What is Grad School?Two qualitatively different degrees offered

1.Master’s Degree• Advanced, specialized training.• Can be as simple as 1-2 more years of class.• Thesis is a (desirable!) option. This will be advisor-

driven (as opposed to student-driven PhD thesis).

2.Ph.D. • Training to be a researcher.• Must publish papers, must produce thesis that is

substantially your own intellectual work.• 2 years of class + ? years of thesis research. Usually

total of 7 years after BS.

Why do it?Master’s degree can be a road to promotion, higher salary or more responsibility in a private sector job.

Field Phys Chem ME ECEBS $45,000 $37,000 $58,500 $59,500

Master’s $60,000 $51,000 $66,000 $69,900

Starting Salaries in Private Sector by Field and Degree

Sources: aip.org, acs.org, career.eng.ohio-state.edu

Why do it?Ph.D. may look like more of the same…

Field Phys Chem ME ECEBS $45,000 $37,000 $58,500 $59,500

Master’s $60,000 $51,000 $66,000 $69,900PhD $80,000 $70,500 $78,800 $89,000

Starting Salaries in Private Sector by Field and Degree

Sources: aip.org, acs.org, career.eng.ohio-state.edu

…but don’t forget about the 7-year head start.

Sources: nsf.gov, aip.org, acs.org

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Why do it?Seven years (plus catch up time of 10+ years) is very delayed gratification…

…and don’t forget that many PhDs take academic (not private sector) jobs…

(PHYSICS PhDs)

Why do it?If you’re going to tackle a PhD, you have to actually like what you’re doing…at least sometimes.

Why do it?If the PhD sounds exciting but a bit daunting, consider applying to a Master’s program and doing a thesis.• Thesis will give you a lower-stakes opportunity to “try out”

research and see if you like it.• If the thesis goes well, you can ask about doing a PhD with

your advisor (if it goes really well, they will ask you).• If you like research but not the program you picked, you

have the flexibility to take your Master’s and apply to a different school’s PhD program, or even to a different program at the same school.

Where to go?Broad rankings by program can help get you started…

…but they don’t tell the whole story.

• phds.org is a cool interactive site that links to the raw data so you can play with it yourself.

• gradschoolshopper.com is a commercial site run by AIP, but beware of the featured programs here. They paid for this status, they didn’t earn it!

• To be successful, you have to pick a subfield and find a school that specializes in it.

• You’ll need help from faculty to construct a robust list that includes the hidden gems.

Where to go?Once you have a good list of possibilities, you’ll have to narrow it down.

• VERY important to find a school where more than one faculty does what you want to do as their primary interest.

• Presence of a “center” in your subfield is great (check if you can apply directly to that center).

• Check who the school is hiring. Look for assistant professors in the subfield (or even job openings).

• If possible, check where the recent graduates are going.• Check department awards for faculty and for students.• Is there a colloquium series dedicated to your subfield?

How to go, part 1: Applying

You’ll have to provide:• Letters of recommendation (2-3).• GRE general test ($160) scores and perhaps a GRE

subject test ($140).• Official transcript (often a minimum GPA).• Fee (something like $50-$80 depending on program).• Probably a personal statement or the like.• A “CV” (academic resume).

Instructions can be found at the department or program websites.

How to go, part 1: ApplyingDeadlines are approaching – fast.

• Application deadlines range from mid December to March 1, with a definite peak in January.

• You’ll hear back in March and accept in April for “first wave”.

How to go, part 1: ApplyingYou can’t just put it together at the last minute.• Computer based GRE requires about 2 weeks for score

reporting, and it can get booked up (next weekend computer test available in Madison is Dec. 11).

• Subject tests are only paper-based and take 1.5 months for score reporting. UWP holds one Nov 13, but late signup deadline is THIS FRIDAY (22nd)!! Next available date is April 9, but you have to go to Dubuque or Madison.

• Your recommenders will need some time to write letters (and perhaps a reminder). Ask them at least a week in advance. These can make-or-break the application.

How to go, part 2: PayingGood news (finally): grad “school” in science is a JOB.

Program Stated Tuition Actual Tuition + Stipend

UW-Madison EP $10k (in WI) Free, +$up to $20.8k

Purdue ME $23.8 k Free, +$16 k

Carnegie Mellon EE $35.7 k Free, +$19k

Michigan Tech CE $8.4k Free, +$9.5k

U. Washington Nano $19k Free, +$27-$35k

U. Toledo Math $9.1 k Free, +$12k

Michigan Chemistry $28.5k Free, +$25k

The Strange Capitalism of Grad SchoolPhD Programs

Different types of support exist.• TA is common in early years (before thesis research starts).

teach undergraduate courses (10 x $12.9k @ UW EP)• Research assistantship is a must during heavy research

years.

perform research (51 x $19.6k @ UW EP)• Or, if you’re a star, go for (or just get offered) a fellowship.

government, department, university (5 x $20.8k @ UW EP) In PhD programs, support indicates interest. If none offered (OR wrong type), take the hint.

The Strange Capitalism of Grad SchoolMaster’s Programs

Same types of support exist, but you’ll potentially have to compete w/ PhD students.

• Programs assume PhD students need support (they’re going to be there seven years!!).

• Programs realize many students do masters for career advancement (you may actually get an employer to pay for it!) so they don’t assume you need funding.

• You’ll have to aggressively seek funding by asking faculty about research support, or (less desirable with such a limited time to get your degree) applying for teaching assignments.

How to go, part 2: PayingIn case this all sounds too good to be true…

If you apply and are admitted…TOUR THE DEPARTMENT BEFORE ACCEPTING.• Often there is a “prospectives weekend” where you can

meet other admitted grads and the department will have activities for you. They should house you and feed you plus probably pay transportation.

• You can potentially get reimbursement to tour on your own even if you can’t make their designated weekend. Still a vital chance to meet the researchers, see the facilities, and talk to grad students.

If you are a JuniorStart laying the groundwork now.A truly great idea is to apply for REUs this summer at programs you might consider.

• You’ll get a sneak peek at the program and a potential advisor.

• You’ll have a strong letter of recommendation.

• You’ll have a better idea if grad school is right for you.

Failing that, do research for someone here. Many of the same advantages apply.

You can also look for cool programs like:

http://studentservices.engr.wisc.edu/diversity/opps/

ProsWhat’s to like about grad school?• In some ways the most independence you can have (paid

to study what you want to study, and with resources like a good library, other interested students, expert professors, professional talks, etc, at your fingertips).

• You can play with really awesome stuff (lasers, liquid helium, superconductors, SEM, AFM, telescopes, supercomputers, particle colliders…).

• Done right, grad school will improve your self confidence and teach you how to sell yourself and your work.

• You can put off a career decision for a bit while still improving your resume!

• To succeed you will have to establish relationships that will serve you well for the rest of your career.