize in a specific area. Many professions (doctor, social worker, psychologist, professor) require an advanced degree. Although some jobs may not actually require an advanced degree, employers may prefer to hire individuals with education beyond a bachelor's degree. Some people choose to go to graduate school simply because they are passionate about a certain field of study and are eager to learn more. Typically, graduate school is not a good place to figure out what you want to do with your life. Have a clear idea of your career goals and what kind of educational background is needed to enter the profession. For some professions, the master's is the most common degree offered and the degree needed for entering the field (such as Master of Public Health and Master of Fine Arts). Other fields, such as medicine, require a doctorate degree. Talk with professionals who are working in a career you would like to pursue. They will be able to tell you what it is like to work in the field, and may also be able to advise you about graduate programs.