What is the difference between a graduate degree and a terminal degree in the United States?

In the United States, a graduate degree is a general term used to describe any post-baccalaureate degree. This can include master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and other types of advanced degrees. Graduate degrees are designed to help students develop advanced knowledge and skills in a particular field or subject area.

A terminal degree, on the other hand, refers specifically to the highest degree available in a particular academic discipline. It is called 'terminal' because it is generally considered the highest level of education one can receive in that field. For example, the terminal degree for many academic disciplines, such as psychology, is a PhD. In other fields, such as law, the terminal degree is a JD (Juris Doctorate).

While graduate degrees are generally designed to prepare students for a variety of career paths, terminal degrees are typically geared towards those who plan to work in academia or research. However, some terminal degrees can also lead to other career paths in fields such as law or medicine.