How to Prepare for Graduate School
This section of our site will help you learn about our graduate programs. Be sure to study a wide variety of factors before making your decision! In addition to the guidance provided on this page, the MU Career Center has additional online resources to help you prepare for graduate school.
Finding a Degree Program That’s Right for You
We are thrilled that you are considering Mizzou for your advanced studies. We encourage prospective students to gather and analyze information about the institution, degree programs, faculty and surrounding community. Beyond ratings and rankings, factors to consider may include the degree completion requirements; opportunities for interdisciplinary study; level of faculty-student engagement; opportunities for student publication and conference travel; percent of graduates employed in a field of study; and the state of facilities, library collections, laboratories, and equipment. You should also consider both tuition and estimated cost as well as assistantships and fellowships to offset the cost.
Academic Diversity
To make this happen, we need a University that reflects the demographics of the state and the nation. Our curriculum offers courses that prepare students for the 21st century, and our student services must provide the supporting infrastructure for success. Our research enterprise must be open to new areas of scholarship and inquiry that will help us understand this global phenomenon better.
An inclusive campus takes into account the diversity of the students, faculty, and staff. It goes beyond mere tolerance. It respects myriad experiences and provides opportunities for these experiences to be shared and celebrated with others.
We hold the premise that you will be successful at whatever you do at MU if you feel welcomed, respected, and able to be your authentic self. And, if you have engaged in co-creating this environment, the knowledge and skills that you have acquired can be transferred to other aspects of your life and future jobs in the U.S. or any other country in the world.
Helpful Criteria for Selecting a School
As you consider graduate degree programs, use a checklist to record what you learn.
Beyond website information, be sure to call programs of interest to talk with faculty, student, and graduates. Trust your mentor’s advice, too.
The broad areas to consider:
- Faculty research, teaching, and mentoring
- Institutional factors
- Department and degree program factors
- Degrees, certificates, and minors; course of study; class availability; and online and distance courses
- Financial support
- Opportunities for post-graduate employment
- Campus ancillary services
- Community factors
After completing your initial analysis, ask the following:
- Did I view all factors with a critical eye?
- Are my impressions supported with information?
- Was comparable information available from all institutions?
- Which institutions and programs seem the best “fit” with my interests and needs? Why?
- Should I rule out any institution, or do I need additional information?
- Am I interested enough in any of these programs to make a site visit?
Learn more about how to research graduate programs.
Jobs & Degrees in High Demand
How does the future look for advanced degree holders?
U.S. Job Outlook
Despite the struggling economy, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports some of the country’s fastest-growing occupations will include openings for advanced degree holders.
Examples:
- Statisticians
- Mathematicians
- Industrial-Organizational Pscyhologist
- Genetics Counselors
- Nursing Professors
- Computer Scientist
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Registered Nurses
- Post-Secondary Teachers
- Elementary Teachers
Green Jobs: New and Emerging Occupations
A current trend in the U.S. workforce is the growth of new and emerging occupations related to the “green economy.”
This job sector encompasses jobs related to reducing fossil-fuel use, decreasing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the efficiency of energy usage, recycling materials, and developing and adopting renewable sources of energy. This is great news for scientists and engineers across numerous disciplinary areas. Less obvious: The demand for architects, public-relations specialists, urban planners and financial analysts.
Options for Doctorate Holders
Nationally, nearly 50% of doctoral students are interested in jobs outside of academia.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the projected growth rate is on the rise for many disciplines including environmental scientists; astronomers; biochemists and biophysicists; economists; computer and information research scientists; and psychologists.