The main purpose of graduate study is to inspire independence and originality of thought in the pursuit of knowledge. As a graduate student you are expected to achieve mastery of your chosen field through advanced coursework, independent study, and research.

Graduate education embraces study for all degrees and certificates beyond the bachelor's degree—principally the master's and doctor's degrees. Graduate degrees fall into two broad categories: (1) Professional—Degrees awarded by each professional college and school in recognition of a student's command of a comprehensive body of professional knowledge and the ability to organize and carry out investigation of significant problems in the field. (2) Academic—Degrees awarded by the academic departments, some professional schools, and interdisciplinary graduate groups in recognition of a student's command of a wide range of related subjects within an academic field, preparation in one or more foreign languages, and ability to pursue original research leading to a significant contribution to a field of study.

A list of graduate degrees appears later in this section. For more detailed information on graduate degree regulations and procedures, refer to the Guide to Graduate Policy.