What is Graduate Education?
Following the attainment of a baccalaureate degree, many students elect to continue studies at an advanced level. The pursuit of course work that leads to a master's, specialist or doctoral degree is called graduate education. In contrast, post-baccalaureate work that leads to a degree (for example) in law or medicine is often called professional studies.
In addition to graduate and professional degrees, many universities in Missouri also offer graduate certificates and minors. Cross-disciplinary study and dual degrees are other options in some fields of study.
Depending on the program and institution, Missouri graduate students may complete courses in face-to-face classrooms, online or through a combination of delivery methods. Faculty members apply new technologies to enhance student learning in any type of settings.
Graduate education differs from undergraduate study significantly:
- The student-faculty relationship becomes more of a mentor-mentee partnership to help the student acclimate to the chosen profession
- Fewer hours of required coursework, but with heavy reading and writing assignments at the scholarly level
- Independent original research or creative projects (depending on the discipline)
- Most students undergo qualifying and/or comprehensive examinations and write an original thesis or dissertation (varies by institution and the plan of study)
- An advanced degree often provides more career opportunities, promotion, higher salary and increased earning potential