{"id":1118,"date":"2017-11-29T13:39:48","date_gmt":"2017-11-29T13:39:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.petersons.com\/blog\/uncategorized\/choosing-the-best-graduate-degree-program\/"},"modified":"2019-04-25T15:21:03","modified_gmt":"2019-04-25T21:21:03","slug":"choosing-the-best-graduate-degree-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petersons.com\/blog\/choosing-the-best-graduate-degree-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing the Best Graduate Degree Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choosing a Graduate Degree Program<\/h2>\n

Are you thinking about earning a graduate degree<\/a> but are not sure what field you would like to study? If so, you may want to consider acquiring a master’s or doctoral degree that is related to a field that is expected to grow at a faster than average rate over the coming decade.<\/p>\n

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a>\u00a0has determined the anticipated rate of growth for all occupations from 2010 to 2020. Below we have highlighted\u00a0some of these occupations, along with their graduate degree requirements.<\/p>\n

Graduate Degrees in Medical Sciences<\/h2>\n

Medical scientist<\/a>\u00a0(excluding epidemiologists) positions are expected to grow at a rate of 36% through 2020, amounting\u00a0to 36,400 new positions. With a\u00a0median income<\/a> of\u00a0$76,980 in 2012, medical scientists conduct research that leads to improvements in human health.<\/p>\n

This occupation typically requires a Ph.D. in the biological sciences. However, earning both a Ph.D. and medical degree, which is needed for clinical work with patients, provides the most career options.<\/p>\n

Master’s-level Physician Assistant Programs<\/h2>\n

Physician assistants<\/a>\u00a0(PA) practice medicine under the supervision of a physician and earned \u2014 on average \u2014 $90,930 in 2012. A graduate school degree is not required to become a PA, but most schools offer graduate degree programs that require students to have a bachelor’s degree and work experience in the healthcare field.<\/p>\n

Graduate Degree Programs for Computer Software Engineers<\/h2>\n

Jobs for computer software engineers (for applications and systems software) are also expected to grow at a fast rate.<\/p>\n

Computer software engineers<\/a>, who earned on average\u00a0$87,790 in 2010, develop various types of software including business applications and computer games. They must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in disciplines such as computer science, software engineering, or mathematics.<\/p>\n

However, a graduate degree, such as a master’s degree in software engineering, computer science, or information technology, may be required for managerial positions.<\/p>\n

Graduate Degree Programs for Personal Financial Advisers<\/h2>\n

Personal financial advisers<\/a>, whose median income\u00a0was $67,520 in 2012, evaluate individuals’ finances and help them develop financial plans that incorporate investments, insurance, retirement plans, and education expenses.<\/p>\n

Although it is not a requirement, a master’s degree in finance or business administration can help people in this field secure managerial positions, obtain employment in competitive firms, and build their own businesses.<\/p>\n

What Graduate Degree Program is Right for You?<\/h2>\n

Earning a graduate degree is a serious commitment of time and money, so it is important to choose the right field of study.<\/p>\n

If you are unsure about which\u00a0career path is best for you, then learning more about the\u00a020 fastest growing occupations<\/a> might help you choose a graduate degree that leads to a rewarding and lucrative career.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Choosing a Graduate Degree Program Are you thinking about earning a graduate degree but are not sure what field you would like to study? If so, you may want to consider acquiring a master’s or doctoral degree that is related to a field that is expected to grow at a faster than average rate over<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[1428,1198,990],"class_list":{"0":"post-1118","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-grad-schools","7":"tag-choosing-a-graduate-program","8":"tag-graduate-degree","9":"tag-graduate-school-careers"},"better_featured_image":null,"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nChoosing the Best Graduate Degree Program - Peterson's<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you thinking about earning a graduate degree but are not sure what field you would like to study? 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