The Structure of a Graduate Degree: Courses, Credits, and Capstones#
In the U.S., your degree is built around a credit-based system. Each credit corresponds to one hour of class time per week. So, when you’re taking a class worth 3 credits, you’ll spend about 3 hours per week in class. Unlike undergraduate education, U.S. graduate programs are highly focused and specialized. You won’t need to take general education or unrelated electives. Every course you take is meant to deepen your expertise in your chosen field or support your research.
Most master’s degrees in the U.S. require between 30 to 36 credit hours, which usually takes 1.5 to 2 years of full-time study. Each course is typically worth 3 credits, and most students take about 9 credits per semester. This allows for a manageable pace, especially if you’re also working part-time or holding an assistantship (more on that shortly).
There are usually two main types of graduate programs:
- Coursework-based programs (like many MBA or MS programs), where your focus is on classroom learning, projects, and sometimes a final capstone.
- Research-based programs (common in STEM and social sciences), where coursework is combined with original research that culminates in a thesis or dissertation.
Even within coursework-heavy degrees, you might have the option to choose between a thesis track or a non-thesis track, depending on whether you’re more interested in research or professional skills.
Choosing Your Courses and Specializations#
Graduate programs often offer core courses (which everyone in your program must take) along with electives that allow you to specialize in an area of interest—such as machine learning, bioinformatics, finance, or sustainability.
You’ll work closely with your academic advisor (often a faculty member in your department) to select your courses each semester. Advisors are an incredibly valuable part of your graduate experience. They can help you make sense of your degree requirements, guide your research, and connect you with opportunities both inside and outside the university.
Unlike undergrad, where classes are large and lecture-based, graduate courses are typically smaller, more discussion-driven, and often collaborative. You’ll be expected to read academic papers, lead presentations, and work on capstone projects that reflect real-world problems.
Research and Teaching Assistantships (RAs and TAs)#
One of the most attractive aspects of graduate study in the U.S.—especially for international students—is the opportunity to fund your degree through assistantships.
A Research Assistantship (RA) involves working with a faculty member on a research project. You might collect data, write code, review literature, or even co-author papers. RAs are often tied to grants or lab projects, and they’re a great way to gain hands-on experience while building your academic resume.
A Teaching Assistantship (TA) typically involves helping to teach undergraduate courses—leading discussion sections, grading papers, or even giving guest lectures. If you're pursuing a PhD or considering a career in academia, TA roles can also help you develop communication and instructional skills.
Both RAs and TAs usually come with tuition waivers or a monthly stipend, making them financially beneficial as well. Some graduate programs automatically consider applicants for assistantships, while others may require a separate application or outreach to faculty.
If you’re aiming for an assistantship, it’s helpful to:
- Start reaching out to professors whose research aligns with your interests.
- Highlight any previous research, teaching, or leadership experience in your application.
- Be proactive—grad schools love students who take initiative!
Funding and Tuition Models: What You Should Know#
Graduate tuition varies widely depending on the institution and program. Some schools charge tuition per credit hour, while others offer flat-rate tuition for full-time enrollment (usually 9+ credits per semester). Flat-rate tuition can give you some flexibility to take an extra course without added cost.
Here’s where assistantships make a big difference. If you’re selected for an RA or TA position, you may not have to pay tuition at all. Some schools also offer fellowships or scholarships, which are merit-based awards that don’t require you to work in return.
Still waiting to start your program? There are also ways to get a head start and save money before you even arrive.
Want to Do an Internship? You’ll Need to Know About CPT#
Many graduate students look forward to doing internships during their master’s program—and with good reason. Internships can help you gain hands-on experience, build professional connections, and even land a full-time job after graduation. But if you’re an international student on an F-1 visa, there’s an important term you need to know: Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
CPT is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 students to participate in off-campus internships or employment while still enrolled in their academic program. But—and this is key—it’s not something you can do spontaneously. You’ll need to plan ahead.
Here’s what you should know:
- CPT must be directly related to your field of study. If you’re getting a master’s in data science, for example, your internship needs to involve work in that area.
- It needs to be part of your curriculum. This usually means the internship must be tied to a specific course, a credit-bearing internship class, or a formal requirement in your degree program.
- You must get approval from your school’s international student office before you start. Never begin working until your CPT has been authorized in your I-20 paperwork.
- Timing matters. Some schools allow CPT after your first semester; others require you to complete a full academic year first. Check with your school to understand their policy.
Your university’s international student office can help you figure out the process, but the earlier you ask, the better. Some students miss internship opportunities simply because they didn’t know about CPT deadlines or requirements.
So if an internship is on your radar—which it should be!—bring it up with your academic advisor or the international office early in your first semester. With the right planning, CPT can be a fantastic way to gain U.S. work experience during your graduate studies.
What If You’re Switching Fields?#
If you’re coming to graduate school from a different academic background—say, moving from mechanical engineering to computer science—it’s totally doable, but you may need to take prerequisite or foundational courses at the beginning of your program. These are sometimes required if you didn’t pass a placement exam or don’t have prior coursework in certain areas.
Think of these classes as academic “on-ramps”—they’re designed to fill in gaps and help you build the foundation you’ll need to succeed in more advanced graduate-level courses. You might be learning programming basics, statistics, or core theory, depending on your field.
The good news? Many schools allow you to take these courses in your first semester or during a summer term so that you can catch up quickly without delaying your graduation timeline.
Save Time and Money with UPI Study#
Through our partner UPI Study, you can take accredited online courses from anywhere in the world—before you even arrive in the U.S.—and transfer those credits to over 2,100 universities. These can often count toward foundational or prerequisite courses in your graduate program, depending on your school’s policies.
Whether you’re easing into the U.S. academic system or looking to save on tuition, UPI Study is a flexible way to get ahead. No expensive textbooks or hidden fees—just affordable, university-approved credits at your own pace.
If you’re interested in earning credits early and getting a jumpstart on your degree, check out our blog post on UPI Study to learn more about how their services can help you save both time and money. Schedule a free call with our team today and we’ll help you choose the right courses for your college—and your future!
Final Thoughts#
Graduate education in the U.S. is both challenging and deeply rewarding. It’s a space where you’ll grow not just academically, but also professionally and personally. Understanding how your program works, what funding options exist, and how to make the most of your time can make all the difference.
Hey, I’m Amanda! As a fellow international student graduate working with roam, I’ve spent years helping students just like you navigate life in the U.S. roam is all about making your experience as smooth as possible, whether it’s through articles like this, handy tools on our website, or vibrant student communities. Check us out, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions—we’re here to help!