How does a graduate program differ from an undergraduate program?
Graduate school is quite different from undergraduate studies. It requires more focused and sustained work; it is a research degree program and as such involves more intensive, one-on-one relationships with faculty and interaction with other students. Most graduate coursework usually consists of a substantial amount of structured reading in a particular field in the early years, and, depending on the school, graduate program, and country in which it is being offered, typically requires less coursework than at the undergraduate level. Courses for the most part also tend to be of the seminar type. A key part of the graduate school experience is having the opportunity to work with a community of scholars in your own research area; in many programs, it is expected that you will begin to present your research at scholarly conferences and begin to build a publication record. Along with becoming a competent researcher, graduate school prepares you to acquire a professional identity.
Related Questions
- Im in my senior year as an undergraduate at JMU and have just been accepted into JMUs graduate program. How many graduate level credit hours can I take as a graduate student?
- Can I apply to the graduate program and take the required undergraduate prerequisite courses once I am accepted to the graduate program?
- How does a graduate program differ from an undergraduate program?
