Debunking Graduate School Myths

There are many good reasons to get a graduate degree – job preparedness, career advancement, a true passion for your subject. But how do you know the grad school facts from grad school myths?

We asked Keith Hassell, executive director of graduate admissions & recruitment at Sacred Heart University, to give us the real truth about graduate school.

“Graduate school is a good idea while I figure out what career I want.”

False.

While putting off today what you can do tomorrow might seem like a winning option right now, attending grad school is not a wise procrastination strategy. Why? Because graduate school is quite different from college. Instead of taking a variety of classes in different subjects, you’ll be concentrating on one topic and perfecting a specialty. If you decide you don’t enjoy business analytics or public health, it’s not as easy to change course.

Going straight to grad school might be the right choice for some, but the good news is you don’t have to take that path. You can start right away, give yourself a year or two in the workforce to make sure your path is clear or jump back into your studies at mid-career. Graduate school programs are often designed with flexibility in mind.

“I will get paid more money with a graduate degree.”

It depends.

While this is often true, it is not a certainty. And a graduate degree program can be a significant investment in both time and financial resources.

Hassell encourages those considering a graduate degree to do their homework, researching the pros and cons of each potential path before applying. That advice extends beyond the paycheck. A graduate degree is required for entry to some fields, is valuable for promotion in others and is a personal path for skill-building in still others. Students should make sure that a particular program will provide their desired return on investment.

Graduate school admissions used to depend heavily on entrance exam scores. I don’t think that’s true anymore.

You’re right.

In the past, students hoping to get into graduate school worried about their results on the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE. While it’s still true that medical school hopefuls need to ace the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and future lawyers need to score well on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), most programs don’t require entrance exams. A more holistic approach—one that often takes career experience into account— applies now, Hassell said.

In addition, graduate degree programs often welcome students with a variety of undergraduate degrees. Ask your admissions counselor to recommend programs that might be enhanced by the skills and experience you gained with your bachelor’s program, Hassell said.

“I can’t take on a graduate degree program. I’ve got a full-time job.”

False.

The good news here is many graduate school programs are tailored to students who are working professionals, Hassell said. Many meet just once or twice a week and in the evenings after typical work hours or on the weekend.

At Sacred Heart University, there are many hybrid programs, augmenting in-person class time with online and independent work that students can complete around their existing work schedules. Some programs are completely online, allowing students the flexibility to work at their own pace. Hassell recommends fully researching how a degree program is delivered to see if the style matches your schedule.

“I can’t afford grad school. There’s no financial aid.”

False.

Some believe grad school is out of their reach because of the financial burden of taking classes. Those facing student loans from undergrad studies may be worried about taking on more debt.

Good news. There are resources specifically for graduate education. Hassell suggests speaking with an admissions counselor to learn more about graduate assistantships and other campus work opportunities that might offset costs. Graduate students can often apply to be teaching assistants or work in the department offices. Workplaces sometimes include tuition benefits for employees seeking professional development, and discounts are sometimes offered for those seeking specific skills, such as police officers earning advanced emergency management skills or veterans preparing for post-service careers.

Consult with the university’s student financial assistance office to work through options. SHU financial assistance staff are well versed in the opportunities available and are happy to walk graduate students through the process.

Want to know more about graduate programs at Sacred Heart University?

Sacred Heart University offers the kind of forward-thinking instruction required for success in today’s marketplace paired with the flexibility and support you need to accomplish your goals.

To learn more about our graduate programs, talk to our team of admissions counselors, each of whom specializes in specific programs, either virtually or in person. Email gradstudies@sacredheart.edu, call 203-365-7619 or schedule an appointment today.