
Selected Education and Career Reference Sources
in Uris Library
Web Sites~ Career Planning~ College Directories: United States
College Directories: International~ Graduate School Directories~ Ratings and Rankings of Colleges
Examination Books~ Financial Aid, Scholarships, & Fellowships~ Study Abroad Programs
College Catalogs
Uris Library's collection of education reference books can be used to assist Cornell undergraduates in career planning, assessing graduate schools, and job hunting. These sources include directories, encyclopedias, guides, handbooks, test books, and college catalogs. The following is an annotated bibliography of selected print reference sources located in Uris Library.
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The Internet is useful in locating career and education information. Cornell Career Services' Web site is an excellent starting point. (URL: http://www.career.cornell.edu/).
- Bolles, Richard Nelson. What Color is Your Parachute: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career Changers. Berkeley: Ten Speed Press, 1970- .
(Uris Ref HF 5383 .B693)An annual publication which provides up-to-date information on the job market and how to break into it. Useful also for getting ideas about various careers and what they're all about. Packed with useful information, tables, charts, tests, and bibliographies.
- U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Washington: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1957- .
(Uris Ref HF 5381 .U58 D14 and online)The Handbook describes in detail about 200 occupations giving information about what education and training are required, earnings, job outlook, the nature of work, etc. Photographs, tables, statistical charts and an index enhance the value of this publication. Published annually.
- Hopke, William E., ed. The Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance. 4 vol. Chicago: J.G. Ferguson, 1990.
(Uris Ref HF 5381 .E56 1990)Presents "as complete a picture as possible on the information needed to make a preliminary investigation of a career path" (Preface). Volume 1 gives an overview of 76 major industries; volumes 2-4 cover almost 1000 specific jobs within those industries from managerial, administrative and professional to clerical, support, and emerging technician occupations. A good source to use to find an overview of the major industries and the specific jobs within those industries.
- Jackson, Acy L. How To Prepare Your Curriculum Vitae. Chicago: VGM Careers, 2003.
(Uris Ref HF 5383 .J24x 2003)"How To Prepare Your Curriculum Vitae provides an in-depth explanation of the components of the curriculum vitae as well as step-by-step instructions for condensing your career into a concise biographical sketch that underscores your assets."
- Lauber, Daniel. Professional's Private Sector Job Finder. River Forest, IL:
Planning Communications, 1994.
(Uris Ref HF 5382.75 .U5 L33x 1994)Describes over 2500 job sources to find professional, technical, labor, clerical employment and internship vacancies in the private sector. These sources include directories, associations, trade magazines and newsletters, job-matching services, and online job and resume databases. Included are state job agencies, sample cover letters and resumes, and interviewing strategies.
- Lindquist, Carolyn Lloyd, ed. Where to Start Career Planning: The Essential Resource Guide for Career Planning and Job Hunting. Ithaca: Cornell University Career Center, 1979- .
(Uris Ref HF 5381 .C81+)Published every two years, this bibliography lists several hundred useful sources for planning a career or hunting for a job. A particularly helpful feature is its list of "periodicals related to careers."
- Wright, John W. The American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries. New York: Avon, 1982- .
(Uris Ref HD 8038 .U5 A51)Contains statistics and salary summaries collected from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics and professional organizations and publications on thousands of jobs and careers. It includes job descriptions and evaluations of future job opportunities. The emphasis is on white collar service jobs in the public and private sector.
- American Universities and Colleges. Washington: American Council on Education, 1928- .
(Uris Ref LA 226 .A51+; also Olin Ref)"Detailed descriptions of over 1900 ... accredited institutions of higher education offering baccalaureate or higher degrees." (Preface) Divided into five parts, this title includes: (1) essays on higher education itself; (2) listings of schools offering programs in various professional areas; (3) descriptions of the schools themselves; (4) appendixes; and (5) an index. This is one of the few sources for information on U.S. academic ceremonies and dress.
- Barron's Profiles of American Colleges: Descriptions of the Colleges.
Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series, 1991- .
