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Undergraduate and graduate degree

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Published: 2 May 2024

When searching for information about studying abroad, you often come across the word undergraduate degree and graduate degree. For some Indonesian students, these terms may seem unfamiliar, as we more commonly refer to educational levels as S1 for Bachelor's or S2 for Master’s degrees.

While both undergraduate and graduate degrees are essential steps in pursuing higher education, they possess distinct characteristics. To understand the difference, let’s first grasp the meaning of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

What is an undergraduate degree?

An undergraduate degree, also known as S1 or Bachelor’s degree, is the initial level of education you can pursue after completing high school or SMA. Typically, this level of education takes 3 to 4 years, depending upon your major and chosen university.

After completing an undergraduate degree, students are awarded a specific title corresponding to their field of study. For instance, BSc is a degree for Bachelor of Science, while BA stands for Bachelor of Arts. These titles vary depending on the discipline pursued, highlighting the specialization achieved during undergraduate studies.

What is a graduate degree?

After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, you can advance to a higher level of education known as a graduate degree. Graduate and postgraduate are two terms that often have the same meaning. Campuses abroad generally only use one of these two terms. In the Indonesian education system, this program is referred to as an S2 degree.

In abroad universities, graduate degree may also encompass Master’s and Doctoral programs, which emphasize more in-depth studies in specific fields. For example, an MSc (Master of Science) degree is tailored for individuals seeking advanced knowledge and expertise in scientific disciplines, while an MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree is designed for those interested in enhancing their skills in business management and administration.

Comparison between undergraduate and graduate degrees

An undergraduate degree provides a basic of general knowledge in various subjects and typically lasts for 3 to 4 years.

Conversely, a graduate degree offers a deeper understanding and often requires specialised research or study. These programs usually take 1 to 2 years for a Master’s degree and 3 to 7 years for a Ph.D., depending on the field of study and research project.

Refer to the table below for comprehensive comparison between undergraduate and graduate degrees:

Aspect	Undergraduate Degree	Graduate Degree
Study duration	Typically 3-4 years	1-3 years (Master's) up to several years (Ph.D.)
Learning focus	Basics of the field	Specialization or in-depth research
Degree types	Bachelor's	Master's or Doctorate (Ph.D.)
Admission requirements	After high school or equivalent	Requires a prior bachelor's degree (for Master's)
Main purpose	Early career preparation or employment	Increased understanding, skills, research
Cost	Usually more affordable	Typically more expensive
Post-graduation careers	Entry-level jobs	Higher positions, research, teaching
Developed skills	Fundamentals, general skills	Specialized skills, in-depth analysis

Undergraduate vs. graduate degree – which is right for you?

Now, you might be wondering whether it's necessary to pursue a graduate program after acquiring a Bachelor's degree. Indeed, this is a question that often tangled.

The choice between an undergraduate and a graduate degree largely depends on your career goals and personal interests. If you aim to gain a deeper understanding in a specific field or plan to pursue a career that requires an advanced degree, a graduate degree may be the right choice.

Meanwhile, an undergraduate degree suits those who want to acquire a basic understanding of various subjects before deciding on a specialization.

To clarify further, here are some factors to consider when choosing between undergraduate and graduate education:

1. Career goals

Determine your future career direction. If you intend to start your career at an entry level or want a strong foundation in a specific field, a Bachelor's degree may be more suitable.

On the other hand, if you aspire to become a specialist or researcher and seek higher job positions, a Master's or Ph.D. is the right path.

2. Personal interests

Consider your interests. Are you genuinely passionate about a particular field of study, or do you want to explore various subjects at a fundamental level? If you wish to delve deep into knowledge in a specific area or have a unique interest, a graduate degree may be a better fit.

3. Time and cost

It's essential to factor in the time and financial commitments required. Bachelor's degrees usually take around 3-4 years, while graduate degrees add extra time.

Evaluate your availability and budget before making a decision. Bachelor's degrees tend to be more cost-effective, but it depends on your chosen field of study, university, and country.

Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree abroad

If you're considering obtaining an undergraduate or graduate degree abroad, IDP is here to assist you in making it happen!

At IDP, we have experienced counsellors who can provide guidance tailored to your preferences and assist you through every step of the application process. Start with a free counselling session today!

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