What is the difference between a post-baccalaureate program and a post-master's program in the United States?

Post-baccalaureate programs and post-master's programs are two types of graduate programs offered in the United States. While both programs are designed for students who have already earned a degree, there are key differences between the two that are worth noting.

Post-baccalaureate Programs

A post-baccalaureate program, or post-bac program, is designed for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree but want to pursue additional undergraduate coursework in a different field of study. This can be useful for students who want to switch careers or gain additional skills to enhance their job prospects. Post-bac programs generally take one to two years to complete, and can lead to a second bachelor's degree or a certificate of completion.

Post-Master's Programs

A post-master's program is designed for students who have already earned a master's degree and want to continue their education at the graduate level. These programs can be useful for students who want to gain additional expertise in a particular subject area, or who want to transition to a new field. Post-master's programs generally take one to two years to complete, and can lead to a doctoral degree or a certificate of completion.

Differences Between Post-bac and Post-Master's Programs

The main difference between post-bac and post-master's programs is the level of study. Post-bac programs are designed for undergraduate-level coursework, while post-master's programs are designed for graduate-level coursework. Additionally, post-bac programs are intended for students who want to switch careers or gain additional skills, while post-master's programs are intended for students who want to gain additional expertise in a particular subject area or transition to a new field.