Educational Ladder

Climbing the Educational Ladder

Nearly three million people are enrolled in graduate school today and many more are thinking about it. In the past quarter century, the number of Americans who have earned master's degrees has increased 60 percent, to 400,000 each year. And no wonder. Several recent studies show that advanced degrees result in significantly higher incomes for their holders over a lifetime than for those with only a bachelor's degree. For those contemplating an advances degree, here is a quick look at admissions prospects and test requirements in 40 major disciplines. The material is drawn from the 1995 edition of America's Best Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report.

Agriculture and Natural resource: About 90 graduate programs. Popular subdisciplines: agribusiness, food sciences, environmental studies. Prerequisites: B.S. In sciences or related field. Chemistry and physics courses are recommended. Most programs require the GRE and a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Tips on Getting in: Research experience is important. For plant genetics or agricultural experience such as the Peace Corps also is advantageous. Faculty letters of recommendation carry substantial weight.

Anthropology: About 170 graduate programs. Popular subdisciplines: applied anthropology, archaeology, human evolution. Prerequisites: Most programs require the Graduate Record Examination. Anthropology courses are not always required; courses in history, biology, and research methods often will suffice instead. Tips on getting in: International experience and/or fieldwork is desirable and, in tandem with a foreign language, may help offset mediocre GPA or test scores. Personal statement is important and should focus on why you want to attend a particular school.

Architecture: Around 60 accredited programs. Popular areas of study: design, management, landscape architecture. Prerequisites: Drawing or design courses are very desirable. Most schools require the Graduate Record Examination. Admission generally is based more on a candidate's design skill than on test scores or GPA. The student's portfolio is the most important element of the application package and should reflect experience in drawing, painting, photography.

Art: Some 100 accredited M.F.A. Programs and some 100 other non-accredited programs. Popular subdisciplines: drawing, painting, graphic design. Prerequisites: A portfolio and a number of undergraduate studio hours as well as course work in art history are a must. GRE is usually not required, and there is no minimum GPA.  The portfolio is the most important part of the application. Schools are looking for applicant's distinctive style. Letters of recommendation should come from faculty or other artists who can discuss an applicant's artistic talent.

An Educated Gentleman. Photo by Elena.

Biological Sciences: Around 250 Ph.D.-granting institutions. Popular subdisciplines: cell and molecular biology, genetics, immunology, ecology. Prerequisites: B.S., including sufficient course work in chemistry, physics, and calculus. Most schools require GRE; some also want subject tests in biology or chemistry. Test scores above the 75th percentile are necessary for top schools. Independent research as part of a senior project or a summer research program is essential. Faculty letters of recommendation are extremely important.

Business: Around 300 accredited schools. Popular subdisciplines: Accounting, entrepreneurship, international management. Prerequisites: Most business schools prefer two to four years of work experience. Graduate Management Admission Test generally required. Current trend is to consider an applicant's achievement as a whole and not concentrate on test scores and GRE. Demonstrated leadership skills are important; community volunteer work can serve as an example.

Chemistry: More than 300 graduate programs. Popular subdisciplines: physical, organic, inorganic, biophysical chemistry. Prerequisites: Successful applicants almost always are college chemistry major; a major in a hard science is required. Most schools require GRE and subject test in chemistry. Students must take advanced courses in physical chemistry and biochemistry as well as math and have strong skills in computer science. Completion of research projects at the undergraduate level is extremely important.

Computer science: About 450 graduate programs. Popular subdisciplines: software engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics. A B.S. In computer science or related field with a GPA of 3.7 in the sciences is needed at most schools. GRE and computer science subject test are usually required. GRE score above 1300 is important, with the verbal score carrying considerable weight. Published research papers and research-oriented work experience can help make up for below-average test scores and grades.

Criminal Justice: More than 100 graduate programs. Popular subdisciplines: criminology, policing, corrections, private security. Most schools require familiarity with criminal justice or a related subject like sociology. Most schools require the GRE, but some will accept the Law School Admission Test. The most important criterion is GPA – 3.3 is needed at some schools – and a minimum GRE score of 900. Interview is recommended for those with GPAs below 3.0. Courses in research methods, statistics, and law are helpful.

