Breaking down the jargon

If you are already considering graduate school then you've likely already encountered some words that are somewhat academic-specific and can represent a significant barrier to understanding the academic process. Even as someone who is in the academic world, there are many terms used by academics that I still don't fully understand. Beyond this, there are regional, school-specific and even program-specific differences in what certain terms mean. However, after getting feedback from a number of people on what they consider commonly misunderstood "academic" terms and what they mean, I think it would be useful to quickly define some of these seemingly mystical words and phrases. Just keep in mind, this is unique to my situation and the situation of the people I spoke to so you will need to ask people within your program for specifics!

1. Masters - a masters degree is a graduate level degree that is often pursued after a bachelors degree. Masters programs generally take about 2 years to complete and can include taking classes, engaging in research and assisting in teaching specific courses. It is different from a PhD in the length of time it takes and the breadth of the research. You may expect to get one or two manuscript publications from a masters program (rather than the three or four from a PhD program).

   
   

2. PhD - a PhD (or doctorate of philosophy) is a graduate level degree that can be pursued immediately after a bachelors degree, or after a masters degree. PhD programs generally take about five years to complete where you take classes for the first couple of years while engaging in research and assisting in teaching and the later years centering mostly on research aims. It is different from a masters in the length of time it takes and the breadth of the research. You may expect to get three to five manuscripts from a PhD (compared to the one or two you may likely get from a masters).

   
   

3. PhD Student vs PhD Candidate- In reality, there is not a huge distinction in what these terms mean. When you are a PhD student, it feels like a huge deal to you personally to take the next step to a candidate (because it means you are closer to the finish line) but the actual distinction is not always clear. Generally, a PhD student is someone enrolled in a PhD program who has not passed their qualifying exams. Once you have passed your qualifying exams, you are generally considered a candidate. Generally, a student would be engaged in research and taking classes, while a candidate would be focused on more rigorous research and likely no longer takes classes. Candidates may still take courses, but likely have met their course requirements, passed their quals and filed the required paperwork. Please check with your own program to see how this may differ.

   
   

4. Qualifying Exams (sometimes also known as Quals, Prelim Exams, Prelims, or Comprehensive Exams) - this is an exam (or series of exams) that your committee will decide whether you pass or not. These exams largely determine whether you are done with coursework and can be promoted to "PhD candidate" status. They generally consist of a written section (where you must answer written questions) and an oral section (where you must answer questions out loud in front of your committee). This is extremely program-specific so you will absolutely need to check with your program to see what this process is like.

   
   

5. RA (research assistant) - this is a temporary paid position that is up for renewal each semester. As a research assistant, your work may include working on your own project or assisting on an existing project. This will often include designing an experiment, data collection, data interpretation/analysis and manuscript preparation (though the specifics will vary). You may serve as an RA and TA at the same time.

   
   

6. TA (teaching assistant) - this is a temporary paid position that is up for renewal each semester. In this position, you assist with teaching a course. This may include grading, conducting labs, assisting in lectures or any duties deemed in your contract. You likely will be assigned You may serve as an RA and TA at the same time.

   
   

7. PI (or Primary Investigator) - this is the "boss" of the lab. They are the person in charge of the lab and likely the person bringing in and managing the money for research projects.

   
   

8. Cohort - in my experience, this refers to the people who started your PhD program at the same time as you. So they would likely be the same people in many of your courses. It is very beneficial to make friends with people in your cohort (not only so you have friends that understand your lingo but also to have study buddies and people you can check in with about paperwork or other requirements.)

   
   

9. Committee - this is a group of scientists, including your PI, who you select to judge your work to see if it meets the standards of a masters or doctoral project. You will meet with them several times during your graduate school career to discuss your coursework, research plans, publication schedule and the timing of your defense. They will also be the ones "grading" your thesis/dissertation and defense to see if you pass. Their own research interests should align or compliment yours in some way.

   
   

10. Thesis - this is the culmination of all your hard work in your masters! The requirements for length vary greatly depending on your country, school or program but it is generally a massive lab report where you break down the major parts of your project (including an introduction, materials and methods, results and discussion). Generally, this should be something you could publish as a manuscript (or maybe you already have)! Your committee will be able to comment on this and can ask for changes to be made.

    
    

11. Dissertation - this is the culmination of all your hard work in your PhD! The requirements for length vary greatly depending on your country, school or program but it is generally a massive lab report where you break down the major parts of your project into several chapters (including an introduction, materials and methods, results and discussion). Generally, each chapter should be something you could publish as a manuscript (or maybe you already have)! Your committee will be able to comment on this and can ask for changes to be made.

    
    

12. Defense - this is when you stand up and tell everyone what you did during graduate school. It is a big presentation where you will explain the concepts, methods and results that shaped your research experience. Personally, I highly recommend that you attend a few of these as soon as possible just to see what the experience is like, I promise it isn't as scary as it sounds. A defense can end in one of three ways, you can pass unconditionally (you're done, congrats!), you can pass with conditions (like having to redo an experiment or analysis), or you can fail (generally, a good committee should give you some push back on scheduling your defense if they think you may fail.)

    
    

13. Postdoc (aka Postdoctoral Scholar or Postdoctoral Fellow) - this is the graduate school equivalent of a medical resident. Some people may take a postdoctoral role to gain new research skills from a new PI. Some people may take a postdoctoral role because they need to pad their resume before applying to a professor, government or industry role. Generally, it is a chance to learn new skills, apply for grants, and get an up close view of what it takes to run a lab.

    
    

14. Tenure vs tenure-track professor - Tenure track means that you were hired into the position and you have a pathway to become tenured (if you meet certain requirements/milestones). Tenure means you have a permanent contract. If a tenure track professor fails to meet certain milestones at certain times, they may have their contract terminated. These milestones are specific to the job, but likely include things like publishing and obtaining grants.

    
    

15. Fixed-term and adjunct professors - Adjunct and fixed-term professors are hired by the semester/quarter/academic year (not full time). It is a short term or temporary position that you have to be rehired into every year. There is no pathway for promotion/permanency/guarantee of the contract being renewed for the following year.