Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers: Responses to the Student Survey by Degree Level and Field of Study, Part A

Transcription

1 Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers: Responses to the Student Survey by Degree Level and Field of Study, Part A

2 Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers: Responses to the Student Survey by Degree Level and Field of Study, Part A Copyright 2014 by Educational Testing Service and the Council of Graduate Schools. All rights reserved. ETS, the ETS logo and LISTENING. LEARNING. LEADING. are registered trademarks of Educational Testing Service (ETS). The CGS logo is a registered trademark of the Council of Graduate Schools. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners

3 Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers: Responses to the Student Survey by Degree Level and Field of Study, Part A This report was prepared by Cathy Wendler, Fred Cline, Jennifer Bochenek, Samantha Wendler, and Jeff Allum. Suggested citation: Wendler, C., Cline F., Bochenek, J., Wendler, S., & Allum, J. (2014). Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers: Responses to the Student Survey by Degree Level and Field of Study, Part A. Princeton, NJ: Educational Testing Service.

4 Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers: Responses to the Student Survey by Degree Level and Field of Study, Part A Commission on Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers Corporate Leaders William (Bill) D. Green, Chairman, Accenture Stanley Litow, Vice President, Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs, IBM and President, IBM International Foundation Joseph Miller Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Corning Russ Owen, President, Strategic Account Development, CSC Ronald Townsend, Executive Vice President, Global Laboratory Operations, Battelle Memorial Institute University Leaders Jeffery Gibeling, Dean, Graduate Studies, University of California, Davis Maureen Grasso, Dean, Graduate School, University of Georgia Freeman Hrabowski III, President, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Jean Morrison, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Boston University Suzanne Ortega, Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs, University of North Carolina Patrick Osmer, Chair and Vice Provost, Graduate Studies and Dean, Graduate School, The Ohio State University Teresa Sullivan, President, University of Virginia Lisa Tedesco, Vice Provost, Academic Affairs Graduate Studies and Dean, James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies, Emory University James Wimbush, Dean, University Graduate School, Indiana University Ex Officio Members Kurt M. Landgraf, President and CEO, ETS Debra W. Stewart, President, Council of Graduate Schools

5 Table of Contents Question Content Page(s) Preface 1-3 Value of Graduate School 4-15 Question 1 Graduate degree and career opportunities 4 Question 2 Benefit versus cost of graduate education 7 Question 3 Graduate degree and income potential 10 Question 4 Graduate school versus work experience 13 Prior to Graduate School Question 5 A Thinking about attending graduate school 16 Question 5 B Asking others about graduate school 19 Question 5 C Researching graduate programs 22 Question 5 D Wanting to attend graduate school 25 Question 5 E Applying to graduate school 28 Question 6 Sources of information about graduate school 31 Question 7 Sources of encouragement about graduate school 34 Graduate School Experience Question 8 A Information obtained about graduate school 37 Question 8 B Information obtained about careers 40 Question 9 A Helpfulness of information obtained about graduate school 43 Question 9 B Helpfulness of information obtained about careers 46 Question 10 A Accuracy of information obtained about graduate school 49 Question 10 B Accuracy of information obtained about careers 52 Question 11 Likeliness of encouraging others to attend 55 Question 12 Graduate school attendance 58 Question 12 A Why would not attend graduate school 61 Question 12 B Changing graduate school choices 62 Question 13 Reasons for pursuing graduate degree 65 Question 14 Sources of information about career options 68 Question 15 Career options encouraged by faculty 71 Question 16 Career options considered 74 Question 17 Career options most pursued 77 Question 18 Changes in career goals 80

6 Preface Graduate schools in the United States are environments in which students acquire the skills and knowledge needed to compete in the global economy as well as to solve problems of national and global scope. We remain strong in the U.S. because our graduate community has sustained a critical eye on how we do graduate education and on what we need to do to improve it. One area where we have begun to evaluate our own performance lies in the critical juncture between education and the U.S. workforce. While the United States is generally recognized as having the most vigorous and dynamic system of graduate education in the world, little is known at the granular level about what our graduates do, how their work life progresses, and how well the preparation they receive equips them for the careers they pursue. A report published in April 2012, Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers, 1 tackled these questions by examining the views of groups that directly observe and experience this transitional moment from degree completion and into careers students, universities, and employers. The distinct perspectives of these groups offer an unprecedented opportunity to better understand what these important stakeholders seek, where they find success, and where their needs and goals remain unmet. The current data report is one of a series of reports that provide the details behind the analysis presented in the Pathways study. This report provides information from the student perspective. It presents the student responses to the survey by field of study and degree level. reports present student responses at an aggregated level (total group, gender, and race/ethnicity). What s in the report Clear career options for students seeking, or holding graduate degrees are often lacking, especially at the doctoral level. This lack of knowledge may impact students decisions to attend graduate school as well as their views of career opportunities during graduate school and upon degree completion. In order to more fully understand what students know about career opportunities and when they learned it, a sample of students who took the GRE General Test between 2002 and 2011 were surveyed. The survey, administered online, reflects responses from over 5,500 students. Students accessed the survey through a provided link. There are two parts to this report. Only responses from students who indicated their field of study and degree level when they completed the survey are included. 1 Council of Graduate Schools and Educational Testing Service. (2012). Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers. Report from the Commission on Pathways through Graduate School and Into Careers. Princeton, NJ: Educational Testing Service. The full report can be retrieved at Page 1

