There is no right reason to choose graduate study as an option, but some reasons are more positive than others.

I need it to pursue my chosen career path
This is an obvious positive reason for undertaking further study. Some career paths do require a professional qualification, such as teaching in a university as tenure track faculty. For design practice, a graduate degree, although not essential, will provide a distinct advantage to applicants, particularly when competition for places is fierce. Research the area of work that interests you to identify whether such a degree would be necessary or advantageous to you.

It will make me stand out from the crowd and get me a better job
This is probably the most common reason that students give for choosing grad school as an option. Research the specific program or area of study you wish to enter to identify how potential employers would view applicants graduating from the school. In some cases an advanced degree will enhance job prospects. In others, however, employers may be interested in a strong portfolio, sketching skills and work experience offered by applicants rather than additional paper qualifications.

I really enjoy design research
This is a highly motivating reason to do a higher degree. It’s worth considering the long-term implications of your choice though. Does your choice of course fit in with your long-term career plans? That does not mean that you should only consider graduate programs related to your area of work interest. All further programs will enable you to develop skills that you could market to an employer. Design research can be either delving into user behaviour, cognitive sciences, user research, or design methodology.

I want to retrain for a new career area
Many master’s programs admit students without a prior degree in design and so provide a way of changing careers. These may lead to a Master of Design or MFA degree or diploma/certificate qualifications. The MDes at IIT is one of the most well-known programs for career changers. Their one year foundation program is aimed at non-design graduates who wish to work within the field of industrial or communication design.

While it is also possible to change careers by professional experience alone, the grounding given by the systematic teaching of basic design skills is useful for an ambitious designer to be. Other options are to consider another bachelor’s degree.

I don’t know what to do—this will give me more time to decide
This reason sounds warning bells in career counselors whenever they hear it. Past experience suggests undertaking another two years or more of study is unlikely to lead to inspiration! If you choose a program for this reason, it is important to use the duration of the course to research what options are open to you, what skills you have to offer and what you want out of a job.

My professor/employer/friend suggested I take this course
Another reason that sounds warning bells. Students are sometimes offered places in graduate programs by their professors, possibly with a guarantee of funding attached. Understandably this can be seen as a very tempting offer but it does not mean it is the right option for you. Is the research program of real interest to you and does it link with your long-term career goals? Graduate study may be a very appropriate option, but is staying at the same university the right option, or are there other institutions that are more appropriate for the area you wish to study? Successful completion of an advanced research degree requires a great deal of commitment and motivation, and choosing a program because it is the easy option can lead to problems if it has not been researched thoroughly.

I want to be a fulltime teacher
Many practicing professionals teach in design as adjunct faculty. They bring valuable real world experience to their classrooms, and in turn take back with them the creativity of the diverse class. But if you are interested in becoming a fulltime faculty member, a master’s degree is a prerequisite. Historically, design has not had doctoral programs and many tenured professors have a BA and most have an MFA or MS in Design. Today, an MFA is an absolute minimum requirement for a university position and many schools are also advertising for PhD holders. In this case, select the best schools for your area of interest, ideally those which allow you to gain valuable teaching experience as a TA or tutor. MFA or equivalent programs are usually two years in length and research- or thesis-based.

I want to explore my creativity further
Speciality schools have graduate programs with generous independent study programs and workshops, individual studio space and one on one advising that allow you to explore myriad facets of your chosen design field in depth for two years. If you want to expand and enhance your artistry, this is an excellent reason to consider advanced study. Cranbrook is an excellent example of this type of program.

The economy is bad; this is a good time to be in school
If this is your sole reason to apply for graduate school, especially if you are still completing your undergraduate degree, it may not provide you with sufficient motivation for the rigor of advanced study. But if you know you would have gone to school anyway, and the economy is making you take the decision earlier than expected, then graduate school is a workable option. Keep in mind your future goals, as many programs are best appreciated after a few years of work experience. On a practical note, consider the impact on your finances as well. On the other hand if you have been working for a significant number of years, and the economy forces you out of a job, graduate school is one of the best ways to network with the design community, build and enhance your portfolio and resume while making friends and working with a diverse and interesting group of people.