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The University of Tennessee Southern

Graduate Application Process

In This Section:

Continue Your Journey as a Firehawk

Graduate school is an opportunity to obtain specialized knowledge in a specific area of study; gain entrance into professions that require it (lawyer, counselor, or physical therapist); advance within a particular field of interest; or conduct focused research and scholarship (history, sociology, or chemistry).

We’re excited that you’re thinking about continuing your education. From researching programs to choosing the school that is right for you, learn more about the graduate application process below.

Take Your First Steps Early

UT Southern is free for many to attend and affordable for all that choose to attend. We accomplish this by providing transparent cost information, financial aid for those who qualify through FAFSA, and support from our helpful financial aid staff.

1. Research Programs

Application procedures and deadlines vary by institution. Start the research process one and a half years before the semester you wish to enroll. Once you have identified an area of study, create a list of schools. Then, review the catalog, department, and faculty information, research focus, financial aid, application process, assistantships, etc.

  • WHAT PROGRAMS DO WE OFFER?
    Master’s: Available in most fields, generally takes 1–3 years.
    Specialist: Completed after a master’s degree and generally prepares for certification or licensure in the specific field (1 year.)
    Doctoral Degree: Highest educational level, requires original research and/or practical application (length varies greatly.)
  • RESOURCES
    GradSchools.com & GraduateGuide.com: research programs
    GradView.com & Petersons.com: research paying for graduate school and test preparation
    PrincetonReview.com: research program rankings/expectations

2. Select a School

Assess the following to evaluate your fit academically and personally to the available programs of interest.

  • LOCATION
    Distance from family and friends
  • SIZE
    City services and entertainment
  • RURAL VS. METROPOLITAN
  • CAREER OR ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR PARTNER (IF APPLICABLE)
  • COST OF THE PROGRAM
  • OPPORTUNITIES FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
    Scholarships, loans, graduate assistantships, graduate teaching assistantships, etc.
  • WHAT RESEARCH INTERESTS ARE SUPPORTED?
  • WILL YOUR SHORT AND LONG-TERM CAREER GOALS BE MET?
  • OWHAT IS THE SIZE OF A PROGRAM COHORT?
  • WHAT IS THE FACULTY/STUDENT RATIO?
  • IS THE PROGRAM’S FOCUS RESEARCH OR INDUSTRY?
  • WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITE COURSES FOR ENTRANCE?
  • WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF THE PROGRAM?
  • WHAT ARE THESIS, COMPREHENSIVE EXAM, AND/OR INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS?

3. Evaluate Program Quality

To determine the quality of your chosen program, consider the following:

  • COMMITMENT TO RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP
  • REPUTATION OF THE SCHOOL, FACULTY, AND GRADUATES
  • ADMISSIONS STANDARDS
  • ACCREDITING BODY

Assess Your Graduate School Competency

Note whether each of these statements below are true, false or unknown for you:

  1. ___ If I do not go to graduate school now, I may never go.
  2. ___ I can get a job in my field without a graduate degree, but not in my specialized area of interest.
  3. ___ I am still determining my career goals, and graduate school will help me clarify my interests.
  4. ___ I am actively exploring graduate school and direct entry into the marketplace.
  5. ___ My professors are encouraging me to attend graduate/professional school.
  6. ___ I can only work in my field of interest with a graduate degree.
  7. ___ The job market is crowded, and a graduate degree will make me more competitive.
  8. ___ A graduate degree will significantly increase my entry-level salary.
  9. ___ I like school; I am not ready to leave the academic environment.
  10. ___ I have career-related experience as part of my background.
  11. ___ I have always known that I would go directly from undergraduate school into graduate study.
  12. ___ Most students enter my field of graduate study now from undergraduate school.

What are the academic programs of study I am considering are? What is the primary reason for considering graduate school now?

Considering this information and the research you have gathered, create a list of academic programs you are considering on a separate sheet of paper. Also, identify your primary reason for considering graduate school right now.