Once a student completes a high school major, they should be fully aware of the difference between undergraduate and graduate degrees.
After getting the high school pass-out certificates, students are presented with an option to pursue post-secondary education. The first stepping stone is to go after a bachelor’s, which is an undergraduate program, and then a master’s, which is a graduate program.
If he/she still wishes to continue to study for higher education, then we have an option for Ph.D./Doctorate as well.
Without proper knowledge, this can cause confusion and frustration, as they might end up choosing a path that doesn’t align with their interests.
So follow along with this article to cover the major differences between undergraduate and graduate degrees.
What is the Difference Between Undergraduate and Graduate?
The first and foremost significant difference between UG and graduate students is the duration and pay scale. The master’s degree graduate tends to get more advanced and high-paying jobs compared to a UG student.
Below is the table to help you understand the difference between these two programs more thoroughly.
| Basis | Undergraduate | Graduate |
| Duration | 3-4 years | Masters – 2 yearsPh.D. – 6-7 years |
| Type of Jobs | Entry level job | More advanced and technical jobs |
| Type of Study | General Studies | More specialized and subject-specific study |
| Class Size | Large class size | Smaller class size |
| Growth and Opportunity | Initially, growth is higher but opportunities are limited | Higher growth and opportunity |
These were the basic outline of the difference between undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Furthermore, there is also the difference on the basis of criteria to get admission, pay scale, difficulty level, and types as well that you will get to know about as you read on.
Also Read: Chegg Books: Your Ultimate Guide to Buying, Renting, and Selling Textbooks
Types of Graduate and Undergraduate Degrees
Things might get confusing when you step out of high school, as the dimensions and career paths get wider and more distinct.
There are many options for a high-school pass-out student to kick off his/her undergraduate degree, with several choices mentioned below.
Associate Degree (Undergraduate)
An associate degree is not a mandatory degree to pursue as only a few countries such as Australia, the USA, the Netherlands, and Canada offer this program.
The duration of the associate degree is 2 years, which gives you meaningful insight and a glimpse of higher education.
It is suitable for those students who want to achieve an undergraduate degree without spending a lot of money. To get into an associate degree program only requirement is to have a high school diploma.
Bachelors (Undergraduate)
Bachelors is the most common UG degree, which is also a definitive part of the undergraduate system. Compared to an associate degree, a bachelor’s holds more importance and opens more doors to high-paying jobs, but it’s also an expensive form of education.
The duration of the bachelor’s degree is 3–4 years, depending upon the courses. And majorly, we have 3 types of bachelor degrees. Bachelor of Arts (BA) that is linked with subjects like literature, history, and so on.
BFA (Bachelor in Fine Arts) offers subjects related to fine arts such as sketching, drawing, music, and so on.
Last but not least, we have a B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) that is associated with subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and so on.
Accelerated Degree (Undergraduate)
Now coming towards less renowned undergraduate degrees, we have accelerated degree programs.
As the name suggests, the accelerated programs emphasize completing the degree in a shorter period. This form of higher education takes no more than a year or a few months to complete.
This type of degree is suitable for working professionals or those who are planning to kick-start their careers early.
Vocational Degree (Undergraduate)
Vocational schools or trade schools are those institutes that are specifically designed to offer specialized teaching that focuses on the actual workforce. Training is provided in professional fields such as plumbing, electrical work, cosmetology, and culinary arts.
These programs focus on practical skills and hands-on experience, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce.
So these are the various undergraduate degrees you can get. Once you have completed the degradation, the next step is towards a graduate degree.
There are only two main degrees, which are master’s and doctorate, which is the pinnacle of education. Let’s take a look at them:
Master’s (Graduate)
A master’s degree is pursued after acquiring a bachelor’s degree. The main difference between graduate and undergraduate programs is that graduate programs offer specialized knowledge and skills in a specific subject.
The examples include Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Business Administration (MBA).
The duration of a master’s degree is 2 years; however, some colleges also offer accelerated master’s programs that can be completed in just one year.
