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Undergraduate vs. Graduate: Educate Yourself On The Difference

• Undergraduate Meaning
• Undergraduate Student And Degree
• Graduate Meaning
• Graduate Degree And Student
• Graduate Origin
• Postgraduate Meaning

⚡ Quick summary

The main difference between undergraduate and graduate is that undergraduate is always used in the context of the first level of college or university education (the level where you can earn a bachelor’s degree ). In terms like graduate student and graduate degree , graduate refers to a level of advanced education beyond the undergraduate level, especially a master’s degree or doctorate . The noun graduate is more general, simply referring to a person who has completed a level of education (someone who has graduated ).

The difference between undergraduate and graduate is a difference of degrees (*throws graduation cap in the air to celebrate the pun*).

The level of education that each word involves varies depending on how the word is being used, and there are situations in which both words can be used in the same situation. For example, you can become a graduate student after graduating with an undergraduate degree.

The word graduate can mean very different things depending on whether it’s used as a noun (as in recent   high school graduates ), an adjective (as in graduate student and graduate degree ), or a verb (as in I plan to graduate next May ). The same goes for its shortened form, grad , which can be used as a noun (as in Congrats, grads! ) or an adjective (as in grad program ).

Undergraduate can also be used both as a noun (as in I’m an undergraduate at Stanford University ) or an adjective (as in I’m working toward my undergraduate degree ). It can be shortened to undergrad in both cases.

By the end of this article, you’ll have an advanced degree in all the different ways graduate, grad , undergraduate , and undergrad are used, and what they mean in each case.

What does undergraduate mean?

An undergraduate is “a student in a university or college who has not received a first, especially a bachelor’s, degree.” For example, a college student might say I’m an undergraduate at the University of Texas if they were pursuing a bachelor’s degree there.

Undergraduate is also commonly used as an adjective in this same context, in terms like undergraduate student , undergraduate degree , and undergraduate studies.

Undergraduate is often shortened to undergrad as both a noun and an adjective.

In undergraduate, the prefix under- is used to indicate a lower rank or status. The educational status of an undergraduate student is below that of a graduate student.

What’s the difference between wisdom and knowledge ? Here’s a lesson on the two terms.

What is an undergraduate student ? And what is an undergraduate degree ?

An undergraduate student is a student who is pursuing a degree at the first level of higher education (meaning the level after high school) at a college or university. Undergraduate students are typically those working to earn a bachelor’s degree (or, less commonly, an associate’s degree ). These degrees are often referred to with the general term undergraduate degree.

Outside of the US, an undergraduate degree is sometimes called a first degree. There are also other types of undergraduate degrees outside of the US, such as a foundation degree (which, like an associate’s degree, is typically a two-year degree).

What does graduate mean?

As a noun, the word graduate  [  graj -oo-it ] refers to “a person who has received a degree or diploma on completing a course of study.” In other words, a graduate is someone who has completed a particular level of schooling or an educational program—a child who just finished kindergarten and a doctor who just completed medical school are both graduates. It can even be used figuratively , as in She’s a graduate of the school of hard knocks.

As a verb, graduate [  graj -oo-eyt ] means “to receive a degree or diploma on completing a course of study.” The process of graduating—and the ceremony itself—is called graduation .

As an adjective, graduate [  graj -oo-it ] means something more specific. It’s used to indicate that a student, degree, or educational program is an advanced one, beyond the level of a bachelor’s degree. This sense of graduate is most commonly used in terms like graduate degree, graduate school , graduate program, and graduate student.

What is a graduate degree ? And what is a graduate student ?

Graduate degree typically refers to a degree beyond a bachelor’s, most commonly a master’s.

A graduate student is a student who’s pursuing an advanced degree after having earned their undergraduate degree (such as a bachelor’s degree) by graduating from an undergraduate program. Calling someone a graduate student most often means they are pursuing their master’s degree, but it may be another advanced degree, such as a PhD (You’d most commonly call such students PhD students. Or you might say they are working toward their doctorate or their doctoral degree.)

To earn a graduate degree, graduate students go to a division of a university known as graduate school , and such a program is often called a graduate program. In all of these terms, graduate is often shortened to grad : grad school , grad student , grad program . (A student doesn’t become a graduate student until they take graduate-level courses. For example, if a student graduates with a bachelor’s degree and then later pursues a different bachelor’s degree, they are still an undergraduate student .)

Some graduate studies are referred to in more specific ways: medical students go to medical school to earn their medical degree ; law students go to law school to earn their law degree.

Do you know the difference between these highly-esteemed graduate degrees and titles: PhD, MD, and Dr ?

Where does the word graduate come from?

Graduate comes from the Medieval Latin graduārī, meaning “to take a degree.” It ultimately derives from the Latin gradus, meaning “a step.” Each time you graduate, you take a step to the next level of education.

What does postgraduate mean?

The adjective postgraduate is sometimes used in the same way as the adjective sense of the word graduate, especially in the UK, as in postgraduate student or postgraduate studies.

Postgraduate should not be confused with postdoctoral , which refers to studies, research, or professional work above the level of a doctorate.

How to use undergraduate vs. graduate

The best way to sort out the different meanings of undergraduate and graduate is to determine whether each word is being used as a noun, an adjective, or a verb. Here’s an easy breakdown of the differences.

• undergraduate (noun): A college student pursuing a non-advanced degree, most commonly a bachelor’s degree. Can be shortened to undergrad.
• undergraduate (adjective): Used in the context of colleges and university programs ( undergraduate programs ) where students are pursuing a degree (generally referred to as an undergraduate degree ) that is not an advanced degree. Also sometimes shortened to undergrad.
• graduate (noun): A person who has completed a particular level of schooling or educational program. Can be shortened to grad.
• graduate (verb): To complete a level of schooling (and, typically, to receive a degree or diploma). You can graduate from kindergarten, high school, college, graduate school, medical school, etc.
• graduate (adjective): Used in the context of advanced schooling—a level beyond a bachelor’s degree, most commonly a master’s program. Used in terms like graduate student , graduate school , graduate degree , graduate program , graduate courses , etc. Often shortened to grad.

Examples of undergraduate, undergrad, graduate, and grad used in a sentence

Let’s look at some examples of these words in actual, real-life use to get the meanings straight.

• As an undergraduate, she had studied engineering; as a graduate student, she switched to architecture.
• I completed my undergraduate degree after five years and a lot of hard work.
• As a graduate student, you will be expected to complete a thesis.
• You should start thinking about graduate school applications before you graduate.
• Most of the applicants for this position are recent college graduates.
• I’m still an undergrad, but I’m hoping to start grad school next fall.
• I’m a UGA grad, but I almost went to Georgia Tech.

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What is a Graduate Degree?

For those considering graduate school , it’s important to take the time to understand what an advanced degree program entails. Read on to learn about the different types of graduate programs, the time commitment, cost, and enrollment conditions required, and what students should expect at this level of advanced study.

An undergraduate degree —either a bachelor’s or associate degree—is considered a baseline educational requirement in many professions. As such, the pursuit of this degree has become commonplace among high school graduates. As of 2018, 69 percent of students chose to complete their undergraduate degree immediately after earning their high school diploma.

A graduate degree —including master’s degrees , doctorates , and PhDs —provides an advanced understanding of a specific topic or field, and demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning that many employers value. Those who choose to enroll in graduate school often do so with a series of focused, career-oriented goals in mind, which sets the stage for a substantially different type of learning environment than one might experience during an undergraduate career.

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Types of Graduate Degrees

Students embarking on graduate school should begin by determining if an academic or professional degree is right for them.

Students who desire a career in a specific field (such as law, pharmaceuticals, medicine, or education) may opt to pursue a professional degree . These programs emphasize hands-on learning and often require students to obtain substantial real-world experience prior to graduation.

Academic (or research) degrees align with a single, specific area of study or field. Students in pursuit of these degrees are required to develop an in-depth understanding of their subject area and complete a thesis or capstone project to demonstrate their knowledge.

Learn More: Professional Degree Vs. Academic Degree: What’s the Difference?  

Master’s Degree

Although master’s degrees  may be the most common form of graduate study, there are various professional and academic graduate-level degrees that students should consider. Some of the most common include:

• Master of Arts Degree (MA): An MA is a type of academic master’s degree that correlates most directly with humanities-based subject areas such as communications, teaching, languages, and more. Classes in these programs are primarily discussion-based and might require fieldwork, a thesis, or a capstone project prior to graduation. Some common MA programs include Homeland Security , English , and Elementary Education .
• Master of Science Degree (MS) : An MS is another type of academic master’s degree which typically correlates with advanced study in fields that relate to science and mathematics. Courses in these programs often require extensive lab work or research and culminate with thesis or capstone projects, as well. Some common MS programs include Cybersecurity , Corporate & Organizational Communication , Leadership , and Project Management . 
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA): An MFA is a professional degree for artists in fields such as graphic design, music, theater, film, and more. Alongside a practical and abstract exploration of their art, graduates of these programs often receive the credentials necessary to teach at the undergraduate level. Some common MFA programs include Information Design & Visualization , Creative Writing, and Acting.
• Master of Professional Studies (MPS) : An MPS is an interdisciplinary degree focused on a single area of professional study. Unlike MA or MS degrees, these programs are typically more hands-on in nature and require an internship, work-study, or co-op experience prior to graduation. Some common MPS programs include Analytics , Informatics , and Digital Media .

Professional Doctorate

A professional doctorate is focused on the advanced practice of knowledge and skills, making it a degree for those who are more professionally oriented. While these programs also help to develop research skills, the main focus is to apply knowledge to industry to solve new and emerging problems.

• Juris Doctor (JD): This degree provides students with the practical skills and expansive knowledge needed to practice law in America. While JD programs share some commonalities with other graduate-level law degrees, such as a Master of Legal Studies or a Master of Laws , there are key differences between the three.
• Doctor of Education (EdD): This is another professional doctorate degree not to be confused with a PhD in Education . This type of program is for educators and professionals who want to direct and implement change within their organizations. These degrees are designed to prepare students to become leaders in their communities.
• Doctor of Medicine (MD): Students hoping to pursue a career in medicine or surgery pursue this professional doctorate degree.
• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) : Individuals pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry must obtain a PharmD. These programs include components of research, teaching, and clinical practice.

Learn More: Why Earn a Professional Doctoral Degree?

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD is a postgraduate doctoral degree based on extensive research in a given field. Students can earn a PhD in areas such as technology, humanities, social sciences, and more. Individuals who complete their PhDs often pursue a career in academia, though some may continue on to complete similar research for the remainder of their career. Some common PhD programs include Counseling Psychology , Bioengineering , and Pharmacology . PhDs are not to be confused with professional/clinical doctorates , which are designed to provide students with the practical skills needed to excel in their career. 

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Graduate Degree

The timeline for completion of a graduate degree will vary depending on three factors:

• The type of degree you pursue.
• Your desired subject area.
• The specific institution at which you are studying. 

On average, however, those enrolled in a master’s program full-time will likely complete their degree within one-and-a-half to three years. Individuals who pursue their master’s degree part-time might take longer than three years to complete it, depending on how many credits they enroll in each semester.

Most PhD and professional doctoral candidates will finish their degrees in five to six years, though the time commitment may vary depending on the subject area. Some more intensive degree programs, like an MD, can take up to eight years to complete.

Learn More: How Long Does It Take to Earn a Master’s Degree?

Graduate Degree Requirements

Requirements for different graduate programs vary greatly depending on the subject, institution, and whether or not it is a culminating degree. The most common requirement, however, is an undergraduate degree, as this acts as a base for advanced learning.

Other application requirements for specific graduate programs might include:

• A statement of purpose
• Your educational transcripts
• A portfolio of your work
• Professional/academic recommendations
• Any additional written assignments

You may also need to take and submit your scores for a subject-specific exam (e.g. LSAT, MCAT, etc.) or for the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) , which is a requirement for many graduate programs globally.

The Cost of A Graduate Degree

The cost of a graduate degree will also vary greatly depending on what program and what institution you are considering. Yet, many people make incorrect assumptions about the price of graduate school based on their knowledge of undergraduate costs.

