CONSIDERING GRADUATE OR PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL Explore types of graduate/professional degree options and considerations for choosing programs, and review resources to assist in your search. Common reasons for pursuing graduate education include: • A graduate degree is required for the desired career path. • Looking to obtain additional skills prior to entering the workforce. • Seeking employment in the academic environment. • Gaining specialized knowledge in a particular area of interest. • Promotion or advancement in current career path/ industry.
CONSIDERATIONS • How does this degree lead you toward your intended career path? • Do the programs require or recommend related experience before entry? • What is the length of the program and what is your timeline for attending? • How will attending graduate school affect your family or relationships? • How will you finance graduate school? • Have you reviewed program deadlines for entry?
DEGREE OPTIONS Master’s Degree (M.S., M.A., M.Ed., MBA, MPH, MFA, MSW, etc.) • Course-type program: Students complete a required program of study. • Comprehensive exam program: Students are required to complete coursework before passing an exam. • Thesis-type program: Students complete required coursework and must submit a thesis (original piece of research). • Proficiency program requirements: Many of the creative disciplines (music, dance, theatre, art) offer programs requiring students to demonstrate proficiency to graduate.
Specialist and Advanced Master’s Degree (Ed.S., Adv.M., LL.M., etc.) • Entail studying beyond the master’s degree but less extensive than the doctoral degree. They are most often offered in education.
Professional Degree (J.D., M.D., D.V.M., Pharm.D., D.D.S., D.M.D., etc.) • These degrees are awarded upon completion of a program of study that prepares individuals to enter certain professions. Though the degree may contain the term doctor, a professional degree is the initial degree awarded in that area. Master’s degrees and Ph.D.s may be available in conjunction with the professional degree.
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., D.M., Psy.D., etc.) • These are the highest degrees awarded. In addition to completion of an academic program of study and a comprehensive exam, the majority require a dissertation (a significant work of original research).
Post Doctorate • These are not degrees but simply advanced study, research, or training in a particular area.
CHOOSING A PROGRAM If possible, start early to give yourself a year or more to explore and choose.
Research Possible Programs Identify programs in your chosen field. There are helpful resources available in The Career Center Library, including reference books such as: • Peterson’s Guides to Graduate and Professional Study • The Official GRE/CGS Directory of Graduate Programs The FSU Career Center • career.fsu.edu
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