Researching and Evaluating Graduate Programs

Pursuing graduate school is a significant step toward advancing your academic and professional goals. UC undergraduates have access to exceptional resources, including the Bearcat Promise Career Studio (add link) and Pre-Professional Advising Center (PPAC) to guide program research and evaluation. This guide focuses on finding the best fit for non-pre-health/pre-law graduate programs (e.g., master’s or PhD in engineering, business, education, arts).

Step 1: Clarify Your Goals

Reflect on your motivations to ensure graduate school aligns with your aspirations:

Career Goals: Do you need a master’s or PhD for research, leadership, or specialized roles?
Field of Interest: Are you deepening your major’s expertise or exploring a new area (e.g., data science, public policy)?
Priorities: What matters most—reputation, location, cost, flexibility, or research opportunities?

Resource Tip: Schedule a coaching session at the Bearcat Promise Career Studio (TUC 310) via Handshake (add link), to clarify goals using career assessments. For stress or uncertainty, contact CAPS at 513-556-0648 for free counseling.

Step 2: Identify Potential Programs

Research programs that match your interests:

Online Tools: Use GradSchools.com, Peterson’s, US News rankings, Princeton Review, or professional organizations (e.g., American Educational Research Association) to filter by field, location, and format.
UC Network:
Career Studio: Access Careershift LinkedIn Alumni, and Interstride (ideal for international students) to explore programs and alumni outcomes.
PPAC: Offers workshops for pre-health/pre-law students (contact PPAC for schedules).
Faculty & Alumni: Consult UC professors during office hours or connect with alumni via LinkedIn or the UC Alumni Association.
Graduate Fairs: Attend Graduate College Fairs or PPAC events. Find events via Handshake (add link) or GetInvolvedUC.

Pro Tip: Track programs in a spreadsheet with deadlines, requirements, costs, and funding options.

Step 3: Evaluate Program Fit

Assess programs based on key factors:

Reputation & Accreditation: Ensure accreditation (e.g., AACSB for business, ABET for engineering) and review rankings, faculty expertise, and alumni outcomes.
Curriculum & Specializations: Seek programs with relevant courses, concentrations, or hands-on opportunities (e.g., research, co-ops).
Faculty Expertise: Check faculty profiles for alignment with your interests and contact them to express interest.
Funding & Costs: Compare tuition, fees, and living expenses. Explore assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships via program websites or UC’s Financial Aid Office.
Location & Lifestyle: Consider urban, rural, or online programs. UC’s Graduate College offers 390+ programs with Cincinnati’s affordable living as a bonus.
Career Outcomes: Investigate job placement rates and alumni networks. Use Career Studio’s Big Interview for resume feedback.

Resource Tip: Use CollegeScoreCard.gov to research costs and outcomes. Book a Career Studio interview booth for graduate school interviews via Handshake (add link).

Step 4: Narrow Your List

Shortlist 5–10 programs based on fit, admission requirements (e.g., GPA, test scores), and application feasibility. Seek feedback from Career Studio coaches, PPAC advisors (for pre-health/pre-law), academic advisors, or current graduate students via LinkedIn.

Step 5: Plan Your Applications

Follow a 12–18-month timeline (see Graduate School Application Timeline add link). Key steps:

Tests: Register for GRE/GMAT if required. Use Career Studio’s Big Interview for prep.
Recommendations: Request letters from professors/supervisors 2–3 months early, providing your resume and program details.
Essays: Tailor personal statements with Writing Center and Career Studio feedback.
Resume: Polish with Big Interview’s AI feedback and book a Career Studio headshot (https://www.uc.edu/campus-life/careers/handshake.html).

Bearcat Promise Tip: Use the “My Graduation Plan” tool from Bearcat Bound to align graduate school with your career goals.

Ready to Start? Visit the Career Studio (TUC 310) via Handshake (add link), contact PPAC, or explore grad.uc.edu. For support, call CAPS at 513-556-0648 or use the Bearcat Portal for advising.