“Many of us have in our heads the sticker price of $30,000 to $40,000 per year for undergraduate education,” Sean Gallagher , executive director of the Center for the Future of Higher Education and Talent Strategy at Northeastern told U.S. News & Report in 2017. “So we say, ‘OK, it’s two years for a graduate degree, so it’s going to cost me $70,000 to $80,000 or more.’ And while there are certainly programs at that price point, there are many programs where you can get the entire graduate degree for between $20,000 and $40,000.”

No matter the program, graduate school will be both an educational and financial investment in your career. As such, institutions like Northeastern have adopted a variety of financial aid options for students to help hedge the cost of graduate studies. Students can utilize scholarships, grants, and even tuition reimbursement programs through their employers to help pay for their advanced education.

Learn More: Paying for Grad School: Where and How to Start

5 Characteristics of a Strong Graduate Program

#1) flexible learning options.

In most universities, graduate programs are designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals and are thus offered in a variety of exceedingly flexible formats.

Firstly, students at the graduate level can choose to enroll in either a part-time or full-time capacity. A part-time graduate program offers working professionals the opportunity to take on only as many classes as they can handle per semester, and work toward finishing their degree at their own speed. Full-time students, on the other hand, must be enrolled in a specific number of credit hours per semester as determined by the university, and will work toward completing their program in a linear manner. At Northeastern, for example, full-time students must be enrolled in nine quarter hours of graduate credits per semester.

Universities like Northeastern also offer a variety of graduate programs in online , on-ground, and hybrid formats to best fit the needs of any given students. Taking online or hybrid courses is an effective way for students who are already working in their field to balance their coursework with their other professional commitments, as well.

For those who aren’t ready to commit to an entire graduate program, some universities also offer graduate certificates in many in-demand areas of study. Certificate programs provide either a condensed understanding of basic advanced principles as they relate to an area of study, or a very niche look at a specific aspect of the subject. Though the amount of knowledge attained in a certificate program is vastly less than that of a full graduate degree, some prefer this condensed format of study for its reduced cost and shorter time commitment.

#2) A Focused Curriculum 

By the time a student reaches graduate school, they are likely no longer in the exploring phase of their education. Instead, these students have often experienced life as a working professional, determined which area of study best aligns with their passions, and have made the educated decision to become an expert on that topic through the pursuit of a graduate degree.

For this reason, many graduate programs offer students a far more unified educational experience than at the undergraduate level. Often, this will be reflected in a common curriculum that all students within a single program must follow. While they may still be able to pick the specific topics that most interest them off this predetermined list of classes, each course will relate back to their base area of study. This is done in an effort to give students a much more in-depth exploration of that specific topic rather than a surface-level understanding of many, unrelated ones.

Students in graduate school still have the opportunity to customize their education to best fit their needs, however. In fact, programs like those at Northeastern recognize that one of the most impactful offerings they can give their students is the chance to declare a concentration within their degree and tailor their studies in a way that aligns with their professional aspirations.

#3) Opportunities for Hands-On Learning

Northeastern University is known for its emphasis on experiential learning at all phases of a student’s educational journey, offering opportunities for real-world, hands-on learning through internships, work-study, co-ops, and more. There are also a variety of graduate-specific experiential learning opportunities for students, such as Northeastern’s Experiential Network (XN) initiative.

A Closer Look: Northeastern’s XN initiative offers students the opportunity to participate in six-week-long, virtual projects for active organizations within the university’s expansive network. These projects align with students’ academic work, allowing them to apply what they learn in the classroom to these real-world scenarios. Following the format of gig-economy work experiences, students spend 30-40 hours on each project and, in that time, practice making decisions and completing work that will have a genuine impact on these organizations’ success.

In general, graduate degrees tend to be research- or capstone-oriented in nature, meaning that, depending on a student’s area of study, they will be frequently honing their practical abilities alongside their theoretical skills. Graduate programs emphasize this type of learning in an effort to develop well-rounded professionals in each field. These hands-on learning opportunities also offer students unparalleled exposure to different facets of their industry—as well as different types of workplaces—which can then be used to help them make an educated employment decision after graduation.

#4) An Industry-Aligned Network

Students have a unique advantage when it comes to networking in grad school . Between the opportunities to make connections in the classroom, at university-hosted events, and even in the professional world through hands-on learning experiences, these students are in the ideal setting to build their network.

Connecting with Classmates

Your classmates in grad school will likely be equally as driven and passionate about the exact same area of study as you are. You will also have the opportunity to grow together throughout your time in the program, resulting in a slew of common experiences and relationships that will help to keep you connected with and looking out for one another throughout your career. Although they may start out as your classmates, these individuals have the potential to become powerful players in the professional industry post-graduation, as well.

Connecting with Professors

Smaller class sizes and a more collaborative learning environment allow students to develop more personal connections with their professors during grad school than in their undergraduate studies. These relationships can be some of the most important in regards to your career, as professors at top universities like Northeastern are industry leaders and have connections that can be used to make introductions or open doors to potential employment opportunities after graduation.

Connecting with Industry Professionals

Given the emphasis on hands-on learning in grad school, students have the chance to develop their professional networks in their region and with organizations that they may be able to work with post-graduation. Having these types of industry-aligned connections is vital in today’s competitive job market, especially since a connection that has worked with you first-hand in a professional environment can speak to your qualifications in a far more concrete and impactful way than those who are only able to speak to your abilities abstractly.

Students who take the time to develop their professional network while in graduate school — whether online or on-ground —have the potential to see the positive impact of those connections for the remainder of their professional career.

#5) Substantial Impact on Your Career 

Many students pursue graduate degrees to advance their careers. Whether that means getting a promotion, increasing their current salary, or even transitioning fields, these students are looking to make a positive change by showing employers the extent of their knowledge, network, and exposure to experiential learning.

While these goals are often achieved during the pursuit of a graduate degree, students’ careers can be impacted by graduate study in more ways than one. The overall career outlook for graduate degree holders, for instance, is incredibly positive compared to those with only a bachelor’s or associate degree.

For example, the current jobless rate for individuals with a master’s degree or higher is 12.5 percent lower than those who only hold a bachelor’s degree. Similarly, in regard to salary, those with a graduate degree earn 28 percent more than those with just an undergraduate degree on average. These individuals will also make over a million dollars more than those with just a high school diploma in their lifetime.

What’s more, graduates of advanced degree programs are some of the most in-demand within organizations today. When it comes to applying for a new role, 61 percent of employers are finding that the skills required for their open positions have evolved to require a higher education among applicants. By 2022, it is also expected that 18 percent of all jobs will require a graduate degree. Earning an advanced degree will help improve your skills and demonstrate your commitment to career development—two of the best ways to stand out in today’s competitive job market .

Explore Your Options at Northeastern

Ready to take the leap? Consider advancing your career with a graduate degree from Northeastern, a top-40 university . Evaluate the personal and professional benefits of a graduate degree, then explore Northeastern’s 200+ master’s , doctorate , and certificate programs to find the one that best aligns with your career goals.

Browse the Grad School Tips & Advice category of the Northeastern Graduate blog for more content like this from Northeastern University Graduate Programs .

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Advanced degree holders earn a salary an average 25% higher than bachelor's degree holders. (Economic Policy Institute, 2021)

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What Is Graduate School?

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Graduate school can bring career benefits, but for many students, it’s also a financial burden.

In many professions, a graduate degree pays off. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earning a master’s degree increases median earnings by nearly $13,000 per year over a bachelor’s degree — and a doctorate or first-professional degree increases earning potential even more. Some careers even require a graduate degree, especially in fields like healthcare or legal services.

But what is graduate school? And should you go to graduate school? This article walks through different graduate degrees, helping prospective grad students make informed decisions about their educational futures.

Graduate school provides focused, academic training in specialized fields, resulting in master’s degrees, doctorates, or first-professional degrees. Most master’s and doctoral programs emphasize research and academic skills, while first-professional degrees train graduates for specific careers. Typically, graduate students have already earned bachelor’s degrees.

What Is a Master’s Degree?

A master’s degree introduces students to graduate-level coursework, which often includes a dissertation requirement. Several career paths require a master’s degree for entry-level roles, including school principal , economist , and managerial roles in business.

Many master’s programs require bachelor’s degrees or experience for admission. For example, applicants may need specific prerequisite courses or a certain number of years of professional work in the field. Earning a master’s degree typically takes two years for full-time students.

What Is a Doctorate?

A doctoral degree offers advanced, specialized study in an academic area. As a terminal degree, a doctorate is the highest level of training available in most fields. Doctoral degree-holders typically hold research, academic, or leadership positions; for example, college professors and psychologists typically need doctorates.

Most doctoral programs require a master’s degree for admission. Completing a doctorate can take 3-5 years, depending on the program.

What Is a First-Professional Degree?

A first-professional degree provides graduate-level training in a professional field. Unlike master’s programs, first-professional degrees typically do not require undergraduate degrees in the discipline, though they often require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree of some variety.

Examples of first-professional degrees include Juris Doctor (JD) — which lawyers usually need before they can take the bar exam — and doctor of medicine degrees, which medical doctors need to practice medicine. Other fields that offer first-professional degrees include dental medicine, optometry, pharmacy, and physical therapy. Completing a first-professional degree generally takes 3-6 years.

Which Careers Require Graduate School?

While a graduate degree is an advantage in most fields, there are some careers that require it, usually as part of the licensure process. This is most common in education or healthcare fields. For example, a school counselor must hold a master’s degree, while lawyers need first-professional degrees . Librarians generally need master’s degrees , as do clinical social workers . Medical scientists typically hold doctorates, as do many college professors.

Pursuing Graduate Study in the Humanities

A graduate degree in the humanities or social sciences prepares students for careers in academia or advancement within their fields. For instance, a master’s degree in English can lead to employment as a high school teacher , while doctoral degrees in history train graduates to become history professors. With a master’s degree in theater, a graduate can find employment as a director, playwright, or actor.

Most graduate students in the humanities already hold bachelor’s degrees in their fields, though they can also major in an unrelated subject. Humanities graduate programs often require exams and a thesis or dissertation, depending on the degree level.

Pursuing Graduate Study in STEM

STEM fields include the natural sciences, computer science, information technology, mathematics, and engineering. A doctorate in science or mathematics prepares graduates for careers as professors or research scientists, while a master’s degree in information technology can lead to employment as a data scientist, computer and information research scientist , or IT manager. Some programs combine STEM fields with business or management classes.

Most STEM graduate programs require applicants to have completed undergraduate math courses, and many programs prefer STEM-related undergraduate majors. Graduate students in STEM typically complete thesis projects to earn their degrees.

Pursuing Graduate Study in Business

A graduate degree in business emphasizes practical skills for executives and those pursuing careers in management. The most popular graduate degree is the master of business administration (MBA), which trains learners for supervisory positions in marketing, finance, healthcare administration, and human resources. A business graduate student can also earn a doctor of business administration (DBA) or a Ph.D. in business. While the DBA focuses on professional skills, the Ph.D. emphasizes research and academic career prospects.

During a business graduate program, degree-seekers take classes in management, organizational behavior, and leadership. Most programs offer concentrations in supply chain management, information systems management, or international business. In addition to coursework, graduate students often complete internships and capstone projects.

Business graduate programs typically do not require undergraduate degrees in business, though many require introductory courses in business administration, marketing, finance, or statistics. A doctoral program may require a master’s degree for admission.

Pursuing First-Professional Degrees

A first-professional degree offers career-focused training for jobs that require graduate-level education. Prospective lawyers, doctors, pharmacists, dentists, and veterinarians must earn first-professional degrees to qualify for examinations or earn licensure. For example, lawyers who want to practice law must sit for the bar exam, and medical students take medical licensing exams to become physicians and surgeons.

The length of first-professional degrees varies by field. Law students complete three years of coursework to earn their degrees, while a doctor of pharmacy program typically requires four years. Medical students spend four years completing classes in medical school before earning their degrees and then furthering their training with residencies.

Incoming first-professional degree students often must meet prerequisite requirements. Medical schools and physical therapy programs, for instance, require coursework in the natural sciences, anatomy, and mathematics to gain admission.

Career Benefits

Even in fields where a graduate degree is not required for license qualifications, earning one can still help professionals advance in their current field or move into a new career.

