graduate studies

USAGE SUMMARY

"graduate studies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring specifically to studies or courses taken after obtaining a bachelor's degree, such as a Master's or PhD. Example: After completing my undergraduate degree, I decided to pursue graduate studies in environmental science.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Two years later she began graduate studies in painting.

The New York Times - Arts

But they'll want to get their graduate studies done first.

The New York Times

Yet she struggled to be accepted for graduate studies.

The New York Times

They met during their graduate studies at Yale.

The New York Times

"I want to do my graduate studies in management.

The New York Times

She is also the director of graduate studies in sculpture at Yale.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Pursued post-graduate studies in behavioral sciences at Case Western Reserve University.

The New York Times

He also conducted post-graduate studies in law at the London School of Economics.

The New York Times

The School of Graduate Studies was authorized in 1963.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Professor and Director of Graduate Studies Department of Sociology Tulane University New Orleans.

The New York Times - Magazine

The concert begins at 8 p.m. in the Hall of Graduate Studies Courtyard at Yale.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "graduate studies" when referring to academic pursuits after a bachelor's degree. It clearly conveys the level and type of education.

Common error

Avoid using "graduate studies" when referring to bachelor's degree programs. "Undergraduate studies" is the correct term for pre-bachelor's level education.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "graduate studies" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb (e.g., "pursue", "undertake", "begin"). It refers to the academic activities and programs undertaken after obtaining a bachelor's degree. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "graduate studies" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to academic pursuits beyond a bachelor's degree. As Ludwig confirms, its primary function is to describe educational activities at a postgraduate level. It's versatile across different registers, but most frequently appears in news, science, and formal business contexts. For alternatives, consider using "postgraduate education" or "advanced degrees" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid confusing it with "undergraduate studies", and always consider the context to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postgraduate studies

A synonymous alternative, less commonly used.

postgraduate education

Highlights the educational level following undergraduate studies. More formal.

advanced degrees

Focuses on the level of education pursued, rather than the act of studying itself. Broader, encompasses various postgraduate qualifications.

post-baccalaureate study

Focuses on study after receiving a bachelor's degree. More formal and less common.

doctoral programs

Specifically refers to programs leading to a doctorate. More specific.

masters programs

Specifically refers to programs leading to a master's degree. More specific.

academic research

Focuses on the research aspect often involved in postgraduate studies. Highlights research activity.

professional training

Emphasizes the practical skills acquired during postgraduate studies. Focuses on career development.

further education

A broader term encompassing all education beyond the secondary level. More general.

higher education

Encompasses all post-secondary education, including undergraduate. More general.

FAQs

How is "graduate studies" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "graduate studies" is used to describe academic work undertaken after completing a bachelor's degree. For example, "She decided to pursue "graduate studies" in biology".

What are some alternatives to "graduate studies"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "postgraduate education", "advanced degrees", or "higher education".

Is it correct to say "I'm doing a graduate study"?

While you could say "I'm doing a graduate study", it's more common and grammatically sound to say "I'm undertaking "graduate studies"" or "I'm pursuing a graduate degree".

What's the difference between "graduate studies" and "undergraduate studies"?

"Graduate studies" refers to academic work pursued after earning a bachelor's degree, while "undergraduate studies" refers to work towards a bachelor's degree.