Graduate Schools in Indianapolis

written by Shannon Fandler

Indy Fast Facts

If you need to brush up on the basics, Indianapolis is the largest and capital city of the state of Indiana. It resides at the center of a nine-county metropolitan area, and as of 2016, the city proper was home to 855,164 people.

Indy’s climate is typical of the Midwest, meaning you’ll experience summers that range from warm to hot. And, be prepared to bundle up in the winter and enjoy snowfall!

But what makes Indianapolis such a fascinating place to learn and explore? Let’s start with…

Studying Indianapolis’ History

The site now known as Indianapolis was once home to a Delaware Indian village. The city we know today got its roots in 1821, and its rapid growth was driven by both the Cumberland National Road and the development of railroads.

With so much traffic headed through Indianapolis, the city quickly became a major transportation center. Needless to say, it was of great importance to the Union Army during the Civil War. But in the 1880s, the city’s industry turned to meatpacking, metalworking, and eventually the automobile industry.

Today, Indianapolis is one of the world’s most populous cities that isn’t close to navigable water. (The city relies on other forms of transportation, like railroads and air travel.)

Notably, the city is important for its cultural and educational institutions, including colleges, universities, and graduate schools. It’s also a growing tourist hotspot!

Reasons to Choose Indianapolis for your Graduate Studies

So, what’s to love about this city? Here are just a few features potential grad students should know about:

• Awesome Libraries – Indianapolis is home to some great libraries: perfect for research or studying. Central Library and the Indiana State Library are particularly noteworthy.
• Enviable Eats – Come hungry! From soul food to vegetarian fare, Indy has the fix for every craving. In fact, Condé Nast Traveler has called Indianapolis the most underrated food city in the U.S.
• Delectable Drinks – This city is particularly known for craft beer. You’ll find small taprooms and massive breweries, all devoted to creating the perfect pint. And, coffee lovers will enjoy many independent coffee roasters and great places to get everything from a cup of joe to something a little fancier.
• Cultural Attractions – Indianapolis celebrates its rich history through an abundance of monuments, memorials, and museums. Plus, this city is committed to celebrating and supporting the arts. If you’re looking for something to do on the weekends, you’ll find everything from art galleries and theatrical performances to festivals, and more.
• Green Spaces – In spite of being Indiana’s most bustling city, Indy and its surrounding areas are no stranger to greenery. Grad students looking for places to relax, exercise, or simply enjoy nature will find many city parks and outdoor spaces, including White River State Park and Fort Harrison State Park.
• The Indiana State Fair – This is the fair to end all fairs. Massive crowds flock to the Indiana State Fairgrounds every August to enjoy rides, entertainment, a celebration of the agricultural sciences, and food aplenty.

Did You Know?

The original city plan for Indianapolis was inspired by Washington D.C., with a central circle, radiating streets, and civic buildings.

The Sporting Scene in Indy

Take a break from your graduate studies to catch a game. Or, watch from a local pub while enjoying one of Indy’s prized microbrews. The city is proud of its major league teams: the Indianapolis Colts (NFL), the Indiana Pacers (NBA), and the Indiana Fever (WNBA).

College sports are also big in town, and locals cheer for NCAA Division I schools Butler University and Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).

And of course, it would be remiss to overlook motorsports, one of the city’s biggest claims to fame. The Indianapolis 500 is the largest single-day sporting event in the world, held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. And the auto racing industry is not only huge in Indy – with over 500 racing companies and teams in the area – but it’s also a major local employer. Which brings us to…

Mastering Business in Indianapolis

Whether you’re pursuing graduate business programs in Indianapolis, or you’re simply interested in this city’s economy, take note! Indy is an important center of commerce, finance, and industry. Its strategic location in the Corn Belt, in close proximity to both coalfields and scads of consumers, make this city uniquely situated for success.

Indianapolis is also a manufacturing center, producing pharmaceuticals, plastics, electrical equipment, and much more. And, distribution, retail, and health care are three important industries that dominate in this area.

Major retailers based in Indy include Finish Line and Lids. And other notable companies that call the city home include Eli Lilly, Anthem Inc., OneAmerica, and Steak ‘n Shake.

Did You Know?

In the late 19th century, Indy was a headquarters for labor organization. Key trade unions based there included the Carpenters and Joiners Union, the International Typographical Union, and the United Mine Workers of America.

Getting to Know Indianapolis’ Neighborhoods

If you’re considering graduate programs near Indianapolis, you’ll need to find a home base. Not to mention, you’ll probably want to get to know the surrounding cultural districts. So, let’s check out some of this city’s most notable neighborhoods:

Downtown – Packed with museums, civic buildings, and the business district’s skyscrapers, downtown is certainly an impressive place to stroll. Don’t forget to check out Monument Circle, at city center. You’ll find upscale hotels and restaurants here, but also plenty of low-key spots. And, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis is situated in the downtown area. Keep in mind that downtown Indianapolis is quite large, containing multiple distinct neighborhoods and cultural districts to explore.

