How can I encourage my students to go to graduate school?

If a student asks your opinion as to whether he or she should pursue a doctorate degree, talk realistically about the rigorous and challenging nature of graduate degree programs as well as about the opportunities that advanced studies can yield. These include, for example, the chance to pursue a field of study to the limits of current knowledge, the opportunity to become an expert in a field, and expanded prospects for career and personal fulfillment.

Offer your insights about working in the field of interest, or help the student make contacts with other faculty or professionals who can.

Undergraduate students must understand that, if they intend to teach at a university or college, they will need a graduate degree -- a Ph.D. degree in nearly all cases. The exceptions are faculty positions at community colleges and positions in fields in which the terminal degree is a master's degree, such as the Master of Fine Arts degree in the visual and performing arts. Your students may need help in understanding the financial situations of faculty in these varying positions.

Undergrad student may not understand the different financial situation etc. For more on the economic benefits associated with higher levels of education, see: http://www.census.gov/prod/2002pubs/p23-210.pdf

Undergraduate students may realize that a graduate degree will offer excellent opportunities for personal and professional enrichment, but the process of preparing to enter a graduate degree program is long and often difficult. You can play a key role in helping to prepare undergraduate students for graduate school-and the earlier, the better.

Even undergraduate freshmen and sophomores should take steps to be ready for the possibility of graduate school in the future. Two ways you can support this process are:

Helping students decide which field to study.
Building a strong academic foundation for graduate work.

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