Selecting a School and Program
Decided on grad school? Now, where?
Start by exploring 10 to 15 programs that align with your goals and values, then narrow your list strategically. Since application fees can add up quickly, focus on programs you’d genuinely consider attending and aim for a balanced mix of reach, target, and safety programs.
Use the resources on this page to build and narrow your list, find reliable program information, and compare your options based on what matters most to you. Your career coach can also help you research programs and weigh your choices.
Build and narrow your application list
Start by exploring 10 to 15 programs that align with your goals, casting a wider net early improves both fit and your odds of admission. Then narrow strategically. Since application fees often run $100 or more per program, apply only to schools where you’d genuinely enroll.
Build a balanced final list of six to eight programs:
- Two reach programs, competitive programs where admission is a stretch but possible.
- Two to four target programs, programs where your profile is a strong match.
- Two safety programs, programs where you’re very likely to be admitted.
This is your starting point, the sections below walk you through how to research programs, evaluate fit, and make confident decisions before you commit to applying.
Where to gather information about programs
Researching programs takes more than a quick Google search. Use these sources to get an honest, complete picture of each program you’re considering.
UT faculty
Members of the UT faculty are well connected in their field and knowledgeable about programs. They can provide inside information, suggest programs, or even connect you to other faculty in the field.
Other students and alumni
Alumni of and current students in graduate programs will give you honest information about the quality of the program and its faculty. Ask your program contact to schedule time for you to speak with current students during a campus visit or connect virtually.
Individual program websites
Visit each program’s website for general information, such as the program’s mission, faculty qualifications, admission and graduation requirements, and deadlines. But don’t stop there, contact the school for more details.
General graduate school search sites
These sites can provide a wealth of information on graduate school in general or on specific fields. Many of them also provide search engines to help identify programs that meet your needs.
Specialty guides
Visit specific professional associations in your field of interest for information regarding top graduate programs. You can start by visiting Industry pages on the CCDAE website.
Academic journals in your field
Get graduate school ideas directly from academic journals. The best programs generate the best and the most often cited articles, so look in the journals for articles and reports of research that interest you. Then find out where the article writer teaches and research their program.
Questions to ask about each program
There are many questions to ask about programs to determine if they are a fit for your goals and values. Not every factor will weigh equally for you, use the list to surface what matters most.
Accreditation
There are two main types of accreditation, institutional and program specific. You need to determine the properly accredited degree programs in your field. While accreditation is not necessarily the key indicator of quality, you could face negative consequences if the program that confers your degree is not accredited. A school that is not properly accredited may not volunteer this information, so dig deep.
Admission standards
Most schools publish this information, so look for the number of applicants compared with the number of acceptances and the base requirements for admission, which usually include undergraduate grade-point average and scores on standardized tests.
Reputation and ranking
Lots of different organizations rank graduate programs, so while rankings are an important measure of quality, you also need to investigate the source of the rankings. Examples of organizations that rank graduate programs include U.S. News & World Report and Business Week.
Size
There are two aspects of size you should evaluate, size of the program and size of its home university. Just as with your undergraduate school, you need to find a size that feels right for you. Examine the resources available to the program, as well as the faculty–student ratios.
Faculty
Are the program’s faculty members well published? Do they publish in well-regarded peer reviewed journals? What are they currently researching? Does this research match your interests?
Student life
What is the student population? How large is the graduate program? What is the student–faculty ratio? What is the average age of the students enrolled? Do students attend primarily full or part time? Are there any student organizations? Where do most of them live with respect to the campus? What support services are on campus for graduate students?
Location
In some cases, location is important to where you might want to live long term depending on your career goals. Consider this factor when choosing a school.
Finances
What is the tuition for the program? What kind of financial assistance is available? Do they have a variety of assistantships, fellowships, grants, and loans? Make sure you examine all associated costs, including tuition, books and supplies, housing, and miscellaneous fees and expenses. Learn more about funding your graduate education.
“Fit” with your career interests
If you have a specialized career interest, ask whether the graduate program offers specialized courses and experiential opportunities in that area and if it has faculty with similar research interests that will allow you to develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and contacts to start your professional career successfully.
Career outcomes
Does the program assist with the job search after you receive your degree? Are there career services designed for graduate students? Where do the graduates end up working? What opportunities for internships, research, and jobs are available while you are in the program?
Graduation requirements
Does the program require an exit project, such as a thesis, dissertation, or comprehensive test?
Do this next
Once you’ve got a shortlist, the next move is to start the application and make it competitive. A career coach can help you refine your list, weigh fit and finances, and plan your timeline, and your professors are often your best source for which programs truly fit your goals.
Want help choosing where to apply?
A career coach can help you pressure-test your shortlist, weigh fit and finances, and plan the timeline for your applications. Most students start with a single in-person or virtual appointment.
Career Coaching & Education
Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration
201 Student Union, 1502 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37996
865-974-5435