Glossary

Academic Conference: A gathering of researchers to disseminate and critically discuss recent research results and developments in their field. Conferences typically feature organized sessions, such as paper presentations, poster sessions, and panel discussions. They also provide opportunities for professional networking, collaboration, and idea exchange within a specialized academic community. Graduate students are encouraged to attend academic conferences to present their research, gain feedback, and build professional connections, thereby enhancing their academic and career development.

Academic Journal: A peer-reviewed, discipline-specific publication (print and/or online) where scholars share their original research, analyses, and findings with the academic community.

Advisor (See also Major Professor): A faculty member who provides primary academic and research mentorship to graduate students throughout their program. It is a central partnership shaping students’ scholarly development, research, career trajectories, and overall progress toward degree completion.

Committee: Faculty members selected by the graduate student and their committee chair to provide scholarly oversight and disciplinary expertise with the preparation and defense of the thesis or dissertation. Students will work closely with their committee for guidance and mentorship while writing their thesis or dissertation. The committee will listen to the defense, ask relevant questions, and decide the outcome.

Committee Chair: A faculty member selected by a graduate student to provide guidance, mentorship, and scholarly oversight throughout the graduate degree program with research, writing, and professional development. They also serve as the primary advisor during the preparation and defense of the thesis or dissertation.

Comprehensive Exams (Comps) (see also Preliminary Exams (Prelims) and Qualifying Exams): A set of formal, rigorous, program-specific assessments, administered in writing and/or orally as part of the requirements toward a doctoral degree. They are designed to evaluate a graduate student’s mastery of core disciplinary knowledge and scholarly methods. Written components typically require analytical responses to complex questions, and an oral component to assess the student’s capability to synthesize and articulate advanced disciplinary concepts. The structure of comprehensive examinations varies by department and may, in some programs, include a portfolio review. Students should discuss the format with the program.

Defense: An examination in which graduate candidates present and defend their completed thesis or dissertation before faculty committee members as part of the program requirements for a master’s or doctoral degree. The committee questions the candidate’s research, methodology, findings, and/or scholarly implications. Following the examination, the committee deliberates to determine the scholarly merit of the defense in support of degree conferral.

Dissertation: A formal scholarly document that communicates the results of a doctoral candidate’s original research. To be accepted, a dissertation must demonstrate independent inquiry and make a novel contribution to the relevant academic discipline, as judged by an examination committee.

Electronic Plan of Study (EPoS) (see also Plan of Study (PoS)): An electronic academic contract between the student, the faculty advisor, and OGSPS that guides the academic progress. It includes the classes the student has taken and will take, as well as any approved transfer credits from other institutions. This must be completed in myPurdue with all required departmental signatures before the semester deadline of the semester in which the student intends to graduate.

Faculty: Instructors/researchers at a university, including professors, associate professors, and assistant professors.

Hooding: Dating back to the 11^th century, it is a special ceremony for graduating students. Faculty mentors or advisors place the ceremonial hood around the graduate’s head to symbolize the successful completion of their degree. The velvet trim of the hood represents the specific field of study, while the satin lining represents the bestowing university’s colors.

Interdisciplinary: Refers to programs or projects that span multiple programs, colleges, or academic disciplines.  

Major Professor (see also Advisor): A faculty member who provides primary academic and research mentorship to graduate students throughout their program. It is a central partnership shaping students’ scholarly development, research, career trajectories, and overall progress toward degree completion.

Manuscript: A draft of a research study, article, or book that an author submits to an academic journal or publisher for peer review and possible acceptance.

Peer Review: Before publication, articles are evaluated by other experts in the same field to check accuracy, quality, and credibility.

Plan of Study (PoS) (see also Electronic Plan of Study (EPoS)): An electronic academic contract between the student, the faculty advisor, and OGSPS that guides academic progress. It includes the classes the student has taken and will take, as well as any approved transfer credits from other institutions. This must be completed in myPurdue with all required departmental signatures before the semester deadline for the semester in which the student intends to graduate.

