Undergraduate vs. Graduate Degree

Education can be a complex and often daunting landscape for many. In this article, we’ll review undergraduate vs. graduate degrees.


Learning about these terms — and different educational programs — can be empowering. With a shared understanding, students can navigate information and choose the educational paths that most closely align with their interests and goals.


Learn about undergraduate and graduate programs, how they differ from each other, and which type of degree might be best for you.



What Are the Types of Degrees?

Higher education or post-secondary education occurs after high school. There are four types of higher education degrees:

  • Associate’s degree

  • Bachelor’s degree

  • Master’s degree

  • Doctoral degree

Associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees are both considered types of undergraduate degrees, while master’s degrees and doctoral degrees are types of graduate degrees.



What Is an Undergraduate Degree?

When people refer to an undergraduate degree, they typically mean a bachelor’s degree. This is the most common type of undergraduate degree, requiring four years of education at a college or university.


Undergraduate degrees provide foundational knowledge and academic skills. Students learn advanced literacy, critical thinking and analytical skills. These general education frameworks can then be applied to more specific studies.



What Is a Graduate Degree?

When people refer to a graduate degree, they typically mean a master’s degree. A master’s degree is the most common type of graduate degree, and most students pursuing a doctoral degree will obtain their master’s degree first.


Graduate degrees offer specialized and advanced study in a given discipline. They build on the foundational knowledge gained in an undergraduate program, allowing students to deepen their understanding and engage in specific research.



What Is the Difference Between an Undergraduate and a Graduate Degree?

As shared above, undergraduate and graduate degrees have distinct definitions. Undergraduate degrees are more foundational, while graduate degrees build on educational fundamentals with advanced studies. Here are some more specific differences between bachelor's degrees and master's degrees.



Admission Requirements

Most secondary educational programs require prospective students to go through an admissions process. During this process, students submit qualifying materials such as grades, test scores and diplomas. The institution reviews materials and admits students that meet their standards.


This process is very similar for both undergraduate and graduate programs, though the types of materials they require differ. For undergraduate programs, students will typically submit:


  • High school diploma

  • High school transcripts or GPA

  • SAT or ACT score


For graduate programs, students will typically submit:


  • Bachelor’s degree diploma

  • Bachelor’s degree transcripts or GPA

  • GRE or GMAT score


Programs of either type may also require letters of recommendation, entrance essays or statements of purpose.


Requirements vary from institution to institution. Some programs may not require test scores, for example. Others might require additional information from certain kinds of students, like international applicants.



Tuition Prices

Tuition costs vary, depending on the program type and specific academic institution. However, graduate degrees are typically more expensive than undergraduate degrees. For both degree types, education through a private university is more expensive than through a public institution.


Here’s how tuition prices break down:


  • Undergraduate degrees from public universities cost $23,000 or more.

  • Undergraduate degrees from private universities cost $31,000 or more.

  • Graduate degrees from public universities cost $30,000 or more.

  • Graduate degrees from private universities cost $40,000 or more.


Because students typically must obtain an undergraduate degree before they pursue a graduate degree, these costs stack on top of each other for graduate students. Scholarships, financial aid programs, student stipends or work income can help cover these costs.



Education Timeline

Undergraduate programs are typically structured for four years of full-time education. Some students may take an accelerated course load to shorten the time frame, while others may take longer under a part-time schedule.


During this time, students have a structured schedule based on credit units. At UCLA, a bachelor’s degree consists of at least 180 credit units.


A graduate program is typically shorter than an undergraduate program in terms of both timeline and credit hours. For graduate students, schedules are less structured and individual courses may take more dedicated time than individual courses in an undergraduate program.


Master’s degree programs at UCLA take one to three years. During this time, students must take at least 36 credit units.



Coursework

One of the biggest differences between graduate and undergraduate degrees is the focus and intensity of their coursework.


Undergraduate coursework facilitates broad knowledge acquisition in a given area of study. The purpose is to give students a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.


Undergraduate students learn through structured classes with lectures, discussions and assignments. They may have to demonstrate their understanding through papers, presentations or testing.


Graduate coursework facilitates deeper or specialized learning in a given area of study. The purpose is to give students tools to contribute to their field.


Graduate students learn through seminars, practical work and research. They may have to demonstrate their contributions through dissertations or research projects.



Which Degree Is Right for You?

Depending on your field of study and individual career goals, you can choose to obtain a bachelor’s degree or go on to graduate studies. Both offer quality education and excellent benefits.


Undergraduate degrees offer a wide range of benefits, opening doors for job opportunities and further educational options. Bachelor’s degrees are the highest level of education for 23.5% of the population in the United States.


Further education after an undergraduate program is less common, with just 14.4% of the population completing an advanced degree as their highest form of education. However, a graduate degree comes with even more benefits worth the investment.


Some jobs require a graduate degree, and high-paying opportunities are available with advanced education. With a graduate degree, you have more career options and growth potential. Master’s degrees can also pave the way for further education and advancement, such as a doctorate degree or a job at a university.



Explore Graduate Programs at UCLA

No matter which type of degree you choose, UCLA has highly rated programs and educational support for students of all kinds. Explore our graduate programs today.