Postbaccalaureate programs (post-bacc) are reserved for students who are working toward a second entry degree. These programs are offered for those who already have a first

undergraduate degree An undergraduate degree (also called first degree or simply degree) is a colloquial term for an academic degree earned by a person who has completed undergraduate courses. In the United States, it is usually offered at an institution of higher ed ...

. Post Baccalaureate programs are not considered traditional

graduate education Postgraduate education, graduate education, or graduate school consists of academic or professional degrees, certificates, diplomas, or other qualifications usually pursued by post-secondary students who have earned an undergraduate (bachelo ...

, but their standing is typically more advanced than a bachelor's degree. Some of these programs are offered under the umbrella of

continuing education Continuing education is the education undertaken after initial education for either personal or professional reasons. The term is used mainly in the United States and Canada. Recognized forms of post-secondary learning activities within the d ...

and could be a foundational program that leads to a graduate degree. Programs like post-degree diploma, graduate diploma, graduate certificates or a pre-medical to a master's degree in a field such as biomedical or health sciences come under the range of post-baccalaureate programs. In addition, students who wish to pursue a master's degree in a field other than their BS/BA degree, may be admitted to a college or university individualized or preset postbaccalaureate program to earn the necessary entry credits in their new chosen area/subject. These courses of study would include an equivalent blend of foundation year graduate/

professional school Professional development, also known as professional education, is learning that leads to or emphasizes education in a specific professional career field or builds practical job applicable skills emphasizing praxis in addition to the transferab ...

studies and final year of the specific bachelor's program or essential courses of the specific bachelor's program to take-up a graduate degree in the new field of studies. This also provides opportunity to those who prepare for changing careers and profession or as a supportive for those interested in continuing education to familiarize with new modalities in their particular fields. The usual length of the programs is 8 months to 1 year and the advanced grad-entry program that offers equivalency with first year of a graduate degree is for 2 years. The first postbaccalaurate program was created in 1955 at

Columbia University Columbia University in the City of New York, commonly referred to as Columbia University, is a Private university, private Ivy League research university in New York City. Established in 1754 as King's College on the grounds of Trinity Churc ...

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* * Academia Educational stages Educational programs {{US-edu-stub