What is Graduate School All About? In contrast to undergraduate
study which introduces you to a wide range of subjects, even
though you major in one, a graduate program involves specialized
knowledge and concentrated study in one area. There are
professional and research degrees at the master's and doctoral
levels: The Professional Master's gives you a specific set of
skills needed to practice in a particular field, such as
education, business, engineering or other profession requiring
specialized training. It is generally a final or "terminal"
degree, and often involves an internship, practicum or field
work. The Research Master's provides experience in research and
scholarship, and it may be a final degree or a step toward the
Ph.D. A master's degree usually takes one or two years of study.
The Professional Doctorate. The M.D. for medical practice or the
J.D. for law are the most common professional degrees. The
Research Doctorate. The Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy), is the
primary credential for college leve