(Uris Ref L 901 .B27)Standard comprehensive annual guide that provides analytical descriptions of over 1700 accredited two and four year schools, including those in Guam, Puerto Rico, Canada, Virgin Islands, and Mexico. Arranged by state, it includes indexes by major, by cost and a selective rankings list of colleges based on SAT, ACT, and GPA scores of incoming freshmen.
- Cass & Birnbaum's Guide to American Colleges. New York: HarperPerennial, 1994- .
(Uris Ref L 901 .C34; also Mann and Olin) - The College Handbook. New York: College Entrance Examination Board, 1941- .
(Uris Ref LA 226 .C694; also Olin) - The College Blue Book. 5 vols. New York: Macmillan, 1923- .
(Uris Ref LA 226 .C69+; also Mann, Olin Ref)A comprehensive college directory in 5 volumes: Degrees Offered by College and Subject, Narrative Descriptions, Occupational Education, Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Loans, and Tabular Data. Almost 3000 two-year colleges, liberal arts colleges, specialized schools and universities in the United States and Canada are included. The Occupational Education volume lists about 8,000 business, trade and technical schools NOT covered in other descriptions. Simple state maps help locate schools. Uris has most recent edition.
- The HEP: The Higher Education Directory. Washington: Higher Education Publications, 1983- .
(Uris Ref L 901 .A31, also in Olin Ref)Annual directory of institutions in the US, its possessions and territories accredited by regional, national, or professional agencies recognized by the US Department of Education. Descriptions include county, Congressional district, FICE identification number, IRS status, Carnegie classification code, accreditation, and administrative and academic officers.
- Lovejoy's College Guide. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1940- .
(Uris Ref +LA 225 .L89, also in Olin Ref)Contains a comprehensive profile of more than 2500 4 year colleges and those 2 year colleges with residential facilities. It includes an introduction to the selection process, financial aid, and data on inter-collegiate sports for men and women, and an index by major. The profile contains enrollment and graduation statistics, academics, admissions criteria, special programs and student life.
- Peterson's Guide to Four-Year Colleges. Princeton: Peterson's Guides, 1988- .
(Uris Ref L 901 .P48)Annual directory containing profiles of 2005 colleges with in-depth two-page descriptions of 800 institutions. The latter descriptions, written by the college officials, include information on campus environment and student activities. This information comprises most of the directory. The basic profile consists of enrollment statistics, expenses and financial aid, housing, career services, and special programs.
- Commonwealth Universities Yearbook: A Directory to the Universities of the
Commonwealth and the Handbook of their Association. 2 vols. London: Association of Commonwealth Universities, 1914- .
(Olin Ref LB 2310 .G7; also Mann Ref. Uris copy cancelled 2001)Produced by the oldest international association of universities in the world, this four-volume set is alphabetically arranged by country name. Indexes provide access to specific institutions, topics (e.g. university presses), subjects of study and personal names. Material for each country includes a map, an introductory essay, which often includes a brief bibliography, and the entries of each school. Entries include general information about each school, names of administrative staff and a list of faculty names by department. Appended sections provide information on the Association, financial aid opportunities and select bibliography. Uris has most recent edition.
- Directory of Canadian Universities. Ottawa: Association of Universities and
Colleges in Canada, 1977-1992/1993 .
(Olin LA 417.5 .C21)A guide to the member institutions of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (over 80 schools in 1986). Individual chapters detailing each institution make up the major section of the directory. Chapters include history, programs of study, admission requirements, tuition and other costs, research facilities, student housing, and other information. The other large section of this directory is a listing of degree, diploma and certificate programs. Bilingual (French-English); some schools, especially those in Quebec, have French-language entries only. Uris has most recent edition.
- International Handbook of Universities and Other Institutions of Higher Education. Paris: International Association of Universities, 1959- .
(Uris Ref LA 183 .I61)Contains information on over 4000 university level degree granting institutions in over 169 countries and territories. Entries vary in length, some providing only a minimum of postal and telephone information. Most descriptions include: Name, location, history and administrative structure, admission requirements, degrees, academic year, enrollment, faculty, library holdings, and publications. Uris has the latest edition only.
