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What is Graduate School?
Graduate school constitutes an advanced program of study focused on a particular academic discipline or profession. Traditionally, graduate school has been “academic” (centered on generating original research in a particular discipline), but it may be “professional” (centered on developing skills and knowledge for a specific profession), or a combination of both. (Source: UC Berkeley)
How is graduate school different from undergraduate education?
Compared to undergraduate studies, graduate school is a more concentrated course of study with greater expectations for the quality and quantity of your work. Graduate programs also entail:
- focused studies in a specific discipline with fewer elective possibilities
- rigorous evaluation of your work by professors and peers
- smaller classes with much student interaction
- work experience via internships, teaching, or research
- production of original research
FAQ
Once you have made the decision to go to graduate school, the next step is to research programs that match your interests and fit your needs. Don’t limit yourself at this point, but instead gather information on a broad range of programs.
Graduate degrees are available in almost any subject and come in three levels: master, specialist, and doctorate. Depending on the graduate school program and degree level you desire, your program requirements and length will vary.
- Specialist degrees are usually earned in addition to a master’s degree and will require additional coursework, training, or internship experience. This type of degree usually prepares students for professional certification or licensing requirements (e.g., Ed.S. for school principal or credential for becoming a teacher).
- Master’s degrees are offered in many fields of study. Some are designed to lead to a doctoral degree while others are the “terminal” degree for a profession (e.g., Master of Library Science and Master of Business Administration). For full-time students, completing a master’s degree usually takes 2 years.
- Doctoral degrees are the highest degrees possible. They usually require the creation of new knowledge via independent research. Including the time it takes to write and defend a dissertation, this degree may take anywhere from 5-7 years to complete.
Interested in the learning more about Graduate School?
Visit the Classroom to Career Hub's Graduate School Pathways page to learn more about what graduate school is, if you are ready to apply, programs, financial aid and more.
Take me to C2 Hub's Graduate School Pathways PageCollege of Letters, Arts and Sciences
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