Postdoctoral Scholar (Postdoc): A graduate of doctoral studies who is working with a faculty mentor for research and/or teaching, working toward an academic faculty position.

Preliminary Exams (Prelims) (see also Comprehensive Exams (Comps) and Qualifying Exams): A set of formal, program-specific assessments, administered in writing and/or orally. They are designed to evaluate a graduate student’s mastery of core disciplinary knowledge and research methodologies. Written components typically require analytical responses to complex, prepared questions, while oral components assess the student’s ability to synthesize and articulate advanced disciplinary concepts. The structure of comprehensive examinations varies by department and may, in some programs, include a portfolio review. Speak to the advisor to learn the exam format for the program.

Principal Investigator (PI): Primary faculty member who is the awardee of a grant for a research study.

Proposal/Prospectus: A detailed plan of research, including a literature review, research questions, significance, and methodology of a study.

Qualifying Exams (see also Comprehensive Exams (Comps) and Preliminary Exams (Prelims)): A set of formal, rigorous, program-specific assessments, administered in writing and/or orally as a requirement toward a doctoral degree. They are designed to evaluate a graduate student’s mastery of core disciplinary knowledge and scholarly methods. Written components typically require analytical responses to complex prepared questions, and an oral component to assess the student’s capability to synthesize and articulate advanced disciplinary concepts. The structure of comprehensive examinations varies by department and may, in some programs, include a portfolio review. Discuss the examination format with the advisor.

Thesis: A document that presents a master’s or doctoral student’s research and learning. At the master’s level, a thesis may be optional in some programs. A doctoral thesis is referred to as a dissertation.

Admissions Deferral Request: Refers to postponing initial enrollment to a later academic term after accepting an offer of admission. Requests for a deferral must be submitted in writing to the student’s academic program and are subject to program approval.

Alias: Username used to log into a student, faculty, or staff member’s career account. This also serves as the prefix of the Purdue email account.

Career Account: Accounts for faculty, students, and staff that allow access to certain services such as email, Brightspace, and myPurdue. The ID, also known as an alias or username, also serves as the student’s email prefix. Login requires two-factor authentication, including a password and Microsoft Multifactor Authenticator (MFA)  approval.

Conditions of Continued Enrollment/Admission: Conditions of admission that must be met prior to registration of the second session. These requirements (often referred to as registration holds) may be found on the second page of the electronic admission letter in the application portal. Documents or actions necessary to satisfy the conditions of continued enrollment must be submitted or completed within the first semester of attendance.

Deposit (For Degree Acceptance): Certain academic programs mandate the submission of a financial “down payment” to the Bursar’s Office as a formal indication of acceptance of an offer of admission. Contact the graduate program contact for more information.

Graduate Gold Rush (GGR): Graduate orientation that offers a full lineup of speakers, workshops, and resources designed to help the student transition smoothly into graduate life at Purdue. The event takes place every Friday before the first day of Fall classes in August.

Microsoft Multifactor Authenticator (MFA): Second layer of authentication to access Purdue’s systems, such as email, Brightspace, and myPurdue. It is a software that prompts the user to authenticate their identity.

MyPurdue: Online portal and virtual campus hub for students, faculty, and staff for access to grades, transcripts, financial aid, tuition and payment options, registration, and more.

Purdue Graduate Student Center (PGSC): A center located on campus that is dedicated to the use of current graduate students, which offers a lounge, kitchen, study areas, and reservable rooms. It is also home to the Purdue Graduate Student Government (PGSG) and the Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA).

Purdue University Identification (PUID) Number: A 10-digit unique identifier for students. It is necessary to set up the career account, which university staff use to look up records. Students should protect their PUID number in the same manner they would protect any other private information about themselves.

Registration Hold: Inability to register due to a needed action from the student for university business. Contact the Office of the Registrar to determine the source of the hold. If it is due to transcripts and/or a diploma, check the second page of the admission letter to determine what documents to provide to the Office of Graduate Admissions. If it concerns the Plan of Study (PoS), contact the Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS).