A graduate degree can yield a higher earning potential in nearly every field. In 2018, men with master’s degrees reported a median annual income of $99,620, compared to $75,150 with a bachelor’s degree. Meanwhile, women with master’s degrees earned $66,740, compared to only $56,680 with a bachelor’s. Doctorates similarly increase earning potential: Men with doctoral degrees earned $115,790, while women with doctorates earned $95,170.

In addition to higher salaries, a graduate education often leads to a lower unemployment rate. In 2019, the BLS reported an unemployment rate of 2.0% for professionals with master’s degrees and 1.1% for those with doctorates. Both figures fall well below the average rate of 3.0%.

Financial Considerations

For many students, financial factors are the biggest question when it comes to attending graduate school. According to the National Center for Education Statistics , the average tuition and fees for graduate school exceeds $19,000 per year. Many private schools charge even higher rates.

As a result, many graduate learners carry student loan debt. In 2016, 52.8% of master’s enrollees had student debt, with an average of $50,300 to repay. Among doctoral-level learners, 43.6% reported student debt, with an average of $105,700 in loans. Similarly, 73.5% of first-professional degree students took out loans, adding up to an average of $178,800 in related debt.

In some schools — particularly online, hybrid, and part-time programs — graduate students can continue to work while earning their degrees, reducing the need to take out loans. Full-time or accelerated programs are often too time-consuming for degree-seekers to maintain employment.

Who Should Go to Graduate School?

The decision to go to grad school depends on your interests and career goals. Some career paths require graduate degrees: If you’re set on a career as a dentist or a college professor, you’ll need to attend graduate school. However, you can also consider alternatives that do not require graduate degrees, like becoming a dental hygienist or high school teacher.

Prospective grad students also need to balance the professional benefits of advanced degrees against the associated costs. It’s worth considering the opportunity cost of graduate study . Can you work while earning a degree or will you need to leave the workforce for several years? How will that impact your career goals? The answer is different for everyone, so it’s important to do your own research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is graduate school like.

In graduate school, degree-seekers take advanced courses in their fields. Many graduate programs allow students to specialize in a focus area within the discipline. Depending on the program, grad students might analyze data, evaluate arguments, complete projects, and write papers. Some graduate programs require comprehensive examinations or dissertations.

Is Graduate School Difficult?

The difficulty of graduate school depends on the student and the program. Grad schools expect solid foundational knowledge in the discipline, with many programs setting high expectations. However, some students find grad school engaging and exciting, despite the difficulty.

Is Graduate School Worth It?

In many fields, a graduate degree pays off. While grad school tuition can add up, professionals with master’s or doctoral degrees consistently out-earn those with only bachelor’s degrees, so the long-term financial rewards may outweigh the cost of student loans.

How Many Years Is Graduate School?

The length of a graduate program depends on the degree and field. Some programs offer accelerated one-year master’s degrees, while a doctorate can take five years or longer. When researching graduate school timelines, pay attention to the type of program. An accelerated program is more intensive, but finishes sooner, while a part-time program takes longer, but allows for more schedule flexibility.

What Do You Do in Graduate School?

In many graduate programs, learners take courses, seminars, and workshops to strengthen their knowledge and skills. Grad students may also complete internships, work on capstone projects, or research and write theses.

Should You Go to Graduate School?

If you’re considering a graduate-level education, take the time to research the total cost of the degree, the placement record for each prospective program, and whether you need a graduate degree for advancement in your chosen career. In the end, only you can decide whether a graduate degree is right for you.

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Graduate Certificate vs. Master’s Degree: What’s the Difference?

Learn the similarities and differences between these two postgraduate academic credentials.

Mary Sharp Emerson

Adding a postgraduate credential like a master’s degree or a graduate certificate to your resume can be a great way to advance your career. It might even be a stepping stone on the pathway to an exciting career change. 

Knowing which credential to choose, however, can be challenging.

A master’s degree and a graduate certificate can both be valuable. They have many similarities. But they are not interchangeable. 

Understanding the differences between them before you go back to school can help ensure that you choose the right one.

What is a Master’s Degree?

A master’s degree is an academic postgraduate credential designed to help you build broad, foundational expertise in a specific field or discipline. Completing a master’s usually (although not always) requires several years of coursework and a thesis or capstone project.

Master’s degrees are offered by a university or other accredited academic institution. To earn your master’s degree, you’ll have to successfully complete a set number of credit hours. 

Most master’s degree programs require 10-12 courses. To earn many of the master’s degrees at Harvard Extension School, for example, you’ll have to earn a B or higher in 12 courses (48 credits). However, each master’s degree program will define its requirements slightly differently. 

Depending on the specific program, you will likely have to complete several required courses. You’ll also have the option to tailor your program by choosing electives in areas of special interest to you.

You may also be required to complete a research or capstone project or a thesis. This project will allow you to customize your program even more, as well as further demonstrate expertise in a specialized area. 

Some master’s degree programs require a full-time, on-campus commitment. Many master’s degree programs today, however, can be completed part time (often partially or fully online). Although this takes longer than attending full time, you can continue to work while earning your degree.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a master’s degree program .

Explore master’s degree programs at Harvard Extension School.

What is a Graduate Certificate?

Similar to a master’s degree, a graduate certificate is a credit-based academic credential offered by a university. However, a graduate certificate is more narrowly focused on a specialized field than a master’s degree.

Graduate certificates are a significantly smaller investment in time and money than a master’s. They usually require completion of between three and five graduate-level courses. Most graduate certificates at Harvard Extension require four courses, for example.

You can earn a graduate certificate as a stand-alone credential. Although a graduate certificate is not an academic degree, you may be able to stack your certificate coursework toward a master’s degree.

You can find graduate certificates in a wide range of fields. Technical certificate topics include cybersecurity and data science , for instance. 

If you’re in management, you may want to supplement your corporate knowledge with a certificate in nonprofit or strategic management . Or you may want to improve your leadership skills with a graduate certificate in social justice or equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging . 

Most graduate certificates can be completed part time. Many offer a variety of class formats, including asynchronous or synchronous online courses and in-person courses. 

Explore Graduate Certificates at Harvard Extension School.

How is a graduate certificate different from a professional certification?

A graduate certificate is not the same as a professional or industry certification.

A professional certification is a nonacademic credential awarded by a professional or industry organization. Earning a professional certification usually requires passing a test or exam demonstrating knowledge of a set of skills or a specific tool. You may need to take a class or complete coursework to pass the exam. 

For example, to earn a Project Management Graduate Certificate at Harvard Extension School, you have to earn at least a B in four graduate-level courses in management, leadership, and strategy. To earn a Project Management Professional Certification , offered by the PMI Institute, you have to meet the PMI Institute qualification requirements and pass the PMP exam. 

Graduate Certificate vs. Master’s: What Are the Key Differences?

Understanding the key differences between a graduate certificate and a master’s degree is the first step in choosing between these two credentials. 

Here are some points of comparison that may help guide your decision-making process:

• Required number of courses: Graduate certificates usually require significantly fewer courses than a master’s degree. At Harvard Extension School, for instance, most graduate certificates require four courses. Most master’s programs require 10 to 12 courses. 
• Degree of specialization : A master’s degree is designed to give you broad and deep knowledge in a field. A graduate certificate is more narrowly focused; you can build specialized skills in an area. For example, you could earn a master’s degree in sustainability and a graduate certificate in sustainable food systems. 
• Level of commitment : Graduate certificates are designed with the working professional in mind. Most certificates can be completed online, with flexible live or on-demand class offerings. Master’s degree programs vary significantly in their flexibility and the extent to which they tailor to working professionals. Some master’s degrees, for example, may be fully in person or may require that a percentage of your classes be taken on campus.
• Cost and financial aid : Graduate certificates cost less to complete than master’s degree programs because you are required to complete fewer credits. However, once you are enrolled in a master’s degree program, you may be eligible for federal and state student loans and grants. Students working toward a certificate are not eligible for student loans, although private loans and employer tuition assistance may still be an option. 
• Admissions process : Starting a certificate may have fewer admissions requirements than enrolling in a master’s degree program. You may be able to complete a certificate simply by taking (and passing) the appropriate classes. The admissions process for a master’s degree program varies greatly. Some master’s degree programs, for example, require a formal application process. To begin the admissions process at Harvard Extension School, on the other hand, you first successfully complete a set number of courses in the master’s degree course of study. 

Graduate Certificate vs. Master’s: Which is Best for Me?

When it comes to choosing a graduate certificate or master’s degree, there’s no right or wrong choice. 

Both credentials—when earned from a reputable, accredited university—demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge in your field. And they also demonstrate your ability and commitment to lifelong learning, a trait highly valued by many employers.

Your choice will depend on the skills you hope to gain, your unique career goals, and the level of commitment—both in time and in money—you can make to a graduate program.

Benefits of a Graduate Certificate

A graduate certificate may be most valuable for individuals who want to fill a gap in your skillset or deepen your understanding of a topic area that relates to your work. A graduate certificate might also be best for you if you find yourself unable to commit to the time or cost that it would take to complete a master’s program. Graduate certificates are a great option for students seeking to continue their education while working full time.

Benefits of a Master’s Degree

A master’s degree demonstrates a broader, more advanced breadth of knowledge across a particular field. The knowledge and skills you gain from a master’s program may be transferable across multiple career paths. While it may take longer and cost more to earn your master’s degree, the long-term benefits should make the hard work and commitment worth it.

Stacking Your Credentials

In some cases, you may find you don’t have to choose. At Harvard Extension School, for instance, the courses you take to earn a certificate may also apply to a master’s degree program. Many graduate students complete one or more graduate certificates while completing a master’s degree.

Going back to school is a big decision — one that can have a critical impact on your career. The good news is that there are many options and opportunities for continuing your education. Whether you choose a graduate certificate or a master’s, both can be an excellent investment in your future.

Ready to get started? Find the program that’s right for you.

Browse all graduate programs at Harvard Extension School.

About the Author

Digital Content Producer

Emerson is a Digital Content Producer at Harvard DCE. She is a graduate of Brandeis University and Yale University and started her career as an international affairs analyst. She is an avid triathlete and has completed three Ironman triathlons, as well as the Boston Marathon.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what is a graduate degree.

I've been hearing a lot about graduate degrees lately but I'm not exactly sure what they entail. Can someone explain the concept of a graduate degree and how it differs from an undergraduate degree?

A graduate degree is an advanced level of education that you can pursue after completing your undergraduate degree (also known as a bachelor's degree). Graduate degrees build upon the knowledge and skills acquired during your undergraduate studies and allow you to specialize in a particular field of study. There are two main types of graduate degrees: master's degrees and doctoral degrees.

A master's degree typically takes 1-2 years to complete and offers more in-depth study in a specific area, such as a Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or Master of Fine Arts (MFA). These degrees are designed to help you gain advanced skills or expand your knowledge in your chosen field, which can lead to career advancement or increased earning potential.

A doctoral degree, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Education (EdD), or Doctor of Medicine (MD), takes longer to complete, usually around 5-7 years. It is the highest level of academic degree and is focused on original research, advanced study, and academic expertise in a specific area. To earn a doctoral degree, you'll be required to complete extensive research, write a dissertation or thesis, and often defend your findings in front of a faculty committee.

The key difference between an undergraduate and graduate degree lies in the depth and complexity of the coursework, with graduate degrees delving deeper into the subject matter and often involving more research and critical thinking. Additionally, graduate degrees provide specialized knowledge and skills, which can be beneficial for career advancement or a transition to a different field.

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What is Graduate School? The Ultimate Guide

Everyone seems to be going to grad school these days. In today’s hyper-competitive job market, an undergraduate degree is often no longer enough, and you’ll need an advanced degree to pursue the career of your dreams.

So what is graduate school exactly? And what do you need to know before choosing a grad course and putting in your application?

Table of Contents

What is Graduate School?

Graduate programs are offered as advanced courses at many universities, as well as dedicated graduate colleges. Before we dive deeper into what is graduate school, let’s first be clear on what a graduate program is.  

W hat is a Graduate Program?

In simple terms, a grad program offers a focused, advanced level of study in a specific professional or academic discipline.

You’ll need to fulfill certain requirements to successfully apply for a graduate program. In most cases , you’ll need to first complete a bachelor’s degree before you can go to grad school. 

