For your master's degree, you may be able to choose among master of education, master of science, and master of arts. The M.Ed. is a good choice if you are a teacher and want to upgrade your knowledge and skills for teaching. It tends to emphasize research less than the other degrees and often does not require a thesis. Your course requirements tend to be more structured. M.A. and M.S. programs are more focused on research, usually require a thesis, and often give you more freedom in your choice of courses. M.A. programs may be slightly more liberal-arts-oriented and less technical than M.S. programs. For example, they may require you to demonstrate competence in a second language.

The doctoral program is about research above all. You are encouraged to do independent research, even during your first year. This helps teach you important skills you need to know to work in this field. It gives you ideas for your dissertation research, to come later. And, if you can get your results published, it adds to your resume.

In graduate school you may have opportunities to work part-time as a research assistant or teaching assistant. Although either of these activities can extend the amount of time it takes to get your degree, you are paid for the work, your tuition fees may be waived, and they help build your career.