Decoding the College Graduate Definition: A Comprehensive Guide

As a high school student, the prospect of college looms large. Researching and narrowing down options is a common activity. After high school, students often pursue an undergraduate degree, which encompasses both bachelor's and associate degrees. But what happens after that? This article delves into the definition of a "college graduate," particularly in the context of graduate degrees, exploring the different levels, types, and benefits associated with advanced education.

Undergraduate Degrees: The Foundation

An undergraduate degree is the initial step in higher education. There are two primary levels:

Associate Degree: Typically earned at a community college, an associate degree requires two years of study.
Bachelor's Degree: Usually pursued at a four-year college or university, a bachelor's degree program takes four to five years to complete in a specific academic discipline. The two most common types of bachelor's degrees are Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS). Other types of bachelor’s degrees include the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and Bachelor of Architecture (BArch).

After obtaining an undergraduate degree, graduates can either enter the workforce or continue their education.

Defining the College Graduate: More Than Just a Bachelor's

The term "college graduate" can be interpreted in different ways. Someone who holds a graduate degree will necessarily have been a college graduate first, but the term "college graduate" does not suggest that someone has a master's degree or a doctorate. While it generally refers to someone who has completed a bachelor's degree program, it can also refer to someone who has completed a course of studies at a high school and received a diploma.

As a noun, the word graduate [ graj-oo-it ] refers to “a person who has received a degree or diploma on completing a course of study.” In other words, a graduate is someone who has completed a particular level of schooling or an educational program-a child who just finished kindergarten and a doctor who just completed medical school are both graduates.

Graduate Degrees: Specialization and Advanced Knowledge

A graduate degree is any degree pursued after earning a bachelor's degree. Postgraduate is used interchangeably with graduate. Like a graduate degree, postgraduate refers to the range of higher degrees past the undergraduate degree. This includes master's degrees and doctoral degrees. Graduate degrees are typically more narrowly focused than undergraduate degrees, enabling students to delve more deeply into their specific career interests and gain expertise in their chosen field. Oftentimes, a student must have a graduate degree to get a job.

Types of Graduate Degrees

Colleges and universities offer programs leading to a graduate degree in a wide range of fields. The two main graduate degrees in the United States are the master’s degree and the doctoral degree. Both degrees involve a combination of research and coursework. Graduate education is characterized by in-depth training and specialized instruction. Study and learning are more self-directed at the graduate level than at the undergraduate level. The most common graduate degrees include:

Master's Degree: Provides education and training in a specialized branch or field. It may be academic (e.g., Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS)) or professional (e.g., Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Social Work (MSW), or Master of Education (MEd)). Programs may offer a thesis or non-thesis option and generally require one to three years of additional study beyond a bachelor’s degree.
Doctoral Degree: Prepares students for college faculty and research scholar positions or for other careers that require advanced knowledge and research skills. It may be academic (e.g., Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)) or professional (e.g., Doctor of Education (EdD) or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)). Requires that candidates pass a comprehensive examination and complete original research leading to a dissertation.
Professional Degrees: Professional degree programs that lead to licensure in specialized fields such as law or medicine are also available in the United States. For example, Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), and Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) in the field of medicine, and Juris Doctor (JD) and Doctor of Judicial Science (SJD) in the field of law. For most programs, a bachelor’s degree in a specific field is not required; however, some programs do require prerequisite coursework. For example, a student entering medical school may have a bachelor’s degree in philosophy but will also have taken a significant number of prerequisite courses in biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and social sciences.

Duration of Graduate Programs

The length of time required to complete a graduate degree varies depending on the program and degree type:

Master’s degrees take around 2-3 years to complete. A full-time master’s degree typically takes around two years to complete, while professional doctorate degrees can take anywhere from two to five years.
Doctoral programs can take anywhere from four to eight years, depending on the field of study.