7 Part A provides responses from students who are either currently enrolled in graduate school or who have completed a graduate degree. It covers questions related to perceived value of graduate school, behavior prior to entering graduate school, and the graduate school experience. Part B provides responses to questions related to postgraduate school experiences, workplace skills importance and preparation, and job satisfaction. Only students who indicated they have completed their graduate degree and are working are included in this part. Results are provided by two degree levels (master s and doctorate) and 11 fields of study. Fields of study were captured using Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes 2 which were then further collapsed into 10 categories and one category. Note that these results do not distinguish among types of degrees (professional versus research) nor do they separate master s degrees that are terminal from those that are considered en route to the doctorate. Table 1 below provides the number of students responding to the survey by degree level and field of study. Table 1. Number of Students Responding to Survey by Degree Level and Field of Study Student Status Enrolled in Graduate School Completed Master s Degree Completed Doctoral Degree Biological/ Agricultural Sciences Physical/ Earth Sciences Field of Study* Mathematics/ Computer Science Engineering Health Arts/ Humanities Behavioral/ Social Sciences Education Business istration Total Group Enrolled in Graduate School ,585 Completed Master s Degree ,671 Completed Doctoral Degree *Counts include only respondents who provided their degree level and field of study. Results are not presented if the sample size for a group is less than 25 respondents. How to use the report This report provides information based only on the students who responded to the survey. While this data source does not capture all individuals who attended, or plan to attend, graduate school during this time period, it does provide access to a large number of students from a variety of demographic groups, 2 Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes support the tracking and reporting of fields of study at postsecondary institutions. CIP was originally developed by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Page 2

8 fields of study, and institution types. Responses to the survey provide interesting student perspectives regarding career knowledge, but because it is based on a sample of convenience, the results may not accurately represent all graduate students. In addition, caution must be used when interpreting results based on relatively small sample sizes, especially as seen with the field of study categories. 3 The data tables for the survey questions indicate the number of students who responded in a particular manner to each question. Each survey question has three sets of data tables, one for students currently enrolled in a graduate program, one for students who have completed their master s degree, and one for students who have completed their doctoral degree. Each table provides responses for the total group of students belonging to a particular category and responses by field of study. Students who did not respond to a question are not included in the corresponding table; therefore, the total number of students responding varies for each question. For questions that asked students to choose all that apply, the total percentage will not add up to 100%. For all other questions, percentages are based on the total number of students responding to the question, not the overall number of students. For these questions, the total percentage should be close to 100%, depending on rounding. 3 Results are not presented if the sample size for a group is less than 25 respondents. Page 3

9 Value of Graduate School Question 1 Please indicate your level of agreement with this statement: A graduate degree provides me with better career opportunities. Table A Students Enrolled in Graduate School Total Bio / Agri Phys/ Math/ N = 2584 N = 340 N = 142 N = 143 N = 317 N = Strongly agree 54% 49% 54% 47% 47% 66% 4 Agree 37% 38% 41% 43% 41% 25% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 6% 9% 3% 6% 8% 4% 2 Disagree 2% 3% 1% 1% 2% 1% 1 Strongly disagree 2% 1% 1% 3% 3% 4% Mean SD Arts/ Behav / N = 244 N = 488 N = 321 N = 92 N = 74 N = Strongly agree 37% 62% 56% 54% 58% 53% 4 Agree 46% 31% 35% 42% 36% 39% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 11% 3% 7% 2% 4% 4% 2 Disagree 2% 2% 1% 1% 1% 2% 1 Strongly disagree 3% 2% 2% 0% 0% 1% Mean SD Nearly all students currently enrolled in graduate school strongly agreed (54%) or agreed (37%) that a graduate degree will provide them with better career opportunities. Responses across fields of study were similar. Page 4

10 Value of Graduate School Question 1 Please indicate your level of agreement with this statement: A graduate degree provides me with better career opportunities. Table B Students Who Completed Master's Degree N = 1670 N = 115 N = 25 N = 121 N = 174 N = Strongly agree 42% 31% 44% 41% 38% 62% 4 Agree 43% 43% 48% 45% 50% 30% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 8% 12% 0% 7% 7% 4% 2 Disagree 4% 8% 4% 5% 3% 2% 1 Strongly disagree 3% 5% 4% 2% 1% 2% Mean SD N = 166 N = 244 N = 297 N = 95 N = 112 N = Strongly agree 28% 45% 45% 45% 35% 37% 4 Agree 50% 37% 41% 44% 54% 46% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 13% 6% 8% 4% 6% 9% 2 Disagree 7% 8% 2% 3% 4% 3% 1 Strongly disagree 3% 4% 3% 3% 1% 5% Mean SD Most students who have completed their master's degree agreed (43%) or strongly agreed (42%) that a graduate degree provides them with better career opportunities. Responses across fields of study were similar. Page 5

11 Value of Graduate School Question 1 Please indicate your level of agreement with this statement: A graduate degree provides me with better career opportunities. Table C Students Who Completed Doctoral Degree N = 401 N = 61 N = 39 N = 47 N = 31 N = 28 5 Strongly agree 53% 43% 36% 70% 58% 54% 4 Agree 30% 38% 41% 17% 32% 32% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 9% 13% 10% 11% 3% 7% 2 Disagree 3% 3% 5% 0% 3% 0% 1 Strongly disagree 5% 3% 8% 2% 3% 7% Mean SD Educ N = 27 N = 73 N = 77 Business 5 Strongly agree 33% 60% 55% ** ** ** 4 Agree 30% 26% 27% ** ** ** 3 Neither agree nor disagree 15% 7% 8% ** ** ** 2 Disagree 15% 3% 1% ** ** ** 1 Strongly disagree 7% 4% 9% ** ** ** Mean SD ** Sample too small to report results Most students who have completed their doctoral degree strongly agreed (53%) or agreed (30%) that a graduate degree provides them with better career opportunities. Responses across fields of study were similar. Page 6

