{"id":2573,"date":"2023-04-04T08:51:56","date_gmt":"2023-04-04T15:51:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/careerpathways\/?page_id=2573"},"modified":"2025-06-23T11:12:15","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T18:12:15","slug":"researching-graduate-degrees-and-programs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/careerpathways\/grad-school-advising\/researching-graduate-degrees-and-programs\/","title":{"rendered":"Researching graduate programs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n                              \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--link-list \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--link-list\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Resources to find programs of interest\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n                        \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p>Start researching graduate programs with the following resources.\u00a0 After you find programs you like, start digging deeper by going directly to specific websites of the programs of interest.<\/p>\n<p>We encourage you to bookmark all websites for efficient searching and that you use this <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1mw_Pgb688WWDxVKDKATE52FqAwGcru1H\/edit#gid=1501644245\"><strong>spreadsheet<\/strong><\/a> to help document all your findings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  \n      <div class=\"links-container\">\n\n                        \n        \n          \n            <div class=\"column\">\n                <ul>\n                                                                  <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1mw_Pgb688WWDxVKDKATE52FqAwGcru1H\/edit?gid=1501644245#gid=1501644245\n    aria-label=\"Read more about Graduate school research spreadsheet\"  \n>\n    Graduate school research spreadsheet \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                        <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/www.gradschools.com\/graduate-schools-by-country#\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Grad school search by location (including international)\"  \n>\n    Grad school search by location (including international) \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                        <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/best-graduate-schools\/search\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about U.S. News &#038; World Report\"  \n>\n    U.S. News &#038; World Report \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                        <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/www.princetonreview.com\/grad-school\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about The Princeton Review\"  \n>\n    The Princeton Review \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                        <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/www.gradschools.com\/\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about GradSchools.com\"  \n>\n    GradSchools.com \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                        <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/cso.collegesource.com\/Default.aspx\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about CollegeSource Online\"  \n>\n    CollegeSource Online \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                        <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/www.niche.com\/graduate-schools\/search\/best-graduate-schools\/\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Niche.com\"  \n>\n    Niche.com \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                        <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/www.gograd.org\/resources\/grad-school-study-abroad\/\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Go Grad grad school study abroad options\"  \n>\n    Go Grad grad school study abroad options \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                          <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n\n          \n          \n        \n          \n            <div class=\"column\">\n                <ul>\n                                                                  <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/www.collegexpress.com\/college\/search\/\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about College Express (type country into large white search field)\"  \n>\n    College Express (type country into large white search field) \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                        <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/catalogue.usc.edu\/content.php?catoid=16&#038;navoid=6360\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about USC graduate degrees\"  \n>\n    USC graduate degrees \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                        <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/academicprograms.usc.edu\/services\/curriculum\/progressive-degree-programs\/progressive-degree-program-offerings\/\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about USC progressive degrees (undergrad coursework toward completion of a USC master\u2019s degree)\"  \n>\n    USC progressive degrees (undergrad coursework toward completion of a USC master\u2019s degree) \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                        <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/www.teachingdegrees.com\/search-programs?search-level=Masters&#038;search-program=\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Graduate teaching programs\"  \n>\n    Graduate teaching programs \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                        <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/www.accreditedschoolsonline.org\/\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Accedited school listings\"  \n>\n    Accedited school listings \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                        <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/nces.ed.gov\/ipeds\/\n    aria-label=\"Read more about National Center for Education Statistics\"  \n>\n    National Center for Education Statistics \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                        <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/www.chea.org\/directories\n    aria-label=\"Read more about Council for Higher Education Accreditation directory (international)\"  \n>\n    Council for Higher Education Accreditation directory (international) \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                          <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n\n          \n          \n        \n\n\n\n    <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <figure id=\"attachment_7614\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7614\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7614 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/careerpathways\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/11\/alphabet-1024x685.jpg\" alt=\"printer's letter blocks\" width=\"1024\" height=\"685\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7614\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@amadorloureiro?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash\">Amador Loureiro<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/letter-wood-stamp-lot-BVyNlchWqzs?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n                  \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Differences between graduate degrees\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p>There are literally THOUSANDS of graduate programs across the US and abroad.\u00a0 Programs vary by institution and within specific fields.\u00a0 Therefore, it&#8217;s essential to carefully research and consider the diverse programs and curriculum to determine which is the best fit for your academic and career goals.<\/p>\n<p>Make your decision based on your personal and career goals combined with\u00a0 the education level your chosen field(s) requires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">MA (Master of Arts)<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1-6kr0qf-3tz\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1-6kr0qf-3tz\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <ul>\n<li><strong>Focus:<\/strong> MA programs typically focus on disciplines within the humanities and social sciences, such as literature, history, sociology, psychology, and fine arts. These programs often emphasize research, critical thinking, and analysis of theories and concepts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Curriculum:<\/strong> MA programs often have a more flexible curriculum, with a focus on coursework and research in the chosen field of study.