A graduate program involves specialized knowledge and concentrated study in one area. In this respect it differs from undergraduate study, which introduces you to a wide range of subjects, even though you major in one, and gives you certain general intellectual skills - reading critically, writing clearly, and arguing persuasively.

A graduate program is generally more focused on a specific area of interest and on acquiring specialized skills to practice a profession or do advanced research. However, it does not merely entail an additional number of courses. It requires active participation in the discovery of new knowledge. Frequently internships to practice professional skills are part of the curriculum.

There are two kinds of graduate degrees, professional degrees and research degrees, and two levels, master's and doctoral.

At the master's level, a professional degree gives you a specific set of skills needed to practice a particular profession. It is generally a final degree. On the other hand, the research master's provides experience in research and scholarship, and it may be a final degree or a step toward a doctorate.

The master's degree usually takes one or two years of study. The professional master's degree often involves some type of internship or fieldwork. The research degree may involve writing a thesis or taking a comprehensive examination.

At the doctoral level, there are also professional degrees and research degrees. The most common professional degrees are the M.D. for medical practice, or the J.D. for law.

The research doctoral degree involves training in research, which provides the skills to discover new knowledge. It is the primary credential for college-level teaching. The doctoral degree typically involves both coursework and a major research project. It usually takes 4 to 6 years of full-time study to get a Ph.D.