Learn graduate school preparation skills with online courses and programs

Graduate school preparation course curriculum

Graduate school programs can be rigorous and challenging. With the right preparation, you can set yourself up for success from the moment you start researching your options. A grad school prep course can help you answer questions like:

• Which programs align with my career goals and interests?

• Do I have the GPA required to qualify for admission?

• Who can I ask to write a letter of recommendation?

• Why am I a good fit for the program(s)?

From there, you can determine whether you’ll need to provide any additional test scores or credentials. You may want to take classes that prepare you for common tests such as the GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL. In order to make the most out of your graduate school experience, it’s also important to build solid soft skills, including time management and organization, research skills, communication, collaboration, and resilience.

edX offers online courses that allow learners to study a variety of topics that give you the confidence and ability to thrive in your grad school studies. ‌Sign up for an accelerated boot camp or enroll in a full degree program and start working toward a bachelor's degree or (for more advanced learners) a master’s degree in a relevant subject. You can also explore executive education programs specifically designed for busy professionals.

Explore jobs that require a master’s degree

A master’s degree can open up opportunities to pursue advanced professional paths. While the exact job requirements will vary depending on the employer and exact role, here are a few jobs that benefit from the educational background provided through a master’s degree program:

• Clinical psychologist: Assesses and diagnoses mental conditions, provides therapy and counseling, and develops and adjusts treatment plans as needed.^{Footnote 1}

• Nurse practitioner: Performs medical exams, diagnoses illnesses, prescribes medications, and educates patients on health management.^{Footnote 2}

• Social worker: Provides support and guidance to individuals or families facing challenges, develops intervention plans, and advocates for clients’ rights.^{Footnote 3}

• Librarian: Assists patrons in locating resources and information, manages library programs and events, and maintains library databases.^{Footnote 4}

• Architect: Designs and plans structures, creates detailed blueprints, collaborates with clients and engineers, and oversees construction projects.^{Footnote 5}

Each of these roles will have different education and skills requirements. For example, some employers may seek candidates with a degree in psychology or nursing, depending on the role. Before deciding on a specific learning path, research the positions you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your career goals.