Is Graduate School Right for You?

Here are a few questions to consider before you apply for graduate school:

• Are you passionate about a specific subject area?
• Do you have a specific career goal in mind?
• Are employers you’re interested in seeking qualifications from all institutions or only select institutions or programs?
• Will a graduate degree put you ahead of candidates who hold only a bachelor’s degree or relevant experience?
• Will you receive a higher starting salary or advance more rapidly within an organization with a graduate degree?
• What skills and knowledge are you looking to acquire from your program of study?
• Are you required to obtain a professional designation for your desired career pathway or industry sector?

What Graduate School Can Do for You

Graduate school offers opportunities for advanced research training, enhanced career options, a global perspective and many more rewarding experiences.

Specialization

Enhance your skills and knowledge by specializing and completing research in a particular field of study.

Connections

Connect with professionals and students working or doing research in your desired program area or specialization.

Career Advancement

Increase your potential for a higher income, employment opportunities and advancement in your career. The median salary for a post-graduate two years after graduating is 31% to 47% higher than an individual with an applied degree or bachelor's degree.

Source: Alberta Graduate Outcomes Survey, Class of 2009-2010

International Experience

Gain an international perspective by studying and researching abroad. Discover international exchanges and experiences available to you at Alberta universities:

• University of Alberta
• University of Calgary
• University of Lethbridge

Did You Know?

• 91% of master's degree graduates and 88% of doctorate degree graduates from an Alberta institution were satisfied or very satisfied with their current job 2 years after graduating.
• 38% of graduates of doctorate degrees from an Alberta institution are employed in educational services, 25% are employed in professional, scientific and technical fields and 16% are employed in health care and social assistance sectors 2 years after graduating.
• The top 3 sectors in which master's graduates are employed 2 years after graduating are educational services (26%), health care and social assistance (28%) and professional, scientific and technical fields (12%).

Source: Alberta Graduate Outcomes Survey, Class of 2009-2010