12 Value of Graduate School Question 2 Please indicate your level of agreement with this statement: The benefit of a graduate education outweighs the cost. Table A Students Enrolled in Graduate School N = 2579 N = 339 N = 141 N = 143 N = 318 N = Strongly agree 31% 31% 36% 34% 25% 34% 4 Agree 40% 40% 45% 38% 44% 38% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 20% 24% 13% 20% 21% 19% 2 Disagree 6% 5% 5% 6% 6% 6% 1 Strongly disagree 2% 1% 1% 2% 3% 4% Mean SD N = 244 N = 486 N = 320 N = 92 N = 74 N = Strongly agree 26% 34% 33% 35% 24% 26% 4 Agree 36% 41% 38% 40% 50% 44% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 25% 16% 22% 16% 18% 24% 2 Disagree 8% 7% 4% 9% 8% 5% 1 Strongly disagree 5% 2% 3% 0% 0% 1% Mean SD The majority of students currently enrolled in graduate school agreed (40%) or strongly agreed (31%) that the benefit of graduate education outweighs the cost, but 20% were noncommittal. Results across fields of study were similar. Page 7

13 Value of Graduate School Question 2 Please indicate your level of agreement with this statement: The benefit of a graduate education outweighs the cost. Table B Students Who Completed Master's Degree N = 1667 N = 115 N = 25 N = 121 N = 173 N = Strongly agree 23% 23% 28% 27% 20% 32% 4 Agree 37% 32% 48% 39% 44% 39% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 24% 26% 16% 23% 24% 16% 2 Disagree 10% 11% 4% 8% 10% 8% 1 Strongly disagree 5% 8% 4% 2% 3% 5% Mean SD N = 165 N = 244 N = 297 N = 94 N = 112 N = Strongly agree 15% 23% 26% 27% 21% 18% 4 Agree 34% 33% 40% 31% 41% 36% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 31% 24% 22% 29% 25% 28% 2 Disagree 13% 12% 8% 11% 10% 12% 1 Strongly disagree 7% 7% 4% 3% 3% 6% Mean SD The percentage of students who agreed (37%) or strongly agreed (23%) that graduate education outweighs the cost is lowest for those students who have completed their master's degree, and nearly one fourth (24%) were noncommittal. Responses across fields of study were similar. Page 8

14 Value of Graduate School Please indicate your level of agreement with this statement: The benefit of a graduate education outweighs the cost. Question 2 Table C Students Who Completed Doctoral Degree N = 397 N = 61 N = 38 N = 47 N = 30 N = 28 5 Strongly agree 31% 33% 29% 49% 37% 21% 4 Agree 36% 28% 42% 30% 27% 39% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 20% 28% 16% 19% 17% 29% 2 Disagree 7% 5% 11% 0% 10% 4% 1 Strongly disagree 6% 7% 3% 2% 10% 7% Mean SD Educ N = 27 N = 72 N = 76 Business 5 Strongly agree 11% 28% 33% ** ** ** 4 Agree 30% 46% 32% ** ** ** 3 Neither agree nor disagree 33% 11% 20% ** ** ** 2 Disagree 7% 13% 7% ** ** ** 1 Strongly disagree 19% 3% 9% ** ** ** Mean SD ** Sample too small to report results The majority of students who have completed their doctoral degree agreed (36%) or strongly agreed (31%) that graduate education outweighs the cost. Across fields of study, the percentage of students indicating they strongly agreed the benefit of graduate education outweighs the cost ranged from 11% for Arts and Humanities majors to 49% for Mathematics and Computer Science majors. Page 9

15 Value of Graduate School Question 3 Please indicate your level of agreement with this statement: A graduate degree will increase my income potential. Table A Students Enrolled in Graduate School N = 2570 N = 336 N = 141 N = 143 N = 318 N = Strongly agree 38% 35% 40% 40% 34% 50% 4 Agree 42% 44% 48% 38% 45% 37% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 12% 13% 7% 13% 13% 6% 2 Disagree 5% 6% 4% 6% 5% 3% 1 Strongly disagree 3% 2% 2% 4% 2% 4% Mean SD N = 243 N = 484 N = 319 N = 92 N = 74 N = Strongly agree 27% 39% 40% 49% 39% 38% 4 Agree 37% 44% 43% 37% 45% 45% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 22% 10% 11% 10% 11% 11% 2 Disagree 9% 5% 3% 4% 5% 5% 1 Strongly disagree 5% 2% 3% 0% 0% 1% Mean SD The majority of students currently enrolled in graduate school agreed (42%) or strongly agreed (38%) that a graduate degree will increase their income potential. Responses across fields of study were similar. Page 10

16 Value of Graduate School Question 3 Please indicate your level of agreement with this statement: A graduate degree will increase my income potential. Table B Students Who Completed Master's Degree N = 1666 N = 115 N = 25 N = 121 N = 174 N = Strongly agree 30% 26% 44% 38% 29% 42% 4 Agree 45% 42% 40% 48% 53% 41% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 14% 19% 8% 8% 12% 7% 2 Disagree 7% 7% 4% 4% 5% 7% 1 Strongly disagree 4% 6% 4% 2% 1% 4% Mean SD N = 166 N = 245 N = 297 N = 93 N = 111 N = Strongly agree 19% 33% 33% 31% 26% 22% 4 Agree 39% 41% 47% 47% 53% 45% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 22% 14% 10% 14% 14% 21% 2 Disagree 14% 8% 6% 5% 4% 6% 1 Strongly disagree 5% 4% 4% 2% 3% 6% Mean SD The majority of students who have completed their master's degree agreed (45%) or strongly agreed (30%) that a graduate degree will increase their income potential. Responses across fields of study were similar although a greater percentage of Arts and Humanities majors either disagreed (14%) or strongly disagreed (5%) compared to other majors. Page 11

