School of Graduate Studies

Graduate programs require a deep commitment to a specific area of study. Are you passionate about the subject you would be studying? Can you see yourself engaging with the field for many years to come?

Consider taking a career interest assessment to learn more about your career interests and discover whether graduate school fits in with your desired career path.

What are your career goals? Are you interested in a career with a strong focus in research, academia, or subject-matter expertise?

Some careers, such as academia, certain healthcare professions, and specialized fields in science and engineering, often require advanced degrees. You can get an idea of the education level typically required for a certain occupation by checking out the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Are you interested in career advancement? A graduate degree can open doors to higher-level positions, increased responsibilities, and potentially higher salaries.

Graduate programs can be expensive. Assess whether you can afford the tuition and associated costs without jeopardizing your financial stability. Also consider the impact of student loans on your future financial situation and whether the potential increase in salary will justify the debt.

Look into financial aid opportunities at your intended graduate education institution. Be sure to check for departmental and program-specific scholarships and funding as well.

At Utah State University, more than half of our graduate students receive financial aid each year.

USU has a tremendous amount of funding and scholarship options for our grad students. Individual colleges and departments also have funding opportunities. Look into scholarships, grants, assistantships, and other funding options that can help mitigate costs.

Reflect on your current personal and professional circumstances. Are you ready to commit the time and effort required for grad school?

Where are you currently at in your career progression? In some fields, gaining work experience before pursuing a graduate degree can be beneficial and may enhance your application and future job prospects.

What are your long-term goals? How might graduate school fit into those goals?

In addition to career advancement and increased salary potential, graduate school offers many personal and professional benefits and opportunities for growth. Graduate school can provide valuable networking opportunities with professors, peers, and professionals in your field. The challenge of grad school can lead to significant personal growth, improved critical thinking, and advanced problem-solving skills.

Consider why you want to further your education, and look into other options as well. Do you need to go to grad school to achieve your goals, or would an alternative path better fit your needs?

Professional Development: Consider whether on-the-job experience, workshops, or short courses might provide the knowledge and skills you need.

Masters

Masters degrees are the first level of graduate degrees and provide opportunities for securing higher-level jobs and potential pay increases. Masters degrees are also generally required before earning a doctorate degree.

Whether you are interested in research, academia, or want to gain more specialized knowledge and skills for your profession, a Masters degree is a great option for furthering your education. Utah State University offers nearly one hundred Master’s degree programs, offering you a range of possibilities for your graduate education.

PhD

PhDs are terminal degrees and demonstrate the highest mastery of a subject area. As experts in their field, PhD graduates have more opportunities for obtaining high-level jobs that require subject-matter expertise. In fact, PhDs are required for some career paths, such as academia and certain health professions.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, PhD graduates also have, on average, higher earnings and a lower unemployment rate (1.6%) than those who stopped at a bachelor’s degree (2.2%). Utah State University offers a variety of Doctorate degrees with a strong focus on research and professional skill development.

Graduate Certificates

Some fields offer certifications or specialized training programs that can provide the skills needed for advancement without the commitment of a full graduate program.

Utah State University offers a variety of graduate certificates (Select Filter - Certificates: Graduate) from data science, to dietetics, to web development, and more.

Why do you want to go to grad school? Be honest about your motivations. Are they aligned with your long-term goals? Is grad school the best option for achieving your goals?

Are you ready for the academic rigor? Graduate programs can be demanding and stressful. Ensure you are prepared for the workload.

Have you researched your programs of interest? Understand the specifics of the programs you are considering, including curriculum, faculty, and career support.