Georgia Tech Ivan Allen College | The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs

Graduate School

Many people consider attending graduate school but are unsure whether they should or how to begin the application process. Attending graduate school is a major decision and should not be made lightly. You need to consider your professional and personal goals, research different programs, and submit your materials in a timely fashion. Below are some tips to get you started and questions that can guide the process.

• Meet with a GT Career Counselor or INTA Career Advisor to understand your graduate school options and strategies for narrowing down your search.

• Talk with professionals in your desired field (law, business, international affairs) to learn more about their jobs and the most relevant graduate degree. For international affairs there are many graduate degrees that can lead you into careers in international affairs, like graduate degrees in business, public policy, women's studies, criminal justice, law, sociology, psychology, economics and international affairs. The GT Career Center and the INTA Career Advisor can connect you with program alumni who may be willing to speak with you about their careers.

• Organize several file folders in which you can collect graduate admissions information and career information.

• Review the graduate school reference books at the online and in the career library. These books list domestic and international graduate schools, explain admissions requirements and deadlines, and describe program requirements and specialties.

• Meet with admissions staff people at the graduate schools you are considering attending.

Questions To Consider Before Applying...

Should I Attend Graduate School?

If you are considering graduate study, you should perform a self-assessment before proceeding with application materials. Some areas you might want to consider:

1. Professional Goals

• Do your goals require a graduate degree?

• How will you use the degree once you've acquired it?

2. Motivation for Attending

• Are you considering graduate school because it feels "safe" or are you wary about entering the job market?

• Are you considering graduate school due to the wishes of a friend or family member?

What type of program should I select and how long will it take?

1. Academic - focuses on original research or creative activity, teaching at a college/university, working in a research facility.

• Master's degrees take 1-3 years.

• Ph.D. programs take approximately 3-7 years after obtaining the Master's degree.

2. Professional - law, medicine, business, social work are a few examples; stresses practical application of knowledge.

• Professional degrees take approximately 2-5 years depending on the area of study.

• Medical school - usually 4 years after undergraduate, then 1-3 years of residency/intern, and could involve 2-6 more years based on the area of specialization.

How should I evaluate the different programs/schools?

• Consider the reputation of the school. Is the university or program accredited and is the program nationally ranked?

• Consider the workload and what is expected of students in the program.

• Examine the tuition and fees. Find out what funds are available for assistantships, loans, scholarships, or work study.

• Look at the location and size of the school and determine if this meets your needs academically and socially.

• Find out how many students graduate from the program and find jobs in their field of study and if there is alumni support within the program.

Should I Work before Attending Graduate School or Go Right Away?

Working First

Should I Work before Attending Graduate School or Go Right Away?

Going Right after Undergrad