What Is Graduate School? A Guide for International Students

Graduate schools provide students with specialized learning opportunities, expert faculty support, and access to robust alumni networks to take the next step toward their professional goals. If you have completed your bachelor’s degree and are looking for opportunities to expand your knowledge and enhance your career, applying to graduate school in the US can kickstart your career progression. 

Read on to learn more about graduate school, meaning the benefits of enrolling, several types of advanced degree programs, and more. 

What Are Graduate Schools?

Graduate schools in the US are academic institutions that award advanced degrees, specifically master’s degree programs or doctorate (PhD) programs. Students looking to obtain further credentials after completing a bachelor’s degree may apply for graduate school, where programs are designed to offer specialized education in one’s field, deepen one’s knowledge, and provide new career opportunities. 

While some universities offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees, graduate schools only accept students applying for either a master’s or doctoral degree program. To enroll in a graduate degree program, most grad schools require students to hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Some students aiming to widen their skill set or change their career may also be eligible to apply for a master’s or doctorate program that is different from their bachelor’s specialization (e.g., a math major interested in teaching may go back to school for a master’s in education). 

Based on your completed bachelor’s degree and interest in a future graduate degree, you may complete additional relevant course modules to stay on track and complete your program successfully.  

Here are several key benefits of pursuing a graduate degree:

• Specialized learning — The learning environment and curricula in graduate schools is designed to provide deeper technical understanding of your area of study, supported with specialized learning resources. For example, graduate schools offering a Master’s in Business Administration provide in-depth knowledge in data analytics, international finance, or entrepreneurship; students also benefit from expert faculty instructors, on-campus resources, specialized courses, guest lectures, and more. 

• Advanced research opportunities — Graduate schools place a strong emphasis on research and original thinking. Master’s and PhD students often get the chance to work directly with professors on cutting-edge projects, conduct independent studies, and publish their findings. 

• Professional networking and career development — Graduate schools often attract students from around the world who have established academic and professional experience in the field. This creates a practical learning environment where discussions go beyond textbooks and into real-world applications. Many graduate schools also provide tailored career services, internships, and mentorship programs with more specialized networking and career preparation compared to broader, entry-level career support typically available at schools that only offer undergraduate degrees.

Types of Grad School

Graduate education can take different forms depending on your academic and career goals. Understanding the types of graduate schools available will make it easier for you to choose the program that best fits your interests and future career development plans. Here are the two main types of grad schools to consider:

Professional Schools

Professional schools are designed to prepare you for specific careers. Programs focus on providing students with practical skills, hands-on training, and direct pathways into certain professions. For example, law schools, medical schools, business schools (MBA programs), and schools of education offering master’s or doctoral programs fall under this category. If you have a clear direction on the career you want to pursue and are looking for advanced training to get licensed or stand out in that field, applying to a professional school may be the right choice for you.

Academic Schools

Academic schools are more research-focused graduate schools. Programs center on deepening your knowledge in a particular subject area and often involve independent study, critical analysis, and original research. For instance, graduate programs in fields like history, biology, psychology, or literature usually fall under this category. Academic schools are a good fit if you are interested in becoming a researcher, a professor, or an expert in a specific discipline.

Students should consider their career goals before choosing between an academic or professional graduate school. Professional schools focus on preparing students for specific careers by offering practical training and credentials, while academic schools emphasize research, critical thinking, and advancing knowledge in a chosen field. In summary, professional programs prepare you for practicing a profession, while academic programs help you study and contribute to a field at a deeper level.

Graduate vs Undergraduate Programs: What’s the Difference?

Having a clear understanding of the difference between graduate programs and undergraduate programs can help you know what to expect when you start your graduate studies. Here are areas in which both schools differ:

Difference Between Graduate and Postgraduate Schools

When researching graduate school options, you may come across the term postgraduate school as well. In the US, the term graduate school is the standard way to describe education that takes place after a bachelor’s degree. Whether you are pursuing a master’s degree, a PhD, or a professional program (like law or medicine), all these terms fall under the umbrella of graduate education. 

In other parts of the world, including Canada and Australia, the term postgraduate is more commonly used. Here, it may also refer to any program that comes after completing a bachelor’s degree. For example, a master’s program, a doctorate (PhD), or even shorter diplomas and certificates earned after a bachelor’s degree would all be considered postgraduate qualifications.

There is no signficant difference in the definition of graduate school and postgraduate school; both refer to further study that happens after earning a bachelor’s degree.

Different Types of Degrees

Students can pursue many different kinds of degrees while pursuing their higher education in the US. Each type of degree serves a unique purpose — some are designed to help you gain advanced professional skills for a specific career, while others focus on research and academic expertise in a chosen field. Here is a list of the types of degrees you may come across when deciding which undergraduate or graduate degree to pursue:

Associate Degree

An associate degree is a two-year program that provides foundational knowledge and skills in a specific area of study. It is frequently offered at community colleges and select four-year universities in the US. Associate degrees can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree or prepare you for entry-level jobs in fields like business, health care, technology, or the arts.

Bachelor’s 

Bachelor’s degree programs combine general education courses — like math, writing, and critical thinking — with major-specific courses that provide deeper expertise in your area of academic interest. Completing a bachelor’s degree opens doors to entry-level professional opportunities, higher earning potential, and the option to pursue graduate programs in the future.

Master’s 

A master’s degree is an advanced program that you can pursue after completing a bachelor’s degree. It typically takes one to two years of full-time study and allows you to gain specialized knowledge and skills in a specific field. Examples of master’s programs include Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and more.

Professional Degrees

Professional degrees are designed to prepare you for a specific career or profession. They focus on preparing you with practical skills through hands-on training and real-world application of classroom knowledge. Examples of professional degrees include law (JD), medicine (MD), business (MBA), pharmacy (PharmD), and education (MEd).

Doctorate (PhD)

A doctoral degree, often called a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), is the highest level of academic study. It is pursued after completing a master’s or, in some cases, a bachelor’s degree, and focuses on original research, critical analysis, and advancing knowledge in a specific field.

Terminal 

A terminal degree is the highest degree available in a particular field, which means there are no further degrees beyond it within the discipline. Terminal degrees often signify expert-level mastery and are required for certain careers, such as university teaching, research leadership, or specialized professional practice such as medicine and law.

With a clear idea about the type of degrees available in the US, you can make a well-informed decision about your preferred area of study, the type of degree to pursue, and which type of school to apply to, all while keeping your career goals in mind. 

Study at the Best US Universities with Shorelight’s Help!

International students have access to a wide range of support services to navigate their higher education journey in the US. From choosing the best-fit degree program to begin your studies, visa application and interview prep, adjusting to life in the US, and choosing a graduate school, Shorelight’s expert advisors can provide you with in-person support and guidance throughout your experience. Choose the best-fit graduate school to enhance your career opportunities with Shorelight today!

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