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Research:<\/strong> MA programs may require a thesis or capstone project, but this can vary depending on the institution and the specific program.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-2-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-controls=\"section-1-2-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">MS (Master of Science)<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-2-6kr0qf-3tz\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-2-6kr0qf-3tz\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <ul>\n<li><strong>Focus:<\/strong> MS (Master of Science): MS programs are commonly found in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. They tend to emphasize technical and practical knowledge, problem-solving, and often involve laboratory work or quantitative research.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Curriculum:<\/strong> MS programs may have a more structured curriculum, with an emphasis on technical or scientific coursework, laboratory work, and possibly a thesis or research project.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Research: <\/strong>MS programs often require a research-based thesis, project, or internship, which is typically more common in STEM fields.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-3-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-controls=\"section-1-3-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">MBA (Master of Business Administration)<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-3-6kr0qf-3tz\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-3-6kr0qf-3tz\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <ul>\n<li><strong>Focus:<\/strong> A professional degree primarily focused on business and management.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Curriculum: <\/strong>Covers a broad range of business disciplines, including finance, marketing, operations, and strategy. Typically does not require a thesis but may involve group projects, case studies, and internships.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Careers:<\/strong> Management, entrepreneurship, or leadership roles in various fields.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-4-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-controls=\"section-1-4-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">MFA (Master of Fine Arts) <\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-4-6kr0qf-3tz\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-4-6kr0qf-3tz\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <ul>\n<li><strong>Focus:<\/strong> Primarily awarded in creative and fine arts disciplines, such as visual arts, writing, theater, and music.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Curriculum:<\/strong> Typically includes studio work, projects, and a portfolio or thesis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Careers:<\/strong> Commonly pursued by aspiring artists, writers, actors, and musicians.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-5-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-controls=\"section-1-5-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">MSW (Master of Social Work)<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-5-6kr0qf-3tz\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-5-6kr0qf-3tz\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <ul>\n<li><strong>Focus:<\/strong> Specifically designed for individuals interested in social work and the human services sector.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Curriculum: <\/strong>Combines academic coursework with supervised fieldwork and practical training.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Careers:<\/strong> Counseling, advocacy, and working with individuals and communities in need including healthcare, community services, non-profits, and education as well as the private sector.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-6-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-controls=\"section-1-6-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-6-6kr0qf-3tz\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-6-6kr0qf-3tz\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <ul>\n<li><strong>Focus:<\/strong> PhD programs are more versatile and can be found in various fields, including the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. They are research-focused and intended to produce faculty and researchers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dissertation:<\/strong> PhD programs typically require an original and substantial dissertation based on independent research.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Research vs. Practice:<\/strong> PhD programs place a strong emphasis on conducting original research and contributing to an academic body of knowledge. Graduates often pursue careers in research, academia, or leadership positions in various industries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-7-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-controls=\"section-1-7-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">PsyD (Doctor of Psychology)<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-7-6kr0qf-3tz\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-7-6kr0qf-3tz\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <ul>\n<li><strong>Focus:<\/strong> PsyD programs are focused on preparing students for careers in clinical psychology. The primary goal is to train practitioners who provide psychological services to individuals and groups.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dissertation:<\/strong> PsyD programs typically require a doctoral project or dissertation related to clinical practice.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Research vs. Practice:<\/strong> PsyD programs emphasize clinical training and practice over research. Students do engage in research, but it is typically less extensive than in PhD programs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-8-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-controls=\"section-1-8-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">EdD (Doctor of Education)<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-8-6kr0qf-3tz\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-8-6kr0qf-3tz\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <ul>\n<li><strong>Focus:<\/strong> EdD programs are primarily designed for individuals pursuing careers in education and related fields. The emphasis is on practical applications and leadership in educational settings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dissertation:<\/strong> EdD programs often require a doctoral project or dissertation that addresses a specific issue or challenge in education.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Research vs. Practice:<\/strong> EdD programs tend to be more practice-oriented, with an emphasis on solving real-world problems in education. While research is a component, it typically focuses on applied research.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-9-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-controls=\"section-1-9-6kr0qf-3tz\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">MD (Doctor of Medicine)<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-9-6kr0qf-3tz\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-9-6kr0qf-3tz\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <ul>\n<li><strong>Focus:<\/strong> The MD program is for those interested in becoming medical doctors or physicians. It focuses on the study and practice of medicine, preparing students for clinical practice.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dissertation:<\/strong> MD programs do not typically require a traditional dissertation. Instead, medical students often complete residencies and internships to gain clinical experience.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Research vs. Practice:<\/strong> MD programs emphasize clinical training and patient care. While medical research is an essential part of the field, the primary focus is on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":0,"parent":1858,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2573","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Researching different graduate degrees and graduate programs<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Researching graduate programs - Research graduate schools across the US and abroad\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/careerpathways\/grad-school-advising\/researching-graduate-degrees-and-programs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Researching different graduate degrees and graduate programs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Researching graduate programs - 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