Graduate School - What type of program is right for me?

The diversity of graduate programs is astounding and can be overwhelming. Everything from Toxicology to Microbiology&Immunology to Wildlife Conservation is available as a field of specialization. Do your research. Many programs are interdisciplinary, such as the program where I got my Ph.D., The Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology Program at the University of Nevada, Reno. Programs that are more molecular have very different program components and structure than ecological programs. The application process is also different for each program.

Bottom line is that you need to do your homework and start early (beginning of your junior year) if you want to attend grad school right after finishing your undergraduate degree. BTW - there is nothing wrong with taking a year to think about your graduate school options and getting additional experience. Building your resume while you make a big decision is ok, especially if you are unsure.

Here are a couple of different ways to start your search. First determine if you would like to pursue a Master's Degree or a Ph.D. - narrow your search from there.

• Look for peer reviewed papers that interest you, then find the labs where that research is being done and contact the Principal Investigator (Faculty member who likely has the grant that funds these projects).

• Search for graduate assistantships - funding is very important and many of these forms of funding are advertised for particular projects (especially in ecology programs).

• Old-fashioned way - Consider what type of degree you would like and search through those programs in a search engine. Be specific when choosing your key words.