Graduate School Bound Program

Online Module #2 Topic: Exploration & Research

Graduate School Bound Program Objectives

• To provide undergraduate CI students with assistance in the exploration and preparation process for graduate school through a series of online self-guided modules• To connect undergraduate CI

students with the resources provided by Career Development Services

Module #2 Learning Outcomes

1. Conduct research and evaluate graduate programs using a variety of online search databases.

2. Identify graduate school rankings to find out what to look for in a quality graduate program.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of how to use a graduate school planning guide to compile program information.

AgendaThis module will outline the following

topics:

•An overview of online graduate school research databases•How to identify your specific needs in a graduate program•How to critically evaluate graduate programs•Graduate school exploration and research•Journal reflection

Graduate School Research

Information

Graduate School Research

• Professors• Colleagues• Professionals in your field of interest• Peers• Current Graduate Students• Advisors• Journals• Internet Discussion Groups• Informational Interviews• Online Databases

When you conduct a graduate school search you should develop a list of schools that interest you by gathering

graduate school information from a variety of sources. Think about the following topics when beginning research:

Use a Variety of Sources to Help You Conduct

Research• Professional organizations and conferences• To locate a professional organization: Google search

“Professional Organizations for Psychology, etc.”• Go to the following website:

http://whatcanidowiththismajor.com/major/majors/Click your major/discipline, review list of professional associations at bottom of page.

• Research programs in professional journals (e.g. Journal of Social Psychology)

Use a Variety of Sources to Help You Conduct Research Cont’d…

• Research publications by individuals associated with the program/school using a library database

• Meet with a Career Counselor• Graduate school guides• University/program websites• Speak to alumni/current students• Ask admissions/faculty questions

Considerations for Graduate School

Program Evaluation

Considerations for Evaluating Graduate

Programs1. Location: Find out about the layout of the entire campus. Is it spread across a big city, or centrally located in town community? You will be living in the area for anywhere from two to six years, so make sure that you will be comfortable.

2. Time: Masters degrees can range from two to three years to complete. If you are taking courses part- time, it could take up to four years. Make sure you know how long it will take you to earn all of the credits needed for graduation and the typical time to degree completion.

Considerations for Evaluating Graduate

Programs3. Resources: The physical facilities of graduate schools are an important factor for success in your graduate studies. You need a library stocked with relevant books and reference materials or labs equipped with appropriate tools to complete your research.

4. Cost: It is more difficult to find financial aid for a masters degree or Ph.D. than it is for a bachelors degree. However, there are several options and tips to follow to ensure you get a graduate financial aid package that fits your needs.

Considerations for Evaluating Graduate

Programs5. Faculty: Your professors, graduate advisor and other faculty members should be an important topic in your graduate search. Find out what research professors in your field are currently working on. Ask other students about advisors, as they will be working closely with you on your thesis/dissertation.

6. On-Campus vs. Online: If you’re an independent learner, online graduate school could be for you. If you thrive on interaction with your peers or professors, an on-campus graduate school might be your best option.

Considerations for Evaluating Graduate

Programs7.Ranking: There is no exact science to

ranking. They are worth looking at for reference, but don’t place too much importance on them, because you could miss out on the perfect graduate program for you.

8.Accreditation: It is highly recommended that you attend an accredited program. If not, you may be unable to transfer the unite and have a difficult time getting a job, as most employers place little value on unaccredited institutions.

Personal Graduate Program Needs

Academics are important, but don't neglect your personal needs when it comes to choosing a school that fits for you. Things to consider:

•Location of school and how you live•Your quality of life•Friends you make and the activities available to you will all influence your well-being and happiness•Campus environment and lifestyle•Types of health and recreational facilities available at the school and surrounding community•Don’t forget to have PATIENCE when searching for the right program to suit your needs. It will take time and energy.

Graduate School Planning Guide

Graduate Planning Guide

Use the Graduate School Planning Guide to organize and compile

information about graduate programs.

Conduct Graduate School Research

Research & ExplorationThe following websites are resources

for conducting research and exploration on various programs

world-wide: http://www.myplan.comwww.graduateguide.com

www.gradschools.com

Additional Websites for Graduate School Research

• Peterson's Graduate and Professional Schools - www.petersons.com

• Graduate and Professional School Profiles - www.gradprofiles.com

• Council of Graduate Schools - www.cgsnet.org • Association for Support of Graduate Students -

www.asgs.org • National Association of Graduate-Professional

Students - www.nagps.org • U.S. News & World Report Rankings & Guides -

www.usnews.com/usnews/rankguide/rghome.htm

Eureka.org Database• Steps for Eureka.org:

– Go to www.eureka.org– Click Students/Clients– Enter Site ID Code: X123WKC– Select “Go to Dashboard” link– Select “Education” tab– Select “Colleges/Universities Filter”– Enter Search Criteria and select “View Summary &

Results”– Make a list of programs to research further based on

recommended schools

Make a List of Potential Schools and Compare:• Quality of programs • Research and scholarly opportunities• Reputation of the school, its programs, and

professors• Potential fit with professors whose interests

match yours• Program job placement rates and information• Financial assistance• Student services • Location’s cost of living

Go to various Graduate School’s websites and collect the following information:•Faculty bio’s and research interests•Email for applications•Required entry tests for program•Dates for graduate school fairs

Additional Research Tips

• Research at least One Faculty Bio• Research the Programs’ Curriculum• Find Student Blogs• Student Review– http://www.studentsreview.com/

• US News Report:– www.usnews.com/usnews/rankguide/

rghome.htm

Reflective Journal Questions

• What graduate program stands out to you as your number one option and why?

• What is the next step in graduate school research for you?

• How do you plan on conducting thorough research on graduate programs?

Questions on this Module?Preparing for graduate school is a multi-staged process.

Visit Career Development Services during Drop-In Career Counseling to get your questions answered. Every Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Career Development CenterBell Tower 1548career.services@csuci.edu(805) 437-3270