Factors to Consider when Applying to Graduate School 

NASPA receives quite a few requests for information about graduate degree programs in student affairs. One of the most commonly asked questions is "does NASPA rate graduate preparation programs so that students can apply to the 'best' ones?" The answer is no. Selecting the right graduate program for you is a personal decision, based on a number of different factors.

We recommend that you think about the following things when selecting a degree program in student affairs:

  • What type of a program interests you most? One with an emphasis in student development? higher education administration? counseling? public policy? or, another related field (i.e., community college, multicultural emphasis, etc)?
     
  • Are you interested in full-time or part-time study? Do you want to take classes during the day, in the evening, or on weekends? Are you interested in classes that are primarily online, campus-based, or a mixture of both?
     
  • What type of institution would you like to attend? Public or private? Urban, rural, or suburban? Residential or commuter? Research or comprehensive?
     
  • Where do you want to study? In a particular part of the country, or particular state? Are you willing to move? Or, do you want to stay close to home?
     
  • What types of assistantships and/or professional experiences are available to students? Research opportunities? Publication opportunities? Assistantship and/or internship opportunities? Professional presentation opportunities?
     
  • What types of financial assistance are available? Loans? Grants? Fellowships? Scholarships? Assistantships? Job support or subsidies? Job income/work study?
     
  • What are the faculty members' areas of expertise or research interests? Are they involved in professional associations? What is the availability and quality of mentor/advisor relationships? 
     
  •  What are the program's academic requirements? Course requirements? Electives? Does the program require oral or written comprehensive exams? A thesis or dissertation? Are internships/practica available? How many years does it "typically" take students to complete the degree?
     
  • What are your personal career goals? Do you want to work in a particular functional area (i.e., greek life, residence life, assessment)? Does the institution have student affairs departments in those areas?
     
  • How important are peer and classmate interactions? Are your peers recent college graduates or have they been in the field for a number of years?
     
  • What types of positions have most recent graduates of the program taken? Is there an active alumni network?