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Graduate education
involves obtaining specialized knowledge and concentration
in a specific area of study. Traditionally, it has involved
acquiring and communicating knowledge through original
research. Graduate education also often requires participation
in internships or practica to apply newly acquired professional
skills.
There are two basic types of graduate degrees: academic
and professional programs. An academic degree provides
more experience in research and scholarship in a particular
discipline (e.g., Medieval History, Philosophy). A professional
degree provides training to acquire specific skills and
knowledge needed to work in a particular profession (e.g.,
law, medicine). The distinctions between traditional academic
programs and professional programs have become blurred
in recent times. Many programs are reshaping and redefining
their focus in light of advances in technology and changes
in the overall direction of graduate education. As a result
of these changes, you should have a lot of flexibility
in finding a program that best suits your needs and interests.
There are also three basic degree levels: master’s, specialist,
and doctoral. Master’s degrees are offered in almost every
field of study and for many fields may be the only professional
degree needed for employment (e.g., a Master of Social
Work or a Master of Library Science). Master’s programs
can last one to three years, depending on the field of
study. Specialist degrees are usually completed in addition
to a master’s program and often require a bit more training
or additional internship experience. This type of degree
typically prepares an individual for certification or
licensing requirements and exams necessary for certain
professions (e.g., school counselor). Doctoral studies
are the highest level, which usually require the pursuit
of original research for academic program or the practical
application of knowledge and skills in professional programs.
Examples of doctoral level degrees are the Doctor of Philosophy
(Ph.D.), Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.), or the Doctor
of Medicine (M.D.).
Students who have received their bachelor degrees but
have not been accepted to graduate school are classified
as Post baccalaureate. You may want to consider this option
if you...
- want to take more classes but are not seeking
a graduate degree. This includes students who
have changed their professional goals, students who
want to expand their educational background, and students
who may need certain courses to complete certification
or licensure requirements.
- intend to enter a graduate degree-seeking program
but need a substantial number of prerequisite courses.
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