What is a graduate student?
A graduate student is a someone who has completed an undergraduate degree and has returned to university for an advanced degree (usually a master's). When transitioning from an undergraduate to graduate program there is a distinct shift to thinking about the unknown and applying theory.
Pursuing a master's often has different reasons, like, a change in career direction or career development. Some master's students are undertaking their course to then move onto a Ph.D. and excel in the world of academia.
The length of time in a master's program will take will be dependent on several factors. Remember there are maximum allowed program times.
Key Differences from Undergrad to Grad
Undergraduate |
Graduate |
Many courses outside the field are required as general education requirements. Classes are the sole means of evaluation for graduation. |
Students complete an in-depth study of one field and enter into an extended research apprenticeship with a faculty member. The primary means of evaluation for graduation is a research project or thesis, judged by a faculty committee. |
Students may remain enrolled and continue progress on their degree even if GPA falls below a 3.0. |
Minimum GPA for continuing enrollment is a 3.0. |
Most courses are very large. Four years of coursework are completed. Involvement with faculty is largely at the initiation of the student. |
All courses are small, and involvement with faculty is direct and extensive. Usually only one year of coursework is completed. |
Students finance their own education. |
Some students receive tuition support and stipends that pay costs towards their education in exchange for conducting research, assisting in teaching duties and administrative functions. |
Students are expected to work independently and produce high quality results, as measured by a GPA. |
Students are expected to work independently and produce high quality results, as measured by research, publication, and presentations judged by senior peers. |
Retrieved from Pearson (2011)
Accountabilities
- engage respectfully
- actively learn
- act ethically and appropriately
- conduct oneself in alignment with institutional policies
- manage thesis progress
- identify and access necessary supports for success