A few questions to ask yourself:
Define and clarify your purpose for graduate school and how it relates to your career.
- Why are you interested in attending graduate school?
- Will a graduate degree increase your earning potential and career advancement?
- Which programs and schools to consider?
- How will I pay for Graduate school?
Graduate School Road Map
Explore
When you are exploring graduate school as an option it is important to reflect on your career goals, interests, strengths & potential career paths.
Find out MoreResearch
Not all graduate programs are the same. These research tools can help you find a program that matches your goals, interests, and budget and aid you in making an informed decision on your educational journey.
Graduate School Research ToolsApplication Documents
Your application tells your story. Prepare every part of your application with confidence–from your resume or CV to your personal statement, letters of recommendation, and graduate school interviews.
Applications
FAQ’s
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to apply, our FAQs provide quick answers and helpful guidance to support your graduate school journey.
LinkChecklist
Stay on track throughout your graduate school journey. Use our checklist to plan ahead, meet important deadlines, and complete each step of the application process with confidence.
LinkExplore
Gather Information
- Talk with classmates, professors or current graduate students about programs you are interested in or considering.
- Interview professionals in your field of interest. Consider conducting an informational interview to learn more.
- Consider researching 3-7 schools and programs you are interested in to give you options.
Career Goals
When considering graduate school as your next step it is important to ask yourself…
- What are my career goals?
- What impact do I want to make?
- Will graduate school help me reach my career goals?
- Utilize Mind Maps to aid you in making a selection.
Strengths & Interests
Discover what motivates you. Reflect on your interests, strengths, and goals to identify graduate programs that align with your passions and future career.
Questions to Consider:
- What subjects or topics excite me the most?
- What are my greatest strengths and skills?
- What skills do I want to develop?
- What kind of impact do I want to make through my education and career?
Possible Paths
There’s more than one path to your future. Explore careers that align with your goals, learn which ones require or prefer graduate education, and imagine different possibilities for your career and life.
Questions to Consider:
- Which careers require or prefer a graduate degree?
- What types of graduate degrees or programs fit my goals?
- What are three possible futures I can imagine for myself?
Research Tools
Grad School Comparison Chart
The Graduate School Comparison Charts help you organize your research in one place so you can easily compare programs side by side. As you explore different schools, record important information such as admissions requirements, costs, deadlines, faculty, funding opportunities, and program features. Keeping your research organized will make it easier to identify the programs that best match your goals.
Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping helps you organize your graduate school ideas and connect your interests, strengths and goals. use these tools to explore your “why” and clarify how graduate school fits into your future.
Still struggling to make a decision. Reach out to your Career Coach, we can help!
Or Schedule through Navigate.
Helpful Research Websites
Graduate School Search Websites
Choosing the right graduate program starts with good research. The websites below can help you explore and find schools that match your interests and goals.
What Can I Do With This Major? – Explore careers related to your major and discover employers and strategies for preparing for your chosen field.
Peterson’s Graduate Schools – Search thousands of graduate programs, compare schools, review admissions requirements, explore scholarship opportunities, and programs that fit your academic and career goals.
GradSchools.com – Browse graduate programs by degree type, field of study, or location. It’s a helpful starting point for discovering master’s, doctoral, certificate, and online programs across the country.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Prompts
Using AI to Research Graduate Schools
Our AI graduate school research guide provides step-by-step and ready-to-use prompts to help you research programs confidently and efficiently.
Remember: AI is a helpful starting point. Always verify important information with official university websites and connect with your Utah Tech Career Coach for personalized guidance.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a detailed document that showcases your academic, research, leadership, and professional experiences. It is commonly used for graduate school applications, research opportunities, and academic positions.
What is a Personal Statement?
A personal statement is your opportunity to tell your story beyond your grades and resume. It explains why you want to pursue a graduate program, highlights your experiences and goals, and shows the admissions committee why you’re a great fit.
Guide to writing a Personal Statement
Mock Interviews
Schedule a mock interview with a Career Coach or practice anytime using Hiration’s AI Interview Prep to build confidence and receive helpful feedback.
Interview Rooms
Reserve a private interview room at the Career Center for access to a quiet, professional space with reliable internet, a webcam, and everything you need for a successful virtual interview.
Letters of Recommendation
Strong letters of recommendation come from people who know your abilities well, like professors, advisors, employers and coworkers.