17 Value of Graduate School Question 3 Please indicate your level of agreement with this statement: A graduate degree will increase my income potential. Table C Students Who Completed Doctoral Degree N = 399 N = 61 N = 39 N = 47 N = 30 N = 28 5 Strongly agree 36% 38% 31% 51% 37% 36% 4 Agree 38% 39% 36% 28% 40% 43% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 13% 8% 13% 19% 10% 7% 2 Disagree 9% 11% 13% 2% 13% 11% 1 Strongly disagree 5% 3% 8% 0% 0% 4% Mean SD Educ N = 27 N = 73 N = 76 Business 5 Strongly agree 11% 34% 37% ** ** ** 4 Agree 26% 42% 43% ** ** ** 3 Neither agree nor disagree 26% 12% 9% ** ** ** 2 Disagree 26% 8% 1% ** ** ** 1 Strongly disagree 11% 3% 9% ** ** ** Mean SD ** Sample too small to report results The majority of students who have completed their doctoral degree agreed (38%) or strongly agreed (36%) that a graduate degree will increase their income potential. Across fields of study, students indicating that they strongly agreed a graduate degree will increase their income potential ranged from 11% for Arts and Humanities majors to 51% for Mathematics and Computer Science majors. Page 12

18 Value of Graduate School Question 4 Please indicate your level of agreement with this statement: In my career, attending graduate school is more important than work experience. Table A Students Enrolled in Graduate School N = 2577 N = 338 N = 141 N = 143 N = 318 N = Strongly agree 20% 24% 36% 22% 11% 16% 4 Agree 26% 31% 33% 26% 23% 26% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 33% 30% 24% 31% 40% 35% 2 Disagree 17% 13% 5% 13% 20% 18% 1 Strongly disagree 5% 2% 2% 7% 6% 4% Mean SD N = 244 N = 485 N = 320 N = 92 N = 74 N = Strongly agree 28% 27% 13% 12% 1% 21% 4 Agree 23% 29% 22% 15% 27% 24% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 27% 29% 38% 37% 45% 31% 2 Disagree 16% 11% 22% 29% 23% 20% 1 Strongly disagree 6% 4% 5% 7% 4% 4% Mean SD Less than one half of students currently enrolled in graduate education believed that attending graduate school was more important than work experience, with 26% agreeing and 20% strongly agreeing. Across fields of study, the percentage of students who strongly agreed that graduate school was more important than work experience ranged from 1% for istration majors to 36% for Physical and Earth Sciences majors. Page 13

19 Value of Graduate School Question 4 Please indicate your level of agreement with this statement: In my career, attending graduate school is more important than work experience. Table B Students Who Completed Master's Degree N = 1666 N = 115 N = 25 N = 121 N = 173 N = Strongly agree 10% 10% 12% 7% 8% 22% 4 Agree 19% 19% 20% 21% 15% 20% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 34% 37% 32% 27% 34% 28% 2 Disagree 27% 22% 36% 35% 33% 25% 1 Strongly disagree 10% 13% 0% 9% 11% 6% Mean SD N = 166 N = 245 N = 296 N = 95 N = 111 N = Strongly agree 8% 12% 8% 6% 4% 10% 4 Agree 19% 24% 20% 17% 15% 17% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 34% 31% 37% 40% 41% 33% 2 Disagree 25% 21% 27% 24% 31% 30% 1 Strongly disagree 14% 11% 8% 13% 9% 11% Mean SD Few students who have completed their master's degree agreed (19%) or strongly agreed (10%) that attending graduate school was more important than work experience; 27% disagreed and 10% strongly disagreed. Responses across fields of study were similar. Page 14

20 Value of Graduate School Question 4 Please indicate your level of agreement with this statement: In my career, attending graduate school is more important than work experience. Table C Students Who Completed Doctoral Degree N = 399 N = 61 N = 39 N = 47 N = 30 N = 28 5 Strongly agree 26% 16% 33% 45% 27% 29% 4 Agree 28% 41% 28% 9% 20% 21% 3 Neither agree nor disagree 24% 23% 13% 23% 27% 25% 2 Disagree 15% 15% 13% 13% 20% 21% 1 Strongly disagree 8% 5% 13% 11% 7% 4% Mean SD Educ N = 27 N = 73 N = 76 Business 5 Strongly agree 19% 33% 12% ** ** ** 4 Agree 26% 33% 32% ** ** ** 3 Neither agree nor disagree 19% 19% 32% ** ** ** 2 Disagree 33% 7% 13% ** ** ** 1 Strongly disagree 4% 8% 12% ** ** ** Mean SD ** Sample too small to report results About one half of students who have completed their doctoral degree agreed (28%) or strongly agreed (26%) that attending graduate school was more important than work experience. Across fields of study, students who strongly agreed that attending graduate school was more important than work experience ranged from 12% for Education majors to 45% for Mathematics and Computer Science majors. Page 15

21 Prior to Graduate School Question 5-A Approximately when, if ever, did you start to think about attending graduate school? Table A Students Enrolled in Graduate School N = 2577 N = 338 N = 142 N = 143 N = 317 N = Before undergraduate school 28% 27% 35% 27% 27% 31% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 20% 24% 27% 13% 18% 21% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 31% 30% 31% 37% 34% 28% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 13% 14% 5% 14% 13% 10% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 7% 4% 2% 9% 7% 11% 6 Never 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% N = 243 N = 487 N = 320 N = 92 N = 74 N = Before undergraduate school 30% 31% 23% 20% 28% 25% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 25% 24% 13% 17% 12% 18% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 30% 29% 32% 34% 30% 33% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 12% 11% 16% 17% 20% 17% More than two years after finishing undergraduate 5 2% 5% 16% 12% 9% 7% school 6 Never 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Students currently enrolled in graduate school indicated two prime times when they started thinking about attending graduate school: before they attended college (28%) and during the third or last year of their undergraduate program (31%). Responses across fields of study were similar. Page 16

