Search for Programs
WPI Graduate Majors/Fields of Study
What Should You Study?
Once you have made a decision to attend graduate school, the next step is to research programs that match your interests and fit your needs. Remember that your undergraduate major does not dictate which graduate programs you can pursue. Focus your interests by reading and talking to professionals. Ask professionals what educational background they have, where they studied, and what academic programs are suitable preparation for the field.
How Do I Research Programs?
- Catalog and Program Literature - Contact schools directly to request a catalog or view their on-line web resources
- Campus Visits - If possible, visit schools that are high on your list. Request an appointment with an advisor, speak with current students or sit in on a class.
- Graduate Fairs and Forums - These are opportunities to speak with admissions representatives. Attend various Graduate School Fairs.
- Conversations with Current Graduate Students or Alumni - Contact the department about speaking with current students or alumni to ask about their experience with the program.
- WPI Faculty - Speak with faculty about your interests and priorities and ask for advice on programs that seem compatible with your interests and academic background.
- Pre-Law, Pre-Health Advisors - If you plan to attend law or medical school, these advisors can assist you in identifying appropriate programs. WPI Pre-Law Advisor: Professor Kent Rissmiller, WPI Pre-Health (pre-med, pre-dental, pre-vet) Advisor: Professor Jill Rulfs
How Do I Compare Programs?
After researching your options, the next step is to decide where to apply. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating programs:
- Reputation of Faculty: What is the student/faculty ratio? What are their academic degrees/credentials and research specialties? Is the faculty diverse?
- Quality of the Program: Many students compare programs by looking at graduate school rankings; however you should realize that rankings may be based on criteria that are different from your own. Faculty and professionals in your intended field may be the best resource in assessing what are considered to be the better programs.
- Curriculum: Does it have the depth and breadth you want? Does the primary emphasis suit your career goals? Do the courses look interesting? Are specializations offered that interest you? Are there cooperative programs with other educational, cultural and research institutions available?
- Program requirements: What type of requirements are needed for admittance such as GPA, test scores and undergraduate coursework?
- Facilities: How extensive are library, labs and computer facilities? Are there specialized research facilities?
- Financial Cost of Program: What are the opportunities for fellowships, assistantships or scholarships? What other sources of financial aid are available?
- Geographic Location: Will studying in a particular location help you meet your personal and professional goals? What will housing cost and is there housing on campus?
- Internships or Practical/Clinical Experience: Does the program include any practical experiences in its requirements? Is there help in securing it?
- Student Life: What are the demographics of the student body (ethnic diversity, average entering age, male/female ratio)? How many are in the entering class? What is attrition rate?
- Employment: What types of positions have recent graduates obtained? How much are they earning? Are there services available to assist graduate students with the job search?
Internet Resources
- Petersons - Peterson's is a leading search provider of colleges and universities, graduate schools, online degrees, private schools and study guides to students
- Graduate Guide Home - US graduate schools, masters, doctorate, law programs - Search for graduate school, law school, doctorate and MBA programs by major and state, university contact details and email forms. Sections cover admission tests, financial aid and more
- Guide to Graduate School, Graduate Program, and Graduate School Search, Masters Degree Programs - The most comprehensive online resource of graduate school information.
- Find the Graduate School That’s Right For You - Information to help students prepare for the changing demands of today's job market and to provide a voice for early career scientists.
- Best Graduate Schools—US News and World Report - U.S. News has collected data from more than 12,000 graduate programs to bring you this year's rankings. Start by selecting a discipline for access to our top program rankings.
- Council on Undergraduate Research Registry of Undergraduate Researchers and Graduate Schools - This registry is designed to link undergraduate students who have research experience with graduate schools interested in recruiting students. The purpose of this registry is to facilitate matchmaking between undergraduates who have research experience and a desire to pursue an advanced degree, with graduate schools seeking high quality students who are well prepared for research. The Registry is open to students and graduate schools in the fields of Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Physics/ Astronomy, Mathematics/Computer Science, Economics, Geosciences, Engineering, Psychology, Sociology, Humanities and Anthropology/Archaeology.
- MyGraduateSchool.com offers the latest advice on how to apply to graduate school successfully both in the arts and sciences and includes regularly updated articles on the application process, interviews with graduate program directors and more tips straight from the experts.
- The Black Collegian Graduate Study - Grad school information for students of color.
- National Doctoral Programs Survey - Rank programs based on student assessments of their educational practices on student satisfaction, view program reports on 1300 programs from which we received at least 10 responses, and view overall results for each discipline.
- Personal Essay - How to write your personal essay.
- Project 1000 - National program created to assist underrepresented students applying to graduate school. Students may apply to up to seven of the 88 participating Project 1000 institutions by using one application. Participation is free to individual students and to the participating institutions.
- Graduate School Guides - Comprehensive guide to Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional degree programs.
- GraduateSchools.com - A resource for prospective students to find valuable information about graduate level education.
- The Princeton Review - The Princeton Review helps students, parents, and educators achieve the best results at every stage of their educational careers. By focusing on preparation and practice, we help students improve their performance in the classroom and on standardized tests. Through our website, we help parents, teachers, students and schools navigate the complexities of school admissions.
- Construction Management Degrees - A resource for students to find in-depth information about Construction Management Degrees.
- MBA Depot - Information includes: articles, market research, recommended books, business graphics/images, thought leader interviews, career information, business related quotations, etc. There are also forums, partner content for prospective MBAs, interactive polls, and an expert center where you can post questions, and more.
- Accredited Online Colleges - The Accredited Online Colleges website provides you with information on hundreds of online degrees through accredited colleges and universities.
- Find Online and Accredited Online Degrees - Provides information to over 4 million students helping them find information on 1000's of accredited online and campus schools through out the United States, Canada and other International locations.
- Guide to Online Colleges, Degrees, and Distance Learning Programs - Provides resources for students to connect with colleges and universities in order to find the best-fitting educational programs for career advancement and training, as well as information on thousands of degree and certificate programs.
- All Engineering Schools - Guide to engineerng educaton and careers.
- All Business Schools - Guide to businss education and careers.
- MBA Schools
- Find-MBA - MBA Programs worldwide.
- Pharmacy Technician Certification - Find out how to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician
- Practice Test - Free practice tests for MCAT, GMAT, LSAT, GRE
- Business degrees online
- MBA Alliance
- Nursing
- Psychology Programs
- Health Administration
- Teaching
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Last modified: March 04, 2013 14:13:35
