A graduate degree is an advanced degree completed in graduate school. The
process of obtaining the degree takes a minimum of two years, though some
students take four years or longer to finish. As soon as students enter graduate
school, they declare their major and focus their attention on taking courses
within that major. Graduate programs are intended to give students a better
understanding of their chosen course of study.
The education associated
with a graduate degree is quite different from the undergraduate level. The
graduate coursework is more specialized and focuses on the specific area
declared by the student. A good example of this is the field of psychology. At
the undergraduate level the student takes a wide range of courses relating to
psychology, such as abnormal psychology and child psychology. In graduate school
they narrow down their focus into one specific area like forensic psychology or
counseling. The courses they take relate to that area rather than more
generalized classes.
Students working on their graduate degree also take
courses known as seminars, which are worth more credit hours than other courses.
Seminars typically take place only one day a week, as opposed to meeting several
times a week, and cover several hours. The student writes a long paper at the
end of the course for successful completion.
A graduate degree also
involves something known as a thesis. The thesis is a fairly long paper
researched and written by the student and covering a specific topic relating to
their major. The student studying forensic psychology, for example, might opt to
write about a current theme involving prison work. This paper usually falls in
the 20 page range, though some write much more.
The thesis sometimes
involves a thesis defense, which is similar to the defense Doctor of Philosophy
students give upon completion of their dissertation. Not all schools do this at
the graduate level, but many do. The student’s advisor, professors and
professors working in their department form a committee that meets with the
student after reading their thesis. The student must answer questions about
their paper before obtaining their college
diploma.
An increasing number of graduate schools are now opting out
of the thesis process. They now allow students the chance to work on a final
project rather than their thesis. The student can begin working on this project
during the second term of their first year. During their final year, the student
presents their project to several people working in the department. After the
project’s approved, they’re given their diploma.
A student must meet
certain requirements before they gain admission to a graduate school. They take
a specialized test, such as the Medical College Admission Test for medical
school or the Graduate Record Examination for general admission to graduate
school. They also fill out a lengthy application packet including an essay about
why they want to study in the field and letters of recommendation. In addition,
they must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. All of those things
help the student gain admission to graduate school where they can work on
obtaining their graduate degree.