The word "graduate" refers to a course of study pursued after graduating from college or university, usually meaning a Master's degree program in the United States. A Bachelor's program is an "undergraduate" program and a doctorate is a "postgraduate" program.
There may also be specialized certifications and professional training programs offered by universities that can be referred to as graduate programs or graduate study even if they don't result in a degree.
Graduate programs usually result in an individual gaining more specialized knowledge in an area of work or study. Individuals who have completed graduate programs usually increase their attractiveness to employers and salary potential.
Master's degrees usually take at least 2 years to complete, but certification programs can require only months. Note, however, that shorter certification programs are likely to have less impact on employability and salary compared to Master's degree programs.
Graduate programs may be conducted through traditional classroom learning or may be available as distance learning or via alternative instruction, such as evening or weekend classes, that can accommodate working professionals.
Many graduate programs have a high cost of tuition, so before deciding to pursue a graduate program, critically think about whether the cost is worth it in terms of the possible boost in salary potential and ease of finding a job. A Master's degree in business administration, for example, is likely to be more beneficial than a Master's degree in liberal arts with the same tuition cost.