Why and How to Apply to Graduate School

Graduate school training has become an entry-level requirement for many of the more desirable professional positions. A shortage of African Americans with advanced degrees has created a strong demand for those holding master's degrees and Ph.D.'s in all academic areas, including research and instruction. Recent doctoral recipients have commented that obtaining a Ph.D. allows for tremendous flexibility and increased opportunities in anyone's professional career path. Graduate school can open many doors--including doors that, prior to the journey, were never imagined. Holders of advanced degrees, on average, also earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelors degree.