22 Prior to Graduate School Question 5-A Approximately when, if ever, did you start to think about attending graduate school? Table B Students Who Completed Master's Degree N = 1668 N = 115 N = 25 N = 121 N = 172 N = Before undergraduate school 20% 21% 0% 21% 16% 27% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 15% 14% 4% 15% 16% 14% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 33% 31% 64% 30% 42% 27% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 19% 23% 28% 20% 21% 19% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 13% 10% 4% 14% 6% 13% 6 Never 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% N = 166 N = 245 N = 297 N = 95 N = 112 N = Before undergraduate school 20% 21% 19% 23% 22% 18% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 23% 15% 11% 14% 12% 17% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 29% 37% 30% 29% 30% 37% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 16% 17% 19% 17% 24% 12% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 13% 11% 21% 17% 12% 16% 6 Never 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Students who have completed their master's degree indicated two prime times when they started thinking about attending graduate school: before they attended college (20%) and during the third or last year of their undergraduate program (33%). A good number (19%) also indicated that they started thinking about graduate school within two years of finishing their undergraduate degree. Responses across fields of study were similar. Page 17

23 Prior to Graduate School Approximately when, if ever, did you start to think about attending graduate school? Question 5-A Table C Students Who Completed Doctoral Degree N = 399 N = 59 N = 39 N = 47 N = 31 N = 28 1 Before undergraduate school 25% 20% 15% 36% 35% 29% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 17% 25% 21% 23% 10% 14% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 31% 29% 44% 23% 35% 18% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 13% 17% 13% 9% 13% 14% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 14% 8% 8% 9% 6% 25% 6 Never 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Educ N = 27 N = 73 N = 77 Business 1 Before undergraduate school 30% 32% 17% ** ** ** 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 7% 21% 10% ** ** ** 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 52% 32% 23% ** ** ** 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 4% 11% 16% ** ** ** More than two years after finishing undergraduate 5 7% 5% 34% ** ** ** school 6 Never 0% 0% 0% ** ** ** ** Sample too small to report results Students who have completed their doctoral degree indicated two prime times when they started thinking about attending graduate school: before they attended college (25%) and during the third or last year of their undergraduate program (31%). Responses across fields of study varied, with nearly one quarter of Biological and Agricultural Sciences (25%) and Mathematics and Computer Science (23%) majors also indicating their first or second year of college as a prime time for considering graduate school. Page 18

24 Prior to Graduate School Question 5-B Approximately when, if ever, did you start to ask others about graduate school? Table A Students Enrolled in Graduate School N = 2567 N = 336 N = 142 N = 141 N = 315 N = Before undergraduate school 9% 10% 9% 7% 9% 12% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 22% 23% 31% 20% 22% 24% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 44% 48% 50% 46% 47% 36% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 14% 13% 6% 15% 14% 16% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 7% 4% 2% 6% 6% 11% 6 Never 3% 1% 2% 6% 3% 2% N = 243 N = 486 N = 318 N = 91 N = 74 N = Before undergraduate school 8% 8% 9% 10% 8% 10% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 27% 24% 16% 20% 23% 17% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 45% 49% 36% 43% 35% 45% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 14% 12% 16% 19% 18% 19% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 3% 6% 17% 9% 11% 7% 6 Never 2% 1% 6% 0% 5% 2% The greatest percentage of students (44%) currently enrolled in graduate school indicated that they started asking others about graduate school during the third or last year of undergraduate school. Responses across fields of study were similar. Page 19

25 Prior to Graduate School Question 5-B Approximately when, if ever, did you start to ask others about graduate school? Table B Students Who Completed Master's Degree N = 1661 N = 114 N = 25 N = 121 N = 171 N = Before undergraduate school 7% 10% 4% 5% 5% 10% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 16% 15% 4% 17% 18% 19% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 42% 45% 60% 45% 50% 37% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 19% 18% 24% 18% 20% 21% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 11% 6% 4% 11% 4% 12% 6 Never 5% 6% 4% 5% 4% 1% N = 164 N = 244 N = 297 N = 94 N = 112 N = Before undergraduate school 7% 6% 6% 10% 5% 6% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 13% 14% 18% 15% 13% 17% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 46% 47% 29% 41% 41% 41% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 13% 18% 22% 19% 26% 16% More than two years after finishing undergraduate 5 13% 10% 20% 10% 9% 13% school 6 Never 8% 5% 5% 5% 6% 6% The greatest percentage of students (42%) who have completed their master's degree indicated that they started asking others about graduate school during the third or last year of undergraduate school. Responses across fields of study were similar although responses by Education majors covered more time points compared to other majors. Page 20

26 Prior to Graduate School Approximately when, if ever, did you start to ask others about graduate school? Question 5-B Table C Students Who Completed Doctoral Degree N = 397 N = 59 N = 39 N = 47 N = 31 N = 28 1 Before undergraduate school 7% 5% 5% 9% 19% 14% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 20% 24% 26% 23% 10% 18% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 40% 41% 49% 43% 48% 21% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 18% 24% 13% 17% 13% 11% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 10% 3% 5% 4% 6% 14% 6 Never 5% 3% 3% 4% 3% 21% Educ N = 27 N = 73 N = 76 Business 1 Before undergraduate school 15% 1% 5% ** ** ** 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 15% 27% 12% ** ** ** 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 52% 42% 29% ** ** ** 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 15% 21% 18% ** ** ** More than two years after finishing undergraduate 5 0% 5% 30% ** ** ** school 6 Never 4% 3% 5% ** ** ** ** Sample too small to report results The greatest percentage of students (40%) who have completed their doctoral degree indicated that they started asking others about graduate school during the third or last year of undergraduate school. Responses across fields of study were similar although responses by Education majors covered more time points compared to other majors. Page 21

