What Is a Graduate Degree? Your 2026 Guide

Key takeaways

• A graduate degree is a degree you earn after completing a bachelor’s degree program, and may include a master’s degree, a professional degree, or a doctoral degree, each of which allows you to establish yourself as an expert in your field and broaden your job prospects.

• A post-graduate degree is an option to help you build skills in verbal and written communication, critical thinking, research, and time management.

• A master’s degree is a graduate degree earned after completing a four-year undergraduate degree program.

A master’s degree is a type of graduate degree in which you may receive a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or a specialized degree like the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Learn more about the types of graduate degrees available, the skills you can gain, and some frequently asked questions regarding graduate degrees.

What is a graduate degree? 3 types to consider

While researching graduate programs, you'll typically come across three types of degrees. The most commonly known is a master's degree, but it isn’t the only option. The term 'graduate degree' also includes PhDs and professional degrees, such as a Juris Doctor or Doctor of Medicine.

Students often pursue a graduate degree to gain access to more jobs, higher salaries, or as a stepping stone for further study. For specific careers, graduate qualifications will be essential, while for others, they may be a career boost, but you may be able to be more flexible on your choice of program. By earning a graduate degree, you can establish yourself as an expert in your field and potentially gain a competitive edge as a job candidate.

Let's take a closer look at each:

1. Master's degree

A master’s degree takes one to two years of full-time study, depending on the program and your schedule. Depending on the subject you choose, you may pursue a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or something more specialized. A master's degree incorporates coursework and independent study and usually requires the submission of a thesis or the completion of a capstone project.

Specialized options include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), among the most popular master’s programs, focusing on business management, including marketing, finance, sales, and accounting. You may also consider a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), which allows artists to focus on subjects like music, art, theater, and graphic design.

2. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Another popular graduate program is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which takes between four and seven years. Courses at this level tend to be research-based, allowing you to test theories and hypotheses in your chosen field. Options for what to study are vast and can include areas relating to psychology, social science, humanities, and technology, among others. A PhD can take anywhere from three to eight years to complete.

Learn more: What Jobs Can You Get with a Philosophy Degree?

3. Professional doctorate

A professional doctorate is the highest academic credential in a professional career. In this advanced degree, you'll apply research to solve practical problems within the field. Professional doctorates have many titles, including Juris Doctor (JD) and Doctor of Medicine (MD). While these degrees vary in length, they typically take between three and six years to complete.

Is a graduate degree a master’s?

A master's degree is one type of graduate degree, which is any degree pursued after receiving an undergraduate bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree provides specialized education in a particular subject. The other type of graduate degree is a doctoral degree, which focuses heavily on original research and advanced knowledge of a particular field.

Skills acquired in post-graduate degree programs

A graduate degree allows you to develop skills in particular areas related to your specialization, but it also helps you to command general skills transferable to any career path. These include:

• Verbal and written communication skills

• Critical thinking

• Problem-solving

• Research skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Time management

• Leadership and coordination

Give your team access to a catalog of 8,000+ engaging courses and hands-on Guided Projects to help them develop impactful skills. Learn more about Coursera for Business.

Explore graduate degree resources

Get in-depth insights into various learning paths, take skills assessments, and evaluate your career options while browsing our Career Resource Hub. Then, check out some of our other free resources:

• Hear from a fellow learner: How One Software Developer’s Leadership Aspirations Led Her to Graduate School

• Watch on YouTube: Can You Go to Grad School for a Different Major?

• Read our Career Chat issue: How to Fit Learning Into Your Life: 3 Tips from an Online Learner

You can also explore online graduate degree options on Coursera, which include flexible programs taught by some of the leading global organizations and universities.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)