If you’re considering furthering your education after your bachelor’s degree, you’ve likely come across the term “graduate school.” But what exactly is graduate school?
Graduate school, often shortened to “grad school,” is an institution of higher learning that provides postgraduate degrees. These degrees primarily include master’s and doctorate (PhD) programs. Essentially, it’s the next academic step after completing your undergraduate studies. To be eligible for graduate school, you will almost always need to hold a bachelor’s degree, sometimes referred to as a ‘first’ degree.
You can find graduate schools within the academic structure of larger universities, operating as departments or faculties focused on postgraduate education. Alternatively, some institutions exist solely as dedicated graduate colleges, separate from undergraduate programs.
Many students choose to pursue a master’s or doctorate degree in the same or a closely related field to their undergraduate major. This allows for deeper specialization and the acquisition of advanced knowledge. However, graduate school also offers opportunities to switch academic paths. Whether you’re looking to develop new skills, change career direction, or explore a different subject entirely, graduate programs can accommodate diverse academic goals.
Numerous master’s courses are open to graduates from various disciplines, and relevant professional experience is often considered alongside academic qualifications. In situations where specific prerequisite coursework is necessary, bridge or conversion programs may be available to help applicants meet the required academic level.
Where is ‘Grad School’ a Common Term?
The term “grad school” is predominantly used in North America. However, universities around the world may utilize the term “graduate school” to designate their postgraduate departments within specific disciplines. For example, you might encounter a “Graduate School of Law” or a “Graduate School of Medicine” in various countries. Conversely, some faculties might omit “graduate” and offer both undergraduate and postgraduate courses under a unified faculty name.
In conclusion, graduate school is a specialized segment of higher education dedicated to advanced studies and postgraduate degrees. It offers pathways for specialization, career advancement, and academic exploration beyond the undergraduate level, primarily in institutions known as “grad schools” especially in North America.