- American Dental Education Association. ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools Washington:
American Dental Education Association, 2001- .
(Uris Ref RK 91 .A51) - American Psychological Association. Graduate Study in Psychology and Associated Fields. Washington: APA, 1984- .
(Uris Ref BF 77 .G73)This directory provides information about graduate programs in psychology and related fields as obtained from questionaires sent to university departments. Organized alphabetically by state (Canada is included). Includes a list of programs by type of degree offered and an alphabetical index of schools. Uris has the most recent edition.
- American Society for Engineering Education. Directory of Engineering Graduate Studies & Research.
Washington: American Society for Engineering Education, 1992-1993.
(Uris Ref T73 .D59) - American Sociological Association. Guide to Graduate Departments of Sociology. Washington: ASA, 2003.
(Uris Ref LB 2372 .S6 G94) - Associated Writing Programs. The AWP Official Guide to Writing Programs. Norfolk, VA: Paradise,
CA: Associated Writing Programs in cooperation with Dustbooks, 1990- .
(Uris Ref PN 181 .A81; also Olin) - Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. Guide to Architecture Schools. Washington:
ACSA, 1994- .
(Uris Ref NA 2103 .G94) - Directory of Graduate Programs. 4 vols. Princeton: Educational Testing Service, 1984/85- .
(Uris Ref L 901 .G72+; also Mann)Sponsored by the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Board and the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) in the United States, this is an "official GRE/CGS" publication. Covering over 14,000 degree-granting programs, the directory lists admissions prerequisites, fees and financial aid, faculty size, number of degrees awarded, and other graduate program information. Brief narratives supplement tabular information about schools. A separate section provides addresses for further information. Volume A includes: Natural Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathmatics and Medical Sciences. Volume B includes Engineering and Business. Volume C includes Social Sciences and Education. Volume D inclues: Arts, Humanities, Architecture and Environmental Design, Communications, Home Economics, Library and Archival Science, Public Administration, Religion, Theology and Social Work. Uris has most recent edition.
- Directory of Professional Preparation Programs in TESOL in the United States. Washington: TESOL, 1986/88- .
(Uris Ref PE 1128 .A2 D59Basic information about college and university programs in the United States leading to a degree or certificate in the teaching of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). Each school's entry includes an address for further information. State certification guidelines for teachers of TESOL are supplied for all 50 states. Uris has most recent edition.
- Graduate Directory, Speech Communication Association, Member Institutions.
Annandale, VA: The Association, 1994- .
(Uris Ref P 95 .D59)Provides data and descriptions on 267 graduate programs in the United States in speech communication. Departments are listed alphabetically by state with indexes by degree, by concentration, and by state.
- Miller, Eugene. Barron's Guide to Graduate Business Schools. Woodbury, NY: Barron's Educational Services, 1984- .
(Uris Ref HF 1131 .B27)Contains profiles of universities offering MBA or Ph.D. programs in business, arranged geographically by state. Introduction includes information on the admissions process, financial aid and a ranking of the top 21 schools by corporate recruiters. The profiles include information on the student body, faculty, programs, course requirements, cost, library and computing facilities.
- The Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools: Prelaw Handbook. New Town, PA: Law School Admission Council/Law School Admission Services, 1986/87- .
(Uris Ref KF 266 .P92; also Law)Probably the "most complete information available about the application process at the 175 ABA approved law schools." Produced in cooperation with the American Bar Association and the Association of American Law Schools. Uris has most recent edition.
- Peterson's Annual Guides to Graduate Study. 6 vols. Princeton: Peterson's Guides, 1986- .
(Uris Ref LB 2371 .A611)Comprehensive annual survey of over 31,000 graduate and professional degree programs in the United States, its territories, and in foreign countries that are accredited by U.S. accrediting agencies. Each brief description contains complete information on fields of study, accreditation, entrance and degree requirements, expenses, financial aid, areas of faculty research, and application contact. Supplementary full descriptions, including faculty names and areas of expertise, are provided by some institutions. Book 1 contains an overview of the institutions; book 2: humanities and social science; book 3: biological and agricultural sciences; book 4: the physical sciences and mathematics; book 5: engineering and applied sciences; book 6: business, education, health, and law programs.
