What Is a Graduate Degree?
When it comes to advancing your career or diving deeper into a field you love, a graduate degree can open doors you never imagined.
If you're planning your next step in higher education, you've likely asked yourself: what is a graduate degree? No matter if you're a recent college graduate or a working professional, understanding how graduate degrees work is key to choosing the right path.
Whether you're considering a master's, doctorate or certificate, a graduate degree can help you build advanced knowledge and specialize in your field. It's not just about career growth — it's about finding new ways to challenge yourself and make an impact in your community.
Today we're breaking down the differences between graduate and professional degrees, how they differ from undergraduate programs and what to expect if you're considering applying to graduate school.
Understanding the Basics: What Does Graduate Degree Mean?
So, what is a graduate degree? A graduate degree is any advanced academic or professional program pursued after earning a bachelor’s degree. Graduate degrees are typically categorized into two main levels:
- Master’s degrees (such as MA, MS, MBA, MPH)
- Doctoral or terminal degrees (such as PhD, EdD, MD, JD or clinical doctorates like AuD or DPT)
Unlike undergraduate degrees, which are broad in scope and often include general education courses, graduate degrees are highly specialized. They are designed to deepen your expertise in a particular field or prepare you for a professional license or academic research.
What Is a Graduate Degree vs Undergraduate Degree?
To fully understand what a graduate degree is, it helps to contrast it with an undergraduate degree.
Undergraduate degrees, such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS), are typically:
- The first level of college education after high school
- Focused on foundational knowledge across a broad range of subjects
- 120–130 credit hours over four years
Graduate degrees, on the other hand:
- Require completion of an undergraduate degree first
- Focus on advanced or specialized knowledge
- Include research, clinical work, internships, or comprehensive exams
- Involve smaller class sizes and closer mentorship
At the University of Kansas, graduate students benefit from advanced research facilities, expert faculty mentors and tailored learning pathways to help shape their professional future.
What Is the Difference Between a Master’s and a Graduate Degree?
You might ask, what is the difference between a master’s and a graduate degree? Technically, a master’s degree is one type of graduate degree. So, all master’s programs are graduate programs, but not all graduate programs are master’s degrees.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of degrees:
- Bachelor’s Degree
This is an undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English. Its purpose is to provide a broad education across a range of subjects. - Master’s Degree
This is a graduate-level degree, such as a Master of Science (MS) in Data Science. It offers advanced specialization in a particular field of study. - Doctoral Degree
Also at the graduate level, examples include a PhD in Chemistry. These programs are focused on research and prepare students for academic or professional leadership roles. - Professional Degree
This is a graduate-level credential needed for licensure in specific careers. Examples include the Juris Doctor (JD) for law or Doctor of Medicine (MD) for medicine.
So, if you're searching for a master's in counseling psychology, for instance, you're also searching for a graduate degree.
Is a Graduate Degree the Same as a Professional Degree?
The short answer: All professional degrees are graduate degrees, but not all graduate degrees are professional degrees.
- A professional degree prepares you for a specific occupation — think law (JD), medicine (MD), or pharmacy (PharmD).
- A graduate degree may be academic (such as an MS in Biology) or professional in nature, depending on the field and goals of the program.
At the University of Kansas, both academic and professional graduate programs are available across disciplines—from health sciences and engineering to public affairs and education.
How Long Is a Graduate Degree Program?
If you read our guide to "How Long Does it Take to Get an Undergraduate Degree?" you'll know that they generally take about four years to complete. But how long is a graduate degree? The answer depends on the degree level and field of study:
- Master’s degrees typically take 1–2 years of full-time study.
- Doctoral degrees can take 3–7 years or more, depending on the discipline, research requirements, and dissertation timelines.
- Professional degrees vary. For example, a Juris Doctor (JD) typically takes four years.
Unlike undergraduate programs, graduate study is more focused, with fewer electives and more research or practical applications.
What Is a Post Graduate Degree?
The term “post graduate degree” is often used interchangeably with “graduate degree” in the U.S. However, in some global contexts, like the UK or Australia, it specifically refers to studies taken after a first degree. In the U.S., post graduate degrees include:
- Master’s degrees
- Doctoral degrees
- Post-master’s certificates or fellowships
In short, if you’ve already earned a bachelor’s and are pursuing further education then you are likely pursuing a post graduate degree.
Many programs at KU fall under this umbrella, including our nationally ranked offerings in health, education, law and engineering.
How to Choose the Right Graduate Degree for You
Choosing the right program depends on your personal goals:
- Want to conduct research or teach at the college level? Consider a PhD.
- Looking to practice law or medicine? You’ll need a professional degree like a JD or MD.
- Interested in enhancing your current career or shifting to a new one? A master’s or clinical doctorate (like DPT, AuD or OTD) might be right for you.
KU offers hundreds of graduate programs designed to match your interests and career trajectory, whether on campus or through flexible formats.
Is a Graduate Degree Worth It?
A key reason many students pursue a graduate degree is the potential for increased job opportunities, higher salaries and career advancement. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- According to the 2022 Census Bureau, individuals with a professional or graduate degree earn 35% more annually than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
- Unemployment rates are also significantly lower for those holding graduate degrees.
In fact, many KU alumni go on to leadership roles in healthcare, business, law and academia — all made possible through graduate-level preparation.