27 Prior to Graduate School Question 5-C Approximately when, if ever, did you start to research specific graduate programs? Table A Students Enrolled in Graduate School N = 2564 N = 336 N = 141 N = 142 N = 313 N = Before undergraduate school 3% 3% 1% 1% 3% 4% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 9% 7% 13% 10% 6% 15% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 52% 55% 65% 53% 58% 44% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 22% 25% 15% 22% 20% 20% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 12% 9% 6% 13% 12% 16% 6 Never 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% N = 243 N = 487 N = 319 N = 90 N = 73 N = Before undergraduate school 1% 2% 3% 2% 1% 5% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 10% 9% 7% 7% 12% 9% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 57% 56% 40% 48% 40% 47% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 25% 21% 23% 27% 26% 26% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 6% 10% 24% 14% 19% 12% 6 Never 1% 1% 3% 2% 1% 1% The majority of students (52%) currently enrolled in graduate school started researching specific graduate programs in their third or last year of undergraduate school. Responses across fields of study were similar. Page 22

28 Prior to Graduate School Question 5-C Approximately when, if ever, did you start to research specific graduate programs? Table B Students Who Completed Master's Degree N = 1663 N = 114 N = 25 N = 121 N = 171 N = Before undergraduate school 3% 6% 0% 2% 2% 4% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 7% 9% 0% 4% 4% 7% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 43% 35% 56% 46% 56% 41% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 27% 32% 32% 26% 26% 28% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 18% 13% 12% 17% 10% 17% 6 Never 2% 4% 0% 4% 3% 2% N = 165 N = 245 N = 297 N = 93 N = 112 N = Before undergraduate school 2% 2% 2% 4% 2% 1% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 8% 5% 9% 8% 4% 7% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 45% 48% 35% 38% 39% 46% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 25% 29% 26% 27% 35% 24% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 18% 14% 26% 22% 19% 20% 6 Never 1% 2% 2% 2% 1% 3% Many students (43%) who have completed their master's degree started researching specific graduate programs in their third or last year of undergraduate school, followed by those students (27%) who started researching specific graduate programs within two years of finishing college. Responses across fields of study were similar. Page 23

29 Prior to Graduate School Approximately when, if ever, did you start to research specific graduate programs? Question 5-C Table C Students Who Completed Doctoral Degree N = 399 N = 60 N = 39 N = 47 N = 31 N = 28 1 Before undergraduate school 3% 2% 0% 2% 13% 11% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 6% 15% 0% 2% 0% 4% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 48% 38% 67% 66% 55% 32% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 26% 35% 23% 21% 23% 21% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 17% 7% 8% 9% 10% 29% 6 Never 2% 3% 3% 0% 0% 4% Educ N = 27 N = 73 N = 76 Business 1 Before undergraduate school 4% 0% 0% ** ** ** 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 4% 7% 9% ** ** ** 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 63% 59% 24% ** ** ** 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 19% 26% 28% ** ** ** More than two years after finishing undergraduate 5 11% 7% 38% ** ** ** school 6 Never 0% 1% 1% ** ** ** Many students (48%) who have completed their doctoral degree started researching specific graduate programs in their third or last year of undergraduate school, followed by those students (26%) who started researching specific graduate programs within two years of finishing college. Responses across fields of study were similar although Biological and Agricultural Sciences majors were split across two time periods (38% and 35%). ** Sample too small to report results Page 24

30 Prior to Graduate School Question 5-D Approximately when, if ever, did you start to know you wanted to attend graduate school? Table A Students Enrolled in Graduate School N = 2569 N = 338 N = 142 N = 142 N = 316 N = Before undergraduate school 19% 16% 22% 20% 16% 26% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 14% 17% 25% 9% 12% 16% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 36% 36% 38% 37% 42% 29% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 20% 24% 10% 22% 21% 16% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 11% 7% 4% 11% 8% 13% 6 Never 0% 0% 1% 1% 0% 0% N = 242 N = 487 N = 317 N = 91 N = 74 N = Before undergraduate school 16% 22% 18% 18% 19% 16% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 16% 13% 7% 7% 7% 15% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 41% 37% 34% 36% 34% 30% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 22% 19% 18% 21% 27% 26% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 3% 8% 22% 19% 14% 12% 6 Never 1% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% About one third of students (36%) currently enrolled in graduate school knew they wanted to attend graduate school the third or last year of undergraduate school. Responses across fields of study were similar. Page 25

31 Prior to Graduate School Question 5-D Approximately when, if ever, did you start to know you wanted to attend graduate school? Table B Students Who Completed Master's Degree N = 1664 N = 113 N = 25 N = 121 N = 172 N = Before undergraduate school 14% 20% 0% 12% 9% 20% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 9% 12% 8% 7% 11% 13% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 36% 25% 48% 39% 48% 31% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 23% 24% 36% 24% 22% 19% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 17% 15% 8% 17% 8% 17% 6 Never 1% 4% 0% 1% 2% 1% N = 165 N = 244 N = 297 N = 95 N = 112 N = Before undergraduate school 13% 16% 13% 18% 15% 8% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 13% 8% 8% 5% 4% 12% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 38% 39% 32% 34% 32% 37% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 20% 25% 21% 23% 33% 24% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 17% 12% 25% 20% 15% 20% 6 Never 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% About one third of students (36%) who have completed their master's degree knew they wanted to attend graduate school the third or last year of undergraduate school, followed by those students (23%) who knew they wanted to attend graduate school within two years of finishing college. Responses across fields of study were similar. Page 26

