Both can lead to further education — undergrad degrees lead to graduate programs, and from there, you can complete post-graduate education such as a PhD. School programs aside, the doors are much more open if you have completed a graduate degree. You are likely to get paid more with a graduate degree, and more management and upper level positions will be open to you, compared to applicants with undergraduate education.
Graduate school is all about research. And while it is still possible to find research opportunities in undergrad, they are seen more as side projects or extracurriculars, instead of a culmination of your graduate education.
In your graduate studies, you will also have opportunities to research something that really matters to you, whereas in undergrad, you might have less of a say in research content. Course content as well as course structure is different in graduate school. Content and material is likely to be more challenging in graduate courses. You will also be expected to produce more materials such as papers, presentations, projects, and discussions during your graduate courses when compared to undergraduate courses that may rely on textbooks and passive lectures.
How you are graded will depend on programs and schools regardless of graduate or undergraduate status, but there are still some important differences between the two. In your undergraduate studies, a change of majors requires little more than a trip and a form signature from an academic counselor. It might mean taking a few extra classes than anticipated, but it is still relatively easy to. In graduate school, however, changing majors or study tracks is extremely difficult because you are admitted into your program as part of the application process.
Graduate students already know the ropes. They have learned their best study habits, the subjects they do well on, and the ones they may need extra help in, compared to undergraduate students, who may need some adjustment period to get used to higher education. Graduate students might, however, also have spent considerable time away from school and may need extra help getting back in the mindset of studying, while undergrad students often come straight from high school and are ready to learn.
Undergrad classes might be all about reviewing materials, turning in assignments and taking exams. Undergrads are usually younger and full of energy.
They are likely using a degree to find out what they want to do, take the next step in life, and have a fun social atmosphere. Graduate students have a different outlook. Some will have more work experience, and all have more school experience. Grad students may already have established their lives, families, and social groups and are more looking to school for just academics. There is much more of an expectation to use your mind to make inferences and intelligent contributions to your work, compared to recall and memory exercises in undergrad.
Graduate school requires much more applied skills and knowledge, and be prepared for a larger time commitment for graduate courses. Admissions requirements can be harder as well for graduate school. While you might not be required to take a standardized test, if you do, the GMAT and the GRE are much more challenging than undergrad entrance exams.
You may also be asked to submit a portfolio for graduate school admissions, which takes lots of time and effort. On the positive side, however, you will get to show your best work and explain in your own way what makes you a great candidate, instead of relying on test scores. University of the People offers flexible online graduate degree programs in Education M.
Ed and Business MBA. Doctorate students are also graduate students. All in all, while there are many very important differences between undergraduate and graduate school, both have amazing pluses and incredible, yet different, opportunities from each one. Apply Now. Request Info. Ask a student. UoPeople Arabic. Business Administration. Master's Degree MBA. Bachelor's Degree. Associate's Degree. Computer Science. Health Science. To enter an undergraduate program, you must have a high school diploma, GED or another equivalent to secondary education.
Specific admission requirements vary depending on the college or university, but they often ask students to submit scores from standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, a personal essay, letters of recommendation and high school transcripts.
Graduate programs often require GRE standardized test scores, writing samples, statements of philosophy or research proposals, and letters of recommendation in addition to undergraduate transcripts. The time it takes to earn a diploma can vary based on several factors, such as whether a student attends college part-time or full-time, transfers schools or changes majors.
In a graduate setting, it is much more difficult to switch programs or transfer to another school, since the curriculum is focused instead of generalized and varies by university.
The time to complete graduate degrees varies widely, depending on the program requirements and level of degree. A full undergraduate course load varies by school and program, but it is usually around 15 credits per semester or four to six classes. Undergraduate coursework often involves a variety of writing assignments, projects and other subject-specific tasks, and many courses require students to pass an exam to earn credit. The types of courses these students take include a mixture of the following:.
Students take these courses before pursuing courses related to their career specialties and include a variety of subjects, with most programs requiring students to complete courses in English, history, science and mathematics. They enroll in courses that discuss the topics, issues and experiences relevant to their major. Some majors may have overlapping courses in general education requirements, while others require courses tailored to specific career goals, such as those in science, engineering and business.
Some students pursue minors directly related to their career paths, while others select minors in subjects of personal interest. Graduate coursework is much more specialized and advanced than undergraduate work and typically follows a track of classes or expected subjects outlined by the university or program. Though a full course load varies by university and program, students typically take about nine credits, or three or four classes, per semester.
These students may take comprehensive exams for the degree as well as exams for each course. Alternatively, they may complete large final projects, dissertations, portfolios or other qualifying exit assignments. Related: Guide: How to Choose a Career. The typical classroom environment of undergraduate and graduate studies differ widely.
Students at the undergraduate level may experience the following elements in the classroom:. Class sizes vary from school to school and from class to class. Some undergraduate courses may accept more students for specific courses, such as those in the general education portion of a degree program that every student must take. Larger class sizes may mean less individualized attention from professors.
Some courses may be organized with the professor leading the class and the students taking notes and completing assignments independently. Professors may encourage students to participate and ask questions, but some courses may have students interacting more with a teaching assistant who helps the professor grade assignments and conduct more personalized small group sessions. While many courses may encourage student participation, some professors lead courses specifically built around students asking questions and discussing class materials, such as lectures and assigned readings.
These courses may involve more individualized attention from professors. Graduate degrees are less common, resulting in the following classroom elements:. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, attaining a higher degree of education correlates to higher potential job earnings. Certain degrees allow you to work in fields that are more specialized and make more money on average because of extensive training. Some employers might value education in their industry and pay those with higher degrees a higher salary.
A survey shows the average weekly income by degree:. The equivalent of an American undergraduate degree is known as a graduate degree. Aside from the length of time spent in school and the type of degree you can earn, there are many differences in the experiences of undergraduate students versus graduate students.
Although you usually choose a major in undergraduate studies, your education will include more general classes taken by students of all majors. Because the programs are more specialized and fewer students pursue them, graduate classes are typically smaller than undergraduate classes. University size will play a part in class sizes, so small colleges may also have small undergraduate classes. Undergraduate courses assign reading and structured papers like essays, reports, or research projects.
Graduate coursework focuses more on experiences in the field, personal narratives, and class discussions.
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