Some grad courses have a specific degree as a prerequisite. For example, for a doctorate, you’ll generally need to first complete a master’s degree in that discipline.

Different Graduate Programs

The term “graduate school” can cover different types of courses and a wide array of subjects. 

The main types of graduate programs are:

• Doctorates (also known as PhDs or doctoral degrees) – This is the most advanced type of degree possible and can be undertaken in any academic discipline.
• Master’s degrees – An advanced degree usually lasting two years, which is either designed to lead to a doctorate or as a terminal degree for a particular profession. As with a PhD, a masters can also be in a range of academic disciplines, including a Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), and Master of Business Administration (MBA), among many others.
• Professional degrees – These give you the specialist knowledge and skills you need to become a professional in a particular field, such as law or medicine .

How Long is Graduate School?

Graduate degrees vary in length depending on the course, but doctorates are by far the longest. Completing a PhD usually takes between five and seven years, and can take up to eight years. According to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics , the median time that students took to finish a doctorate was 5.8 years in 2019.

On the other hand:

• Most law school programs last for three years, with some accelerated two-year courses.
• Business school generally lasts two years, with some one-year accelerated programs available.
• Medical school, dental school, and pharmacy school all take four years, not including residency which doctors must complete after graduation.

How Much Does Grad School Cost?

The cost of grad school can vary widely depending on what course you choose, and whether you choose a public or private institution. According to moneyunder30 , the average tuition for a master’s degree is around $30,000 a year at a public university and $40,000 a year at a private institution. Some courses can be significantly more expensive, though you can apply for grants or financial aid to make the fees more affordable.

Is Grad School Right for Me?

The truth is that grad school simply isn’t for everyone. Although there are many advantages of grad school, it does involve a significant investment of both time and money. It’s important to carefully consider the below factors before deciding to sign up for a graduate program.

Benefits of Going to Grad School

So you have an idea of what graduate school is, but why would you want to go to grad school?

Many people choose a graduate program because the qualification is essential for their career. For example, if you want to become a doctor or a lawyer, you’ll need to go to grad school. Similarly, if you’re interested in becoming an academic, you’re unlikely to be successful if you don’t have a PhD.

Besides advancing your career, attending graduate school has a number of other benefits:

• It allows you to develop high-level research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• It gives you excellent networking opportunities that will help you to advance your career.
• Even if not strictly necessary for your chosen career, a graduate degree may give you better opportunities for advancement and higher salaries.
• You’ll be able to pursue your passion about a particular subject.
• There are many part-time and online grad courses that you can balance with your work commitments, and your employer may sponsor you to gain a relevant qualification.

What’s the difference between grad school and college?

Besides the type of degree that you’ll study at graduate school, there are some other key differences between grad school and college.

The meaning of grad school is that the students are typically already graduates – most graduate programs have a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite. This has certain implications. Firstly, your professors will expect you to meet higher academic standards than they did during your undergraduate degree. Grad school is not just about learning facts and repeating them in exams or papers. Instead, you will be expected to do your own research and come up with your own ideas and theories.

Graduate studies are also more focused. As part of a bachelor’s course, you usually take classes in a range of disciplines to gain entry-level knowledge on many subjects. Grad school is the time to concentrate on one particular topic and dig into it to a much deeper level. This means that you should already be pretty sure of the career you want to pursue, while college allows you to try different things out and explore different study and career options. On the other hand, at grad school you will become an expert in your field of choice.

Finally, graduate schools are typically smaller and more selective than undergraduate colleges. On the upside, you will be part of a smaller, higher-quality cohort of students. This allows for more student interaction, as well as closer attention from your professionals and tutors. However, this also makes grad school generally more difficult to get into compared to college.

What’s the difference between graduate school and professional school?

Graduate courses can be broken down into two main classifications – academic and professional. 

Broadly speaking, for an academic graduate program you will need to create an original and in-depth piece of research. 

On the other hand, professional courses are all about learning the specific skills and knowledge you’ll need for a certain profession. These programs often include work experience such as internships or placements. Some graduate programs are a combination of academic and professional approaches.

Academic disciplines include:

• Sciences, such as chemistry, physics, and biology
• Social sciences, such as psychology , sociology, and anthropology
• The humanities, such as history , art, and languages

Professional disciplines include:

Essentially, a professional school is a type of grad school. However, some people make the distinction between the two, classifying only advanced academic studies as graduate school, and the rest as professional school. It’s really only a question of terminology – both are advanced courses which share a number of characteristics and advantages!

How to Prepare for Graduate School

Once you’ve decided that grad school is the way you want to go, you’ll need to choose where you want to study. More importantly, you’ll need to put in an application and have it accepted!

How to Choose the Right Graduate School for You

There is a huge range of different graduate courses and programs available, so how do you choose the right one for you? These questions should help you to narrow down your search and find a grad school that will give you the skills, knowledge, and qualifications you need to build your dream career.

What is the school’s reputation?

Choosing a grad school with a strong reputation is critically important. Not only does a good reputation reflect a high standard of teaching and facilities, but your qualification will be highly regarded by future employers. Before deciding on a grad school, be sure to do some research into their reputation.

Public versus private school

Public graduate schools receive public funding so are generally much cheaper than private schools, which rely on tuition fees to run. However, this is not a hard and fast rule – some private schools can be cheaper than certain public schools.

How big is the school?

Private schools typically have smaller class sizes, meaning you’ll get more attention for your professors and build relationships with other students. On the other hand, larger schools can offer better networking opportunities.

Do you want an academic or professional grad course?

Whether you choose a professional or academic graduate course will depend largely on the future career you want. However, you should also consider the way these courses are run. Academic graduate courses usually involve a high degree of research, and often you’ll need to create an in-depth dissertation.

On the other hand, professional grad courses focus more on skill building and typically include a work experience component. Think about which style of learning you prefer, and which is more likely to make you successful.

How to Apply for Grad School

Graduate programs are smaller and more selective than their undergraduate counterparts, and therefore look for a higher level of applicant. Of course, applying for an undergraduate course at Harvard or Stanford will be tougher than some grad schools. However, generally speaking you will have to work harder on your grad school application than did for your undergraduate course.

Applying for grad school usually requires:

• A competitive admissions test or entry exam
• A strong academic record demonstrated through excellent academic transcripts
• Recommendations from academic or professional referees
• Writing a statement of purpose showing why you want to take the course
• An application fee (in addition to the course fees)

The exact requirements will depend on the course and the institution you choose. Some grad schools will also ask for a sample of your academic writing, an example of project work, your portfolio, or your resume/CV. Be sure to check these with the grad school you want to apply to, and give yourself plenty of time to get your application together ahead of the deadline!

In fact, you should give yourself at least one academic year to research graduate courses and pull together everything you’ll need for your application. So if you want to go straight from college to grad school, it’s a good idea to start this process at the end of your junior year.

Final Thoughts

We hope you now have all the answers to the question: “what is graduate school?” and how to make the best decisions to set yourself up for a brighter future. 

Although going to grad school is not for everyone, it can provide you with invaluable skills, in-depth knowledge, and qualifications — and lets you pursue your dream career!

If you’re interested in learning more, check out our top tips for getting into Ivy League grad school and our guide on how many grad schools you should apply to .

The GradCafe Editor

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Principles and Characteristics of Graduate Education

Graduate education.

Graduate education distinguishes itself by advanced systematic study and experience in depth—a depth in understanding, knowledge, scholarly competence, inquiry, and discovery.  Graduates are equipped to contribute to their disciplines, to teach and transmit knowledge within their disciplines, to conduct research and produce creative works, to apply their learning in the everyday world, and ultimately to extend service to their disciplines and to humanity.  

Although diversity in focus, methodology, and implementation is expected across the spectrum of graduate programs at BYU, strong programs are characterized by selective admission of highly qualified students, graduate faculty committed to excellence, and rigorous programs of study conducted in a context of faith.  A few fundamental principles characterize all strong graduate programs.  These principles emerge from and complement the Mission and Aims of a BYU Education .  These principles are listed below followed by some characteristics that are required to realize these principles.

Principles of Graduate Education

Mastery of the subject matter.   Graduate education facilitates mastery over the content and skills of the discipline at a level appropriate to the degree sought.

Critical thinking.  Graduate education develops and refines critical thinking skills including a thorough knowledge of the assumptions of the discipline and an understanding of viable alternative assumptions.

Theoretical understanding.  Graduate education provides an understanding of the theoretical bases of the field of study.  It grounds application and performance in theory.

Proficiency in research and/or creative activities.   Graduate education develops proficiencies that advance the knowledge and activities of the discipline.  These proficiencies include good writing skills as well as the ability to present original insights and creative expressions.

Spiritual discernment and moral integrity.   Graduate education facilitates the growth of integrity and wisdom and the integration of faith into the pursuit of knowledge within the discipline.

Service orientation.  Graduate education instills responsibility to return the special benefits of graduate training to the larger community.

Wide representation of perspectives.  Graduate education presents an intellectually and culturally rich encounter with the discipline.  Study and inquiry are conducted in a context sensitive to ethnic and cultural diversity. 

Characteristics of Strong Graduate Programs

I.         Clear Definition of Purpose

• Only graduate degrees essential to the department’s mission and important to the larger mission of the university are offered by the department.
• The department has determined and clearly stated the aims for the future of its graduate program(s).   It has a plan for constant improvement and is pursuing it vigorously.
• The department has determined and clearly stated the focus and purpose of its graduate program(s).   It does not necessarily attempt to offer degrees or emphases in all areas of its discipline.   Students admitted pursue coursework, research, and degrees only in areas in which faculty are producing and publishing scholarly work and are well qualified to teach and direct research.
• The department regularly evaluates its graduate programs, faculty, facilities, and library holdings, identifying weak areas that need strengthening and determining if any programs or emphases should be dropped or added.
• The department does not see a graduate degree as simply an accumulation of credits.   Faculty members understand that graduate work at a university is inherently involved in the discovery of new knowledge, and they seek to understand and propound the theoretical principles that lie behind what can be observed and tested.  
• Graduate education extends beyond the acquisition of practical skills and endeavors to encompass the practical within the theoretical.   The department makes a concerted effort to educate graduate students to extend their understanding using both tools and theory.

II.        Qualified Graduate Faculty

Effective mentoring

• The department and college apply appropriate criteria for identifying graduate faculty.   There are sufficient numbers of well-prepared, full-time graduate faculty members in the department’s areas of specialty to support strong graduate work in those areas.   All department faculty members support the graduate programs of the department.
• Department faculty members keep current in their fields and continually update course content and teaching methods to engage students and immerse them in the discipline.
• Faculty members strengthen students spiritually by integrating spirituality into formal teaching, by teaching the ethics of the discipline, and by exemplifying integrity and devotion.

Scholarly productivity

• Graduate faculty members are active scholars or artist-scholars who do significant research and regularly publish in national or international refereed journals and presses, or who present or perform their artistic work for wide and authoritative critical review.   Their books, articles, papers, and creative work make significant contributions to their disciplines.
• Faculty members are involved in scholarly and creative activities in their discipline, participate in regional, national and international conferences, and work with colleagues at other universities and centers of learning.
• In disciplines where the norms of scholarship require external funding, faculty members actively seek funding to support their research programs and to enhance graduate student involvement in research or creative work.
• Faculty members use professional development leaves to extend their knowledge in their disciplines and to invigorate their research.

Dedication to service and citizenship

• Faculty members strive to assure that all activities support the mission of the university, build the Kingdom of God, and bless students, colleagues, and humanity.
• Faculty members contribute to the intellectual climate of the department and the university through service, including conscientious attention to committee assignments and collaboration in research, scholarship, or creative endeavors with colleagues and students.
• Faculty members contribute to the professional community through service such as conference organization and participation and editorship of journals and other forums.   Competing activities, such as paid consultation work, are kept to a minimum, and are engaged in only when such activities advance knowledge and skills in the discipline, strengthen research, and enhance the influence and respect of the university.

