Should You Go to Waterloo for Graduate School?

Questions to consider before you choose when and where to pursue graduate studies.

Graduate school can be a transformative experience, offering opportunities for personal growth, career advancement, and intellectual exploration. If you're thinking about graduate school, one of the biggest questions isn't just whether to continue your education, but where. The University of Waterloo offers more than 190 graduate programs, with opportunities for work-integrated learning, and strong connections to industry and community partners. But is Waterloo the right fit for your goals? Before you apply, here are some questions to consider.

Is graduate school right for you?

Graduate degrees are becoming more common in Canada, yet only about 12% of the population holds one.

Joining those ranks can put you ahead of the competition in so many ways, but it doesn't have to be about that. Maybe you're driven by curiosity or personal growth more than anything else. Or perhaps your profession is shifting because of wider social or technological forces, and you want to be ready for what's next.

Before you pour hours into graduate school applications, here are some things to consider.

What's motivating you?

• Career advancement: Some professions require advanced degrees for promotions or leadership roles. Waterloo's work-integrated learning opportunities and industry-connected programs can help position you for future career advancement.
• Earning potential: On average, Canadians with a master's earn 38% more, and those with a doctorate earn 48% more than the national average.
• Personal interests: Graduate school can deepen your understanding of roles like parenting, mentoring, or volunteering.
• Curiosity: Some pursue education simply for the joy of learning.

Trisha Bernabe, a mid-career professional and a student in Waterloo's Master of Future Cities program, chose graduate school at Waterloo for personal fulfillment and lifelong learning, not just career advancement. “I was getting a bit frustrated not knowing if this current path was the right career path for me,” Trisha says. “Do I pursue a master's because it'll get me a better job or because I think there's an opportunity to continue to learn forever? It's a consequential decision that I made for personal fulfillment.”

What needs to shift?

Graduate school requires adjustments in time, energy, and priorities. Depending on the format (full-time, part-time, online), you'll need to consider how it fits into your life and who can support you through the transition. Waterloo supports all types of learners, including working professionals, with our variety of online and part-time programs.

How do you like to learn?

There are many different graduate and professional degrees and diplomas at Waterloo, so it's worth thinking about how you learn best. The work in our research-based master's programs tends to be more solitary and independent, and also more theoretical, than our coursework-based programs.

What now?

At this point, you may have more questions than answers, and that's okay. Weighing these factors is something you'll have to do again and again as your education and career evolve.

If graduate school at Waterloo feels like the right choice for you, that's great news. But is coming to Waterloo the right path right now? Let's break down the advantages of each option: going right after you complete your undergraduate degree or waiting.

Benefits of coming to Waterloo for grad school right after undergrad

• You're in study mode: Continuing immediately after undergrad keeps your academic momentum going. Yuki Yeung is a Waterloo master's student whose research from her undergrad inspired her to keep working with the same supervisor to continue researching climate change and human well-being.
• Strong academic habits: You've already built routines around studying, which can be harder to re-establish later.
• Fewer life responsibilities: Younger students often have fewer financial and family obligations, making it easier to focus on school.

Benefits of waiting to come to Waterloo for grad school

• Work and life experience: Real-world experience can enrich your academic work. Jess Kidd, for example, used her environmental consulting background to inform her PhD research on community-based monitoring.
• Clearer purpose: Time away from school can help clarify your goals and interests. There's value in learning on the job, exploring your personal and professional interests, and getting clear on your vision before you choose a graduate program.
• Financial stability: Waiting allows you to pay off debt and save for tuition, especially if your program is self-funded.

Finally, consider joy

If you're considering graduate school but aren't sure whether Waterloo is the right fit, it's worth reflecting on what's motivating you and how graduate studies align with your goals.

Graduate school isn't just about career or credentials; it can be a joyful, fulfilling experience. For Trisha, graduate studies allowed her to reclaim education as something personally meaningful, beyond practical outcomes.

The best graduate program is one that aligns with your goals, interests, and vision for the future. If you're seeking academic excellence, real-world impact, opportunities for career and personal growth, and a supportive graduate community, Waterloo offers a range of pathways to help you grow personally and professionally.

Ready to explore your options?