32 Prior to Graduate School Approximately when, if ever, did you start to know you wanted to attend graduate school? Question 5-D Table C Students Who Completed Doctoral Degree N = 398 N = 60 N = 38 N = 47 N = 31 N = 28 1 Before undergraduate school 16% 12% 8% 28% 23% 14% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 11% 20% 16% 11% 6% 7% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 35% 33% 50% 40% 52% 21% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 22% 25% 21% 13% 13% 25% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 16% 10% 5% 9% 6% 32% 6 Never 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Educ N = 27 N = 73 N = 76 Business 1 Before undergraduate school 7% 19% 14% ** ** ** 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 7% 12% 8% ** ** ** 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 59% 33% 18% ** ** ** 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 11% 26% 25% ** ** ** More than two years after finishing undergraduate 5 11% 8% 34% ** ** ** school 6 Never 4% 1% 0% ** ** ** About one third of students (35%) who have completed their doctoral degree knew they wanted to attend graduate school the third or last year of undergraduate school, followed by those students (22%) who knew they wanted to attend graduate school within two years of finishing college. Responses across fields of study were similar. ** Sample too small to report results Page 27

33 Prior to Graduate School Question 5-E Approximately when, if ever, did you start to apply to graduate school? Table A Students Enrolled in Graduate School N = 2570 N = 337 N = 141 N = 142 N = 317 N = Before undergraduate school 1% 0% 2% 0% 2% 2% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 1% 1% 0% 1% 0% 2% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 45% 45% 71% 48% 56% 44% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 32% 37% 18% 31% 25% 28% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 21% 17% 9% 20% 17% 25% 6 Never 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% N = 243 N = 487 N = 319 N = 91 N = 74 N = Before undergraduate school 0% 1% 0% 3% 0% 0% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 0% 1% 2% 0% 1% 2% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 47% 44% 35% 40% 30% 33% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 39% 37% 26% 27% 39% 37% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 13% 18% 36% 30% 30% 28% 6 Never 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% The majority of students currently enrolled in graduate school indicated they applied to graduate school during two time points: during their third or last year of college (45%) or within two years of finishing their undergraduate degree (32%). Responses across fields of study were similar. Page 28

34 Prior to Graduate School Question 5-E Approximately when, if ever, did you start to apply to graduate school? Table B Students Who Completed Master's Degree N = 1660 N = 114 N = 25 N = 120 N = 172 N = Before undergraduate school 1% 2% 0% 2% 1% 1% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 1% 0% 0% 1% 1% 1% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 37% 37% 44% 43% 47% 36% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 34% 37% 44% 28% 37% 34% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 28% 25% 12% 26% 15% 27% 6 Never 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% N = 165 N = 244 N = 296 N = 93 N = 112 N = Before undergraduate school 1% 0% 1% 1% 0% 0% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 0% 0% 1% 1% 1% 0% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 42% 37% 32% 33% 25% 36% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 30% 38% 29% 34% 38% 33% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 27% 24% 38% 30% 37% 31% 6 Never 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% The majority of students who have completed their master's degree indicated they applied to graduate school during two time points: during their third or last year of college (37%) or within two years of finishing their undergraduate degree (34%). About 28% of students also indicated they applied more than two years after finishing college. Responses across fields of study were similar. Page 29

35 Prior to Graduate School Approximately when, if ever, did you start to apply to graduate school? Question 5-E Table C Students Who Completed Doctoral Degree N = 398 N = 60 N = 38 N = 47 N = 31 N = 28 1 Before undergraduate school 0% 0% 0% 0% 3% 0% 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 1% 2% 0% 0% 0% 0% 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 44% 42% 66% 64% 55% 18% 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 29% 35% 26% 26% 26% 29% 5 More than two years after finishing undergraduate school 26% 22% 8% 11% 16% 54% 6 Never 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Educ N = 27 N = 73 N = 76 Business 1 Before undergraduate school 0% 0% 0% ** ** ** 2 First or second year of undergraduate school 0% 1% 1% ** ** ** 3 Third year or last year of undergraduate school 67% 47% 22% ** ** ** 4 Within two years of finishing undergraduate school 19% 34% 29% ** ** ** More than two years after finishing undergraduate 5 15% 18% 47% ** ** ** school 6 Never 0% 0% 0% ** ** ** About 44% of students who have completed their doctoral degree indicated they applied to graduate school during their third or last year of college, 29% applied within two years of finishing their undergraduate degree, and 26% more than two years after finishing college. There were some differences across fields of study, with the highest percentage of Health (54%) and Education majors (47%) applying more than two years after college. ** Sample too small to report results Page 30

36 Prior to Graduate School Question 6 While considering graduate school, who did you go to (or are you going to) for information? Table A Students Enrolled in Graduate School N = 2585 N = 340 N = 142 N = 143 N = 318 N = Friends, students or coworkers 67% 69% 62% 62% 71% 71% 2 Faculty member(s) 71% 77% 82% 69% 71% 64% 3 Current graduate student(s) 53% 59% 58% 51% 57% 62% 4 Academic advisor 45% 53% 61% 43% 46% 43% 5 Parent(s) 44% 40% 44% 39% 49% 51% 6 Institutional program 30% 34% 23% 23% 24% 38% 7 Significant other 27% 22% 25% 24% 20% 27% 8 Employer 19% 24% 15% 14% 18% 23% 9 Career counselor 10% 11% 6% 10% 8% 12% N = 244 N = 488 N = 321 N = 92 N = 74 N = Friends, students or coworkers 61% 66% 61% 79% 72% 73% 2 Faculty member(s) 87% 74% 58% 42% 65% 71% 3 Current graduate student(s) 52% 51% 38% 55% 47% 51% 4 Academic advisor 26% 27% 34% 27% 42% 32% 5 Parent(s) 49% 41% 39% 51% 43% 46% 6 Institutional program 57% 44% 36% 35% 38% 36% 7 Significant other 30% 28% 31% 25% 31% 33% 8 Employer 10% 17% 26% 22% 24% 17% 9 Career counselor 9% 11% 9% 12% 11% 9% Students were asked to select all choices that applied to them. Faculty members (71%), peers (67%), and current graduate students (53%) were indicated as the top choices for obtaining information about graduate school by students currently enrolled in graduate school. Responses across fields of study were similar, although consulting an academic advisor was also indicated as a top choice for Biological and Agricultural Sciences (53%) and Physical and Earth Sciences (61%) majors. Page 31

