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This is a general guide compiled from multiple resources. Each area of focus or individual program may differ so please look into them specifically.

What is Graduate School?

• An advanced program of study focused on a particular academic discipline or profession.
• Traditionally considered “academic,” meaning programs are centered on generating original research in a particular discipline.
• Can also be “professional,” meaning that programs are centered on developing skills and knowledge for a specific profession, or a combination of both.

How is Graduate School Different from Undergraduate Education?

Compared to undergraduate studies, graduate school is a more concentrated course of study including higher expectations for the quality and quantity of your academic work.

In graduate school you will have:

• focused studies in a specific discipline with fewer elective possibilities
• rigorous evaluation of your work by professors and peers
• smaller classes with much student interaction
• work experience via internships, teaching, or production of original research is often required

What Graduate Degrees are Available?

Graduate degrees are available in almost any subject and come in three levels: Master, Specialist, and Doctorate. Depending on the graduate school/program and degree level you desire, your program requirements and length will vary.

• Master’s degrees are offered in many fields of study. Some are designed to lead to a doctoral degree while others are the “terminal” degree for a profession (e.g., Master of Library Science or Master of Business Administration). For full-time students, completing a master’s degree usually takes 2 years.
• Specialist degrees are usually earned in addition to a master’s degree and will require additional coursework, training, or internship experience. This type of degree usually prepares students for professional certification or licensing requirements (e.g. Ed.S. for school principal).
• Doctoral (Ph.D.) or Professional (Doctoral) degrees (MD or JD) are the highest degrees possible. PhD’s require the creation of new knowledge via independent research – be it basic or applied. Including the time it takes to write and defend a dissertation, this degree may take anywhere from 5-10 years to complete. MD’s & JD’s: Specific schools/programs and training is needed to receive these degrees.

Information from UC Berkeley, Career Center

Where to Find Graduate School Information

Consult sites such as these for researching graduate and professional schools and other appropriate information

• US News, Best Graduate Schools
• University of California Graduate Degree Programs
• Financing Your Graduate Education, articles on Idealist website
• Financial Aid for Graduate and Professional Students (PDF)

How Do I Choose a Graduate School?

• Reputation of the Faculty: What are their academic degrees/credentials and research specialties? What is the student/faculty ratio? Look at faculty websites, if available.
• Quality of the Program: This is measured by many different factors, many of which are mentioned below. You may choose to look at graduate school rankings to help you assess a program’s quality; however, the rankings may be based on criteria that are different from your own. What’s more, many scholars, deans, and advisors question the validity of such rankings.
• Financial Costs: What are the opportunities for fellowships, assistantships or scholarships? What other sources of financial aid are available?
• Admission Requirements: GPA, test scores, undergraduate coursework, specific entrance exams, etc.
• Available Course Offerings: Are courses you need to fulfill degree requirements frequently offered? Will the course offerings help you meet your professional or educational goals?
• Employment: Where are graduates of the program working, and how much are they earning?
• Facilities: Consider the quality of on-site facilities such as libraries, computer labs, and research facilities.
• Geographic location: Will studying in a particular location help you meet personal or professional goals?
• Student Life: Consider the overall nature of student life, available student organizations, housing, and campus support services.

Information from UC Berkeley Career Services

Admissions Requirements and Essentials

• Official Transcripts
• Graduate Admissions Tests:
  • (Graduate Records Examination)
  • (Law School Admission Test)
  • (Medical College Admission Test)
  • (Graduate Business School)
  • (California Basic Educational Skills Test)
  • (California Subject Examinations for Teachers)
• Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose. Visit the Writing Center first for assistance with a personal statement or statement of purpose. Always follow the writing prompts given by the graduate school found in the admission packet.
• Letters of recommendation: Ask early and give info to faculty about you. Always ask: “Can you give me a strong letter of recommendation?”
• CVs and Resumes, include if part of the admission packet
• Writing samples for Ph.D. schools/programs or others that are research-based

FREE Graduate School Admissions Practice Tests

Often hosted at The Claremont Colleges, students can sign-up for a free practice test (e.g. GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, etc.). Watch for sign-up opportunities in .