Source: http://www.gradschoolhub.com/
Choosing the Right Degree
What matters most when choosing a graduate degree? Money? Doing something you love? The journey to finding the right master’s degree can be a long one.
What Do You Want?
– Consider these options when choosing a graduate school:
- Location
- Quality of life
- Degree programs offered
- Cost
- Time
- Resources
- Faculty
- On-campus or online
- Ranking
- Accreditation
“Love what you do and do what you love.” – Ray Bradbury, author
What Do You Like?
– Think about the things in your life that excite you. There may well be a master’s degree option that allows you to truly do what you love.
The Realistic Path
– If you like to…
- Do things with your hands
- Be outside
- Work with real-world materials
- Work solo
– Consider these fields: farmer/rancher, surveyor, forester, mechanical drafter, technician, firefighter, correctional officer, animal control worker, chef, landscaping, carpenter, explosive worker, machine operator, repairer, machinist, agricultural inspector, animal breeder, jeweler, precious-metals worker, pilot
– Possible degree
– Oregon State University
– Master of Forestry
– Average graduate tuition
– Resident: $13,188
– Non-resident: $21,219
The Investigative Path
– If you like to…
- Do an extensive amount of thinking
- Mentally search for facts and figures
– Consider these fields: coroner, computer and information scientist, engineer, animal scientist, biologist, physicist, chemist, economist, anthropologist, archeologist, geographer, historian, political scientist, astronomer, sociologist, dentist, nutritionist, veterinarian, detective
– Possible degree
– University of Colorado-Denver
– Master of Science in Chemistry
– Average graduate tuition
– Resident: $5,087
– Non-resident: $15,619
The Artistic Path
– If you like to…
- Work with form, design and pattern
- Express yourself
- Not follow a clear set of rules
– Consider these fields: architect, art director, fine artist, animator, fashion designer, actor, dancer, musician, graphic designer, interior designer, creative writer, film editor, makeup artist, choreographer
– Possible degree
– Parsons The New School for Design, New York City
– Master of Fashion Studies
– Average graduate tuition
– $20,855
The Social Path
– If you like to…
- Work with, communicate and teach people
- Help others
– Consider these fields: social worker, probation officer, counselor, health educator, clergy, teacher, nurse, physical therapist, athletic trainer, speech-language pathologist, child care worker
– Possible degree
– Loyola University (Illinois)
– Master of Social Work
– Average graduate tuition
– $13,950
The Enterprising Path
– If you like to…
- Start and carry out projects
- Make many decisions
- Take risks
- Deal with business
– Consider these fields: chief executive, general manager, legislator, manager, education administrator, funeral director, logisticians, producer, program director, copy writer, head cook, special agent, PR specialist, insurance agent, product promoter, ship captain
– Possible degree
– Central Michigan University
– Master of Science in Administration
– Average graduate tuition
– $7,305
The Conventional Path
– If you like to…
- Follow set procedures and routines
- Work with data and details
- Follow authority
– Consider these fields: treasurer, controller, insurance adjuster, accountant, auditor, financial analyst, loan officer, tax preparer, database administrator, librarian, medical transcriptionist, proofreader, inspector
– Possible degree
– William & Mary, Williamsburg, Va.
– Master of Accounting
– Average graduate tuition
– Resident: $29,610
– Non-resident: $40,010
Know Your Financial Aid Options
– To be sure, financing a graduate degree can be an expensive proposition. But consider the various types of financial aid available.
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Veteran’s education benefits
- Loans
- Employer-based aid
- Teaching and research assistantships
It’s About Getting a Job, Right?
Top graduate degrees for pay and career growth through 2020:
Mid-career pay Projected growth by 2020
– 1. Physician assistant studies $97,000 30%
– 2. Computer science $109,000 22.3%
– 3. Electrical engineering $121,000 17.7%
– 4. Mathematics (tie) $91,000 24.7%
– 4. Information systems (tie) $95,500 23.3%
– 6. Physics $114,000 20.3%
– 7. Occupational therapy $79,200 33%
– 8. Healthcare administration $87,800 22%
– 9. Nursing $85,900 21.7%
– 10. Economics $115,000 14.3%
Time an Issue? Consider Online
Top online graduate schools:
- Washington State University
Cost: $509 per credit
Top programs: Business and engineering - Duke University – Fuqua School of Business
Cost: $6,381per year
Top programs: MBA, executive MBA - St. John’s University
Cost: $35,520 per year
Top programs: Law, education - Carnegie Mellon University
Cost: $453-$540 per credit hour
Top programs: Engineering, business, computer science - Stanford University
Cost: $890 per credit hour
Top programs: Law, engineering, medicine - Columbia University
Cost: $628 per credit hour
Top programs: Engineering, computer information technology - Penn State University
Cost: $8,222 per year, in-state
Top programs: Clinical psychology, engineering, education - Arizona State University
Cost: $463 per credit hour
Top programs: Engineering, education - Central Michigan University
Cost: $477 per credit hour
Top programs: Business, education - Georgia Institute of Technology
Cost: $1,100 per credit hour
Top programs: Production/operations, supply chain/logistics, chemical engineering, civil engineering, physics