What is Graduate School?
Graduate school opens doors, minds, and opportunities. Learn why graduate school at the University of Mississippi may be the perfect choice for you.
Understanding Graduate School
Whether or not you’ve already finished your undergraduate degree, you may be asking yourself “What is graduate school?” This page will help you understand what graduate school is, how it's different from an undergraduate degree, and outline the different types of graduate degree programs out there
Differences Between Undergraduate and Graduate School
Most people know what an undergraduate education is. It’s the classic four years of the college experience we see in movies and tv shows. You decide on your majors, attend class, try hard on tests, and eventually (hopefully) graduate. Life as a graduate student is a bit different than life as an undergraduate
So, how is a graduate degree different from an undergraduate education?
Rigorous Studies: Understanding Expectations of Graduate Students
Graduate school represents a significant step up from undergraduate education, with distinct differences in academic expectations and rigor. While undergraduate programs often provide a broad foundation of knowledge, graduate programs demand a deeper understanding of a specific field.
- Graduate students engage critically with complex concepts, apply theoretical frameworks to real-world problems, and demonstrate advanced analytical skills.
This heightened level of rigor challenges graduate students to elevate their academic performance and commitment to their studies.
An Exciting Classroom Experience: Understanding Graduate Classes
Teaching styles and learning environments also differ markedly between these two educational levels. In undergraduate courses, students often experience a lecture-based format where faculty members present material and guide discussions. In contrast, graduate classes foster a collaborative and exciting classroom environment.
- Graduate professors encourage dialogue and debate, drawing on students' experiences and insights. This shift, from passive to active learning, promotes a more interactive and engaging educational experience, allowing graduate students to take ownership of their learning.
- Classes and coursework in graduate school let graduate students focus on their own research and promote independent, self-guided study.
While undergraduate programs may include research components, graduate students in many programs are expected to conduct original research, contributing new knowledge to their field.
- This focus on research not only enhances a student’s understanding of their discipline but also equips them with valuable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and academic writing.
Ultimately, the transition to graduate school marks a transformative journey that prepares individuals for advanced professional roles and scholarly pursuits.
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Graduate School: Why it's important and what it can do for you
Now that we’ve gotten the differences between the undergraduate and graduate experiences out of the way, we still have to answer our question: “What exactly is a graduate school?”
- Simply put, graduate school is an advanced level of education that follows the completion of a bachelor’s degree.
- Its primary purpose is to provide students with specialized knowledge and skills in a particular field of study, preparing them for professional careers or continued academic research.
Graduate programs typically include master’s degrees and doctoral degrees, each designed to deepen the students' expertise and enhance their critical thinking abilities.
Is graduate school important?
Graduate school plays a vital role by fostering innovation and research across the country. It cultivates a community of scholars and thinkers who contribute to their fields and to the public through advanced study and original research.
Graduate school also encourages collaboration between students and faculty, allowing for mentorship opportunities that can significantly enhance the learning experience.
Why do people go to graduate school?
Common goals for pursuing graduate studies include advancing one’s career, increasing earning potential, and gaining a competitive edge in the job market. Many students seek graduate degrees to qualify for higher-level positions or to switch careers entirely.
Types of Graduate Programs
Graduate school offers a diverse set of programs designed to cater to various academic and professional goals.
At the master's level, students can pursue degrees such as a Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), or Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.). In addition, we offer several applied master’s degree options such as the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Master of Accountancy (M.Accy.), Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) or Master of Education (M.Ed.).
Doctoral programs, including the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), are more research-intensive and can take anywhere from three to seven years to complete, culminating in a dissertation that contributes original knowledge to the field.
Graduate programs can generally be divided into two categories: research and applied degrees.
- Research degrees, like Masters programs or the Ph.D., emphasize research, critical thinking, and scholarly contributions, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, or advanced professional roles.
- Applied degrees, like our Masters of Social Work (M.S.W.) or our Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Play Therapy, cater to specific fields and career paths. These programs not only enhance knowledge and expertise but also expand professional networks, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the job market.