Ph.D. (Graduate)
This is the most advanced degree available in higher education, often requiring years of additional study and research beyond a master’s. A Ph.D. is primarily concerned with conducting original research to advance knowledge in a specific field.
It requires a minimum of 5–7 years to complete your research on a specific subject and publish your thesis.
To pursue any of these degrees, certain requirements must be met. So, let’s discover those requirements in the next section.
Also Read: Top 22 Learning Management System Examples in 2024
Requirements for Graduate and Undergraduate Degrees
To pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree, you should complete certain criteria. Here are the basic eligibility requirements for each:
- Associate Degree: High school diploma or GED. Additionally, you must be 17 years or older.
- Bachelors: In some countries, an associate degree is required before pursuing a bachelor’s degree; otherwise, you can begin immediately after graduating from high school. You may also be required to take a common entrance examination.
- Masters: it is mandatory to have a bachelor’s degree before you pursue a master’s degree.
- Ph.D. Doctorate: Aspirants must complete their master’s degree in the specific field in which they wish to pursue their doctorate.
These are the minimum requirements for you to pursue any of these degrees. Moreover, the criteria and eligibility vary from college to college and country to country.
Now, let’s talk about how much it costs to pursue graduate and undergraduate programs and which one is more difficult.
Also Read: What is a Steep Learning Curve and How to Overcome It?
Graduate vs. Undergraduate: Fees and Difficulty Level
According to a Forbes article, the annual expenses incurred to pursue an undergraduate degree range from $30,000 for a bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, a bachelor’s degree takes 3 to 4 years to complete, whereas if you prevail over an associate degree, it might be less expensive and could be completed in a shorter duration as well.
On the other hand, graduate programs, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000, depending on the course and university. For example, Boston College and Boston Universities charge up to $33,000 per semester.
The graduate program has high expenses and higher difficulty levels because it focuses on a specific field and subject that offers you a chance to contribute your research and thesis to a particular field.
Being one of the toughest degrees to acquire, job opportunities and pay scale are quite enhancing and can lead you towards a six-figure salary.
Graduate vs. Undergraduate: Job Opportunities
A graduate degree holder typically earns more, whereas an undergraduate degree holder has fewer opportunities with entry-level positions.
A graduate degree holder will always be preferred anytime and at any job position over an undergraduate due to their expertise and advanced knowledge.
Undergraduate degree holders, on the other hand, can still find rewarding careers, but they may need to gain more experience and demonstrate their skills in the workforce before advancing to higher positions.
The annual average salary of:
- Ph.D. — $90,000
- Masters — $70,000
- Bachelors — $30,000 to $40,000
However, it is important to note that these figures are based on averages rather than actual pay scales and may vary depending on your organizational skills. Professions like doctors, engineers, scientists, and lawyers have higher salaries compared to what we have mentioned above. Fields such as research, academia, and specialized professional roles, often come with higher salaries and better jobs.
While undergraduate degree holders can still achieve significant success, their career advancement may depend more heavily on gaining practical experience, networking, and lifelong learning as needed.
Also Read: Blended Learning Model – Does It Help in Boosting Memory Retention?
Conclusion
Undergraduate programs provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, preparing them for entry-level positions and further education. Graduate programs, on the other hand, offer specialized and advanced instruction in a certain area or vocation.
Whether you pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree, each path offers unique advantages and opportunities. Your decision should be based on your career goals, interests, and desired level of specialization in your education.
Read Next: Udemy Free Courses Guide: How to Get Udemy Paid Courses for Free?
FAQs
Ans:
Graduate degrees have more credibility, and graduate degree holders tend to get better jobs and earn higher salaries.
Ans: MBA, Engineering, Law, and CS are some high-paying degrees.
Ans: No, a Bachelor of Arts is coined under an undergraduate degree.
Ans: The main difference between UG and graduate is that you need to complete your high school first, then you’ll be eligible for undergraduate programs. On the other hand, you can’t pursue a graduate degree without completing an undergraduate program.
Sources:
