1. Many more seminar type courses, especially at advanced level
2. More papers, projects, presentations, fewer tests
3. More research oriented approaches
4. Increased specialization of subject matter studies
5. More independent work requiring self-discipline
6. Less short-term feedback about how you are doing academically
7. Increased pressure to maintain high grades; generally B or above is the expected minimum

1. Coursework & thesis – A thesis is an independent research project that the student designs, carries out, writes and defends before a committee of graduate professors.
2. Coursework and exams – Some programs give the student the option of not writing a thesis, but taking comprehensive exams instead.
3. Coursework and internship – An internship is a supervised, experimental learning situation, usually on a part-time, volunteer basis. The student may spend one or more semesters working in a setting compatible with his/her area of study to develop knowledge and skills in that area.
4. Combination of the above.

1. Preliminary coursework.
2. Some programs require a master’s thesis.
3. A comprehensive examination covering required coursework, which may be written, and/or oral.
4. Dissertation, which is an original, independent research project. The student usually presents the project to a faculty committee for approval and defends the completed project before the same committee. Differs from a thesis in that it must be original, is usually more complex and in-depth, must be judged to be a significant contribution to knowledge in the student’s field.
5. Requirements for applied programs such as counseling, clinical psychology, nursing or social work may involve some practical experience.
6. Some professions may require some licensing procedure, i.e. a bar or state license exam.