Comparing Degree Programs

Questions to Consider When Comparing Degree Programs

Don't let this overwhelm you. Look over the headings below and highlight only those that reflect your questions and concerns.

What are the academic requirements for completing the degree? Oral or written comprehensive exam? Thesis or dissertation and its defense? Research project? Foreign language competency?
To what extent do students plan their own program? How many electives?
Are there opportunities to acquire practical experience? Through teaching or research assistantships? Other part-time or summer jobs? Rotations or clerkships?
If you are considering the traditional arts or sciences, are the research interests of the faculty similar to your own?

When are completed applications reviewed? Do they admit on a rolling basis?
How much emphasis is placed on test scores? Experience? Specific undergraduate courses? Independent research? Other?
Is it possible to defer admission for one or two years? (Be aware that many schools will defer only for a compelling reason, and that funding offered with the original acceptance usually is not deferred and a new package may not be as strong as the original.)

What is the application process? What criteria is important?
What percentage of students holds fellowships or teaching/research assistantships? What is the likelihood of your being a recipient?
If one defers, what happens to funding that was offered with the original acceptance? Many schools prefer that you not defer.

What is the class size? Composition of the class in terms of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, and whatever else is important to you?
How competitive are students with each other? Attrition rate?
What student organizations exist?

What is the student/faculty ratio? How available are faculty to students?
How culturally diverse are the faculty? Do faculty members represent a variety of viewpoints toward the discipline?
Are the research interests of faculty similar to your own?

How extensive and available are the labs and other training facilities? Are specialized research facilities available?
Are there cooperative programs with other educational, cultural, and research institutions?

What career services support is provided for graduate students?
What kinds of positions do graduates hold? Where, geographically, do graduates find positions? (Are there graduates working in the geographic areas where you might locate, giving you potential contacts for advice on your own job search?)

This is by no means an exhaustive list. What other questions pertain to your particular situation?