Over 10,000 students pursue graduate education in 122 programs at The Ohio State University’s Graduate School.

Does the prospect of discovery and innovation thrill you? Do you have a passion about your field of study? If so, then you should consider graduate study. Graduate education gives you the skills and expertise that can open doors to rich and satisfying career opportunities. With a graduate degree, you have the potential to apply greater depth of knowledge to your field and to create more options for career growth. A graduate degree increases your opportunities for promotions and flexibility, and can substantially increase your earnings potential. For example, the average lifetime earnings for a college graduate are estimated at $ 2.1 million while they are $3.4 million for an individual with a Ph.D.* Considering that most Ph.D. students receive financial support that covers tuition and fees and pays a stipend for living expenses, you can end up with very little or no loan debt from graduate study. Thus, a graduate degree is an investment that can pay off for the rest of your life.

As you consider your own professional and academic goals, think big. A world of possibilities is open to you, and there are many programs and organizations ready to support your success. Undergraduate research programs, fellowships and training grants are designed to help students like you gain access to the very best graduate programs in virtually every field of study. To get started, I encourage you to get involved with student organizations in your major; attend a student research conference; talk to your professors about your interests and ask them about their research projects. The more you learn about what excites you, the better prepared you are to find graduate programs where you will be successful.

If you are unsure of whether graduate school is right for you, or if you want to get a preview of the life of a graduate student, consider an undergraduate research experience such as the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC) Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP). This program pays students to conduct research with a faculty mentor at one of the participating research universities in the Midwest, including Ohio State. In addition to learning valuable research and writing skills, SROP participants receive intense preparation for the graduate application process. SROP brings together more than 500 students from colleges and universities nationwide for an academic conference where they network with each other and learn about graduate opportunities at the Big Ten Universities and the University of Chicago.

You can apply for the Summer Research Opportunities Program online. This is a terrific opportunity to meet other students who share your interests and who can support your transition to graduate study. Applications are accepted November 1–February 1 for summer research internships so visit www.cic.uiuc.edu/programs/srop today to get started. If you have any questions about the program or the application, contact me at zepeda@uiuc.edu. I’ll be happy to walk you through the process and give you hints to help you prepare a strong application.

A graduate degree can open many doors for success, discovery, and career growth. The opportunity is there for you, and there are many individuals who are standing by and eager to help you along the way!

* Occupational Outlook Quarterly, 2002