Differences between Graduate and Undergraduate Study
Undergraduate
|
Graduate
|
| A variety of courses outside the field are required as general education requirements. Classes are broad and are the sole means of evaluation for graduation. |
Students complete an in-depth study of one field. The primary means of evaluation for graduation is a research project or thesis, which is judged by a faculty committee. |
| Student may remain enrolled and continue progress on their degree even if GPA falls below a 3.0. |
A minimum GPA for continuing enrollment is a 3.0. |
| Some courses are very large. Involvement with faculty is largely at the initiation of the student. |
All courses are small, and involvement with faculty is direct and extensive. |
| Degree takes 4 years to complete. |
Usually only 1 year of coursework is completed. Degree completion times vary between 2 and 6 years. |
| 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. |
| You learn what is already known. |
You learn to add to the body of existing knowledge in your field. |