Question for Graduate Students

[cookderosa]

I think it depends on your major, but the "hardness" of grad work can be summed up in a word: academic writing. In psychology (or any non-sciences), for instance, it's writing-writing-and more writing, all in APA style. If you've never written in an academic style as an undergrad, you're in for a treat. Essentially, you'll be reading thousands of pages of academic journals (and you'll learn which ones are considered acceptable by your field) and from those journals you'll generate either summary type papers or new ideas on an old theme. In essence, you're trying to put a new spin on what the experts have said by looking at multiple papers. The WAY you put them together is the APA (or Chicago, etc) style. You can't just put a period anywhere, or indent whenever you like, or randomly use quotes to quote....there are rules. banghead

The other element is research. Many programs, even online programs, require original research. I don't think it's the norm for online schools, but they exist. B&M schools are much more likely to have you create original research. If you are in a doctorate program, that IS your program.

If you're a writing lover, then you'll be in your element. For me, I'd rather write a paper than take a CLEP! If you hate writing (like my husband) a writing intensive program is right up there with torture. I've noticed more an more programs listing a capstone course as an option or alternative to a thesis, so read exit requirements carefully to match with your strengths.

While I occasionally hear about an easy grad class, I think it's certainly the exception.