Career and Graduate/Professional School Opportunities for Sociology and Anthropology Students: Important Questions

Applying to graduate or profressional school is a important decision.  This page is designed to help you think about some of the important questions to ask prior to applying to a program. If you need more help, consider speaking with your advisor or making an appointment with me.

• Is the program accredited? Most professional schools have an accreditating body that ensures a certain quality of education. For instance, law schools are accredited by the American Bar Association and Information & Library Science Programs by the American Library Association.
• How will a graduate degree help you get the career you want?  What is the best degree to achieve your career goals?
• How well respected is a graduate program?  You should try to speak with as many faculty in your field as possible. You can also review rankings, such as the one published by US News and World Report, but be advised to use these rankings cautiously.
• How will a program's reputation effect your job prospects? Ask as many faculty and professionals in the field as possible.
• What are the job prospects in your field? Ask recent graduates and experienced professionals. You may also consult the Occupation Outlook Handbook.  
• What is the program's graduation rate?
• What percentage of graduates find employments 6 months or 1 year after graduation?
• What is the work environment and job responsibilities of a typical professional in your prospective field?  Seek a internship prior to applying to graduate school. Check out the AAA website for anthropology internships.
• You may want to consult the Occupational Outlook Handbook or read trade journals in your field in order to gain a better understanding of the profession.  A librarian can help you identify trade journals in your field.