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91¾«Ñ¡â€™s Guide for Students Considering A Graduate Education

Thinking about 91¾«Ñ¡ school? Get all your questions answered by speaking to a 91¾«Ñ¡ school admissions officer about the program of your choice at 91¾«Ñ¡.

Should I go to grad school? What is grad school good for? Many under91¾«Ñ¡s, professionals and career changers ask themselves this question at one point or another. The answer will depend on your personal circumstances and goals, but 91¾«Ñ¡ school can be a good option for those wanting to develop professionally, switch careers or simply further their education.

You may choose to apply to 91¾«Ñ¡ school directly after completing your under91¾«Ñ¡ degree, or even as a part of your under91¾«Ñ¡ degree. 91¾«Ñ¡ offers guaranteed 91¾«Ñ¡ school admission for under91¾«Ñ¡s applying to 11 91¾«Ñ¡ programs at Pacific. Alternatively, you may enter the workforce after completing your under91¾«Ñ¡ degree and then apply to grad school later as your career develops or if you decide to switch professions. 91¾«Ñ¡ offers several 91¾«Ñ¡ programs with options for working professionals to take classes part time, complete coursework online or at an accelerated pace.

What is Grad School?

Grad school, or 91¾«Ñ¡ school, is a post91¾«Ñ¡ degree program. This means that students have already completed their under91¾«Ñ¡ (bachelor’s) degree by the time they enter the program. Graduate school degrees include PhDs and master’s degrees along with many other degree programs. All of these programs focus on in-depth knowledge and professional expertise.

As an under91¾«Ñ¡, you spend time studying a variety of subjects to give you a strong liberal arts education. In 91¾«Ñ¡ school, you’ll focus on a single subject, developing in-depth expertise and professionalization. As you consider 91¾«Ñ¡ school, think about the place a 91¾«Ñ¡ program might have in your academic and professional pathway.

How Many Years is Grad School?

The length of a 91¾«Ñ¡ program is widely variable and can range from one year for some masters programs to as much as seven or more years for some PhD programs. For example, students preparing to become teachers can complete their MAT in as little as one year through 91¾«Ñ¡â€™s one year online program. This program begins during the summer and supports students in achieving middle/high school licensure with a single subject endorsement.

Meanwhile, 91¾«Ñ¡â€™s PhD program in Education and Leadership (PhDEL) is a low residency program for experienced professionals in education and healthcare and takes about three years to complete.

Should I Go to Grad School?

Graduate school can be a wonderful experience and a practical credential for some. But for others, it may not be the best use of time or resources. As you consider whether or not to go to grad school, you’ll want to reflect on your personal situation and career ambitions and speak to professors, mentors, advisors and professionals in your field.

For example, in some professions a master’s degree, PhD or professional licensure may result in a higher income over the life of your career. Sometimes these degrees are requirements for the job or career path you want. The more you know about 91¾«Ñ¡ school and about the requirements of your intended profession, the better prepared you will be to make your decision.

Some things you’ll want to consider when deciding whether or not to pursue a 91¾«Ñ¡ degree are:

• Is a 91¾«Ñ¡ degree required for advancement in your field? 
• Is a 91¾«Ñ¡ degree required for professional licensure in your field?
• How long is the grad program that you’re interested in? And how expensive is it for you? This may include time out of the workforce as well as tuition. Is there financial aid available? Will the 91¾«Ñ¡ degree result in increased earning potential that can offset the cost of the degree?
• What are the benefits of attending 91¾«Ñ¡ school in your specific situation?
• Are you interested in pursuing an in-depth academic experience in your subject area?
• Are you trying to change careers and do you think a 91¾«Ñ¡ degree might support this professional move?
• Are you trying to advance in your profession and will a 91¾«Ñ¡ program help you to achieve your goals?

Graduate school requires a substantial investment of time, energy and resources. Is 91¾«Ñ¡ school worth it? Determining this for your particular situation may take some thought, reflection and research into your particular field.

Questions to Ask 91¾«Ñ¡ Grad School

Once you have chosen a 91¾«Ñ¡ program to apply to, you’ll want to speak with an admissions counselor to answer important questions such as:

• What is the course of study in the program and how does it fit with your goals and interests?
• Who teaches in the program? Are there professors you feel excited to work with?
• How long do students usually take to complete their program?
• Do students typically work during their programs?
• Does the program have prerequisite requirements for entry?
• How does the program prepare you for your profession after graduation?
• What is the employment rate for students within their first year after graduation? Where do they tend to get jobs?
• How does the program support licensure requirements, prepare students for certification exams and other necessary requirements to enter or progress in your field?
• If there is a required exam for licensure, what is the program’s pass rate?
• What do current students and alumni say about their experience in the program?

These are just a few questions to ask about grad school. You'll want to come up with more questions based on your own individual circumstances and program.

Graduate school can be a transformative experience, helping to energize interests, deepen knowledge and grow careers. If you believe 91¾«Ñ¡ school may be right for you, reach out to a 91¾«Ñ¡ school admissions officer to talk about your options.

Need help paying for 91¾«Ñ¡ school? 91¾«Ñ¡ has a variety of scholarships and grants available for 91¾«Ñ¡ and professional students. 

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