In order to make a competent decision in choosing a graduate/professional school, several factors need to be examined, assessed and weighed according to your wants, needs, values, and career goals. The factors that you should take into consideration include the faculty, program, university/area resources, and students. Listed below are specifics in each of these areas.

Faculty

Academic Training/Credentials – Where did faculty receive training and what philosophy did that school hold about the profession?
Research Interests/Productivity – How much time do they devote to research? Will they be able to assist you in developing your research skills?
Teaching Style/Effectiveness – What classes do they teach and how often are tier classes offered? Is it difficult to enroll in their classes (are they full time faculty or affiliate faculty members?) Will they be on sabbatical during key courses or program course sequences?
Concern for Student Welfare and Development
Involvement in Professional Activities – Do department faculty work well together?
Group Morale and Cohesiveness
Well Balanced Gender/ Ethnic Representation
"Connectedness" with Potential Employers


Academic Program

Accreditation(s)
Goals/Philosophy – Do the values parallel your own?
Course and Program Offerings – How often are classes and programs offered?
Academic Difficulty
Evaluation of Student Performance
Effectiveness of Student Advising
Internships, Assistantships, Practica Fellowships
Degree Requirements (Theses, Dissertations, Comprehensives)
Possibility of Taking Interdisciplinary Courses
Average Length of Time for Degree Completion
Percentage of Students who Complete Degrees
Admissions Policies – Timelines and Deadlines
Job Placement of Graduates

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University and Area Resources

School Location (Urban, Rural, Suburban; Geographical Climate/Culture)
Financial support—Internal and External
Library
Laboratory Equipment and Facilities
Computer Facilities
Access to Future Employers
Cost of Living
Access to Transportation, Shopping, Leisure Activities
Housing Options
Safety of Students

Academic Ability at Entrance
Achievements, Knowledge, Skills at time of Degree Completion
Professional Accomplishments of Graduates
Student’s Judgments/Opinions of the Program’s Quality
Satisfactions with the Program
Group Morale of Program Students
Gender/Ethnic Diversity

Reflect on each of these factors to choose a graduate/professional program that best fits your future goals and values. Keep in mind that each of the above factors will vary in importance depending on the person. Thus, only the person who will be in the program can make the decision about which program is most appropriate for him or her. So, the key to being happy with your choice of a program is to honestly evaluate your personal needs and responsibilities and to find the program that best matches them.

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