If you’re looking to get a postgraduate degree, you’ll have to study in a graduate (grad) school. A Grad school is a higher education institution that awards postgraduate degrees (Masters & PHD Programmes).
To get into grad school, you need to have completed your bachelor’s degree, sometimes also known as a ‘first’ degree. Grad schools can be found in departments of universities. Some universities have grad schools as separate colleges that are dedicated to providing higher education.
Students pursue their master’s degree in the same subject or field that they majored in during undergraduate programs. However, there are a lot of master’s courses that are available to graduates of any subject.
Breakdown of the Term “Grad School”
The term “Grad School” is mostly used in North America. Some universities globally name their postgraduate departments “Graduate school” of a subject, such as – the Graduate School of Law or Graduate School of Medicine.
Types of Grad School
1. Professional School
Professional School is for students who have a particular career in mind. For example, to become a lawyer or a doctor, students would need to attend law or medical school. A professional school provides students with a professional qualification or license.
Courses offered at these professional grad schools involve a more applied learning style, they also offer higher opportunities for work placements.
2. Academic School
Academic schools for postgraduate courses focus more on vocational training and academic research. The level of education and training depends on the subject with some fields lending themselves more to research, and other courses focusing on professional practice.
Most postgraduate programs offer a blend of both vocational training and professional practice. This allows students to learn skills in various areas to succeed in their careers.
Difference Between Undergraduate and Grad School
Undergraduate studies focus largely on passing on the knowledge acquired by students. During postgraduate studies, the focus is more on increasing the particular knowledge. If you want to take this knowledge even further, a PhD is the way to go.
Undergraduate courses have the highest number of students, postgraduate courses have a moderate number of students, and PhD courses have the least number of students.
What is a Terminal Degree?
A ‘terminal degree,’ primarily referenced in the United States, represents the pinnacle of academic achievement within a specific discipline. Frequently, a doctoral degree, such as a PhD, qualifies as the ultimate credential for many fields, signifying the highest level of formal education available.
Fields like business, architecture, the arts, social sciences, and humanities often treat a master’s degree as their educational ceiling. This designation arises because these programs emphasize practical, career-focused expertise over theoretical or research-heavy content. Although doctoral studies are possible in these areas, they typically center on specialized research rather than developing hands-on abilities sought by employers.
Medicine presents a unique scenario. For physicians, an MD or a PhD might serve as their top qualification. In many cases, professionals earn both, as the investigative work conducted during doctoral research often complements medical practice.
Examples of advanced degrees that qualify as terminal include PhD, master’s, EdD (Doctor of Education), PsyD (Doctor of Psychology), DEng (Doctor of Engineering), MD (Doctor of Medicine), and JD (Juris Doctor). Completion timeframes depend on both the area of study and the degree’s structure.
While professions like medicine, law, and engineering require these qualifications for entry, not all fields demand such credentials. Nevertheless, pursuing advanced education can enhance employability and contribute to greater financial success over a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
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