III.     High Academic Standards

Well-established admissions standards and practices

• The department has an active recruitment program to attract excellent students from undergraduate and graduate programs at other universities.   It does not rely solely on an applicant pool of its own undergraduates.  
• The department has clearly stated and effectively communicated admissions standards.   These standards are reviewed regularly and revised as needed.   The department sets high expectations and employs several criteria such as the undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, and professional experience in making admissions decisions.   It admits provisionally only if an applicant shows exceptional promise.
• The department admits students only when all or virtually all prerequisite requirements have been met.
• The department is consistent in applying its admission standards, and it is timely in making admissions decisions.   These decisions are made by a faculty admissions committee or by the faculty as a whole.   All graduate faculty members have some input in admissions decisions.
• The department attracts sufficient numbers of qualified applicants to offer fullfledged graduate programs with adequate course offerings and to provide a stimulating graduate culture for students.   Nevertheless, the department admits only as many students as it can effectively guide through a rigorous, carefully advised program.   It considers student-faculty ratios, especially in light of specialties that applicants wish to pursue.

Strong curriculum and rigorous course work

• The curriculum is well designed, relatively stable, and leads to strong preparation of students.   The department offers enough courses to support a full graduate program, and it lists no courses that are “on the books” but rarely taught.   The curriculum is appropriate for the preparation and specialties of the faculty and reflects leadership in the discipline.
• The classroom experience is qualitatively different from that in the undergraduate program.   The department does not double list courses by undergraduate and graduate numbers (such as 400 and 600) and avoids all practices that dilute the classroom experience for graduate students.   When advanced undergraduates register for 500-level courses, they do so with the understanding that the course is taught at a graduate level and that the expectations for them are the same as for graduate students.
• Credits earned through directed readings, independent or off-campus projects, or employment-related projects are kept to a minimum, and where such courses are approved by the department, they are as rigorous and demanding as regular courses.   In such courses, the teacher and student formulate an agreement of requirements and expectations and file that “contract” with the department office. The student receives credit only when the agreement has been fulfilled.
• Courses require extensive writing assignments of substance and consequence that train students to think critically.   Student papers adhere to high standards of composition, and they are carefully criticized and assessed, sometimes by both teacher and other students.
• All courses, even those considered to be applied courses, have a strong theoretical foundation based on current research.   They require investigation beyond classroom experiences and textbooks.   Where possible, they include demanding essay examinations.
• Every graduate course provides a course outline and syllabus in which the teacher’s expectations are clearly stated and the course description is comprehensive and clear.
• Graduate students have opportunities for learning outside the major department.
• The department enriches its graduate curriculum with presentations by visiting lecturers, with colloquia, and with other opportunities for learning outside the regular curriculum.
• Course grades accurately reflect student achievement and are not inflated.

Excellence in dissertations, theses, and projects

• The department offers a strong course in research methodology specific to the discipline.
• The department requires a culminating writing experience of its graduate students, regardless of whether the student is in a traditional or an applied program.   The final paper is usually a research-based dissertation or thesis, but may be a project or report in a master’s program.   All doctoral students prepare formal dissertations.
• Dissertations and theses are on topics of real consequence, and their content makes substantial contributions to some aspect of the discipline.   The contributions of projects are held to standards comparable to those of   dissertations and theses. By their excellence and uniqueness, these research and writing experiences impressively demonstrate the achievements, knowledge, and skills of the students at the time the graduate degree is completed.
• The prospectus is treated as a critical aspect of the student’s research.   It is prepared before intensive research begins and is subjected to broad department review.
• The research design, the preparation of the prospectus, the research itself, and the preparation of the dissertation, thesis, or project are carefully directed by the student’s advisory committee.   Problems in research design or methodology are discovered and corrected at the prospectus stage.
• The dissertation, thesis, or project engages a topic that the faculty adviser is well prepared to direct.
• The dissertation, thesis, or project is well written and   leads to a publishable piece of work.   Students are encouraged to publish their work and are assisted in the effort to find a publisher.   Where appropriate, faculty members and students publish collaboratively.

Well-developed procedures for preparing and conducting comprehensive and oral examinations

• Department comprehensive and oral examinations are demanding and fair.   They require currency in the field, thorough analysis of the questions or problems posed, and synthesis of knowledge in the discipline, all at a level appropriate for the degree to be awarded.   They also require grace and skill in expression.
• The examination questions are carefully conceived and well-written.    Test questions demand a grasp of essentials and the ability to analyze and synthesize.
• The department provides published and well-publicized criteria as to what constitutes acceptable performance on department oral and comprehensive examinations.   The purpose, format, range of content, and nature of examinations are described, and sample questions from past examinations are available for study.
• The department applies consistent and rigorous standards in the evaluation of examinations.   There is a mechanism for providing feedback and a clear policy on the retaking of failed comprehensive examinations.

IV.     Well-defined, Clearly Articulated, and Helpful Procedures

Broadly based college and department governance

• Graduate faculty members participate in all departmental decisions that affect the department’s academic programs, the quality of the degrees offered, and the professional lives of the faculty.
• All faculty members of appropriate status and rank have input in hiring, continuing status, and advancement in rank decisions in the department.   The department conducts a national search for new faculty members and makes hiring, continuing status, and promotion decisions according to a set of established, well-publicized criteria and procedures which are at least as rigorous as university guidelines and expectations.
• New faculty members are mentored in their preparation for continuing status review or advancement in rank nomination.
• Through peer-elected representatives, graduate students have a voice in departmental decisions that affect graduate programs.
• The goals of graduate programs are not based solely on expectations of external accrediting agencies.   Rather, they exceed the quality required by such agencies and thus maintain independence.
• Department programs are created, defined, and influenced by genuine, significant developments within the discipline consistent with available resources rather than by perceived market demands and short-lived trends.
• The department has a written assessment plan and uses it routinely to improve graduate programs.

Effective advisement of students

• Faculty members are conscientious in their advisement of students.   They keep regularly scheduled office hours and have frequent scholarly interaction with students.   They return thesis drafts and other materials promptly so that students experience no unnecessary delays in completion of their programs.
• The department recognizes that a student’s first responsibility is to his or her own academic program.   Care is taken to ensure that other duties, such as teaching undergraduate courses, enhance the graduate education experience and do not impede student’s progress toward a degree.   The number of courses a graduate student teaches is strictly limited.
• The department has a published set (a student handbook) of current policies, requirements, expectations, and procedures that describes with clarity and in detail what graduate students need to know to enter a program and successfully complete a degree in the department.
• University and department deadlines are well publicized.
• The department has formal orientation procedures or seminars to acquaint new students with the expectations and requirements of graduate study in the department and the university.
• Each student is well informed from the beginning, having been assigned a sponsor who assists in the selection of a permanent adviser.   That selection is made by the end of the first semester.
• The department conducts at least annual evaluations, at clearly designated times, of each student’s progress and informs the student of his or her status.   If marginal or unsatisfactory progress is noted, the department   informs the student of action required   to demonstrate satisfactory progress.
• The department has determined an optimum time length for program completion and moves its students through on schedule.
• A high percentage of the students on the department’s rolls are actually on campus pursuing degrees at any given time.
• The department graduates a high percentage of the students it admits.
• The department provides published information about financial aid opportunities for students in its programs.
• Students who have teaching assignments are well trained to perform those assignments ably.
• The department assists graduate students in finding employment or advanced educational opportunities suitable to their preparation and experience after they leave the department.

  Appropriate faculty assignments

• Faculty members who are teaching and advising in the graduate program are given ample opportunity for scholarly work and professional development.
• The department sets reasonable limits on the number of graduate advisees assigned to any one faculty member.  
• Faculty assignments in the graduate program are not performed on an “overload” basis.
• Faculty members who are teaching and advising in the graduate program are teaching neither in night school nor in off-campus programs on an “overload” basis.

Responsible class scheduling

• The department publishes and distributes to graduate students a multi-year schedule of course offerings, enabling students to plan their study.
• Graduate course offerings are sequenced appropriately and offered with sufficient frequency to prevent delays in degree completion.

V.         Adequate Resources

• The department regularly assesses its resources and makes realistic decisions about its graduate program(s) in light of these resources.
• The department provides research support—in the form of equipment, laboratories or studios, staff assistance, and funds (where possible)—for the   research programs of faculty members who teach and advise graduate students.
• The department works closely and continuously with the library to ensure that the collection supports the research and teaching needs of the department.   The department is aware of particularly valuable library resources in its discipline and informs graduate students of those resources.
• The department and its faculty members actively and persistently seek outside funding to support research and graduate students.   Department graduate students receive adequate financial support and early notification of that support.
• The department allows faculty members sufficient time to do superior work in both teaching and research, and to advise and mentor graduate students in a thorough manner.
• Graduate students have adequate space and opportunity for informal discussion and interaction, and those who teach undergraduates have adequate facilities for advising and helping their students with class assignments.   Graduate students also have access to facilities and equipment needed in their graduate research.
• The department encourages faculty members to consult, collaborate, and share resources (courses, computer labs, etc.) with colleagues who have common curricular interests in other departments and colleges.

Research and Writing at Graduate Level

Any program leading to the Master of Arts fosters the student’s transition into a profession. Students learn how to discuss ideas in a particular discipline as professionals among professionals. To attain this goal, graduate students routinely engage in research and writing where correct documentation of sources signifies much more than the avoidance of plagiarism. Research and writing about scholarly discoveries signal the graduate student’s membership in a professional community.

Thus research papers written for graduate courses will differ from those written for undergraduate courses. The graduate student’s research paper will sustain deeper analysis of a topic at greater length and with narrower focus than the undergraduate paper. Graduate research papers will employ a significant scope of sources that are current, authoritative, and recognized within a particular area of study. Additionally, the graduate research paper demonstrates the student’s ability to identify appropriate topics related to course material and to exercise independence in both research and writing.

Graduate-level papers will also demonstrate the student’s ability to document all sources accurately and to edit carefully for standard American English. Students should refer to  The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers , 8th Edition (ISBN 978-1-60329-262-7), if they have questions about documentation, though some courses may ask students to follow the Chicago Manual of Style or the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association .

To prepare students for the level of research and writing required in graduate courses, professors incorporate into their classes instruction in bibliography and methodology appropriate to course content. Professors will assist students to access and learn how to access and evaluate scholarly materials. Professors may further provide rubrics or specific requirements about the nature and originality of the research and writing expected in fulfillment of a particular assignment.

For information on academic misconduct and plagiarism, see the Honor Code section of the Graduate Student Handbook.

Graduate Certificate Vs. Degree: Do You Need A Master’s Degree?

Updated: Aug 14, 2023, 10:24am

After earning a bachelor’s degree and getting some professional experience under your belt, you might discover there’s more you need to learn. Whether you want to qualify for higher-level positions, change careers or specialize in a niche topic, earning a postgraduate credential—such as a master’s degree or graduate certificate—is a great next step.

Graduate certificates aren’t master’s degrees, but they do permit you to enroll in graduate-level classes at reputable universities. After finishing a set series of classes, you receive a certificate to show your achievement. At some colleges, graduate certificates can also count toward a full master’s degree.

Choosing between a graduate certificate vs. degree program comes down to your career aspirations, budget and schedule. Read on to learn more about the benefits of both educational paths and how to determine which is the right fit for you.

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Master’s vs. Graduate Certificate

Master’s degrees are generally longer, more comprehensive and pricier than graduate certificates, which take less time to complete and focus more narrowly on a niche subject. Read on to compare and contrast these credentials.

What Is a Master’s Degree?

A master’s degree is a postgraduate degree; you must hold a bachelor’s degree to enroll in a master’s program. In some fields, a master’s degree is the highest level of education. For other career paths, such as academia and research, graduates may continue on to a doctoral program.

While graduate programs vary in format and length, master’s degrees typically take one to two years to complete. Enrollees complete 10 to 14 courses offering advanced insights on their chosen subject, building on the foundation of their undergraduate education.

While deepening students’ knowledge of their field, graduate courses also allow learners to specialize in a particular interest area. While pursuing a master’s in accounting , for example, learners might specialize in taxation, supply chain management or data analytics. In this way, they can personalize their education and define their career path by choosing and customizing a program to fit their goals.

What Is a Graduate Certificate?

A graduate certificate is not a degree, but it’s still a quantifiable achievement that can boost your résumé. Accredited universities offer graduate certificates as an alternative—and sometimes a starting point—to a full master’s program.

