Academic Services

What Makes Graduate School Different?

Graduate school is not just "more of the same" - it is fundamentally different from undergraduate education. If you understand and respect these differences, your transition will be smoother and your first year in graduate school an exciting one.

"How much time and effort will a graduate degree take?"

Completing a bachelor's degree is fairly straightforward: complete 180 units, 4-5 years of enrollment, and general education and/or major requirements.

By comparison, graduate degrees vary greatly in the time and effort required for completion. Most master's degrees at UCSB take two years to complete, while a doctoral degree can take five to seven years depending on the department and the individual.

The differences in time and energy required for master's programs and doctoral programs can be compared to the differences between a sprinter and the marathoner: The sprinter uses a quick burst of energy for peak performance over a short distance; the marathoner must rely on stores of energy to put forth a sustained effort over a longer distance.

The essence of graduate education

Graduate education is more about mastering a discipline and forming bonds with one or more professors than it is about compiling units. The emphasis is on becoming immersed in a specific discipline, learning its rules and tools.

Graduate students tend to have closer relationships with faculty than do most undergraduates. For better or worse, the dependency ties are greater and often inescapable; in the best case scenario, students benefit from excellent mentoring relationships.

Becoming a knowledge producer

Graduate school trains students to become producers of information and knowledge, particularly at the doctoral level. Graduate students meet in small groups or one-on-one to become critical thinkers who can solve problems independently or collaboratively. Graduate school is not just about taking a series of individual courses but much like pieces of fabric you sew together to make into a usable piece of clothing for yourself. Try to use your courses as building blocks for thesis or dissertation research or preparation for either comprehensive or qualifying exams.

The importance of collaborative learning

The focus of most undergraduate education is on the cultivation of the individual's skills. In graduate school, however, collaboration with one's peers and one's major professor is required to design and execute complicated research projects. The ability to work well with others is essential to many post-graduate careers.

Managing time, expanding your horizons

Having a sense of purpose and managing your time wisely are essential to succeeding in graduate school. Formulating one or more strategies for getting from the present to the future is crucial since graduate school is the gateway to your career.

Family and work responsibilities often loom larger than in previous years. While undergraduates gain support and sustenance from a variety of sources, graduate students become more narrowly focused on work, research, and/or family.

At UCSB you can enjoy creative and physical activities that renew the body and spirit; join or form support groups that provide sustenance; or serve on committees responsible for departmental and university governance.

Learn from others: To better understand the challenges of graduate school, incoming graduate students can help themselves by seeking the counsel of more experienced students, faculty, graduate advisors, and graduate program assistants. Good luck!