Graduate School
Look no further
by KJ Hamilton

While researching my previous article about the benefits of graduate school, I came across several programs that were of incredible interest to me. So, I decided to research things a little bit further. It turns out that there are quite a few possibilities here in the Boston area, which surprised me a little bit.

So, just in case you haven’t quite convinced yourself to give graduate school a try, I’ve compiled a top ten list of reasons why you should consider attending graduate school in Boston.

10. Lots of opportunities. There are at least twenty schools in the greater Boston area that offer graduate programs. With so many options to choose from, you might feel a little overwhelmed. Don’t. A little research will provide the answers you need to clear a path to the school of your choice.

9. Harvard. Not only does it have graduate and professional programs, but Harvard also has an Extension School for non-traditional students.

8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. If you’re into technology, aeronautics, logistics or even economics, look into MIT. They have architecture and management programs, as well as engineering and a vast array of technological programs to choose from.

7. Online classes. Yes, there are a few local graduate schools who offer online classes. It’s definitely worth looking into.

6. Specialized programs. If you’re into psychology, be sure to look into the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology. They also offer a professional degree in Forensic Psychology, which is a subject that fascinates all CSI addicts (myself included). There’s also the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis and the Massachusetts College of Art. The University of Massachusetts Boston offers a graduate program in Dispute Resolution, which is designed to provide insights and skills for managing conflict and how to effectively intervene and reach a resolution. Whatever your chosen program, Boston has a school for it.

5. Internship Opportunities. True, these are available in just about every city in the world. However, there are opportunities in publishing, film, writing, business, music and the arts. And, we must not forget about the historical side of the city. There are options galore when it comes to architecture, engineering and the city’s rich history.

4. There’s a lot to do. It takes more than the normal undergraduate run to experience everything that the city—and the surrounding area—has to offer. You can take breaks between classes to get out and explore those things that you never quite seemed to have time for in undergrad. Better yet, find new things to delve into. Broaden your horizons. Learn more about the city’s rich history. You just might be able to get class credit for it.

3. Study Abroad Programs. Love New England but really don’t like snow? Take a winter semester to study abroad. There are plenty of local graduate programs that offer this unique opportunity.

2. Did I mention Harvard? I have always wanted to attend. I am looking forward to the information session at Harvard Extension school in January. The Extension School offers programs in Liberal Arts, Journalism and Publishing, and Biotechnology—just to name a few. They also offer online classes and graduate certificates in programs like applied sciences and management.

1. You are here. You’ve already begun your academic advancement here in the city, so why not stay? It might be less of an adjustment to continue on in a place you’ve already spent at least twelve semesters in.

Are you convinced yet? You owe it to yourself to at least check out the schools here. You never know, you just might be as surprised as I was when I started my research. The possibilities are endless here, and there is no better place to continue your academic career than in Boston.