Graduate certificates differ from master’s degrees in both time and scope. Certificates typically consist of three to five courses and do not include a thesis or capstone component. The curriculum is highly specialized, covering a much narrower scope of information than a two-year program would.

Benefits of a Master’s Degree

If you have the time and budget, a master’s degree can be a worthwhile investment in your future. While a bachelor’s degree is enough to get started in many fields, earning a graduate degree qualifies you to take on leadership roles, paving the way for promotions or upper-management positions. Some industries, like finance, research and education, prefer a master’s degree, and many roles require one.

Graduate programs can empower you to make a career change, too. Completing graduate coursework can increase your confidence and develop the skills you need to apply for new roles. Even though master’s degrees allow for specialization, many are comprehensive enough to provide a basis for various career paths within your chosen field.

Increase Your Earning Potential

Advanced degrees typically lead to higher-level positions with higher earnings. In 2022, workers with master’s degrees reported median weekly earnings of $1,661, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . In comparison, those with bachelor’s degrees earned $1,432 per week.

Build Your Network

In addition to their academic benefits, graduate programs create opportunities for professional connections. During your program, you can forge relationships with your peers and professors, as well as industry professionals. These interactions may not pay off immediately, but building an extensive network may open unexpected doors.

Demonstrate Your Skills

Master’s degrees often involve a thesis or capstone project. Completing a thesis or an independent research project allows you to dive into a topic that interests you. The goal is to prove your mastery of the subject area, along with your writing skills, logical reasoning and research capabilities.

In a capstone course, students synthesize and apply everything they’ve learned in their coursework. An MBA capstone project, for example, might involve analyzing and developing solutions for a real-world client.

Benefits of a Graduate Certificate

With a shorter, more focused certificate, you can refine your skills in a particular area or close a gap in your knowledge. Certificates allow you to stay competitive in a constantly changing market by keeping on top of developments in your industry, such as new technology or environmental considerations, without going back to school for a full degree.

A few benefits set graduate certificates apart from master’s degrees:

More Flexibility

If you’re working full time, earning a graduate certificate may suit your busy schedule better. While each graduate-level course still requires a significant time commitment, with a graduate certificate program, you can take just one class at a time and complete the credential at a slower pace. Some programs even let you skip a term and finish when you have more time.

Plus, certificates are commonly offered online, allowing you to complete them from anywhere.

Since graduate certificate programs are run through universities, you’ll have to pay per-credit tuition for each course. But with fewer credits required, graduate certificates are much more affordable than master’s degrees. You’ll also pay for fewer associated costs, such as textbooks, housing and transportation.

As an example, Stanford University offers an online master’s degree in computer science , which could take up to five years for part-time learners to complete. Earning the degree’s required 45 credits would cost $65,520.

Alternatively, students could take a smaller selection of courses to earn a graduate certificate in artificial intelligence or advanced software systems from Stanford. With fewer credits, part-time learners could complete the program in one or two years for less than $24,000.

Easier Application

Enrolling in a graduate certificate program is usually fairly simple. You may need to submit a statement of purpose, your academic history and your professional experience, but you won’t need to take the GRE. Some schools are more competitive, but the application process and turnaround is generally quicker than applying to grad school.

What Is the Difference Between a Graduate Certificate and a Professional Certificate?

Unlike graduate certificates, professional certificates aren’t academic programs. Professional certificate programs may include coursework, but not graduate-level classes offered through a university. Rather, industry and professional development organizations usually run professional certificate programs, which can still advance your career depending on your field.

Some jobs require you to earn a professional certification, which is a more intensive process than obtaining a certificate. For example, the Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst certifications each entail initial education and experience requirements, a professional exam, ongoing fees and continuing education. These professional certifications are considered industry standards recognized by all employers in their respective fields.

To learn more, check out our guide exploring certificates vs. certifications .

Master’s vs. Graduate Certificate: Which Is Right for You

Completing either postgraduate credential is a big achievement, and both signal your commitment to learning and excelling in your field. But how do you choose between master’s vs. graduate certificate programs? Ask yourself these questions to help determine the right fit:

• How specialized do you want your education to be? Even with a specialization, a full master’s program covers a wide breadth of knowledge. This can be useful if you’re switching to a new career, but if you just need to brush up on a particular topic, you might prefer a short, focused graduate certificate.
• What are your career goals? Some jobs, especially in mid- and upper-level management, require master’s degrees. A graduate certificate is a good starting point, but it does not equate to a graduate degree. Similarly, research and academic positions may require a doctorate. Dedicating your time and resources to a master’s program with a thesis component is usually the best way to gain admission to a doctoral program.
• How much time can you commit to this program? Master’s degrees take one to two years for full-time learners to complete. Since graduate certificates require far fewer courses—about one-third, in comparison—they’re more attainable for many professionals. Graduate certificates are less likely to involve in-person components as well.
• What’s your budget? Earning a master’s degree often pays off, but it’s still a hefty investment. In the 2020-21 academic year, graduate tuition and fees averaged $26,621 at private schools and $12,394 at public schools, according to the National Center for Education Statistics . Graduate certificates offer a more affordable option for learners who don’t need a graduate degree.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Graduate Certificates vs. Degrees

What is a graduate certificate equivalent to.

A graduate certificate isn’t the same as a degree, but it does certify that you passed a series of graduate-level courses at an accredited university. While not equivalent to a full master’s degree, a graduate certificate demonstrates advanced knowledge of a particular topic.

Do employers care about graduate certificates?

Yes, earning a graduate certificate can be valuable to employers. Certificates cover various topics, such as technology, leadership, environmental issues, IT, and diversity and inclusion. Earning a graduate certificate demonstrates an ongoing commitment to learning.

Is a certificate equivalent to a degree?

No, a graduate certificate is not a degree. Most certificates require students to take three to five courses, while a master’s degree requires 10 to 14.

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8 Important Differences Between Undergraduate and Graduate School

May 28, 2021.

Written by SHU Graduate Admissions Team

Over the last two decades, universities across the nation have seen impressive growth in their master’s programs. Since 2000, the rate of growth of earned master’s degrees (60 percent) has outpaced bachelor’s, doctoral, and professional programs. Certain fields of study, primarily business, education, and health professions , have experienced the most growth. What’s more, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in occupations requiring a master’s degree will increase by almost 17 percent by 2026. 

Naturally, important questions arise when considering whether to join the growing ranks of those obtaining graduate degrees. Often prospective grad students wonder — is a master’s worth it? What’s the real difference between an undergraduate vs. graduate degree? How do you choose which program and degree are best for you? To begin answering these questions, explore these eight important differences between a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. 

1. Highly specific coursework

During an undergraduate program, students take several foundational and general subject courses, some of which are unrelated to their major. Graduate school coursework, on the other hand, is highly specific. 

The goal of graduate school is to help you become an expert in your chosen field of study. Graduate school empowers you to become the master of your own education. A master’s program supports a higher level of individualized learning and offers greater professor support to serve your unique goals. You’ll develop self-awareness and self-confidence as you mature as an expert in your field.

2. Flexibility within the program

Switching majors or even schools one to two years into an undergraduate program is very doable because of the universality of the degree, similarities between programs across institutions, and time you have to complete the degree. In graduate school, however, it is not as easy to make a change to a new program or school. While not impossible, most master’s programs take one to two years to complete — so if you think you want to make a change, initiating it during your first semester is your best bet for retaining all your credit hours. 

3. Admissions Requirements

Undergraduate programs have a relatively simple admissions process, and commonly include submitting your high school grades, SAT or ACT scores, and providing a few writing samples and letters of recommendation. Graduate school applications often require these items and more. Other common admission requirements for graduate school include proof of a completed bachelor’s degree, GRE/GMAT scores, a minimum undergraduate GPA, a statement of purpose, a research proposal, and an interview with the school. Certain graduate programs will have prerequisite course requirements, so be sure to inquire about your specific program of interest. Also, if you are an international student, check with the college or university to see if you need to provide additional documentation. 

4. Course load 

Undergraduate students juggle 5-6 courses per semester, while graduate students usually take only 3 advanced level courses. These courses involve much more reading and research than undergraduate classes and typically have fewer assignments. Because there are fewer projects, papers, and exams for graduate-level courses, each item is worth more and is expected to be a demonstration of your expertise in the subject.

5. Community

Undergraduate classes are often large lectures with hundreds of students, whereas graduate classes are much smaller (usually under 20 students). In grad school, you will become well acquainted with the other students and the professor. After a rigorous application process, you can be sure of the caliber of students that surround you. With everyone’s diverse backgrounds, work, and life experiences, you will learn from and challenge each other. Additionally, you will learn to work with your professors as opposed to simply completing assignments for their classes. 

6. Research experience

Research experience is valuable in almost every line of work. It teaches you to plan, think critically and logically, seek out answers to your questions, and incorporate those findings into your work. Research in an undergraduate program is typically comprised of a few research projects or papers, whereas in graduate school, research makes up the vast majority of learning in the classes. Depending on your program and area of interest, graduate students generally have access to advanced tools and systems that they can use for research purposes. You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with professors on their research projects, learning from them and discovering your own areas of interest.

7. Professional marketability

While an undergraduate degree allows you to apply for entry level jobs, a graduate degree expands your job market and increases your favorability in the eyes of potential employers. In a competitive market, you’ll need an edge over other job applicants. Graduate school gives you a larger network and better connections. When career advancement opportunities, promotions, and leadership positions open up, your graduate degree will help you stand out as the best candidate.

8. Leadership development

An undergraduate degree offers you a broad knowledge base, but a graduate degree sets you up to be a leader in your field. A 2016 Gallup poll found that a shocking 82 percent of managers aren’t very good at leading people , even while corporations spend billions to develop them. This means there is an eminent need for qualified leaders in today’s workforce. Through the rigors of graduate school, you will gain many of the necessary skills and character traits companies look for in their leaders. During your degree program, you’ll work as part of many teams and develop critical thinking, problem solving, time management, perseverance, commitment, and communication skills — all qualities that hiring managers look for in the leaders they need.

Choosing the right Graduate school and degree Program

In order to choose the school and degree that are right for you, you should begin by identifying your interests, your ideal career, and your needs (part/full time, geographic location, price range, etc.). After determining these, investigate various programs and look into their requirements, curriculum, research opportunities, and graduation outcomes. It is also a good idea to talk with admissions professionals, professors, and, if possible, the students in the program.

If offered, you should take advantage of virtual events or in-person offerings on campus such as information sessions and open houses. Even if you plan to earn your degree online, visiting the campus and having a face-to-face conversation with admissions professionals, faculty, students, and alumni of the program will give you the chance to have your questions answered and help you envision what it would be like to attend. 

At Sacred Heart University, we host an open house event each semester . It’s our hope that you will come and visit us, ask your questions, and allow us to help you explore your grad school possibilities. If you would like more information about one of our upcoming events, please reach out to us and we’ll be in touch soon!

If you'd like a more in-depth look at the differences between graduate and undergraduate study, we invite you to explore our comprehensive digital resource which covers admissions requirements, salary increase expectations, and much more!

About the Author

We are the graduate admissions team at Sacred Heart University. We aspire to create a welcoming and supportive environment for students looking to continue their education while empowering them in mind, body and spirit. We hope you find our resources helpful and informative as you explore and pursue a graduate degree at Sacred Heart!

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The Differences Between Graduate and Undergraduate Study: Everything You Need to Know

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Why is B or B− the minimum passing grade for most graduate courses in US?

I was recently told that in many schools in the US (maybe other countries too), the minimum grade for a graduate course is B or B−. Meaning that B is considered as a passing score. I would like to know whether this is true. Why should it be the case? Does this mean that grading in graduate school is easier?

