Professional programs emphasize the practical use of knowledge or skill such as business, law, or medicine.
Professional programs vary in the number of credit hours required to complete each program.
Graduate programs offer an in-depth study of a concentrated area such as English Literature or American History. These programs are typically 36 credit hours in length if the school runs on a semester calendar, or 54 credit hours if a trimester calendar is followed. Upon completion of a graduate program, a Master of Arts or Sciences is awarded. A doctorate signifies the highest degree of education that can be earned. Before you begin researching graduate programs it may be helpful to evaluate your reasons for attending graduate school as it is a significant investment of your time, energy, and money.