Dentistry : About 60 accredited dental schools. Popular subdisciplines: orthodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics. Most schools require one year each of biology, organic chemistry, physics. Dental Admission Test required. Score of at least 18 needed at top schools. Students with added science course work, particularly in biology, have an edge. A 3.3 to 3.5 GPA in science courses is needed. Schools look for good reading comprehension scores on the DTA. Work in a dentist's office helps.

Drama: Around 70 accredited graduate programs. Popular subdisciplines: acting, directing, scene design. Most schools require at least 1000 on the GRE and a 3.0 GPA, but many make exceptions for outstanding auditions and/or portfolios. Significant course work in area of study. The essential admission criterion for acting is the audition, while the portfolio is key for directing and scene design. For their audition, acting applicants should choose two contrasting pieces that demonstrate their performing range.

Economics: Around 130 Ph.D. Programs. Popular: industrial organization, finance, international trade. The GRE, two semesters of calculus, at least one course in statistics are required. Most schools also require courses in econometrics and intermediate micro and macro theory. Top grades are needed in math and economics. Quantitative score on the GRE is significant; scores in the 700s needed for top programs. Strong recommendations highlighting applicant's research and problem-solving skills are important.

Education: More than 220 Ph.D.-granting institutions. Popular: administration, primary education, counseling. Either GRE or Miller Analogies Test is required. GRE scores should average between 500 and 600 on each section; MAT scores should be in the mid-50s or higher. Test scores and GPA criteria vary widely; low scores won't necessarily eliminate an applicant. B.A in education or substantial course work in the field applicant plans to teach is required. Evidence of working with children is also important.

Engineering: Around 220 graduate programs. Popular: Electrical, mechanical, civil, computer engineering. Vast majority have bachelorès in engineering. GRE is generally required, but the engineering part is often not required. Top schools prefer quantitative scores in 650-750 range. Studnts can have a B.S. In a specific engineering field and still apply to a graduate program in another field. GPAs are generally in the 3.5 range at top schools. Summer engineering internships can boost applicant's chances.

English: Around 450 graduate programs. Popular: nationalism and post-colonialism, gender issues, 19th and 20th century American literature. Writing samples and B.A. In English or related field. GRE and subject test in literature are required at most schools. Verbal scores in the 650s or higher are needed at top schools. Writing sample is a crucial part of the application. It should be related to desired area of study and show critical thinking and familiarity with recent scholarship. Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language is strongly recommended.

Film: Around 40 schools offer the M.F.A. Popular: Television production, film production, documentary filmmaking, screenwriting, animation. Providing examples of artistic work is a must. GRE is required by most schools but is secondary to artistic work. Experience in a production company can be helpful. The most important part of an application is the artistic work. Most applicants send a 10-minute video, but other examples, such as scripts, are acceptable. Schools are looking for imagination and/or interesting point of view.

Foreign languages: About 750 programs in more than 260 schools. Popular: literature, history, gender studies. A B.S. In the language applicant plans to study along with the GRE is usually required. GPA should be 3.5 or better and GRE verbal score 600 or better. Study or work abroad is considered vital. Typically, applicants have spent junior year abroad or lived in the country of interest. Statement of purpose is important; some schools require it in both English and the language to be studied.

Geography: About 140 graduate programs. Most popular subdisciplines: geographic information systems, using computers to map populations, geographic formations. Most programs require scores above 1100 on the GRE and GPA's of 3.5. Research experience, in either the workplace or college, is considered important. Tips on getting in: Geography is defined as a science, so any course work in the sciences that familiarizes students with the research process is a plus. Computer science skills are very valuable as geography becomes increasingly computer driven.

Geology:  350 graduate programs. Popualr: hydrogeology, environmental geology. B.A. In geology or related science field; some schools require at least a 3.5 GPA in major. GRE is required at most schools, with combined verbal and quantitative scores above 1200. Faculty letters of recommendation carry strong weight; working as an undergraduate field assistant and other research experience can also boost chances. Students should have a broad background in the science.