In addition to the titles listed above, specialized directories are available in the following disciplines: history, African and African-American studies, anthropology, dance, political science, sociology, communications, architecture, engineering, medicine, and dentistry.
- America's Best Colleges. Washington: U.S. News and World Report, 1988- .
(Uris Ref LB 2331.63 .A51)This report by the editors and reporters of U.S. News and World Report ranks 1400 colleges and universities according to a survey completed by college presidents and deans who rated similar institutions: (national universities, national liberal arts colleges, regional colleges and universities, regional liberal arts colleges, and specialized institutions). The methodology used in the ranking is also included in the report. The rankings are based on: reputation, student admissions, faculty and financial resources, graduation rates and alumni satisfaction. Includes a directory of colleges and universities and news articles covering college admissions, costs, and profiles of current students.
- Cass, James and Max Birnbaum. Cass & Birnbaum's Guide to American Colleges. New York:
HarperPerennial, 1994-1996.
(Uris Ref L 901 .C34+)Intended as a consumer guide for students and parents, this title describes individual colleges using entries which vary "in length, depth of characterization, and the amount of analytical data provided; among the determining factors were ... [the] ability of the college to attract students from other areas of the country, ... [and] the reputation of a college and its academic quality, as measured by objective data." A selective index is supplied for comparison of schools' admission profiles. Only short descriptions are provided for seminaries, service academies, and music and art institutions schools where comparative approach is "not appropriate." (Introduction) Uris has most recent edition.
- College Results Online. [Washington]: The Education Trust, 2005- .
(URL: http://www.collegeresults.org/mainMenu.aspx)This web site "examines overall graduation rates and see how those rates have changed over time." Contains data on universities' records graduating diverse groups of students, and comparisons of the graduation rates of similar institutions -- colleges and universities that share many characteristics and serve similar student populations. Colleges and universities are required by law to collect this information.
Gourman, Jack. The Gourman Report: A Rating of Undergraduate Programs in American and International Universities. Los Angeles: National Education Standards, 1980- .
(Uris Ref LB 2331.62 .G71)Gourman reports are simple lists of schools in a rank order assigned by the author, Jack Gourman. Details of the ranking scores assigned to schools are not explained. Provides tables of rankings for major areas of study; pre-law and pre-med programs and university administrative areas including "athletic/academic balance." The Gourman Report: A Rating of Graduate and Professional Programs in American and International Universities is also available (Uris Ref LB 2331.62 G72). Although very popular, these titles should be used with care.
- Insiders' Guide to the Colleges. New York: St. Martin's, 1970- .
(Uris Ref L 901 .I59)Compiled and edited by the staff of The Yale Daily News, this guide is "the inside story from students at colleges coast-to-coast." Two-page highly subjective narrative descriptions of over 280 colleges and universities dominate the guide; inclusion was based on academic quality first and then on size of the school (the size emphasized in the most recent edition is the large university). Also included are chapters on the interview and application process, on trade-offs to consider when selecting a school and an essay on education trends in the Eighties. Uris has most recent edition.
- Peterson's Competitive Colleges. Princeton: Peterson's Guides, 1984- .
(Uris Ref LB 2351.2 .C73)Annual containing brief descriptive information on 350 of the "most challenging" (Introduction) 4 year colleges. It does not rank the college, but gives statistics on the SAT, GPA, and ACT scores and high school rank of incoming students. The data given on the schools includes faculty, libraries, computer facilities, campus life and athletics, academic programs, campus life, and the academic awards and job offers of graduates.
Uris Library has a limited number of official and commercial guides for achievement and aptitude tests. This is a representative selection of titles only. We make no attempt to maintain latest versions of each study guide. We recommend purchasing the latest version for your personal preparation.
- How to Prepare for the Graduate Management Admission Test, GMAT. Woodbury, NY: Barron's
Educational Series, 1984- .
(Uris Ref HF1111 .J23; also Management) - The Official Guide for GMAT Review. Princeton: The Council, 1986- .
