What Is Graduate Level Education?

Graduate level education is the process of learning specialized knowledge about a field or discipline. When graduate level education is completed, a master’s or doctorate degree is awarded. All graduate programs require students to have at least one prior degree. Most graduate programs require a bachelor’s degree, but there are some programs that accept students with an associate degree.

Most graduate programs have several admission requirements. For example, many state and Ivy League colleges require students to take the GRE, or Graduate Record Examination. This is a standardized test that evaluates reading comprehension, writing ability, math skills and analytical skills.

Colleges with competitive admission also evaluate a candidate’s grade point average and the type of degree the candidate has earned. Nearly all graduate programs are designed to teach students specialized knowledge about a specific discipline. Consequently, students who have already completed coursework that aligns with the discipline of a graduate program typically have better odds of being accepted.

Other common graduate school admission requirements include a statement of intent and letter of recommendation. A statement of intent requires students to outline their career goals and academic interests. Letters of recommendation are usually written by faculty members and explain why the student is a good candidate for a graduate program.