Health Services Administration: About 70 accredited programs. Popular: managed care, long-term care, home care, health care marketing. Most schools require either the GMAT or GRE. An average of 600 on each portion of the GRE is preferred. The quantitative part is considered especially important. Accounting, statistics, finance, and economics courses are strongly recommended. Administrators must be able to discern patterns of disease and develop plans for preventive care, so computer and management skills also can help applicants.

History:  About 140 graduate programs. Popular: 19th and 20th-century American, gender, and social history. B.A. In history or substantial course work in the field. GRE is generally required, with average scores of 650 on each section. Statement of purpose and letters of recommendation are the most important elements of the application. The statement should indicate who you want to work with and why you want to attend that particular school.

International Studies: 15 professional schools, but most universities offer degree programs. Popular: joint programs in business, law or journalism. Students typically have a liberal arts background with an average GPA of 3.4. A GRE in the 1200 range and a foreign language are required at most schools. Many students take time off before entering the program. Applicants should try to get experience in region of interest. Strong language skills are a big plus; economics background can boost chances at some schools.

Journalism: More than 200 graduate programs Popular: photoprint, and broadcast journalism. The GRE is usually required, though not at Columbia; for most programs, scores should be at least 500 on each section. Computer proficiency is increasingly important. Most students more in disciplines such as English, political science, or history. Statement of purpose is especially important. If the application requires a writing examination, knowledge of current events is essential.

Law: Around 180 accredited schools. Popular specialities: international, intellectual property, and environmental law. The most common undergraduate majors are politcal science, history, and English. LSAT is required, with scores in the 160s needed for top schools. LSAT scores and undergraduate GPAs are very important. Those with GPAs below 3.0 need to do well on the LSAT. College writing courses are useful because of the amount of writing required of most lawyers.

Library Science: 50 accredited programs. Popular: school and public librarian, information systems. No specific major required; students usually have liberal arts background. GRE is generally required, with a score of at least 1000 needed; top schools may require a score of 1200. A background in computer science can strengthen an application. Most applicants have been in the workplace for several years. GPAs are not as important as relevant work experience.

Mathematics: More than 420 graduate programs. Popular: algebra, geometry, analysis. Few schools require B.S. In math, but most look for extensive course work in the discipline. GRE is required. Many schools also require the subject test in math. Faculty letters of recommendation dealing with applicant's ability to perform independent research carry significant weight. Computer science courses and experience are also extremely important.

Medicine: More than 130 medical schools. Popular residency specialities: internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine. Medical College Admission test is required. Double-digit scores are necessary for top school, with GPAs of 3.5 or better in the sciences. Chemistry, physics, biology courses needed. Because of the large number of applicants, schools pay close attention to test scores and GPA. Volunteer work or community service is extremely important to admissions boards looking for applicants with a passion for helping people.

Music: Almost 300 graduate programs. Popular: Music education, voice, piano, strings, composition. Most schools prefer a bachelor of music degree. Many, but not all, require GRE. Combined verbal and quantitative scores often are around 1100. Key element is the audition. Schools provide guidelines regarding selection of pieces. Students should follow them closely and not perform pieces that are too flashy for their technique or too advanced for their skills.

Nursing: More than 210 accredited programs. Popular subdisciplines: nurse, practitioner, critical-care nursing. While most schools require a bachelor's in nursing, those with programs geared to students' changing careers do not. GRE or MAT is required by most schools.  GRE and GPA are the most important parts of an application, GRE scores on the verbal and quantitative sections should be 500 or better. Most applicants have nursing experience so statements of purpose are looked at closely.

Toronto University College. Photo by Elena.

Pharmacy: 62 accredited Pharm.D. Programs. Two years of course work in science or a B.S. In pharmacy. Some schools require the Pharmacy College Admission Test. Average composite score: 201. Schools pay close attention to the undergraduate transcript, particularly courses in hard sciences. For top programs, GPAs for the junior and senior years should be in the 3.3 to 3.5 range. Health-related experience is a big plus.

