Graduate Student Roles
Graduate education is fundamentally an academic relationship focused on the exchange of ideas and knowledge among faculty and students. Formal components of a comprehensive graduate education, depending on the discipline and the degree program, may include coursework, field exams, laboratory or independent research, writing, and teaching. University of Chicago graduate programs are designed to engage students intellectually through every step of their graduate work and provide the full range of experiences they need to succeed as professionals.
Many graduate students are interested in academic careers, while others ultimately will take positions at corporate, government and nonprofit organizations. For those seeking a career in the academy, the importance of learning to conduct research, to write well and to teach is clear; proficiency will be expected at any college or university. However, these skills benefit all students because they foster development of critical thought, thorough evaluation and effective communication.
Through the research process, students learn to identify problems, ask questions, examine texts and data, think creatively, and develop arguments and theories to advance knowledge. They are trained to think their way through concrete and abstract concepts, differing points of view, and conflicting data – empowering them not only to solve existing problems, but also to explore new questions.
Writing is a complementary skill to research. By learning to express clearly their scholarly arguments, discoveries and questions, students are better able to share their knowledge with others and make an impact in their fields of study. Developing skills for effective writing across genres – grants, books, scholarly journals and mainstream publications – enables students to further their careers and to effect change in the world through the power of their ideas.
Through pedagogical training and quality teaching experiences, students learn how to articulate thoughts and present evidence in a clear, concise manner, listen to and comprehend alternative points of view, and provide effective written and verbal feedback. Teaching augments the more detailed knowledge acquisition students experience during their coursework and research. It also provides opportunities for graduate students to receive feedback on their own research and communicate how their work relates to that of other researchers.
Graduate students have many roles during their time at the University of Chicago. Those roles include being participants in courses and workshops, research fellows, research and teaching assistants, and lecturers. With every endeavor, graduate students are always part of the larger community of scholars committed to the intellectual exchange and excellence that distinguishes the University of Chicago. Throughout the tenure of their graduate programs, they work closely with faculty, acquiring skills and experiences that deepen their scholarship and prepare them well for their professional futures.
Access to courses and opportunities to learn how to research, write and teach form the core of an effective graduate education – it is the University’s promise to incoming students and is at the heart of the academic programs, student life and financial support graduate students receive from the University of Chicago.
