Types of Graduate Degrees
Master’s programs typically take 1–2 years to complete and focus on advanced coursework, professional skill development, and specialized knowledge within a field. Some programs may include research projects, internships, or a thesis.
Doctoral programs usually take 4–7 years to complete and emphasize advanced research, scholarship, and the creation of new knowledge within a discipline. These programs often require students to complete a dissertation.
Professional degrees are designed to prepare students for specific licensed professions, such as medicine, dentistry, law, or veterinary medicine. These programs typically combine advanced coursework with hands-on training and professional preparation.
Is Graduate School Right for Me?
Graduate school can provide advanced knowledge, specialized training, and opportunities for career advancement. However, pursuing a graduate degree requires a significant investment of time, effort, and financial resources. Before applying, students should consider their long-term career goals and whether a graduate degree is necessary for the field they wish to enter.
Students may benefit from graduate school if they:
- Want to develop advanced expertise in a specific subject area
- Are interested in research, teaching, or specialized professional roles
- Need a graduate degree for career advancement or licensure in their field
- Are motivated to engage in advanced academic study and scholarship
Students are encouraged to research potential careers, speak with faculty or professionals in their field, and explore graduate programs to determine whether pursuing a graduate degree aligns with their personal and professional goals.
Preparing for Graduate School
What should students be doing in college to prepare for graduate school?
- Maintain a strong GPA
- Gain research or relevant work experience
- Build relationships with faculty mentors for letters of recommendation
- Develop strong writing and analytical skills
- Explore internships or professional opportunities in your field
Graduate School Timeline
- Explore graduate programs and career goals
- Gain research or internship experience
- Prepare for required exams (GRE if required)
- Identify faculty who can write recommendation letters
- Research graduate programs
- Prepare your personal statement
- Submit applications
- Apply for fellowships or funding opportunities
Application Components
Most graduate applications include:
- Application through the university’s graduate portal
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Standardized test scores (GRE or others, depending on the program)
- Resume or CV
- Writing sample (for some programs)
Funding Graduate School
Graduate school can be funded in several ways depending on the program and field of study. Common funding opportunities include:
Merit-based awards that provide financial support for graduate study. Fellowships may cover tuition, provide a stipend for living expenses, or both, and typically do not require work obligations.
Many graduate programs offer Teaching Assistantships (TA) or Research Assistantships (RA). In exchange for assisting with teaching, grading, or research projects, students may receive a stipend and partial or full tuition support.
Financial awards offered by universities, professional organizations, or external foundations that help offset the cost of tuition and educational expenses.
Some employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs for employees who pursue graduate degrees related to their field or professional development.
Did you know USC offers Employer Tuition Assistance?
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Graduate Program
When researching graduate programs, it is important to consider factors that will support your academic and career goals. Some questions to consider include:
- Does the program align with my career goals and interests?
- What are the admission requirements and prerequisites?
- What funding opportunities are available (assistantships, fellowships, or scholarships)?
- What research or internship opportunities are offered within the program?
- What are the program’s graduation rates and career outcomes for graduates?
- Who are the faculty members, and what are their research or professional interests?
- What professional or networking opportunities are available to students in the program?
Students are encouraged to explore program websites, attend information sessions, and speak with current students or faculty, when possible, to learn more about programs they are considering.
Helpful Resources
USC Graduate School
Provides information about graduate programs at the University of South Carolina,
including admissions requirements, application processes, funding opportunities, and
deadlines.
Peterson’s Graduate School Search
A database that allows students to search for graduate programs by field of study,
location, degree type, and admission requirements.
GradSchools.com
Provides information about thousands of graduate programs and allows students to compare
schools and program options.
ProFellow
A comprehensive resource for fellowships, fully funded graduate programs, and funding
opportunities for graduate study.
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)
A highly competitive fellowship that provides funding for graduate students pursuing
research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in STEM fields.