Questions to Ask Graduate Program
Essential questions to help you evaluate graduate programs, understand the academic environment, and make an informed decision about your advanced education.
1What are the program's strengths and what makes it unique?
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What are the program's strengths and what makes it unique?
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Why this works
Reveals program advantages and helps you understand what sets this program apart from others and what it does best.
2What are the admission requirements and what do you look for in applicants?
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What are the admission requirements and what do you look for in applicants?
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Why this works
Shows admission criteria and helps you understand what qualifications and qualities the program values most.
3What are the program's learning outcomes and what will I gain from it?
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What are the program's learning outcomes and what will I gain from it?
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Why this works
Reveals program benefits and helps you understand what knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll gain from the program.
4What are the faculty qualifications and research interests?
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What are the faculty qualifications and research interests?
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Why this works
Shows faculty expertise and helps you understand the academic quality and research opportunities available.
5What are the program's research opportunities and resources?
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What are the program's research opportunities and resources?
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Why this works
Reveals research focus and helps you understand what research opportunities and resources are available to students.
6What are the program's career outcomes and job placement rates?
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What are the program's career outcomes and job placement rates?
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Why this works
Shows career success and helps you understand what career opportunities and job placement support the program provides.
7What are the program's curriculum and course requirements?
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What are the program's curriculum and course requirements?
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Why this works
Reveals academic structure and helps you understand what courses and requirements you'll need to complete.
8What are the program's support services and student resources?
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What are the program's support services and student resources?
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Why this works
Shows student support and helps you understand what resources and support services are available to students.
9What are the program's networking and professional development opportunities?
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What are the program's networking and professional development opportunities?
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Why this works
Reveals professional growth and helps you understand what networking and professional development opportunities are available.
10What are the program's internship and practical experience opportunities?
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What are the program's internship and practical experience opportunities?
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Why this works
Shows practical experience and helps you understand what hands-on learning and internship opportunities are available.
11What are the program's alumni network and success stories?
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What are the program's alumni network and success stories?
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Why this works
Reveals alumni success and helps you understand what the program's alumni have achieved and how they can help you.
12What are the program's funding and financial aid opportunities?
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What are the program's funding and financial aid opportunities?
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Why this works
Shows financial support and helps you understand what funding and financial aid opportunities are available.
13What are the program's technology and learning resources?
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What are the program's technology and learning resources?
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Why this works
Reveals learning resources and helps you understand what technology and learning resources are available to students.
14What are the program's diversity and inclusion initiatives?
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What are the program's diversity and inclusion initiatives?
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Why this works
Shows inclusive environment and helps you understand how the program supports diversity and inclusion.
15What are the program's international and study abroad opportunities?
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What are the program's international and study abroad opportunities?
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Why this works
Reveals global opportunities and helps you understand what international and study abroad opportunities are available.
16What are the program's assessment and evaluation methods?
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What are the program's assessment and evaluation methods?
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Why this works
Shows evaluation approach and helps you understand how your progress and performance will be assessed.
17What are the program's collaboration and partnership opportunities?
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What are the program's collaboration and partnership opportunities?
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Why this works
Reveals collaboration focus and helps you understand what collaboration and partnership opportunities are available.
18What are the program's innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities?
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What are the program's innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities?
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Why this works
Shows innovation focus and helps you understand what innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities are available.
19What are the program's community engagement and service opportunities?
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What are the program's community engagement and service opportunities?
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Why this works
Reveals community focus and helps you understand what community engagement and service opportunities are available.
20What makes this program the right choice for my career goals?
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What makes this program the right choice for my career goals?
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Why this works
Shows program fit and helps you understand how this program aligns with your career goals and aspirations.
Best Practices for Graduate Program Evaluation
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Focus on Program Quality
Ask questions that help you understand the program's academic quality, faculty expertise, and learning outcomes.
Assess Career Alignment
Ask about career outcomes, job placement, and how the program aligns with your career goals and aspirations.
Evaluate Support and Resources
Ask about student support services, resources, and opportunities to ensure you'll have the support you need.
Question Sequences
The Program Quality Sequence
The Career Alignment Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Rankings
While rankings matter, focus on program fit, faculty expertise, and how the program aligns with your career goals.
Don't Ignore Financial Considerations
Ask about funding, financial aid, and cost of attendance. Graduate education is a significant investment.
Don't Skip the Support Services Questions
Ask about student support services, resources, and opportunities. These are crucial for your success and well-being.