Philosophy: More than 75 master's and more than 115 Ph.D. Programs. Popular: medical ethics, logic, ancient Greek philosophy. Bachelor's degree in philosophy not required but is the most common. Foreign language skills are important, particularly French, German, and ancient Greek. GRE is required. Substantial course work in philosophy, including history of philosophy, metaphysics, and ethics, is often needed. Students must have verbal and analytical skills, which they should exhibit in a statement of purpose.

Physical Therapy: About 75 accredited programs. Popular subdisciplines; geriatrics, pediatrics, neurology. GRE is required, with combined verbal and quantitative scores of 100. Course work in physics, chemistry, and biology also is needed. Voluntary experience in a health care setting is a must; it is preferable that applicants have a variety of experiences in acute care, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings. The statement of purpose is often used in making final admissions decision.

Physics: More than 260 graduate programs. Popular: condensed matter, high energy, and atomic physics. A B.S. In physics is recommended. GRE and subject test are usually required. A score above the 80th percentile on the subject test is needed to be competitive. Strong test scores, 3.5 GPA in physics and math, and letters of recommendation are most important. Letters should come from researchers – either faculty or scientists in the private sector with whom the applicant has worked. 

Political Science: More than 200 master's and 130 Ph.D. Programs. Popular: public policy. An undergraduate major in political science is quite common, but is not essential. GRE is required, and scores are usually above 600 on each section. Most schools pay close attention to grades, particularly in major fields, with GPAs of 3.3 to 3.5 common. Research work, particularly in public-opinoin surveys or a senior thesis, looks very good on an application. 

Psychology: 450 accredited Ph.D programs. Popular subdisciplines: clinical, counseling, and school psychology. Although it is not required, the vast majority of applicants have an undergraduate degree in psychology. The GRE is generally required, along with the subject test. Psychology programs are very competitive, and undergraduate GPAs are often quite high-between 3.6 and 4.0. Average scores on each section of the GRE should be at least 650. Most students have prior research experience.

Public administration: About 220 master's and 60 Ph.D programs. Popular: urban planning, international administration, criminal justice administration. Undergraduate majors are usually social and behavioral sciences. GRE is usually required; verbal and quantitative scores should each be in the 550 to 600 range. GRE should be in the 3.5 range for top programs. Many successful applicants have several years of professional experience in public service.Volunteer experience or internships are particularly important when applicant is coming directly from college.

Public Health: About 30 accredited graduate schools. Popular subdisciplines: biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology.  Although the GRE is preferred, some schools will accept standardized tests for other fields such as the GMAT or MACT. Some schools also require prior work in health care. Many applicants already have clinical degrees in medicine, nursing, or social work. Public health is a huge field, so applicants should know their specific area of interest. Since most applicants are older, work experience is important.

Social Work: More than 110 accredited master's programs. Popular subdisciplines: mental health, child welfare, corrections. A liberal art background with social science course work is considered very desirable. Some schools require GRE or Miller Analogies Test, but test scores are not considered crucial. Few people are admitted without paid or volunteer service in social service setting. The statement of purpose is important because it demonstrates motivation, direction, and how well the student communicates.

Sociology: More than 370 programs. Popular: Demography, stratification, criminology. The GRE is required. Scores above 1100 and undergraduate courses in sociology are needed for most programs. Test scores are not as important as the overall application, though. Applicants should have at least one course each in research methods and statistics. Evidence of some kind of solid research experience, preferably in the social sciences, also is considered quite important.

Veterinary Medicine: Around 30 accredited programs. Popular subdisciplines: small animals, surgery, wildlife. The GRE generally is required, and, often, the biology subject test as well. Top programs usually require GREs of at least 1100. Some schools require or accept the Veterinary College Admission Test or MCAT. The course requirements include physics, biology, organic chemistry, bio-chemistry, genetics and calculus. GPA in sciences should be above 3.2. Applicants are expected to have some kind of experience working with animals.