For master's degree programs, students are required to complete all core course requirements and a minimum amount of credits. Many programs require a thesis, written or oral examination, and practical experiences. For doctoral degrees, students must complete both the required courses and a dissertation/dissertation defense.

Fellowships are similar to scholarships received for undergraduate education. They are generally awarded based on merit and provide funding for tuition and living stipends. The majority of fellowships do not require a commitment to work in return for the award. Fellowships are commonly awarded by academic programs, graduate schools, or outside organizations.

There are a variety of financial aid opportunities available to graduate students, such as remission credits where tuition costs are defrayed, assistantships to help with teaching or research, graduate scholarships, graduate student loans, or fellowships. There are an array of financial aid resources available to graduate school hopefuls, and students should learn about them and apply for as many as possible.

In general, graduate school costs more per credit hour than undergraduate education. Many state institutions charge an average of $300 per credit for graduate courses, while private colleges and universities often charge more than $500 per credit. For example, Temple University charges $687 per credit to Pennsylvania residents. Students should look for financial aid opportunities, such as employer benefits or federal aid or grants. If classes are part time, students may be able to work throughout the program.

While graduate programs vary significantly, it is a common rule of thumb that graduate students should expect to spend four hours per week per credit hour of advanced courses. Many courses include reading assignments, papers, presentations, and extensive final examinations. Graduate courses often culminate in a capstone, thesis, or dissertation project.

While admissions committees vary, graduate schools typically evaluate students based on undergraduate GPA scores as an indicator of how students will perform in the graduate program. Other factors include GRE or GMAT scores, because they provide insight into how applicants rank among their peers, and answers to essay questions and letters of recommendation, which help admissions committees gain a better understanding of an applicant as a person.

When picking the best school, students should consider key criteria to narrow down their choices. Some aspects to consider include the area of specialization, location, ranking, cost, campus life, accreditation, and academic resources. For example, the U.S. News & World Report ranks Harvard University as the best business school. Also, keep in mind that you may need a smaller course load if you have work obligations. Finally, determine whether the program offers any experience opportunities, such as assistantships or helping with research.

Students should apply to graduate programs that offer their area of interest, considering the qualifications of departmental faculty and their expertise. Potential students should also research the format of the program, such as whether a program has a cohort model, requires a thesis, or allows students to attend part time. Students can contact the school to gain more information, and it may be helpful to get in touch with actual students, whose contact information can often be found on the website.