Finding & Evaluating Graduate Schools and Programs

Find Graduate Schools & Programs

These resources briefly outline academic programs, financial aid resources, cost of study, application requirements, exams required for admission and other information.

• Faculty recommendations
• Graduate school guide books in Office of Career Development; email Career Development or visit directly in person the Career Development Office in McMahon Commons.

General Graduate School Websites

• Petersons
• Grad Schools.com
• Graduate Guide

Evaluate Graduate Programs

Often, though not always, the quality of a graduate school is not as important as the quality of a graduate program and its faculty. Consider the following points to help you determine and eventually rank the quality of potential graduate programs.

• Prestige/reputation of the institution/accreditation
• Faculty/department reputation and interests
• Size of departments
• Specialization(s)
• Special strengths and weaknesses
• Student/Faculty ratio
• Curriculum and services
• Career placement services
• Library and technology resources
• Geographic location
• Selectivity of admissions
• Housing and facilities
• Enrollment
• Amount of financial support
• Types of employment secured by graduates