Graduate school can feel like it has its own language. You may have heard students and faculty say certain phrases in passing, but what does it mean? Are these terms critical for your own studies, or are they just academic lingo? At WPI, we are experts in all things graduate school, and we’ve got your back! Click through to discover some essential phrases you may encounter during grad school and what they really mean!
| Matriculated vs. Non-Matriculated | You may have heard this phrase before from faculty describing student status. Matriculated refers to students who have been formally accepted into a degree program. Non-Matriculated refers to students taking courses at the university without being formally admitted to a degree program. |
| Graduate Certificate vs. Graduate Degree | When considering advanced education, you might choose between a graduate certificate and a graduate degree. A graduate certificate is a focused, shorter program that provides specialized knowledge in a specific area. A graduate degree, such as a master’s or doctorate, involves more extensive study and research in a broader field. |
| Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Learning | These are terms that refer to the type of courses students are taking. Asynchronous learning refers to learning that occurs through online platforms without real-time interaction, such as recorded lessons and flexible deadlines. Synchronous learning refers to learning in real-time, with live interaction between students and instructors, such as a traditional classroom. |
| MEng (Master of Engineering) vs. MS (Master of Science) | You may have encountered these terms when exploring graduate engineering programs. Master of Engineering refers to a professionally oriented degree focusing on practical skills, designed to prepare students for engineering practice. Master of Science, on the other hand, is usually research-oriented, requiring a thesis or significant research project, and focuses on developing theoretical knowledge and research skills. |
| TA (Teaching Assistant) vs. RA (Research Assistant) | In graduate programs, you might hear about TAs and RAs. A Teaching Assistant is a graduate student who assists with teaching duties, such as grading, leading discussion sections, or lecturing. A Research Assistant, in contrast, is a graduate student who assists with research projects, often working closely with faculty on experiments, data analysis, and other research activities. |
| Thesis vs. Dissertation | These terms often come up in discussions about graduate research requirements. A thesis is a research project required for a master’s degree, involving original research on a specific topic and presenting the findings in a written document. A dissertation, however, is an extensive research project required for a doctoral degree, involving more comprehensive and in-depth research. |
| Cohort vs. Class | In academic settings, you might hear about cohorts and classes. A cohort is a group of students who start and progress through a program together, fostering a sense of community and support. A class, however, refers to a group of students attending a particular course who may or may not interact outside that course. |
| Comprehensive Exams vs. Qualifying Exams | Graduate students often face these exams at different stages. Comprehensive exams cover a wide range of material from the student’s field of study and are usually required to earn a degree. Qualifying exams assess a student’s readiness to undertake dissertation research and are typically part of doctoral programs. |
| Advisor vs. Mentor | Graduate students often have both advisors and mentors. An advisor is a faculty member assigned to guide a student through their academic program, helping with course selection and research direction. A mentor, meanwhile, is a more experienced individual who provides broader career and personal guidance, often going beyond academic concerns. |
| CV (Curriculum Vitae) vs. Resume | In academic and professional contexts, you might be asked to provide a CV or a resume. A curriculum is a detailed document outlining your academic achievements, publications, and professional history. A resume, in contrast, is a concise document highlighting your skills, experiences, and education, typically for job applications. |
Still have more questions about grad school?
Sign up for any of our webinars and get an application fee waiver code!
| Credits vs. Units | These terms are often used interchangeably in academic institutions. Credits are points earned by completing courses, used to measure academic progress toward a degree. Units, though often synonymous with credits, can sometimes refer to different measurements depending on the institution. |
| Abstract vs. Introduction (in research papers) | When writing research papers, you’ll encounter both the abstract and the introduction. An abstract is a brief summary of the research paper, providing an overview of the main points and findings. The introduction, on the other hand, is the opening section that introduces the topic, provides background information, and outlines the research question and objectives. |
| Fellowships vs. Scholarships | Graduate students often seek financial support through fellowships and scholarships. A fellowship is financial support that often includes a stipend, tuition, and research funds, and is usually awarded based on academic merit. A scholarship, however, is financial aid awarded based on merit or need, typically for tuition support. |
| Grant vs. Fellowship | In the context of research funding, you’ll hear about grants and fellowships. A grant is funding provided for a specific research project, often requiring detailed proposals and reports. A fellowship offers broader financial support for a student, which may include a stipend and tuition, without being tied to a specific project. |
| Candidacy (PhD) vs. Post-Doctoral (Postdoc) | In the journey of a PhD student, candidacy and postdoctoral positions are important milestones. Candidacy refers to a stage in a PhD program where the student has passed required exams and can begin dissertation research. A postdoctoral position, however, is a research position undertaken after completing a doctoral degree, focusing on further specialized research. |
| Internship vs. Practicum | In professional programs, you might encounter internships and practicums. An internship is work experience, often paid, that provides practical experience in a student’s field. A practicum, on the other hand, is a supervised practical application of previously studied theory, often part of professional programs like education or healthcare. |
| Core Courses vs. Elective Courses | Many universities and colleges alike refer to Core Courses, or classes required to take in a degree program. You will also hear about Elective Courses, which are optional courses that students can choose based on their interests. |
| GPA (Grade Point Average) vs. Pass/Fail | You might already be familiar with GPA terminology if you attended high school in America. GPA is a numerical representation of a student’s academic performance. However, some classes or exams may be referred to as Pass/Fail where students receive either a “pass” or “fail” instead of a traditional letter or number grade. |
| Abstract vs. Summary | You may hear this term referring to student academic work. An abstract is a short, written overview of a research study’s purpose, methods, results, and conclusions, usually about a paragraph or so. A summary refers to a longer synopsis that can include various aspects of the entire document or topic to provide the reader with more context. |
| IRB (Institutional Review Board) vs. Ethics Committee | You may hear this term referring to student academic work. An abstract is a short, written overview of a research study’s purpose, methods, results, and conclusions, usually about a paragraph or so. A summary refers to a longer synopsis that can include various aspects of the entire document or topic to provide the reader with more context. |
We hope that this article can help you decipher some of the tricky terminology you might hear about grad school. Understanding these terms can make navigating your graduate education journey smoother and more manageable. Whether you’re just starting to explore graduate programs or are already immersed in your studies, having a clear grasp of these concepts will help you make informed decisions and better communicate with your peers and faculty. Good luck on your academic journey and remember, every step you take brings you closer to achieving your goals!