A graduate degree is often the key to attaining employment in many disciplines. Why?
Today’s global and dynamic workforce demands its professionals acquire specialized knowledge and skills.
In some occupations (e.g., accountancy, health, education, law, and engineering) professional certification and licensure are contingent upon the acquisition of knowledge and skills that can only be acquired through advanced studies; thus, graduate education can accelerate your career growth.
An advanced degree is a long-term career investment: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, over a lifetime, people with a doctoral degree will earn an average of $3.4 million; those holding a master’s degree will earn an average of $2.5 million.
Graduate school brings students, faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and staff together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. You become connected with an extensive network of experts; learn from professors who conducting the latest research, developing new theories, and creating cutting-edge art, performance, and other works; and engage in your own journey of discovery. Find the right degree for you!
Benefits
Graduate students who are offered assistantships at Mizzou are guaranteed competitive stipends and benefits and can access a wide variety of educational support through mentoring, career guidance and unique educational opportunities.
Graduate assistantships give students opportunities for financial support, professional experience and academic training.
With a minimum stipend of $19,591* for doctoral students for an academic year (9 months)— combined with Columbia’s outstanding cost of living – University of Missouri stipends are competitive with public research university peers. Assistantships include tuition scholarships, insurance subsidies, and stipends to cover living expenses.
Find Information About Graduate Assistantships & FellowshipsHealth Insurance
The University of Missouri supports the health care needs of graduate students by offering health insurance.
Students in qualifying graduate research, library and teaching assistantships; graduate fellows, graduate instructors; and fellowships are eligible for a partial or complete health insurance subsidy.
Educational Support
The MU Graduate School provides comprehensive in-person and online professional development resources, often in collaboration with campus partners, to aid in the holistic development of graduate students.
Orientation: Graduate student support begins as soon as students are admitted, with orientation and welcome week groups.
Chart Your Own Plan: Students are encouraged to create their own Individual Development Plan to meet short- and long-term career goals.
Ongoing Programs and Support: Each semester the University of Missouri offers 20-30 programs to aid students in professional development. Explore Grad Essentials to learn more about the opportunities available.
Preparing Future Faculty: Many of MU’s academic programs offer graduate students the opportunity to apprentice as instructors or teaching assistants. To further prepare students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to enter academia, we offer aspiring educators a Minor in College Teaching and other professional development programming, including a Preparing Future Faculty course.
Careers Outside of Academia: For graduate students who will pursue careers outside of the academy, the Graduate School offers Preparing Future Professionals for Post-Graduate Studies Careers. This course, along with a variety of non-credit professional development programming, help students prepare for and navigate non-academic careers.
Commitment to Inclusion
The Center for Inclusive Excellence in Graduate Education (CIE) strives to:
- connect undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities and information about graduate education
- advocate for the value of diversity in academia
- work to remove barriers to graduate education
- engage with the internal and external campus community to support a diverse campus community
For MU and Lincoln University undergraduates, check out our Glimpse into Graduate School Program and opportunities to attend a Graduate School 101 presentations through gradESSENTIALS . For non-MU undergraduates or bachelor’s and master’s degree holders, check our TigerView Campus Visitation Program.
Learn More About Inclusive Excellence in Graduate Education at the University of MissouriWhat’s New
A Place of Your Own
With financial support from the Provost, the Graduate School will open a dedicated graduate student space in 2023-24. This space will be used for professional development, consultations, meetings, socializing, and networking. We are excited to welcome graduate students in person and virtually to this space.
External Fellowship and Award Support
The Graduate School, in partnership with the Fellowships Office and other campus resources, provides group and individual professional development and support to students interested in applying for competitive fellowships and awards. Contact us for more information.
Career Coaching
The Graduate School, in partnership with the Career Center, recently hired two career coaches dedicated to supporting graduate students’ career planning. Their offices are located in the Career Center. They will be hosting one-on-one coaching sessions and professional development programming throughout the year.