Program Curriculum

[renforu]

Yes Graduate School is about Researching, but how important is the Curriculum?

[Guest |||]

Only as important as it helps or teachs you how to do better research

[JungWild&Free]

I would add that it is important that you are learning things you want to learn.  One of the reasons I chose psych over marketing programs was the fact that I don't want to sit around listening to lectures about the 4 Ps and hearing about Nike's brilliant marketing strategy.  I want to learn about psych.  In terms of the curriculum differences across programs in the same area, they appear to look markedly similar to me for the most part, at least in my field.

[PsychGirl1]

I'd look at the curriculum to make sure you won't want to die (ex. you take 6 courses a term or something ridiculous), and that generally, the courses are in line with your interests. While most of the emphasis should be on your research, I think you can learn useful things in courses that can then influence your research interests or ideas. I'd also make sure if there is anything you are missing in your foundation, that you will be able to take a course or two in that.

 

Should the curriculum be the major deciding factor in your decision, though? Probably not. If you equally liked two programs, would it maybe play a role? I'd say yes :-D