Postgraduate study ranges from programs emphasizing intensive training in a specific aspect of professional practice【A1】______ degree programs of several years’ duration, either in an academic【A2】______ a professional field. Many professions also require periodic postgraduate study in 【A3】______ to maintain certification for practice.

Graduate schools generally award master’s degrees or doctorates to【A4】______ who have satisfactorily completed prescribed 【A5】______ of study. A year is usually required to obtain a master’s degree, 【A6】______ demands the acquisition of a 【A7】______ level of knowledge than is needed for a baccalaureate. The doctoral 【A8】______ involves a longer period of study and requires participation 【A9】______ and summation of some type of original research, as well as written and 【A10】______ examinations.

The demands for specific courses of postgraduate study change with the 【A11】______ of society. In most developing nations, for example, professional【A12】______ in engineering and the health sciences is【A13】______ great demand. In the United States and Canada the 【A14】______ of persons applying to schools of medicine, and business management greatly increased during【A15】______ 1970s. Preparation for a 【A16】______ in medicine represents the most intensive curriculum, 【A17】______ a medical degree requires at least four years beyond the baccalaureate, and 【A18】______ into a medical specialty can require four or more years of study. Many other occupations are currently【A19】______ upgraded to the status of professions, 【A20】______ accompanying increases in the amount of postgraduate education needed for entry and advancement.