Undergraduate

Undergraduate (/ʌndərˈɡrædʒuət/), often shortened to undergrad, is a student pursuing a bachelor's degree at a college or university. The term is used to differentiate between students who are studying for their first degree and those who are studying for advanced degrees, such as a master's or doctorate, who are referred to as graduate students.

Etymology

The term "undergraduate" is derived from the Latin words "sub" meaning "under" and "gradus" meaning "step". This implies that an undergraduate is a student who has not yet graduated and is still studying for their first degree.

Related Terms

Bachelor's degree: The degree typically awarded to an undergraduate after completing a course of study.
Graduate student: A student who has already obtained a bachelor's degree and is pursuing further studies.
Postgraduate: A student who has completed an undergraduate degree and is studying for a higher degree.
Associate degree: A degree that is typically completed in two years and is often seen as a stepping stone towards a bachelor's degree.
University: An institution of higher education where students study for degrees and academic research is done.
College: An educational institution or part of one, used for higher learning that can confer degrees. In some contexts, it is synonymous with a university, while in others, it may refer to a secondary or high school.