Considering graduate school

The decision to attend graduate school is one you should consider carefully. Entering a graduate program will have a major impact on your life for two to four years or more, so you’ll want to understand the pros and cons, and have a good sense of why you want to attend and whether it is feasible.

D. Koskela

Before you apply to any graduate program, ask yourself the following questions:

  • How will a graduate degree in this field improve my career prospects?
  • How truly interested am I in this field?
  • How will I pay for graduate school?
  • Do I have the stamina and discipline necessary?
  • Do I have the emotional and financial support I’ll need?
  • What other options/decisions do I have in front of me at this time?

SPU resources

CCC Resources

The career counselors at the Center for Career and Calling are happy to meet with you to assist with your decisions and application materials. Call or stop by to make an appointment.

SPU Library Resources

The SPU library has a special collection on Career, Vocation & Calling with resources on how to apply to graduate school, information about graduate tests, and accrediting institutions.

Graduate Admissions

Graduate Admissions can open the door to graduate study for you at Seattle Pacific University. You’ll find information about all 45 of SPU’s graduate programs — from open house events to application resources. Or just come in for a friendly conversation to answer your questions. Graduate Admissions is your first step on the way to enrolling in any graduate program SPU offers — master’s, doctoral, certificate, or dual degree. Explore a complete list of SPU’s graduate programs.

Additional graduate school resources

Below you’ll find additional online resources to help you research graduate schools, prepare for graduate school exams, and write graduate school essays.
Research graduate schools
  • Gradschools.com. Search for graduate schools by subject, and find great tips and tricks for researching and getting into graduate programs.
  • Accredited Online Schools and Colleges. Explore a directory of online master’s degree programs.
  • Peterson’s. Research graduate programs, take prep tests, and learn about hundreds of scholarships to help finance your graduate studies.
  • Princeton Review. Find advice, discussion, and tips on what graduate school is really like and how to get there.
  • U.S. News & World Report. Discover the latest graduate school rankings.
  • MastersInAccounting.infoprovides useful tools and resources for students and professionals who are considering a Masters Degree in Accounting. It includes: database of graduate accounting and graduate finance schools in every State, list of accounting scholarships in the US, guide on accounting careers, accounting salary information, and accounting jobs board.
Graduate school test information
Graduate school essays
  • Writing Personal Statements Resource. Information and tips regarding the process of writing personal statements.
  • Grammerly. Automatically detects grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, and style mistakes in your writing. 
  • Writing Center. The Studio will provide assistance in and strategies for research, reading, and writing. 
Explore your calling

Explore your calling

The Center for Career and Calling is here to help you explore your calling, and embark on a career or course of study accordingly.

Learn more >