When we have to make decisions on admission in colleges and courses to study, we hear words like undergraduate and graduate. Most people get confused and wonder what is the difference between these two words.
So, today I will be explaining the difference between these two programs, and through this article, you will get to know all the basic details about Undergraduate Vs Graduate.
Undergraduate Vs Graduate
· Meaning of Undergraduate
An undergraduate means a university student who has not yet taken his first degree. An undergraduate degree is a post-secondary education program and is undertaken after high school. It is divided into two parts- associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree.
· Meaning of Graduate
A graduate program is an in-depth and advanced knowledge in a specific field. It is undertaken after completing a bachelor’s degree. It has two categories – a master’s degree and a doctorate. In some states, graduate programs are also called postgraduate programs.
Difference between Undergraduate Vs Graduate
· The Degree
When you complete an undergraduate program, you will get a bachelor’s degree while when you complete a graduate program, you will get a master’s degree or doctoral degree.
· Length of Study
An Associate’s degree takes two years two complete while a bachelor’s degree can take three to four years to complete.
A master’s degree takes two years to complete while a doctoral degree can take three to six years to complete.
Admission Requirements
· For undergraduate programs
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores
High school diploma
Letters of recommendation
· For graduate programs
Graduate Records Examination (GRE)
Undergraduate transcripts
Letters of recommendation
GPS of at least 3.0 or equivalents
Research proposals
Coursework
Undergraduate coursework is different depending on institutions and course of study but is usually around 15 units per semester or 5 to 7 courses per semester.
While graduate coursework also varies depending on institutions and course of study but is usually around 9 units per semester or 3 to 4 courses per semester. It also includes a comprehensive examination, research, or thesis projects.
Change of Majors
In undergraduate programs, changing majors is easy as the coursework has few similar courses but in graduate programs, changing majors is difficult and sometimes impossible as the coursework is very specific and direct.
The Final Words
On comparing Undergraduate Vs Graduate programs, you will know that although they have similar directions but are unique in their own ways. You can do a graduate program only after completing the undergraduate program.
I hope this article was helpful for you.