Admission Requirements

To get accepted into graduate school, you must have a bachelor’s degree. This means that you must graduate from a 4-year undergraduate college or university. Many graduate programs require students to take an entrance exam such as the GRE or specialized entrance exams for law school or medical school. Graduate programs also typically require that certain undergraduate classes be completed prior to applying, so you’ll want to check to be sure that you have completed any required courses. Sometimes graduate programs will allow you to complete missing prerequisites while enrolled in your graduate degree program.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Another popular choice is a graduate certificate program. Graduate certificates primarily vary from master’s degrees on the academic weight they carry. A graduate certificate is a type of award that has less value because it incorporates fewer credit hours and requires less time to complete, unlike master’s programs which come from accredited schools and provide you with the title of a master’s degree holder.

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Differences Between Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

Undergraduate degree programs and graduate degree programs are very different from one another. Undergraduate programs help students gain basic knowledge in a major or even in a few majors. Students must take a variety of courses, and not only courses relating to their major. Graduate programs are very different. You go to graduate school to learn something very specific. Undergraduate programs help students gain basic knowledge in a major, or even in a few majors. Students must take a variety of courses, and not only courses relating to their major. Graduate programs are very different. You go to graduate school to learn something very specific. Here's a breakdown of some key distinctions:

Focus: Undergraduate programs offer a broad education across various disciplines, while graduate programs provide in-depth knowledge in a specialized field.
Curriculum: Undergraduate students take a variety of courses, including those outside their major. Graduate students focus almost exclusively on courses related to their specific field of study.
Flexibility: Undergraduate programs allow students to switch majors relatively easily. Due to the specialized nature of graduate programs, switching fields of study is more challenging.
Class Size: Undergraduate classes tend to be much larger than graduate classes.
Teacher-Student Interaction: In undergraduate programs, there isn’t much room to interact with your professors. Graduate programs are more intimate and thus, more dynamic. Students have more opportunities to participate in class discussions.
Admissions: To get accepted into an undergraduate program, students must take the SAT or ACT. Other requirements include a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation and personal statements. Many graduate programs require students to take an entrance exam such as the GRE, or specialized entrance exams for law school or medical school. Graduate programs also typically require that certain undergraduate classes be completed prior to applying, so you’ll want to check to be sure that you have completed any required courses. Sometimes graduate programs will allow you to complete missing prerequisites while enrolled in your graduate degree program.
Study and learning: Study and learning are more self-directed at the graduate level than at the undergraduate level.

Benefits of Earning a Graduate Degree

Pursuing a graduate degree is a serious commitment, so you must be sure of what you can get out of it and whether it is worth it. A graduate degree program can provide you with the necessary skills and theoretical knowledge in the subject or field of your studies. There are many benefits of earning a graduate degree, including:

Deepen your knowledge: One of the top reasons why graduate degrees are so appealing is the opportunity to gain even more specific and detailed knowledge on your field or subject.
Gain a competitive edge: It will be highly beneficial for you as it shows your dedication to improving yourself and enhancing your expertise and credibility. All employers want to hire truly well-prepared people when it comes to senior positions and any other executive role with influential responsibilities.
Increase earning potential: According to data, professionals with a bachelor’s degree earn $1,248 weekly, and those with an Associate’s degree gain $887 each week.
Career Advancement: Many careers require graduate degrees to advance in their field.

Joint Degrees

Some students may choose to pursue a joint degree, also known as a dual degree, which means they simultaneously study for a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree. Joint degrees can be pursued in the same college or can be split between two different colleges. For example, Berklee College of Music and Harvard University offer a dual bachelor’s/master’s program in which a student receives a Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Harvard and a Master of Music (MM) or Master of Arts (MA) at Berklee. Depending on the program, it may be possible to study at the same time for a master's degree and a doctorate.

Is a Graduate Degree Worth It?

Graduate degrees are worth it if they align with your goals and plans for the future. You should never feel pressured towards pursuing something you are not up for. But, if you’re are ready and willing to face the challenges of graduate degree programs, go for it! A graduate degree is a highly valuable and sought-after qualification for individuals looking to advance their careers or pursue further education in their chosen field.

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