(Uris Ref HF 1118 .O32; also Management, Hotel Ref) - Anderson, Trent. Two Real LSATs Explained. New York: Kaplan Books: Simon & Schuster, 1997.
(Uris Ref KF 285 .Z9 A53x 1997) - Jaffe, Eugene. Barron's How to Prepare for the Graduate Management Admission Test GMAT. Woodbury, NY: Barron's Educational Series, 1984- .
(Uris Ref HF 1111 J23 12th ed. 2001) - Martz, Geoff. Cracking the GMAT. New York: Villard, 1992- .
(Uris Ref HF 1118 C89 2004 ed.) - Robinson, Adam. Cracking the LSAT. New York: Villard, 1992- .
(Uris Ref KF 285 .Z9 C88 2004 ed.) - Seibel, Hugo, ed. Barron's How to Prepare for the Medical College Admission Test,
MCAT. 7th ed. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series, 1991.
(Uris Ref R 838.5 .S45 1991) - Sharpe, Pamela J., ed. Barron's How to Prepare for the TOEFL, Test of English as
a Foreign Language. 6th ed. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series, 1989.
(Uris Ref LB 2353 .S53 1989) - Weber, Karl. How to Prepare for the LSAT. 3rd ed. San Diego: Harcourt
Brace Jovanovich, 1991.
(Uris Ref KF 285 .Z9 W37 1991)
- Cassidy, Daniel J. The Graduate Scholarship Book: The Complete Guide to Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Loans for Graduate and Professional Study. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2000.
(Uris Ref LB 2337.2 .C34 2000)Contains information from the National Scholarship Research Service, the largest database of private sector financial aid programs for college study. Arranged by broad topical areas, it also includes a Quick Find index, a Field of Study index, and an annotated bibliography of additional publications for further information. The data given on the schools includes: faculty, libraries, computer facilities, campus life, and athletics. The International Scholarship Book: the Complete Guide to Financial Aid for Study Abroad. (Uris Ref LB 2337.2.C34 I6 1990) and The Scholarship Book: The Complete Guide to Private Scholarships, Grants, and Loans for Undergraduates. (Uris Ref LB 2338 .C34 1990), based on the same database of information, are also in reference.
- The College Costs and Financial Aid Handbook. New York: College Entrance
Examination Board, 1993- .
(Uris Ref LB 2342 .C69)The College Board's annual guide to paying for college. Contains advice on long range and short term planning for college expenses for students and parents. It lists costs and financial aid information for 2900 colleges and universities, including state, and federal scholarship programs. Uris has the latest edition only.
- Martin, Garrett D. and Barbara E. Baker, ed. The National Directory of Internships. Raleigh, NC: National Society for Internships and Experiential Education, 1984- .
(Uris Ref LC 1059 .N27)Contains internship descriptions in government agencies, corporations and non-profit organizations in 85 subject areas. Internship programs for high school, college, graduate students, career changers and retired persons are included. Uris has the latest edition only.
- Peterson's Internships. Princeton, NJ: Peterson's, 1994- .
(Uris Ref L 901 .I61)Annual comprehensive directory of over 35,000 internships in the United States and abroad arranged by broad subject areas: business and technology, communications, performing arts, environmental, human services, international relations, and public affairs. It includes career advice, advice on how to apply for an internship, how to write a resume, and qualities sponsors look for in an intern. The descriptions of the programs include contact name and address, the application process, duties, length of position, and long term job possibilities. Uris has latest 2 editions only.
Oldman, Mark and Samer Hamadeh, ed. The best ... internships. New York: Random House, 2000- .
"This edition offers the latest information on dozens of time-tested programs from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences to The Washington Post. It also provides completely rewritten accounts of internship programs that have recently undergone significant changes."
(Uris Ref LC 1072 .I58 B47)- Oldman, Mark and Samer Hamadeh, ed. The Internship Bible. New York: Random House, 2001- .
(Uris Ref LC 1072 .I58 O44x 2001)Offers descriptions of thousands of enriching internship opportunities at a wide variety of companies and organizations around the world.