Credential Evaluation Service: A company that assesses foreign academic transcripts and degrees to determine the educational equivalent in another country. Purdue University Graduate Admissions does not accept documents from a credential evaluation service, such as World Education Services (WES), SpanTran, or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive academic document detailing education, publications, and teaching histories. This differs from a resume, which is generally more focused on occupation and industry work.

Decentralized Admissions: A process followed by the Office of Graduate Admissions within OGSPS, where graduate admission begins within the specific academic program to which you apply.  Your application is carefully reviewed by the academic program through a holistic process that considers your academic credentials, test scores, letters of recommendation, career interests, personal background, and experiences. Once the academic program has completed its evaluation, it may recommend your admission. That recommendation is then reviewed by OGSPS, which gives the final approval. When a decision is made, the Office of Graduate Admissions will communicate the official outcome to you directly.

Degree Conferral (see also Final Transcript): The official, legally recognized awarding of a degree, documented through an institution‑issued diploma, transcript notation, or signed registrar letter. Conferral differs from degree completion, which refers only to finishing all academic requirements prior to the institution’s formal award of the credential.

Diploma/Degree Certificate: An official credential issued by an accredited educational institution, signed by the institution, containing a seal certifying that the recipient has satisfactorily fulfilled all prescribed academic requirements and has been formally awarded the specified degree.

Doctoral degree: An advanced degree designed to provide applied expertise in a specialized field, commonly leading to professional career placement or progression in a specific discipline (e.g., pharmacy-PharmD, technology-DTECH, veterinary medicine-DVM). Depending on the program and whether a student completes a master’s degree first, a professional doctoral degree may generally take four to six years to complete, generally requires extensive coursework, and may require the submission of an independent written or oral research project and/or a final comprehensive examination.

Duolingo: An English language proficiency test that is accepted for English language proficiency for the Purdue graduate application. Test results must not be more than two years old at the time of recommendation for admission. Learn more about English Language Proficiency.

Educational Testing Services (ETS): A non-profit organization that processes and administers the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) tests. The GRE is not required by OGSPS, but it may be required by your program. Check the program requirements for your program of interest.

English Proficiency: International students whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English proficiency for admission to degree, non-degree, and teacher license graduate programs. The Purdue graduate application accepts IELTS, Duolingo, and TOEFL. Visit the English proficiency webpage to determine acceptable scores. Check the requirements of your program of interest to ensure they do not require higher scores.

Final Transcript: Transcript from an institution of higher education that includes all enrolled credit hours and their earned grades, a seal from the university, and a signature from the registrar.

Graduate Contact: Staff member within each program who assists with admission, application, registration, and graduation questions. Because graduate admissions at Purdue is decentralized, the graduate contact is the best person to contact for questions.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): A computer-adaptive test intended to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English for use in the admission to graduate management programs, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. Requirements vary by program at Purdue University’s Mitch Daniels School of Business. Check the graduate requirements online or contact the graduate contact for your program of interest for details.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE): Although it is not required by OGSPS, it is a standardized admissions test for some graduate and professional programs.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): English language proficiency test that is accepted for English language proficiency for the Purdue graduate application. Test results must not be more than two years old at the time of recommendation for admission.

Master’s Degree: A master’s degree is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge in a specialized field. The program typically entails coursework and exams. Programs may require a written thesis, a final project or comprehensive exam, or an internship. Some “terminal master’s” degrees, such as the Master of Fine Arts (MFA), are considered the highest degree obtainable in that field – there is no PhD. Most master’s students earn their degree in one to three years.

Personal History Statement: A required narrative essay for degree-seeking applicants that explains the applicant as a whole person, including relevant details on community service, leadership roles, participation in diverse teams, and significant barriers that you overcame to pursue graduate studies.

