Comments on: Evaluating the Prestige of a Graduate School and Its Value to Your Career

By: MoneyEnergy

MoneyEnergy — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 06:24:36 +0000

Found this a little late, but I think you might as well go for as much reputation as you can afford (which sounds like what you are doing). All other things being equal, go with the one that might give you the most networking opportunities, if that matters, and/or ability to connect with peers and faculty. Atmosphere and collegiality of a department/program can be really important and vary greatly from program to program. This matters more the longer the duration of the program, I think (but I’m not sure to what extent it would factor into an online program!).
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By: plonkee

plonkee — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:37:46 +0000

From my own brief forays into considering librarianship, the program that I’d probably consider moving to the US to do is the one at UIUC, which I believe you can do online. Similarly, the course at Aberystwyth in the UK is prestigious, but also good for distance learning etc. But there aren’t any places to study where I am anyway so a daytime course isn’t an option.

Now that I’ve got a few years of professional experience behind me, I’m not as interested in the prestige of a degree, as what I will learn studying. But then, I’m not actively considering starting at the beginning of a new profession and I think that makes the biggest difference.

By: mrsmicah

mrsmicah — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:27:27 +0000

@Lin I hope it helps. The thing about prestige is that it’s only good when it fits in with our other career goals. A social worker, for instance, who wants to be an ordinary social worker, doesn’t need a degree from Harvard. One who wants to become an adviser to Congress on social policy probably does.

@Brian UMD would give me a huge advantage in networking, since every library in DC has at least one alum, normally a few. And it’s got a good reputation, esp. in some areas.

On the other hand, if I weren’t in DC or a similar city, I’d probably do fine with most library school degrees.

@Barb, lol, yeah. I ran across a couple which weren’t accredited and my reaction was “Why would someone even bother?” Maybe they teach the skills as well (if there’s no accreditation, I doubt it) but the point of a professional degree is to find work, not just to know stuff.

@Lil’ Sis absolument! That’s one reason I’m considering UMD so strongly despite its not having a great online program. I’m thinking about specializing in archival (which includes some digital stuff) and they have one of the best programs. But I need to make sure they have the tech elective options I’d want too.

@Doctor S Drexel is supposed to have a great program. And it’s high on my list because of its option of doing the entire program remotely, online.

@Dad thanks! I’ll keep you posted.

By: Dad

Dad — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:14:21 +0000

I think you’ve given a lot of good thought to it. No name schools might be hard to get your resume read. Of course the point made above about ALA accredited is critical. I like that you’re getting views from people who’ve been there and want to them from people who hire. Hopefully you’ll be able to take the list you make from this, figure out who covers what you want and who fits your budget and other needs. Best of luck

By: Doctor S

Doctor S — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:45:59 +0000

Glad to see my post spurned so many ideas. @Brokeinthecity really chimed in with some good stuff!

As graduate of Drexel University in Philly and of the College of IST, I have heard amazing things about the Masters of Library Sciences from my alma mater. I know a few people that went through the program and they spoke very highly about it. I believe for a long time it was ranked #1 in North America. Any questions about it or the area let me know!

I def think grad school is all about getting what you want out of it. If you put in the time, you will reap the benefits, if you just want to cast through then thats what you will do!

By: Your sister

Your sister — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:54:39 +0000

One other huge thing to consider is whether there’s enough people specializing in your area of interest. Sure, your main field might be Library Science–but are the grad school profs specialists in technological areas, like I think you’re interested in? The entire point of getting a grad degree is, as you’ve mentioned, to acquire a background for your profession, so this is really major. Frankly, your grad degree might be just a waste of time if you miss out on getting the special training you want.

By: Barb

Barb — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:09:31 +0000

I just graduated from library school this June. If no one else has mentioned it, make sure you go to an ALA accredited school (list on ALA’s website). Pretty much every single librarian job requires a degree with ALA accreditation.

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:12:24 +0000

I think its a double edged sword. If you have been working for 10+ years and your experience speaks louder than your education than i don’t think the school prestige matters as much.

However, when i went to grad school it was right after undergrad, I wanted to go to a top 10 program in my field to help make my resume stand out when applying for my first real job.

Especially in DC where there are a lot of alum from where i got my masters, i feel its very beneficial compared to if i got it from “no-name” school in the middle of nowhere.

By: Lin Burress @Telling It Like It Is

Lin Burress @Telling It Like It Is — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:50:06 +0000

I’m so glad you’ve written about this because my daughter is currently evaluating graduate schools based solely on prestige, and not taking into consideration all the other factors such as tuition costs etc. I’m emailing this to her right now, and hopefully she’ll realize there is a lot more to picking a graduate school than just how prestigious the college is on a resume.