What Should I Study?
Non degree programs
There are some institutions that offer certificates and other micro credentials to bolster job skills. Because these programs don’t offer a full degree, you want to be sure it meets your needs to actually boost your career. Ask lots of questions about the structure and outcomes of nondegree programs you might be looking at, talk to people who’ve completed the program, and opt for public and nonprofit options (over for-profit schools) as they tend to be more recognized and respected.
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A good example of a nondegree program is SoHE’s Community & Nonprofit Leadership capstone certificate.
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Master’s degree program structures
- 4+1 – These programs typically involve completing an additional year of coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree to complete the master’s degree. In most cases, the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree must be in the same field. (For example, BSW + MSW at UW-Madison)
- Terminal Master’s – Basically this just means working only towards the master’s degree.
- Nonterminal Master’s – Getting the master’s degree as a steppingstone to a doctoral degree (in same field at the same institution).
Licensing
Certain fields, especially when you are working directly with people, require licensing and specific educational experiences to be eligible for licensure. Licensing can differ by occupation and state. Often, there is a continuing education portion of the license to be able to renew it in the future. Do your research and pay close attention to location differences or reciprocity of licenses across states. Ask graduate programs about how they prepare and support you in obtaining relevant licensure.
Location
Where you want to study is very important to consider in addition to what you want to study. Certain professional graduate programs may set you up for certain licensing. If you are interested in doing research with a particular population or getting connected with specific types of organizations, do you have access to that where your program is located? Grad school is likely going to be a couple or more years of your life – so where do you want to spend that time? If there is somewhere in particular you want to live, does it make sense to move there and then apply for graduate school?
Online Master’s Programs
Deciding if an online program is right for you:
- If you are unable to relocate, an online degree provides flexibility
- An online degree program will not necessarily take longer to complete. Some programs even allow you to earn your degree faster if you can manage a higher workload.
- Online degree programs will require more self-motivation.
What to look for in an online program:
- Faculty Support – Because online programs lack face-to-face interaction, it is important to consider how schools prioritize student-teacher interaction. Some ways that this can happen include mentoring programs, forums, and tutoring, which are all things to look for when shopping for online graduate programs.
- Student-centric online learning experience – Online degree programs can feel isolating if there aren’t resources available for students. When researching programs, take note of what ways the school will provide assistance, for example what databases and platforms are available for student use. If there is a field experience required (like for teaching, social work, and counseling), how do programs support students in finding and working in those roles?
- Flexibility – Contrary to popular belief, online degree programs are not totally unstructured. Most programs have set discussion times, exam dates, and so on. Make sure to look at each program to see how it can fit into your schedule.
- Networking opportunities – Socialization and forming connections are big aspects of traditional degree programs, it is important to consider what opportunities you may receive in an online program. A quality program will focus on student success in all aspects of the program, so look for opportunities to connect with peers in an online setting.
- Accreditation and credibility – Online degree programs often get a bad rep due to shady recruitment practices and low credibility. However, there are ways to find credible programs, the biggest way is to look at a school’s accreditation.
- OnlineMastersDegrees.org has rankings of online degree programs, a variety of online programs in different fields, and financial education resources as well!
Career Conversations/ Informational Interviewing
Informational interviews are great ways to get more information about what it is actually like to work in a field as well as learn what your options are for occupations and education. Perhaps you know someone in the field you want to learn more about. If not, ask people you know who they might know in that field. Then request an informational interview. People love to talk about themselves and what they do, so don’t be shy! Just be sure to be flexible with their schedule and needs. You should be prepared to talk about your own goals and interests and have a list of questions ready to ask.
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EXAMPLE REQUEST for informational meeting “Hello. My name is Hannah, and I just finished my junior year at UW-Madison where I’m studying Interior Architecture. I really enjoy designing spaces that highlight natural beauty, so I want to explore how I might be able to do this further with a degree in architecture. My coworker, Sam, gave me you contact info. He was really proud to brag that his cousin is an award-winning architect! I would really appreciate an opportunity to talk with you for 20-30 minutes about your background and current work. Can we set up a meeting time? Thank you.
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SAMPLE QUESTIONS for an informational meeting
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