37 Prior to Graduate School Question 6 While considering graduate school, who did you go to (or are you going to) for information? Table B Students Who Completed Master's Degree N = 1671 N = 115 N = 25 N = 121 N = 174 N = Friends, students or coworkers 64% 57% 64% 68% 71% 64% 2 Faculty member(s) 55% 70% 60% 52% 55% 54% 3 Current graduate student(s) 41% 49% 56% 48% 48% 46% 4 Academic advisor 34% 43% 28% 29% 35% 33% 5 Parent(s) 37% 39% 32% 45% 39% 46% 6 Institutional program 32% 27% 32% 31% 18% 37% 7 Significant other 24% 23% 20% 26% 21% 22% 8 Employer 17% 18% 16% 7% 17% 22% 9 Career counselor 10% 8% 12% 12% 10% 7% N = 166 N = 245 N = 297 N = 95 N = 112 N = Friends, students or coworkers 60% 68% 65% 65% 61% 58% 2 Faculty member(s) 71% 65% 43% 42% 45% 54% 3 Current graduate student(s) 41% 37% 35% 42% 39% 36% 4 Academic advisor 35% 33% 33% 35% 33% 31% 5 Parent(s) 33% 32% 36% 33% 40% 36% 6 Institutional program 31% 29% 42% 29% 32% 34% 7 Significant other 24% 22% 26% 24% 31% 27% 8 Employer 9% 12% 22% 25% 25% 14% 9 Career counselor 8% 9% 9% 13% 13% 9% Students were asked to select all choices that applied to them. Faculty members (55%) and peers (64%) were indicated as the top choices for obtaining information about graduate school by students who have completed their master's degree. Responses across fields of study were similar, although consulting current graduate students was also indicated as a top choice by more than one half of Physical and Earth Sciences (56%) majors. Page 32

38 Prior to Graduate School While considering graduate school, who did you go to (or are you going to) for information? Question 6 Table C Students Who Completed Doctoral Degree N = 401 N = 61 N = 39 N = 47 N = 31 N = 28 1 Friends, students or coworkers 57% 54% 56% 62% 71% 61% 2 Faculty member(s) 71% 74% 90% 87% 81% 54% 3 Current graduate student(s) 43% 49% 51% 51% 48% 36% 4 Academic advisor 43% 49% 64% 43% 55% 43% 5 Parent(s) 31% 20% 33% 38% 48% 36% 6 Institutional program 27% 31% 26% 11% 13% 29% 7 Significant other 22% 16% 23% 23% 3% 14% 8 Employer 13% 18% 13% 6% 10% 21% 9 Career counselor 8% 7% 15% 2% 10% 18% Educ N = 27 N = 73 N = 77 Business 1 Friends, students or coworkers 67% 49% 57% ** ** ** 2 Faculty member(s) 89% 75% 44% ** ** ** 3 Current graduate student(s) 48% 42% 32% ** ** ** 4 Academic advisor 44% 33% 34% ** ** ** 5 Parent(s) 44% 33% 22% ** ** ** 6 Institutional program 19% 21% 47% ** ** ** 7 Significant other 26% 25% 26% ** ** ** 8 Employer 4% 12% 18% ** ** ** 9 Career counselor 0% 11% 9% ** ** ** ** Sample too small to report results Students were asked to select all choices that applied to them. Peers (57%) and faculty members (71%) were indicated as the top choices for obtaining information about graduate school by students who have completed their doctoral degree. Responses across fields of study were similar, although consulting current graduate students was also indicated as a top choice by more than one half of Physical and Earth Sciences (51%) and Mathematics and Computer Science (51%) majors. Page 33

39 Prior to Graduate School Question 7 While considering graduate school, how much encouragement did you get (or are you getting) for attending from...? Table A Students Enrolled in Graduate School N = Varies Total Group Bio / Agri Sci Phys / Earth Sci Math / Comp Sci Engineer Health 1 Friends, students or coworkers 58% 51% 53% 44% 50% 67% 2 Faculty member(s) 77% 76% 86% 73% 75% 75% 3 Current graduate student(s) 55% 41% 48% 51% 52% 70% 4 Academic advisor 72% 72% 77% 75% 65% 76% 5 Parent(s) 78% 76% 71% 77% 79% 91% 6 Institutional program 52% 49% 65% 65% 44% 51% 7 Significant other 73% 61% 69% 68% 66% 81% 8 Employer 62% 63% 71% 45% 47% 72% 9 Career counselor 50% 51% 25% 47% 52% 63% Arts / Human Behav / Soc Sci Educ Business 1 Friends, students or coworkers 62% 61% 68% 54% 70% 60% 2 Faculty member(s) 79% 78% 79% 64% 75% 76% 3 Current graduate student(s) 51% 61% 63% 50% 63% 55% 4 Academic advisor 76% 72% 72% 66% 79% 66% 5 Parent(s) 69% 81% 84% 74% 78% 70% 6 Institutional program 62% 46% 54% 42% 61% 58% 7 Significant other 77% 81% 78% 48% 65% 74% 8 Employer 60% 62% 71% 40% 61% 57% 9 Career counselor 36% 51% 43% 73% 50% 47% Sample sizes vary, depending on responses to Question 6. For the sources consulted in Question 6, nearly three fourths of students currently enrolled in graduate school were strongly encouraged to consider graduate school by parents (78%), faculty members (77%), a significant other (73%), and their academic advisor (72%). Responses across fields of study were similar, although students in Health (72%), Physical and Earth Sciences (71%), and Education (71%) also indicated they were strongly encouraged by their employer. Business (73%) majors also indicated that a career counselor strongly encouraged them regarding graduate school. Page 34