Undergraduate, pregraduate, predoctorate?

In summary, the period after a Bachelor's degree but before a Doctorate degree is called a "Postbaccalaureate".
  • #1
Monique
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Here's a very general question: how do you call the period after you've earned a Bachelor degree, but before you've started graduate (Ph.D.) school?

As I understand it correctly you are doing doctoral research when you are working on obtaining a Ph.D., so is the period before you start graduate school called a predoctorate?
 
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  • #2
Monique said:
Here's a very general question: how do you call the period after you've earned a Bachelor degree, but before you've started graduate (Ph.D.) school?

Unemployment.
 
  • #3
I would go with Postbaccalaureate.
 
  • #4
cronxeh said:
Unemployment.
:smile: but what if you publish several papers during that period. I'm working on my CV and am wondering how to logically separate the papers that were published before entering a PhD program and papers that were published as a graduate student.

Norman said:
I would go with Postbaccalaureate.
All would be postBSc, so that doesn't work.
 
  • #5
Monique said:
I'm working on my CV and am wondering how to logically separate the papers that were published before entering a PhD program and papers that were published as a graduate student.

In this case, I think predoctoral would work. It gets the point across.
 
  • #6
In case you missed that...

phd081810s.gif


phd082010s.gif


phd082310s.gif
 
  • #7
Monique said:
Here's a very general question: how do you call the period after you've earned a Bachelor degree, but before you've started graduate (Ph.D.) school?

As I understand it correctly you are doing doctoral research when you are working on obtaining a Ph.D., so is the period before you start graduate school called a predoctorate?

Maybe "between degree programs"?
 
  • #8
AFAIK there's no title for people who don't have a doctoral degree of some kind. But you said "wondering how to logically separate the papers that were published before entering a PhD program and papers that were published as a graduate student." Thus I'm guessing you were a graduate student in an MS program before you were in a PhD program. People in PhD programs are also called grad students. So can't you just use "masters student" and "PhD student?"
 
  • #9
arunma; said:
Thus I'm guessing you were a graduate student in an MS program before you were in a PhD program. People in PhD programs are also called grad students. So can't you just use "masters student" and "PhD student?"
No, I wasn't a MSc student and officially I didn't even have a BSc either (I didn't attend a University, but received technical training). Basically I was just doing research, without being part of a program (so undergraduate might qualify).

Borek, I did read that comic and they are right: predoctoral can be interpreted as "before being awarded a PhD", which is causing mine confusion.
 
  • #10
What address did you put on your papers published in that period? If it was a university, or a lab, then I guess you could put it as "research at xxx under Dr. yyy", and state the papers as "publications from research at xxx" as opposed to "publications from PhD research at zzz".
 
  • #11
Monique said:
I'm working on my CV and am wondering how to logically separate the papers that were published before entering a PhD program and papers that were published as a graduate student.
Why would you want to do that? Is there some benefit to pointing out the difference? The general practice is that the publication list just be chronologically ordered.
 
  • #12
Monique said:
All would be postBSc, so that doesn't work.

I know a few people who went into post-bac programs (short for postbaccalaureate) where they took courses at a university after receiving their bachelor's degrees but prior to applying for graduate/professional school (most were non-science majors who wanted to apply to med school, see for example http://www.naahp.org/resources_Postbac_Article.htm ). So, I would agree with the use of this term. Why won't postbaccalaureate work for a BSc (short for Bachelor of Science)? Is a BSc not considered a bachelor's degree?
 
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  • #13
I think cronxeh was right, in addition to being funny.
 
  • #14
nismaratwork said:
I think cronxeh was right, in addition to being funny.
That's definitely is childish as he exposes himself nakedly with others' information,
Smart but low!
 
  • #15
Overgraduate student.
 
  • #16
WalkOnBy said:
That's definitely is childish as he exposes himself nakedly with others' information,
Smart but low!

Whatchu mean others, I am unemployed
 
  • #17
Are you hungry ? being jobless might lead people to crimes; stealing, robbing etc
 
  • #18
WalkOnBy said:
Are you hungry ? being jobless might lead people to crimes; stealing, robbing etc

I got money and job offers. I think I'm going to do like most people do lately and apply for unemployment, kick it back have a cold one and take some classes, let the government pay for it. Why should I be working my butt off while what is it now 10% unemployed? Now that is clever. Why stress yourself out? Get up early in the morning and drive to work, make your boss rich, stress out.. naaah. I'm going to go for a nice long walk on the beach tomorrow and later in the day listen to hours of music, drink my cold beer, and take a long nap :biggrin:

Ohh look the PF's IRS (Internal Research Sisterhood) caught up with ya.. and you got crossed.. stress, man, it kills you :biggrin:
 
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  • #19
Monique said:
Here's a very general question: how do you call the period after you've earned a Bachelor degree, but before you've started graduate (Ph.D.) school?

I called it "summer vacation." :smile:
 
  • #20
Gokul43201 said:
Why would you want to do that? Is there some benefit to pointing out the difference? The general practice is that the publication list just be chronologically ordered.
I did a master in between, which creates somewhat of a gap in the chronological order. I guess it's not a big deal and since there is no appropriate term that applies, I'll just keep it chronological.
 
  • #21
Postgrad up until starting a doctorate, then you become a predoc.

That's generally how it goes in the UK.
 
  • #22
xxChrisxx said:
Postgrad up until starting a doctorate, then you become a predoc.

That's generally how it goes in the UK.

I've never heard the term predoc. A graduate is someone who has finished their first degree; a postgrad is someone working towards their doctorate.
 
  • #23
cristo said:
I've never heard the term predoc. A graduate is someone who has finished their first degree; a postgrad is someone working towards their doctorate.

Postgrads can be working towards a masters too, some like to make the distinction (damnnn egos). I'm surprised you've not heard of predoctoral though, it's obviously not as common as I thought.

In reality, it doesn't matter what you call it so long as the gist is passed on.
 

FAQ: Undergraduate, pregraduate, predoctorate?

What is the difference between undergraduate, pregraduate, and predoctorate?

Undergraduate refers to the first four years of college education, typically leading to a bachelor's degree. Pregraduate is a term sometimes used to describe the period of time before graduate school, including undergraduate studies and any gap years or work experience. Predoctorate refers to the time period between completing undergraduate studies and starting a doctoral program.

Do I need to have a specific major to pursue pregraduate or predoctorate studies?

No, you do not necessarily need to have a specific major in order to pursue pregraduate or predoctorate studies. However, certain fields may have specific prerequisites or preferred undergraduate majors. It is important to research the specific requirements for the program you are interested in.

What types of opportunities are available for pregraduate and predoctorate students?

There are a variety of opportunities available for pregraduate and predoctorate students, including research assistantships, internships, and summer programs. These experiences can help students gain valuable skills and knowledge in their field of interest and may also provide networking opportunities.

Is it necessary to have a pregraduate or predoctorate degree to pursue a career in research?

No, it is not necessary to have a pregraduate or predoctorate degree to pursue a career in research. However, these degrees can provide a strong foundation for future research work and may be required for certain positions or fields of study.

Can I apply for pregraduate or predoctorate programs while still completing my undergraduate studies?

Yes, you can apply for pregraduate or predoctorate programs while still completing your undergraduate studies. However, keep in mind that these programs may have specific application requirements and deadlines, so it is important to plan ahead and stay organized. Additionally, some programs may require you to have completed your undergraduate degree before starting the program.

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