• graduate-school

• Easier than what? Are you saying you think a B is too low to count as a passing grade, or that it is very high and even lower grades should also count? –  BrenBarn Commented Oct 29, 2014 at 4:55
• Easier than Undergraduate grading where the lowest grade is F and passing is C- or C depend on the university. I am thinking B is a high grade to be considered as a passing grade so does that mean there is no C, D or F in graduate schools? –  user59419 Commented Oct 29, 2014 at 4:58
• 11 Relevant PhD comic –  gerrit Commented Oct 29, 2014 at 15:40
• 3 I can't speak for every grad program in every school, but at the end of my program myself and most of my cohort got together for a party. Grades came up and we discovered that pretty much everyone in the cohort was given an A for every class, the WORST anyone got was a B in two classes over the course of the 2+ year program. Of course, it's possible someone had lower and didn't want to be honest about it, and we were also the set of students who were still LEFT at the end, but... I personally felt grading was easier. I had a 3.4 GPA in undergrad, 4.0 in grad school. –  Andrew Whatever Commented Mar 23, 2016 at 16:41
• I'd also say in my experience grad-level professors / teachers don't seem to CARE about grades as much as undergrad professors / teachers. For the most part they care that you are there doing what needs to be done, and most people in grad school are there paying out of their own pockets (grants aside) to do what needs to be done. It's a bit tougher to get into grad school as well, so the sort of lazy parents paying for everything party all the time undergrads get filtered out. A bit. –  Andrew Whatever Commented Mar 23, 2016 at 16:45

5 Answers 5

In some sense grading may be "easier", but it's also just that the effective grading range is compressed, and that grades per se matter less than in undergraduate classes.

In many graduate programs, getting a grade lower than B (or even A-) is considered a warning that you need to seriously knuckle down and start doing better. To take a random example, UIUC has a campuswide minimum GPA of 2.75 (B-), but most departments set higher minimums (as high as 3.25, or B+) Here's a relevant quote from an old grad school blog post :

My first semester in grad school, my M.A. advisor laid it out for to me: "If you get a B in a grad school class, you should ask the professor whether you should consider dropping out of the program. If you get a C, don't bother asking."

What this means is that the range of grades in grad school is effectively compressed, going from A to C instead of A to F. Getting a C in a grad school class is, in many cases, practically equivalent to getting an F in an undergraduate class. This grade inflation probably has historical roots in a sort of academic politeness in which it became considered more and more insulting or embarrassing to give someone low grades.

However, it's not as significant as it may seem, because grades are typically much less important in grad school than in undergrad. In grad school (especially PhD programs) you are working much more closely with faculty and they monitor your progress at a much finer grain. It's not just about getting a good grade, but about conducting research, making progress on your degree milestones (e.g., writing an MA thesis or PhD dissertation), and so forth.

In grad school, your class grades are meant to be not just an evaluation of your performance in that class, but a signal as to whether you are developing the skills necessary to succeed in the program as a whole. It would be unusual (probably unthinkable) for a grad program to suddenly give someone the boot simply because their GPA dropped too low; rather, a series of low grades will lead to increasing concern from the faculty, with meetings, emails, etc., gradually escalating from "Is everything ok?" to "You need to start working harder" to "Get your act together or else".

I've known grad students who received multiple grades in the B range, and this is what happened to them; they were subjected to increasing pressure from the faculty, with increasingly more explicit suggestions that they could be kicked out of the program if they didn't improve their performance.

That said, it is true that in some cases grading in grad school can be "easier" than in undergrad. My personal experience has been that in some cases faculty members are willing to be somewhat more flexible on grades as related to the actual course content, as long as they are satisfied that you got what you personally needed from the class. For instance, if you are specializing in Topic X and you take a requred class in Topic Y intended to broaden your background, the professor may give you an A even if your paper in the class is only adequate, if the professor understands that that is not your specialization and you don't need to fully master it in order to succeed. The flip side of this is that if you take a class in Topic X (your specialty), the professor may hold you to a far more exacting standard, knowing that you really must be on top of that material.

• 7 This is really on point. One comment: every grade does come from an individual professor in the context of an individual course, which may be absolutely critical to the student's future work but also may not. If you get a C, I wouldn't bother asking the professor what she thought of your performance: clearly she thought it was miserably poor. Just because one professor thinks you suck does not necessarily mean you should drop out of a program. –  Pete L. Clark Commented Jul 9, 2015 at 20:51
• 2 @PeteL.Clark Though one addendum comment to your comment (in case anyone misreads it), two Cs from different professors means it's no longer them, it's you. –  virmaior Commented Jul 10, 2015 at 10:41

I can tell you for a fact that people can get worse grades than B- in graduate courses. People can even fail in graduate courses. It happens pretty rarely, though, because the population of students in a graduate course are highly selected.

If you read other questions on this site, you'll see that graduate school admission is a strong filter: most people need to be both excellent and a little bit lucky to get in, because there are so many excellent students who want to go to grad school. That means most grad students are smart, hard-working, and ambitious enough to put in the work to deserve the grade. As for undergraduates in graduate-level courses: if they weren't willing and able to put in the work, why wouldn't they choose one of the easier options? Moreover, most schools allow students to drop a course without penalty early in the semester, and the people doing poorly are the ones likely to drop.

Now, grade inflation can certainly happen. But by the time you're dealing with graduate courses, usually the class is pretty much full of people who want to be there and are capable of making the grade.

• 1 I do not agree since students in the class come from different background and some of them know much more than others therefore this still can make a pretty wide curve. My question was why the very last person in the class receives B or B- and he/she is afraid that with this grade his funding is terminated. –  user59419 Commented Oct 29, 2014 at 5:20
• 1 @user59419 Why do you assume that somebody with the appropriate pre-requisites can't learn a B- worth of material? –  jakebeal Commented Oct 29, 2014 at 5:23
• 2 @user59419 And as for why the person might be worried: if it's a subject critical to their research, even getting less than an A is a very bad sign that they may be unable to do the research in their plan. –  jakebeal Commented Oct 29, 2014 at 5:25
• 1 @user59419 Regardless of the letter of the grade, the "very last person in the class" is in an unenviable position in a competitive field. –  Fomite Commented Dec 22, 2016 at 8:02

Part of the answer is in disputing some assumptions in the question, as remarked upon to some degree in the other answers. That is, for one thing, graduate admissions are most often selective enough so that every grad student is probably able to do the work at a level that would, indeed, perhaps be a "B+" in "grading on a curve", if the population in the course were far less selective than it ... in fact... is. This is in contrast to the common conduct of undergrad courses, especially lower-division ones, where there is often no pre-filtering at all. The students self-select, and their own judgement may be flawed.

But then why might a "B+" be considered "a problem"? What is the "problem" if it's not "failure"? Well, it's not-at-all "failure" by undergrad standards, but that standard is far, far too weak for an apprentice professional. Unlike undergrad courses, where a "C+" may fulfill "a requirement", but absolutely not indicate competence, grad students need to be more-genuinely competent. A "B+" is an indication of some gaps in competence.

So, yes, those undergrad "C+"s are not evidence of "sufficient competence", at all. Indeed, that's why people who get that minimal "C+" in calc I invariably have terrible trouble in calc II, etc. The primary reason such grades are tolerated at all is that, in fact, much of the function of lower-division undergrad math is filtering , so that content mastery is nearly irrelevant in many cases.

Again, most often, grad students are not being filtered very much after admission, so the issue is genuine content mastery, not "getting by".

I think the idea is simply that people who get into graduate programs must have gotten A's or B's in nearly all of their undergraduate courses. So if graduate courses are graded in the same way as undergraduate courses, it makes sense that most of the students in them should get A's or B's. Meanwhile, since a C in an undergraduate course would be a strong strike against you for admission to grad school, it is also a strike against your continued enrollment in a graduate program.

It definitely depends on the program of study...I believe the grading system is harsher for people who study something career specific---AKA nursing, physical therapy, Occupational therapy, med school, law school, etc..These programs tend to have a lot more drop outs/people who are unable to maintain the 3.0 minimum...People who study something like a Phd in Sociology, philosophy, or an M.S in Biology usually get higher grades because these programs tend to put less emphasis on passing tests and put more emphasis on producing research... Which is very different from lets say law school, where there is a huge emphasis on grades and rankings...

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GCAC-204 - Graduate Course Definitions - 500- vs. 800-Level Courses

This policy defines the distinction between 500-level (research-oriented) and 800-level (practitioner-oriented) graduate courses.

Academic Goal

The J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School recognizes the unique goals and values of a Research Education versus a Professional Practitioner Education. Therefore two, parallel course designations are defined to distinguish between research-oriented and practitioner-oriented graduate courses.

This policy applies to all graduate programs.

Graduate education includes the development of skills related to critical analysis and creative thinking. These skills are, in part, developed via participation in classes. The high level of understanding and analysis expected of graduate students means all graduate courses should build on advanced undergraduate and/or graduate courses, should be based in current knowledge of research in the field, and should include significant and regular instructor-initiated interaction between students and the instructor(s). Students with a focus on research degrees include classes with content providing the necessary background for expanding the frontiers of knowledge, while those in professional preparation degrees include classes related to the application of theory or research findings to address needs in professional practice. The program of study of students with either focus, may incorporate classes from the other focus (for professional degrees at least six credits must have a research focus). These designations, research and professional, reflect approaches to graduate education which are equal in merit but with different intended educational outcomes.

Features of Research Education typically include:

• Deep scholarly investigation of a significant problem, question, or issue in the field of study, which could include original primary research.
• Understanding of theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and testing or analysis of evidence appropriate to the field.
• Analytical thinking and creative skills are typically combined with specific analytical techniques to expanding the frontiers of knowledge in the field.

Features of Professional Practitioner Education typically include:

• Deep knowledge in a field of study applied to a domain of professional practice.
• Understanding of research literature to support application of knowledge to practice.
• Analytical thinking and creative skills are typically combined with application of theory or research findings to address needs in professional practice.

While student work in research-oriented and professional-oriented courses should reflect these different needs, it may be appropriate for 500-level courses particularly in applied fields to include both research-oriented and professional-oriented features and both types of students. All graduate students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with their field’s professional practices and ethics, including applicable rules, regulations, and laws.

Policy Statement

The distinctions between 500-level (research-oriented) and 800-level (practitioner-oriented) courses tend to be the following:

• A 500-level graduate course foregrounds research in the frontiers of knowledge in a field of study. It is grounded in the current research literature, theoretical frameworks, analysis of evidence, and methodologies appropriate to that discipline. The student must engage in synthesis of knowledge and analytical work. The ultimate goal of a 500-level course is to contribute to the student’s ability to expand the frontiers of knowledge, and therefore produce creative scholarly products.
• An 800-level graduate course foregrounds the application of theory and research to professional practice in a field of study. It is grounded in use of theories and research findings for the professional practice of that discipline. The student must demonstrate analytical thinking and application of knowledge to professional-practitioner issues or problems. The ultimate goal of an 800-level course is to contribute to the student’s ability to generate creative approaches for improved professional practice.
• In classes in which research and practice are intertwined the designation of 500 or 800 level is determined by that domain reflecting the majority of the content.

The definitions stated above should be used when determining and/or justifying an appropriate course number during the curricular proposal process.

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Graduate Writing Overview

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

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Here we present four vidcasts that offer a broad introductory overview of graduate writing. In this context, it is helpful to think about writing as a conversation , a process , a social endeavor , and a disciplinary undertaking . Stay tuned as we continue to publish these vidcasts!

Writing at the graduate level is quite different from writing at the undergraduate level. As emerging scholars, graduate writers will need to become well-versed in the scholarly conversations taking place in the journals and at the conferences within their field. Where undergraduate writers may find themselves primarily writing for their professor as audience and to show mastery of subject matter as a purpose, graduate writers’ audience will be their colleagues in the field, and their purpose will be to engage in conversation with and to disseminate new research to those colleagues. A graduate writer’s identity as scholar requires a concurrent identity as writer.

Materials in this section cover a range of topics relevant to graduate-level writing and to the process of becoming a scholarly writer within a particular field. Two sets of vidcasts fall in the category of Intensive Writing Experience (IWE). An IWE is a concentrated program aimed at a particular group of graduate students (e.g., those new to graduate writing or those writing theses and dissertations). These programs ask writers to learn about and engage with information about and strategies to apply to writing that they can then use in their own work. The Introduction to Graduate Writing vidcast series explores how writing is a conversation, a process, a social endeavor, and discipline specific. The IWE for Thesis and Dissertation writers offers material on how to set goals for and remain motivated during a long-term project. It covers topics relevant to drafting and revising documents, such as reverse outlining, sentence concision, and flow in scholarly writing.

In addition to the vidcasts, this section of the OWL houses a number of handouts specific to graduate writing on topics such as style or organization and on genres such as literature reviews and conference proposals. These materials offer explanations and samples of the particular topic or genre being covered in the handout.

