Graduate School Success8 modules. 50 lessons. From deciding to thriving.
A self-paced playbook for graduate school. Module 1 helps you decide whether and where to go. Module 2 walks the application. Module 3 covers funding, loans, scholarships, and money. Module 4 covers research methods and publishing. Module 5 is advisors, committees, and networking. Module 6 builds the everyday skills (reading, writing, time, notes). Module 7 protects your mindset and well-being. Module 8 plans for what comes after.
Course outline
50 lessons across 8 modules · ~8 hours total · click any lesson to start
Module 1: Deciding & Choosing Grad School
- Lesson 1
What Is Program Accreditation? Why It Matters for Graduate School
- Lesson 2
How to Research Graduate Programs: A Step-by-Step Guide With Detail
- Lesson 3
Master's (Consumer) vs PhD (Producer): Which Degree Is Right for You?
- Lesson 4
MPH vs DrPH vs PhD: Which Public Health Degree Is Right for You?
- Lesson 5
Why Most People Regret Going to Graduate School vs. Starting A Career
Module 2: Applying to Grad School
Module 3: Funding & Money
- Lesson 11
Understanding Graduate School Funding
- Lesson 12
Budgeting as a Graduate School Student or Candidate
- Lesson 13
How to Find and Win Scholarships for Graduate School
- Lesson 14
Negotiating Your Funding Package for Graduate School
- Lesson 15
Federal Student Loans for Graduate School
- Lesson 16
Loan Repayment Strategies for Doctoral Students
- Lesson 17
Working While in Graduate School: Pros and Cons
- Lesson 18
PSLF and Public Health Careers
Module 4: Research, Methods & Publishing
- Lesson 19
Overviewing the Basics of Research Methodology
- Lesson 20
The Fundamentals of a Literature Review to Succeed in Academia
- Lesson 21
How to Develop Your Research Question with Effectivity and Impactedness
- Lesson 22
The Best Practices for Data Collection Given Your Research
- Lesson 23
A Free Introduction to Data Analysis for New Students
- Lesson 24
IRB & Research Ethics: The Complete Guide for Beginners
- Lesson 25
How to Publish Your First Paper and Show Individual Capability
- Lesson 26
How to Present Your Research Effectively After or Before Publishing
Module 5: Advisors, Committee & Networking
Module 6: Academic Skills & Study Systems
- Lesson 31
How to Read Academic Papers Effectively
- Lesson 32
Note Taking Systems for Graduate School Students or Candidates
- Lesson 33
Managing Your Academic References with Library Apps
- Lesson 34
How to Be a Critical Thinker in Graduate School
- Lesson 35
Struggling with Graduate Writing? Master the Shift from Undergrad
- Lesson 36
Time Management for Grad Students: A Comprehensive Guide
- Lesson 37
Developing Professional Communication Skills in Graduate School
- Lesson 38
Building Your Online Academic Presence and Branding
- Lesson 39
Building Peer Study Groups for Academic Success
Module 7: Mindset & Well-Being
- Lesson 40
Balancing Graduate School and Personal Life for Your Happiness
- Lesson 41
Stress Management in Graduate School as a Student or Candidate
- Lesson 42
Knowing When to Pivot or Persevere Despite Academic Uncertainty
- Lesson 43
Dealing with the Setbacks and Rejections in Academia
- Lesson 44
Understanding the "hidden Curriculum" of Graduate School
- Lesson 45
Navigating Department Politics for Your Academic Well Being
Module 8: Career & Institutional Life
How this course compares with other resources
Graduate students get advice from many places. This course puts it in one order.
Ways to learn how graduate school works
| Option | Cost | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program orientation and handbook | Free | Your program's own rules | Every student, first |
| Advice books | The price of the book | One author's perspective in depth | Background reading |
| Forums and social media | Free | Many opinions, unevenly reliable | Hearing other students' experiences |
| Graduate School Success (this course) | Free | 50 lessons in 8 modules, from choosing a program to academic careers | A structured path from deciding to thriving |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the course cover?
Choosing programs, applying, funding, research methods, working with advisors, mindset, and academic careers, in 50 lessons across 8 modules.
Is it for master's or doctoral students?
Both, along with students still deciding whether to apply.
Are all the lessons available now?
Notes publish on a rolling schedule, and the outline shows which lessons are ready.
Is the course free?
Yes.
Questions about the course?
Reach out on LinkedIn for curriculum questions, suggestions on where to start, or to talk graduate-school strategy.