Graduate Degree Characteristics

In general, undergraduate education is quite different from graduate education. Undergraduate education is undertaken following high school completion or after securing an equivalent credential. There are two types of undergraduate degrees: Associate and Bachelor’s. Associate degrees are typically completed in two years and offered by community colleges. You can continue to study at a college or university to earn your Bachelors degree which is typically completed in four years. 

There are two levels of graduate degrees: Master’s and Doctoral. Both require a Bachelor's degree (e.g. postgraduate work). A Master’s degree typically takes two years to complete and focuses on a specific area or research and can allow someone to enter the workforce at an advanced level or pursue a doctoral degree. A doctoral degree is the most advanced degree one can earn and can take roughly four to six years to complete whereupon you are considered an expert in your field. Those who earn academic doctoral degrees (mostly Ph.D.s), typically go into research or academia, while those with professional doctoral degrees (Ed.D., M.D., and D.D.S.) go into practice. Listed below are other areas that demonstrate key differences between the two areas of study.

Completing an SJSU graduate program will greatly increase your leadership development. Progression through your program will allow you to work as part of many teams. Along the way you will enhance your critical thinking, problem solving, time management, and communication skills  Finally, while undergraduate degrees allow opportunities for landing entry level positions, a graduate degree greatly increases your chances of increasing your job market and potential.

Admission into graduate programs has different standards and costs than undergraduate education at SJSU. Please refer to the Graduate Admissions and Programs Evaluation website and the Bursar’s Office for more information on admission and tuition costs.