The Graduate College at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Course level.

In the Banner system, courses are indicated as "graduate" or "undergraduate" on the student record based on the student's level, not the level of the course. This means that if departmental restrictions are not placed, an undergraduate can enroll in any class, including 500 level classes. The student will receive credit for the class on the undergraduate portion of their transcript. If a department wishes to restrict enrollment in a 500 level class to graduate students, the department’s schedule maintainer needs to place a restriction on SSARRES. If a course has been established as a Sectional course, with separate undergraduate and graduate sections, an undergrad can take the grad section with permission by the dept/instructor (no need for GC approval just to take the course), but the course level STILL will be recorded as a 1U (Urbana undergrad) course because the student is an undergrad.

Any class (100 level to 600 level) taken by a graduate student will be recorded on the graduate portion of a graduate student's transcript and will be calculated into the overall GPA. Credit hours for courses below the 400 level, and courses marked as 'not for graduate credit' or for professional credit only in the Course Catalog may not be applied a graduate degree. Departments may have additional restrictions concerning the level of courses that will apply toward a graduate degree.

It is unlikely that requests for change in credit level will be approved for students who are not in a BS/MS program.

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How Many Credits to Graduate College? An In-Depth Guide

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From the moment you step onto campus, as a first-year student or a senior, you must be mindful of the number of classes you enroll in, the credit hours those classes offer, and how these accumulate toward your final graduation requirements. Because every class you take in college is like a building block, carefully constructed to help you reach the ultimate goal of graduation.

Keeping track of these details can appear daunting, but they are crucial for ensuring that you meet all the academic criteria set by your institution. So, how many credits to graduate college? Let’s start by clarifying what college credits entail and then explore credit requirements at different degree levels.

What Are College Credits?

Credit hours represent the numeric academic value assigned to a particular course, providing a means to assess the relative difficulty and time commitment associated with different classes. Typically, one credit hour equates to one hour of traditional class instruction per week over a semester. However, this measure extends beyond classroom hours to include additional time required for readings, assignments such as research papers, and studying. For instance, a standard three-credit-hour course generally demands three hours of weekly in-class attendance, complemented by extra hours of independent study. In essence, credit hours reflect the academic workload and depth of learning expected from a course.

Credits help quantify the amount of time and effort students are expected to invest in their coursework, ensuring consistency in academic expectations across institutions. This way, college credits are crucial for tracking progress toward degree completion. 

Institutions are permitted to consider various delivery methods, academic calendars, measurements of student work, disciplines, and degree levels when determining the work associated with a credit hour. They must equate their learning experiences with semester or quarter credit hours using practices standard to higher education institutions, justify program lengths compared to similar accredited programs, and justify program-specific tuition in terms of costs, length, and objectives.

How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate Degree?

The typical credit requirements for earning an associate degree involve completing around 60 credits . This requirement can vary slightly depending on the institution and specific program. 

For full-time students, the typical commitment is 12-15 credit hours per semester, enabling them to complete their degree in about two to two and a half years. On the other hand, part-time students who take fewer than 12 credit hours per semester can expect their studies to extend to 48 months or more, providing a more flexible study option.

An associate degree program typically includes a mix of general education, major-specific, and elective courses. General education courses usually amount to about 20-30 credits, major-specific courses often require around 20-25 credits, whereas elective courses typically comprise the remaining 10-15 credits. This balanced distribution ensures students receive a well-rounded education while gaining specialized knowledge in their chosen area.

How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree?

Bachelor’s degrees typically require the completion of around 120 credits. These credits are also divided among core or general education courses, major-specific courses, and electives.

Core credit requirements

A bachelor’s degree program’s core or general education requirements provide students with a broad educational foundation. These courses ensure that students develop essential skills and a well-rounded knowledge base, critical for personal and professional success.

Typically, fulfilling these requirements involves completing around 30-40 credits. Common core courses span various academic fields, including English composition, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. For example, students might take literature, biology, psychology, and history classes. These courses help develop critical thinking, communication, analytical, and quantitative skills, which are fundamental regardless of a student’s major.

Major credit requirements

Major-specific coursework is crucial for gaining in-depth knowledge and expertise in a chosen field. This component of a bachelor’s degree usually requires 40-60 credits , depending on the program and institution. Major courses focus on specialized topics and advanced concepts relevant to the field, preparing students for careers or further academic pursuits. 

Within these credit requirements, students can often choose from various electives or concentrations that allow specialization. For example, a business major might focus on finance, marketing, or management, tailoring their education to specific career goals. This structured yet flexible approach ensures comprehensive understanding while enabling students to pursue their unique interests within the discipline.

Elective requirements

Elective courses play a significant role in a bachelor’s degree program by offering students opportunities to explore diverse subjects, develop additional skills, and engage in interdisciplinary studies. Typically, elective courses account for around 20-30 credits . Students can choose electives that align with their academic and career interests, or they might select courses that allow them to explore new areas of curiosity.

Strategically selecting electives can enhance students’ skill sets, making them more versatile and competitive in the job market. For instance, a computer science student might take graphic design or business administration electives to broaden their expertise and career options.

How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree?

To graduate college with a master’s degree, students typically need to complete between 30 and 60 credits, depending on the program’s length, intensity, and area of specialization. These credits are distributed among core courses that provide foundational knowledge, specialized electives that allow for deeper exploration within the field, and a capstone project or thesis demonstrating mastery of the subject matter. 

The exact number of credits to graduate college varies significantly by institution and academic discipline. For instance, most master’s degree programs at Potomac require around 36 total credits. These programs are designed to be intensive yet manageable, allowing students to gain advanced expertise within a relatively short time frame. On the other hand, some programs at other institutions might demand a higher credit load, reflecting the curriculum’s extensive nature and the specific requirements of the field.

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The variation in credit requirements also depends on the specific focus and structure of the master’s program. For example, professional degrees like a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Public Health (MPH) often require a mix of theoretical and practical coursework, possibly extending the credit requirements. Similarly, research-intensive programs, such as a Master of Science (MS) in a technical field, might require additional credits for lab work, research projects, or comprehensive exams.

Understanding these credit requirements is crucial for prospective students planning their educational journey. It ensures they can meet all academic obligations within their desired timeframe, balancing coursework with personal and professional commitments. Additionally, being aware of the specific credit structure helps students make informed decisions about their course load each semester, optimizing their study plans to meet graduation requirements efficiently.

Factors Affecting Credit Requirements

Several factors can influence the credit requirements for earning a college degree. Firstly, transfer credits from previous institutions can reduce the total number of credits needed when applicable. Additionally, prior learning assessments can award credits for relevant work experience, military service, or other non-traditional learning, decreasing credit requirements.

Next, accelerated programs , designed to be completed in a shorter time frame, often have different credit structures, requiring intensive study or condensed coursework. Furthermore, academic policies , including those related to credit limits per semester and residency requirements, also play a significant role in determining how many credits a student needs to graduate. These elements combined create a flexible and individualized pathway toward degree completion.

Academic advising is often needed for students to navigate these factors. Advisors assist students in understanding program structure and making informed decisions about course selection, transfer credits, and the optimal pace for completing their degree. They ensure students meet all academic requirements while aligning their coursework with career and personal goals.

Wrapping Up

Understanding the importance of college credits and knowing exactly how many credits you need to graduate is essential. Imagine a scenario where a student, due to misinformation or lack of knowledge, discovers in their final semester that they are short of the required credits to graduate. This oversight could delay their graduation, disrupt their career plans, and incur additional costs. 

Therefore, being informed about your credit requirements is crucial, and this knowledge varies significantly depending on the program and school you attend. It is always best to consult academic advisors regularly to ensure you are on the right track.

At Potomac, we prioritize helping you navigate your college credit hours effectively, guiding you toward earning your degree without unnecessary setbacks. Join Potomac today and take the first step toward a well-structured and successful academic journey. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you transfer credits into a degree program.

Yes. Many institutions accept transfer credits from other accredited colleges, which can reduce the total number of credits needed to complete your degree.

How many credit hours are required for a bachelor’s degree?

Typically, a bachelor’s degree requires around 120 credit hours.

Can you graduate with less than 120 credits?

Generally, no. But, it might be possible for certain programs, depending on the institution. So, it’s best to contact an advisor.

What do I do if I have a lot of college credits but no degree?

You should consult an academic advisor to evaluate your credits and determine the best path to complete your degree, possibly through transferring credits or enrolling in a degree completion program.

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Student Stories

Women in tech, featured alum post, learn to code, how bootcamp alum maya obeidat gained the skills to thrive in tech.

By The Fullstack Academy Team

Fullstack Academy Coding Bootcamps are designed to help students graduate career-ready.

But what about your starting skill level? Can those new to tech truly thrive in a bootcamp environment?

This is a common concern for many aspiring tech professionals, and understandably so. Many technical roles can appear daunting from a distance—especially in the software engineering space.

However, coding bootcamps at Fullstack Academy are indeed beginner-friendly; as described by coding bootcamp graduate Maya Obeidat:

“I actually didn’t have any understanding or experience with tech prior to starting the bootcamp! I was assured, though, that everyone was able to start regardless of their knowledge, so I just went for it. And in all honesty, it was the best decision I made for myself. They were absolutely correct about not needing any understanding or knowledge coming into this. You’ll be able to learn and comprehend everything sooner than you’d expect so long as you continue to move forward with it and try!”

While Obeidat’s skills were gained through practice and persistence, a core tenet of a coding bootcamp is the accountability and support to reinforce these learnings. This is done through engagement with all levels of the program’s community:

“My experience with this bootcamp was nothing short of incredible. I had an enthusiastic and passionate instructor, and everyone in my cohort was supportive and positive. All of the mentors were extremely helpful as well, and took their time to explain anything and everything. The learning pace was quite fast, but that is expected when doing a bootcamp so I had no problem with catching myself up. Overall, the whole experience was truly fun and engaging. I have learned so much from this and am excited to continue developing my skills!”

Another concern many tech beginners have is the pace at which the curriculum moves. Rigorous, comprehensive, and fast-paced, coding cohorts move through advanced concepts thoroughly and quickly. While this feature allows students to enter the workforce sooner—with more specialized programming knowledge than they would gain by pursuing a traditional degree—it can be a challenge at times.

“The most challenging thing for me was probably my lack of knowledge coming into this, coupled with the pace of learning. But I was determined and never gave up—even when things got tough. I just made sure to put in extra work and practice outside of class to make sure I was understanding things and capable of doing it on my own. All of the instructors and mentors, including my classmates, were extremely supportive and helpful, so if I had any concerns or problems I knew I could go to any one of them and they would all be willing to help and explain. I’m extremely grateful and appreciative of all of them!”

Ultimately, graduates like Maya Obeidat feel that the hustle of bootcamp is worth it. Like hiking a mountainous trail or staying up to watch the sunrise, it’s the reward at the end that keeps you going:

“There are so many things from this experience that I’m extremely grateful for! I learned determination, perseverance, patience, and of course how to code and create many interesting projects. Most importantly, I learned how to work with a team and to never be afraid of asking for help. I was definitely nervous in the beginning because of my own self-doubt, but I was able to overcome those feelings and became very comfortable reaching out for help and working with others. This course allowed me to realize all of my strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities. I consider this experience to be very valuable and rewarding, and I truly enjoyed my time [at Fullstack Academy].”

Her advice to aspiring professionals is simple. If you feel you’ll be fulfilled by a career in tech, and you’re willing to put forth the time and effort to prepare to enter the field, then a tech bootcamp might be the right fit for you.

“Just go for it! You never know what you’re truly capable of until you put yourself in the position to do it. This bootcamp is by far the best way I know how to learn, and I definitely recommend it to anyone considering. You’ll receive so much support throughout your learning journey and career search, which is very important and helpful in the long run. The immense amount of support provided was the reason why I chose the Fullstack Academy bootcamp over the others, and it’s the reason why I recommend it. It is definitely worth it!”

Congratulations, Maya! All of us Fullstack Academy are proud to have played a part in your success.

If you’re wondering how to get started with your tech journey learn more about coding bootcamps at Fullstack Academy .

How Bootcamp Alum Austin Cox Landed a Software Engineering Role

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