- Schlachter, Gail Ann. Financial Aid for African Americans. El Dorado Hills, CA: Reference Service Press, 1997- .
(Uris Ref LB 2338 .F564)"More than 1,400 grants, scholarships, fellowships, loans, awards, prizes, and internships open specifically to Black/African Americans."
- Schlachter, Gail Ann. Financial Aid for Asian Americans. El Dorado Hills, CA: Reference Service Press, 1997- .
(Uris Ref LB 2338 .F567)"Over nine hundred grants, scholarships, fellowships, loans, awards, prizes, and internships (representing billions of dollars) open specifically to Asian Americans."
- Schlachter, Gail Ann. Financial Aid for Hispanic Americans. El Dorado Hills,
CA: Reference Service Press, 1997- .
(Uris Ref LB 2338 .F569)"More than 1,300 grants, scholarships, fellowships, loans, awards, prizes, and internships open specifically to Hispanic Americans."
- Schlachter, Gail Ann. Financial Aid for Native Americans. El Dorado Hills,
CA: Reference Service Press, 1997- .
(Uris Ref LB 2338 .F613)"More than 1,500 grants, scholarships, fellowships, loans, awards, prizes, and internships open specifically to Native Americans."
- Schlachter, Gail Ann. Directory of Financial Aids for Women. Santa Barbara, CA: Reference Service Press, 1978- .
(Uris Ref LB 2338 .D595, also in Olin Ref)Comprehensive biennial source for over 1,700 financial aid programs for and about women, including secondary, undergraduate and graduate school programs. Includes an annotated bibliography of other financial aid sources and state sources of information on financial aid. There are indexes on sponsor, topic, and location. Uris has the most recent edition.
- Academic Year Abroad. New York: Institute of International Education,
1988- .
(Uris Ref LB 2376 .L43)Similar to its companion volume Vacation Study Abroad (Uris Ref LB 2376 S95), this publication serves as an annual comprehensive compliation of over 2200 study abroad programs sponsored by U.S. accredited colleges and universities. Although designed mainly for U.S. undergraduates, it includes programs for graduate students, adults and professionals. Arranged geographically by country, it includes indexes by sponsors, consortium, fields of student, cost, special options and duration of program.
- Peterson's Study Abroad: A Guide to Semester and Year Abroad Academic
Programs. Princeton: Peterson's Guides, 1994- .
(Uris Ref LB 2376 .P48)Contains descriptions to over 1,300 accredited study abroad programs in 80 countries for undergraduate credit at U.S. colleges and universities. The introductory 7 chapters written by study abroad experts provide useful information on planning, travel, financial aid, and internships. Program descriptions include detailed information on cost, living arrangements, and faculty. Includes indexes by field of study, program sponsor, and host institution.
- Short-Term Study Abroad. New York: Institute of International Education, 2001- .
(Uris Ref LB 2376 .S95)Annual compilation that is a companion to Academic Year Abroad. It contains descriptions of 1,600 summer programs and short term programs offered during the school year. It also includes many foreign university programs, language school and travel programs, many of which would appeal to adults. Learning options include: lectures, internships, student teaching, field research, and voluntary service. Approximately 60% of the programs are sponsored by U.S. accredited colleges and universities. Arranged geographically with indexes by: sponsors, consortia, cost, duration, and special options.
- College Catalog Collection. San Diego: Career Guidance Foundation, 1976-1999.
(Olin Library Lower Level, Microfiche 2815)Annual microfiche collection of over 3000 undergraduate and graduate catalogs from colleges and universities that are accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. It also contains catalogs from the U.S. territories and some foreign countries. The fiche cards are arranged alphabetically by state or country; they are indexed by state and college name.
Updated by Megan Perez
21 April 2006 (MOE)
Michael Engle
Librarian, Reference Services
URL: http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/seleduca.html
Olin and Uris Libraries, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853
PSA: Public Services and Assessment
Information and reference: 607-255-4144, okuref@cornell.edu
Circulation: (Olin) 607-255-4245, (Uris) 607-255-3537, olincirc@cornell.edu
