If you're considering a graduate program in the United States, you're not alone: in the
2004–2005 academic year, 264,410 of the 565,039 international students (that's
46.8 percent) studying in the United
States were enrolled in graduate programs.
What brings all of these students to the United States for graduate
education? Here are some of the benefits of graduate degrees:
- Career opportunities. A graduate degree is a prerequisite for some career paths, such as college professors. In other professions a graduate degree may be beneficial, but not required; for example, if you want to move up the ladder of management in a business, earning an MBA (Master of Business Administration) may help. The additional knowledge you gain in a graduate program can help you perform a job better, allowing you to earn promotions and take on positions of responsibility/management.
- More money. Earning a graduate degree isn't a guarantee of a higher income, but many of the careers you can enter with a master's or doctoral degree in hand do offer high salaries. If you're interested in pursuing graduate school for a higher income, do some research into the field you're studying to make sure you'll get the salary you desire/need.
- Knowledge. If you're excited about learning, a graduate degree may be the right choice for you. Pursing a graduate degree will involve a lot of research in your chosen field. In many cases, the knowledge you gain will be applicable daily in your career; however, some people pursue graduate degrees purely to learn more about a subject they find fascinating.
- Prestige/reputation. If you progress as far as a doctoral degree, you may be considered an “expert” in your field. People holding doctorates in science fields often write important papers based on their research, thereby contributing to the worldwide body of scientific knowledge.
