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Choosing the Right Graduate School

Questions to consider when choosing a school:

Your Time and Financial Commitments

Academics

Are you looking for a program that specializes in your area of interest?
What is the curriculum like?
Research the faculty at each institution. Try to find out about their research activities and the concerns they have for teaching and student development. You can use such sources as the National Faculty Directory and the Directory of American Scholars found at most libraries.
What are the course offerings? When are they offered?
Will a thesis or dissertation be required?
How many credits are required to complete the program? To be licensed or certified in that particular field? How many credits will you be able to take a semester?

Campus Environment

Are you willing to relocate?
Will you require housing? If so, is campus housing provided for graduate students?
What library resources are available?
What are the lab facilities and equipment like?
How updated and accessible are the computer facilities?
What is the student to faculty ratio?

Career Development

Program Reputation

What is the reputation of the institution within your field of interest?
Does the reputation rest on the faculty, the department or institution?
Is the institution ranked? What is their ranking?
Is the program accredited? Is graduating from an accredited program important in the field you are pursing?