People choose graduate school for all sorts of reasons — to change careers, to upskill in hopes of landing a promotion, to nurture a love of lifelong learning — just to name a few.

But taking that next step and actually applying to graduate school can seem challenging to many.

While applying to grad school can feel daunting, you can take actionable, practical steps to make the application process easier and (nearly) stress free. So, let's explore

Did you know that the average person will change careers 5-7 times over the course of their professional career?

Why do people change careers so often? 

There are various reasons why people change careers: from wanting a more lucrative salary to looking for a more fulfilling job. But especially since the global pandemic, the professional landscape has evolved, and people have shifted their career focus and have sought out more flexible and fulfilling options. 

The pandemic put things (both...

If you’re considering applying to graduate school, a crucial step in that process might be taking the Graduate Record Examination, or the GRE. 

But, the system isn’t perfect. Some schools are transitioning away...

For many graduate students, securing a graduate assistantship is critically important to their grad school experience and longterm career trajectories. The real-world, practical professional experience that a graduate assistantship position offers is invaluable to students interested in pursuing a teaching-focused or research-driven career.

We spoke to one graduate assistant — Shelby Bradford —

There are a lot of moving parts that come with applying to graduate school, and with those moving parts comes the possibility of making mistakes, but as you tackle the graduate school admissions process, remember that you're not alone!

Here at West Virginia University, we're prepared and excited to help you in whatever way we can. And that's why we took the time to list out a few mistakes and faux pas that you should definitely avoid when applying to graduate school.

Your graduate education is more than what you learn in the classroom — it’s also the work experience you gain and the networks you cultivate.

One way to obtain work experience in graduate school is through a graduate assistantship. A unique experience during graduate years, graduate assistantships provide an excellent learning environment, exposing students to what it is like to be in the workforce (and will also help you in financing graduate school!).

Here are a few reasons graduate...

Not all universities – and graduate programs – are created equal. You may be surprised to know how important it is to attend a university that has R1 status, especially when it comes to your future academic and professional career.

But what does it mean for a university to have R1 status?

Read on to find out how an R1 institutions affect graduate students who are interested in research and want to be engaged in the latest discoveries in their chosen field.

Safety management is a dynamic and competitive field — a mission-driven industry for professionals who have the skills to mitigate risk and improve conditions for individuals in a variety of environments. 

Let's explore the safety management industry and outline some of the most sought-after

At West Virginia University, we understand that pursuing a doctorate degree is not for the faint of heart — especially for students of color who are sometimes underrepresented in traditional academic spheres.

Whether you're passionate about exploring neuron diversity, combating the opioid crisis, researching the tie between technology and physics, or promoting innovation in another field, you have the valuable opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree that will prepare you to