As you stand at the crossroads of your academic journey — contemplating the question, "What graduate program should I choose?" — the crucial factors you should consider include your personal interests and the career development plan you envision for yourself.

There are many specializations and industries, so selecting the ideal graduate program is a big step that requires introspection and planning.

In this article, we talk about key factors you should consider when choosing a graduate program and things you can do to find out more details about the program you’re interested in.

During the 2020–21 academic year, 866,900 students earned their master’s degrees and 194,100 earned doctoral degrees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Here's a closer look at different types of graduate programs:

• Master’s degree programs — This type of degree is the most common one students pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree. The time needed to complete the master’s program ranges from one to three years. A master’s degree offers specialization in a chosen field of study. There are Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Master of Business Administration degrees, as well as other specializations.
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs — A Ph.D. is the highest form of education, and you’ll need three to eight years to complete a Ph.D. program. The focus is on research and testing theories. You can earn a Ph.D. in education, English, audiology, psychology, physics, etc.
• Professional degree programs — A professional doctorate, or a professional degree, is for a specific career path. Students usually need three to six years to complete these studies. You can earn a professional degree in medicine, education, law, pharmacology, etc.
• Graduate certificate programs — These programs are credit-based and last two semesters. If you don’t need a graduate degree and wish to switch careers, a certification is a good option. A graduate certificate program usually consists of three to five courses that can be finished in a year.

In the section below, we’ll discuss several things to consider when choosing a graduate program.

Assess Your Career Path

A bachelor’s degree can open the door to many entry-level jobs, but if you wish to have specialized knowledge in one area, do more rewarding work, or have a higher salary, a graduate degree may be necessary. Thinking about what you felt passionate about during your undergraduate studies may help you focus on choosing a career and professional specialization.

Check the Program’s Requirements

After you’ve figured out what your career path will look like, you need to find schools that offer programs you’re interested in. Most grad school programs have similar requirements, including minimum GPA, GRE or GMAT scores, recommendation letters, essays, and perhaps some professional or volunteering experience.

The best option is to check the precise requirements to see if you’re eligible. Depending on the type of graduate degree you’re considering, there may be more requirements. You may also need to pay a fee for each application you submit.

Ask Alums for Details

You can do a little research on social media and ask alums for specifics about the program and their experiences. Also, you can talk to current students of the program you’re interested in to hear more about it.

Program Length

Completing a master’s degree program generally requires one to three years. Some colleges and universities offer “4+1” programs (four years of undergrad studies followed by a one-year master's program). On the other hand, some online master’s degree programs may allow you to complete your studies in two or more years, depending on your pace.

Earning a professional degree can take three to six years (depending on the specialization), and getting a Ph.D. can take three to eight years.

Program Format

Many grad schools in the US offer flexible programs (part time or full time) as most students are employed in some capacity. In case you need total flexibility, online graduate school programs often let students complete courses at their own speed. There are also accelerated graduate programs that you can complete in less time.

Program Cost

On average, public schools tend to be cheaper than private institutions — $29,150 vs. $62,100, respectively. The overall cost of a master’s degree typically ranges between $30,000 and $120,000. The cost depends on the state, program, and the school.

If you need help with tuition, you can apply for financial aid or scholarships and grants. Be sure to check eligibility requirements and submit your application before the deadline.

Location and Cost of Living

If you can’t find a suitable school in your home state and decide to study elsewhere, you may have a higher cost of living in your new location. If you can't cover living expenses, you may need to opt for an online graduate program. In that case, keep in mind that you may still be required to be on campus on certain occasions, such as to take exams.

While a bachelor’s degree is a doorway to a lot of good job opportunities, you’ll need a graduate degree (a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree) to be hired for more specialized roles.

The first things you must consider when finding a graduate program are your academic interests and your career path. The second thing to do is confirm your eligibility for admission to the program. After you find a program, you need to make sure its length and format suit your schedule. Most importantly, you must check the program's cost and whether you can afford it.

If there are no good-fit programs for you in your state and you can’t afford to live in another state, you can try online graduate programs, which offer more flexibility. As with in-person grad programs, you should consider all the factors involved in order to find the program that best fits your career path.