Broad Ripple Village – This trendy neighborhood full of public art, graffiti, and murals is the place to go for nightlife and the performing arts. You’ll also find lovely parks, unique restaurants, and vintage shops.

Fountain Square – Southeast of downtown, this neighborhood is home to an abundance of art galleries, antique shops, and live music venues. Don’t miss the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art!

Indiana Avenue – This district is an important locus of African American history. In particular, Indiana Avenue celebrates Indy’s jazz heritage, and notable musicians such as Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald who played at local venues. The musical tradition lives on, and the area is still a hotspot for clubbing and entertainment.

Mass Ave Arts District – Massachusetts Avenue (or Mass Ave, as it is known) boasts a five-block area packed with shopping, eating, and the arts. Whether you prefer to catch a show or shop for shoes, this may be a great area to decompress from your studies.

That’s only the tip of the iceberg. Indianapolis has many other unique neighborhoods, districts, and suburbs worth looking into. And, those searching for graduate programs near Indianapolis shouldn’t overlook other towns and cities in the region, like Anderson and Avon. (Both are home to universities that offer graduate programs.)

Higher Education and Graduate Schools in Indianapolis

Fun Fact

As of 2015, 8.7% of Indianapolis’s population had earned a graduate degree or more.

In or near Indianapolis, you’ll find a robust directory of colleges, universities, and graduate schools. These include Butler University, University of Indianapolis, Christian Theological Seminary, and many others.

Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis is located on a campus right in the middle of downtown. This large public research university includes multiple graduate schools, including a medical school, dental school, and the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.

Start your research on grad schools in Indianapolis by checking out these five sponsored schools:

1. University of Indianapolis

2. Butler University

3. Martin University

4. Indiana University

5. Christian Theological Seminary

Find Education Graduate Programs in Indianapolis

Prepare to pursue the next step in your teaching career path, or explore a new area of education, like special education or religious education. As a diverse city where education and cultural contributions are valued, Indianapolis could be the perfect base from which to launch new goals in teaching and beyond.

And, did you know that Indianapolis is home to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, one of the largest museums for kids in the world? Indy is no stranger to the benefits of learning, discovery, and play. Here are just a few graduate programs through which you just might discover your own potential:

• Butler University M.S. in Education for Effective Teaching
• American College of Education Master of Education in Educational Leadership Program
• University of Indianapolis Curriculum and Instruction Master’s Program
• Christian Theological Seminary Christian Education Graduate Program
• Indiana University Master of Science in Adult Education Program

Pursue Health and Medical Graduate Programs in Indianapolis

A hub for healthcare, Indianapolis is home to Indiana University School of Medicine, one of the largest medical schools in the U.S. The city’s Riley Hospital for Children is one of the country’s top pediatric hospitals. And, other well-known hospitals include St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital and the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital.

All this is to say, Indianapolis may be the ideal city for future healthcare professionals. Whether you’re pursuing advanced nursing, studying the pharmaceutical sciences, or aiming for dental school, you just might find some graduate programs worth checking out, like:

• Butler University MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences Program
• Indiana University Dentistry Program
• Indiana University Ph.D. in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Program
• University of Indianapolis Master of Public Health Program
• Kaplan University M.S. DNP Adult Nurse Practitioner Program

Check Out Business Grad Programs in Indianapolis

From its history as a transportation hub and hotbed of labor unions to its present-day business district, Indianapolis has always had an important relationship with commerce. Could Indy be the perfect place to study economics, pursue your MBA, or explore the science of leadership?

Graduate business programs may be quite diverse. For instance, the University of Indianapolis offers a Master of Science in Sport Management that could be the perfect fit for those who appreciate both the business of sports, and the enjoyment of cheering on some of Indy’s many professional and amateur teams.

Franklin University offers a Master of Science in Accounting program for those pursuing a CPA path. And if you’re hoping to study while working, Indiana University’s Evening Master of Business Administration program may be an ideal fit.

Explore the Arts in Indianapolis

Indy has a rich history of art appreciation and education – from Indiana Avenue’s jazz scene to the Herron School of Art. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy world-class art museums, musical performances, and more. But if you’re hoping to study fine art and design, Indianapolis may be the ideal place for that, too.

Here are just a few of the artsy graduate programs in or near Indianapolis:

• Christian Theological Seminary Music Graduate Program
• University of Indianapolis Master of Arts in Art Program
• Indiana University Furniture Design Graduate Program
• Butler University Music Graduate Program

Find 7 Graduate Programs in Indianapolis

Have your heart set on living and learning in Indy? We’ve put together some sponsored listings for graduate programs near Indianapolis. Research our list of Graduate Schools in Indianapolis, or use our navigation to filter programs by degree type, subject and format.

Sources: https://www.britannica.com/place/Indianapolis-Indiana | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis | https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/indianapolis/introessay.htm | https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/indianapoliscitybalanceindiana/PST045217 | https://www.visitindy.com