Check out our Letters of Recommendation Guide for tips, timelines, and best practices to help you request strong, personalized letters.
Graduate & Professional School Exams
Many graduate and professional programs require entrance exams.
Such as: GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, HESI, PRAXIS, or CLEP
Visit the Utah Tech University Testing Center to learn more.
Requesting Official Transcripts
Most graduate programs require official transcripts as part of the application process.
Utah Tech Registrar’s Office website with step-by-step instructions and ordering links.
Requesting transcripts from Utah Tech here.
Requesting transcripts from other schools here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I pay for Graduate School?
There are many ways to fund a graduate degree, and most students use a combination of resources.
Start planning early and explore all available funding options. Begin by researching options at least 6–12 months before you plan to enroll.
Graduate School Funding Resources
These websites can help you compare graduate programs, research costs, find scholarships and explore other funding opportunities.
- Peterson’s Graduate Schools
Research graduate programs, tuition, and scholarship opportunities. - GradSchools.com
Search graduate programs by degree, location, and field of study.
Federal Financial Aid
Graduate students are ONLY eligible for unsubsidized loans. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine your eligibility.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Graduate PLUS Loans
Scholarships & Fellowships
Many graduate schools offer scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships specifically for graduate students. Visit the financial aid section of each program’s website to learn about eligibility, deadlines, and application requirements.
- Graduate Program Websites
- University Financial Aid Offices
- Department-Specific Scholarships
Graduate Assistantships
Many master’s and doctoral programs offer Graduate Assistantships that provide tuition assistance and/or a stipend in exchange for working as a:
- Teaching Assistant (TA)
- Research Assistant (RA)
- Graduate Assistant (GA)
These positions can significantly reduce the cost of graduate school while providing valuable professional experience.
Employer Tuition Assistance
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or education assistance as part of their employee benefits package. If you’re currently employed, ask your Human Resources department about:
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development funds
- education assistance program
- Paid time off for coursework
Even if you’re not currently employed, some companies provide these benefits after you’ve worked there for a certain period of time.
AI Guides and Prompts
Use our AI prompt Guide to explore graduate programs, organize your research, and compare options that align with your interests and career goals. Always verify AI-generated information, including admission requirements, deadlines and costs through official program websites.
Accreditations
Accreditation & Licensure
Why is accreditation important when choosing a graduate program?
Accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider when researching graduate schools. An accredited program has been reviewed by a recognized accrediting organization and meets established standards for academic quality and professional preparation.
For many careers, graduating from an accredited program is required to become licensed or certified. Attending a non-accredited program may limit your ability to obtain professional licensure or employment after graduation.
What is licensure?
Licensure requirements vary by state, so it’s important to research the requirements where you plan to live and work. Many professions require a state-issued license before you can practice independently.
Depending on your career, licensure requirements may include:
- Completing an accredited graduate program
- Finishing supervised clinical or professional experience hours
- Passing one or more licensing examinations
- Completing a background check
- Paying application and licensing fees
- Licensure requirements vary by state, so it’s important to research the requirements where you plan to live and work.
Utah Licensure Information
Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL)
Common Graduate School Accreditors
Each profession will have a different accrediting body. Be sure to research the accreditation requirements for your intended career.
How can I verify that a program is accredited?
Before applying, take a few minutes to confirm a program’s accreditation.
Here are several ways to research programs:
- Visit the accrediting organization’s official website (such as CACREP, CSWE, COAMFTE, or APA) and use their program search tools.
- Review the graduate program’s official university website.
- Use trusted graduate school resources.
What do all those letters mean? (Grad school Acronyms)
Graduate schools offer many different degree types, and the abbreviations can be confusing!
Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common graduate and professional degrees you’ll encounter.
