In a majority of countries, a graduate degree is a program of study that continues past a bachelor's program. An example of a graduate degree is a master's degree and/or a doctoral degree, both of which can be considered terminal degrees. A terminal degree is usually, though not universally, considered the highest degree to be attained in a given field. Examples of less common degrees from the United States and other countries that may be considered terminal are Master of Fine Arts, Juris Doctor, habilitation, and higher doctorates.

Although an increasing number of women are entering graduate institutions for terminal degrees, they continue to fight the “glass ceiling,” to complete their degrees and find employment. The glass ceiling refers to biases in the workforce or education ...