Graduate Study Glossary

2. Comps (Comprehensive Examinations)--Exams that test your knowledge as a prerequisite to beginning your dissertation. Also known as "qualifying exams." 

3. Deferred or Delayed Admission--Once you are admitted, you may have the option of postponing your entrance into the program for a period of time while you work, travel, etc. 

4. Dissertation (and Defense)--A major original work under the direction of a professor and often suitable for publication. Also known as "thesis." After completion, you normally defend your dissertation by answering questions from a dissertation committee composed of faculty members. 

5. Doctoral Degrees
D.C. Doctor of Chiropractic 
D.O. Doctor of Osteopathy 
D.V.M. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 
Doctor Doctor of Social Work and Doctor of Business Administration are also awarded, but not commonly 
Ed.D. Doctor of Education--Usually awarded for doctorates in education-related fields 
J.D. Juris Doctor--A law degree following three years of study 
M.D. Medical Doctor 
Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy--Awarded for academic subject areas in the humanities, sciences and social sciences 
Psy.D. Doctor of Psychology 

6. Fellowship--Money or tuition and expenses awarded by a graduate school to students as a form of financial aid. May be awarded on a competitive merit basis. 

7. In-State Preference--Some graduate schools (particuarly medical schools and veterinary schools) are required by law to give preference to residents of their own state. In some cases, it is 
nearly impossible to gain admission from out-of-state. 

8. Language Proficiency Requirement (or Alternate)--Many doctoral programs require demonstrated competence (through examination) in one or two foreign languages or alternate skills such as computer programming or advanced statistical analysis. It is to your advantage to acquire these skills before you enter graduate school. 

9. Master's Degree 
Ed.M.( Educational Master's) 
M.A.( Master of Arts ) 
M.A.T.( Master of Arts for Teachers ) 
M.B.A.( Master of Business Administration ) 
M.C.R.P.( Master of City and Regional Planning ) 
M.F.A. (Master of Fine Arts)

10. Matriculated--Enrolled in a course of study leading to a degree. 

11. Non-Matriculated--Taking courses but not enrolled in a degree program. Sometimes it is possible to begin this way, demonstrate your ability to do graduate work, and then switch to matriculated status. 

12. Official Transcript--A record of your course work certified by the Registrar. The university seal is affixed to the document. Usually graduate schools request that original transcripts be sent to them directly by the Registrar, rather than copies sent by students. 

13. Post-Doc--Fellow or associate who has completed all doctoral degree requirements and is at the university for a limited period of time to continue advanced study and receive additional professional training. A post-doc is not a regular employee of the university. 

14. Professional Diploma--An intermediate degree between master's and doctorate, sometimes awarded by graduate education institutions. 

15. Residency Requirement--Does not refer to where you reside, but rather is an obligation to engage in full-time graduate study for a stipulated period of time. 

16. Rolling Admissions--Qualified students are accepted for admission as they apply. This means the number of places available decreases as the admission season progresses and indicates that you should apply as early as possible to avoid increased competition. 

17. Standardized Admission Tests--Objective tests are required as part of the application for graduate or professional study. (See "Test Information for Graduate School") 

18. Terminal Degree--The degree that is considered to complete your graduate school or professional training. Many fields end with the doctorate. However, the M.F.A. degree is one example of a terminal degree at the master's level because doctorates are usually not awarded. 

19. Thesis--This is often used synonymously with "dissertation," but it may refer to a shorter work, such as a master's thesis. 

20. Tuition Reimbursement--Some employers will refund your graduate tuition if you are studying in a work-related area. Others will pay for any courses in which you receive passing grades, and some will refund only a portion of your educational expenses.