This dissertation investigates and explores the best method for the delivery of graduate student services. Essentially, there are two methods for delivery of these services. They can be delivered by virtue of centralization or decentralization. Decentralized delivery, for the purpose of this dissertation is the delivery of graduate student services at the site where students attend classes. Centralized delivery of services refers to a system by which graduate student services are delivered from a remote location. The researcher tests the theory that the decentralized delivery of graduate student services is more effective and students are generally more satisfied with this method of delivery. This theory is tested by a review of the literature of the goals of graduate students and the difficulties they have in meeting those goals and how graduate students are required to respond to and identify those difficulties. The researcher also conducted a survey in which approximately 5,600 students were participants. The survey was designed to solicit information from the participants relative to their preferred method for the delivery of graduate student services. This dissertation concludes with the finding that contrary to the literature review, graduate students at these 3 institutions did not have a preference to a decentralized system of delivery of graduate student services. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]