
Graduate-level programs
Graduate-level programs usually consist of another 2 years of college or roughly 60 credits. An average credit load per semester is about 15 credit hours as a full-time student.
Lawyers, Doctors, Professors, and MBA’s are what most people think of when they think of graduate-level study. The variety certainly doesn’t stop there. A 4-year degree program at a university typically has a graduate-level program of some kind attached to it.
These attached programs do much of the Academic research in the world, by applying for grants and other funding to fund their work.
Entrance testing
Due to the competitive nature of these programs and professions, entrance exams are usually required.
The more competitive the school, the higher the scores, and the stronger the resume needed to be accepted.
Scholarships and Grants
It’s not uncommon for states to have scholarship and grant money available to those who have been furloughed or laid off. It is worth checking with the school’s financing department to see what you may qualify for.
Masters Degrees
These are just a high-level list of the most common and there associated entrance exams. Usually, with graduate programs, it helps to know what specifically a student wants to accomplish AFTER the program, to help determine what and when they should apply.

Engineering
A master’s degree and the associated research can be a great way to refresh your engineering resume.
Engineering schools usually require
- Bachelors in Engineering or related Science
- GRE (Graduate Record Exam)
- Sometimes some work experience depending on the school
The exam usually takes about 3 months to prep for and costs roughly 400-700$ for prep courses and 160$ for the exam.
Graduate school can be as little as 10,000$ per year for In-state schools and as high as 50,000 for Ivy Leauge schools.

Business
Masters degrees exist for accounting, business management, and many of the other undergraduate focus.
Business schools may require
- some prerequisite courses, that are usually covered by undergraduates in their Bachelors.
- GMAT exam (250$)
- Prep Course 1,000-1,500$ (3 months)
Schools vary drastically in cost per year.
Salary increases an average 25,000$ per year after MBA compared to post MBA.

Lawyer
Many bachelor degrees naturally funnel themselves into the legal profession. Engineering Bachelors are uniquely qualified to become patent lawyers, as are science degrees.
Law school requires
- LSAT exam (190$)
- LSAT prep course (4 months – 700-1100$)
- Undergraduate degree
Compensation and focus vary widely. Average starting pay is around 61,000$, but may grow significantly depending on the specialty. For example, Patent Lawyers make on average of 166,000$ per year.
Tuition cost varies as well: 26,000$-45,000$ for entire Tuition cost of the school.

Sciences/Mathematics
Most students who pursue graduate degrees in Science and Mathematics move onto the PHD level. The PHD level is required in most cases to be a college professor or to lead the highest level of industry and academic research.
The requirements are very similar to engineering master’s degrees. The GRE is the entrance exam of choice and an undergraduate degree in science/engineering is almost mandatory.

Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners are the culmination of the Nursing progression. Able to write prescriptions and practice independently of physicians.
Inside the nurse practitioner realm, are many different specialties. Some focus on Anesthesiology, Neonatal, Midwife, and General care among others. Compensation is different as well among these specialties. (Ranging from 80-160,000$ per year)
Prerequisites include
- Bachelors in Nursing
- Active RN Licences
- Clinical experience
- Minimum GPA
- GRE Exam
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