MASTERS DEGREES
Degree Stands For: Common Career Fields
MA Master of Arts Humanities, Communication, English, History, Psychology
MS Master of Science Biology, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural Sciences
MBA Master of Business Administration Business, Management, Leadership, Entrepreneurship
MAcc Master of Accountancy Accounting, CPA Preparation
MEd Master of Education Teaching, Curriculum, Educational Leadership
MFA Master of Fine Arts Art, Graphic Design, Creative Writing, Theatre, Film
MHA Master of Health Administration Healthcare Management and Administration
MPA Master of Public Administration (or Public Affairs) Government, Public Service, Nonprofit Leadership
MPH Master of Public Health Public Health Epidemiology, Community Health
MSW Master of Social Work Clinical Social Work, Mental Health, Child Welfare
LLM Master of Laws Advanced legal studies for attorneys
MEng Master of Engineering Engineering and Applied Technology
MSN Master of Science in Nursing Nursing Leadership, Nurse Practitioner Preparation
MPAc Master of Physician Assistant Studies Physician Assistant or PA
MOT Master of Occupational Therapy Occupational Therapy
PROFESSIONAL DEGREES
Degree Stands For Career Path
MD Doctor of Medicine Physician
DO Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Physician (Osteopathic Medicine)
JD Juris Doctor Attorney/Law
DVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Veterinarian
DDS Doctor of Dental Surgery Dentist
DMD Doctor of Dental Medicine Dentist
PharmD Doctor of Pharmacy Pharmacist
DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy Physical Therapist
OTD Doctor of Occupational Therapy Occupational Therapist
AuD Doctor of Audiology Audiologist
DOCTORIAL DEGREES
Degree Stands For Common Career Fields
PhD Doctor of Philosophy Research, Higher Education, Science, Humanities, Engineering
PsyD Doctor of Psychology Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology
EdD Doctor of Education Educational Leadership, Administration, Higher Education
DrPH Doctor of Public Health Public Health Leadership
DBA Doctor of Business Administration Executive Leadership, Business Consulting
DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice Advanced Nursing Practice, Healthcare Leadership
Where to go for help?
Connect with your Career Coach, faculty, and professionals in your field to explore graduate school options and gain insight into programs and career paths.
Schedule a Career Coach appointment through Navigate or visit the Career Services website for additional resources and support.
Meet the Career Services Team Here
What if I have a low GPA?
Tips to improve being accepted for a low GPA.
1. Show markedly improved grades during your junior and senior years as an undergraduate.
2. Obtain the highest GRE score possible.
3. Eloquent recommendation letters, especially if the letter writers are Alumni from the graduate
program, college, and/or university you are applying to.
4. Successful graduate-level coursework.
5. Gain Relevant work experience
− Professors are looking for someone who can share insights with the rest of the graduate cohort.
− Successful work and/or volunteer experience will set you apart from the rest of the applicants, especially if related to your field of study.
6. Write a thoughtful, creative, and honest personal statement;
− Admission officers will read your statement looking for the logic of your writing and thinking.
− Clearly explain the reason for wanting to earn an advanced degree.
− Logically explain your reasons for wanting to attend their program.
− Accentuate positive, personal growth, and maturity.
7. Supplemental Essay;
− Another opportunity to explain and overcome your low GPA.
8. Apply to schools without GPA requirements.
− Holistic admission policy.
− Not focused solely on your GPA or scores.
− They weigh the whole application before deciding.
9. Doctoral hopefuls who are not “A” students should do the following;
− Significant writing, research, and presenting during your junior and senior undergraduate years.
− Develop your research interests and identify some questions you want to address
Check List for Applying for Graduate School
Graduate School Application Checklist
Use this checklist to stay organized as you prepare and apply for graduate school.
Explore Your Options
☐ Identify your career goals and determine if graduate school is the right next step.
☐ Research graduate programs that match your interests.
☐ Compare schools based on cost, location, program length, faculty, and career outcomes.
☐ Create a list of reach, target, and likely schools.
Prepare Your Application
☐ Review each program’s admission requirements and deadlines.
☐ Register for any required entrance exams (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, HESI, PRAXIS, etc.).
☐ Update your resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
☐ Write and revise your personal statement or statement of purpose.
☐ Request official transcripts from all colleges attended.
☐ Ask for letters of recommendation at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline.
Strengthen Your Application
☐ Gain relevant experience through internships, research, volunteer work, leadership, or employment.
☐ Meet with faculty or professionals to discuss your goals and receive feedback.
☐ Research funding opportunities, scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships.
Submit Your Applications
☐ Complete each application carefully.
☐ Upload all required documents.
☐ Verify that recommendation letters have been submitted.
☐ Pay application fees or request fee waivers if eligible.
☐ Submit applications before the deadline.
After You Apply
☐ Monitor your application portals for updates.
☐ Prepare for interviews if required.
☐ Compare admission offers, financial aid packages, and program fit.
☐ Accept your offer and complete enrollment requirements.