Ph.D. Degree: The Doctor of Philosophy degree is an advanced degree designed to provide extensive expertise in a specialized field, often leading to careers as a professor or researcher. The foundation of this degree is the requirement that students generate new knowledge through original research, documented in a dissertation. Coursework beyond a bachelor’s degree may be required depending on the disciplinary area and if the student does not already have an advanced degree, such as a master’s degree. Depending on the program and whether a student completes a master’s degree first, the PhD may generally take four to six years to complete.

Professional Master’s Degree: A degree designed to prepare a student for a particular profession. Students pursuing a professional degree are often required to pass licensing exams in the state where they plan to work. Examples of professional degrees at Purdue University are Doctor of Audiology, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Doctor of Pharmacy, and Doctor of Technology.

Resume: A document that summarizes education, experience, skills, and accomplishments.

Statement of Purpose (SoP): A written statement required of all degree-seeking applicants that generally includes reasons for wanting to study your program of interest, examples of how your skills and abilities align with your program(s) of interest, professional plans, career goals, and/or research interests. Contact the program of interest to determine if there are any other requirements or preferences.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): English language proficiency test that is accepted for English language proficiency for the Purdue graduate application. Test results must not be more than two years old at the time of recommendation for admission.

Transcripts/Mark Sheets: An official record of a student’s academic history, including courses taken, grades, enrollment dates, and degree(s) awarded. Transcripts from all institutions of higher education that were previously attended are required for the Purdue graduate application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes, but cannot be a printout from the college or university website. Once admitted, students must provide official transcripts before their second semester of registration. Electronic transcripts are acceptable via the Parchment Exchange, National Student Clearinghouse, TrueCopy, or directly from the accredited college or university. Please see the Documents Required by Country page to determine if your transcript and/or diploma must be translated into English.

Translation: A required document of non-English speaking documents from a certified translation service with their signature and attestation that converts the transcript and/or diploma into English. Transcript evaluation services, such as WES or SmartPan, are not acceptable. Please see the Documents Required by Country page to determine if your transcript and/or diploma must be translated into English.

Assistantship: An assistantship provides graduate students with financial support, professional experience, and chances for skill development in exchange for part‑time work that contributes to the university’s academic mission. Assistantships are typically classified into three categories: research, teaching, and professional. Graduate assistants are employees of Purdue University and receive a monthly or biweekly stipend, tuition remission, and health benefits as part of their appointment. More than 60 percent of Purdue graduate students hold an assistantship at some point during their program. There is a question on the graduate application to indicate your interest in an assistantship. Contact your graduate program of interest to inquire about assistantship availability. All offers are made at the program level.

Business Office: Offices within each college that oversee onboarding, employment, travel, budgeting, and procurement. Contact your graduate program contact for the college’s business office contact information.

Cost-of-Living: The total financial resources required for an individual to uphold a standard of living within a specific geographic area. Cost-of-living indices typically estimate expenditures across key categories, including housing, food, transportation, and other essential goods and services. Comparative assessments of the cost of living, such as those available through Purdue University’s cost-of-living resources, enable prospective students to assess relative affordability across institutions in the United States. The student can compare Purdue’s low cost of living to other schools across the U.S. at OGSPS’s cost-of-living webpage.

Fellowship: Similar to scholarships, fellowships are merit-based financial awards that provide money (often called a stipend) for living and educational expenses. In general, fellowships allow students to pursue graduate study full-time. Recipients do not have to repay fellowships and often do not have to work in return for the award. Check out the Fellowships page or contact the Purdue Fellowships Office (fellowships@purdue.edu) for more information.

Funding: Financial support provided by academic institutions, government agencies, philanthropic foundations, and other organizations that help students pay for graduate study. Examples of funding include teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships. More than 70% of Purdue University’s full-time graduate students receive funding from or through the University. Funding inquiries should be directed to your program of interest.

Professional/Administrative Assistantship: Graduate students who carry out administrative or professional duties, often in offices such as libraries, student affairs, athletics, ITaP, or academic departments.

Research Assistant (RA): Graduate student who performs research duties to support faculty-led projects and programs.

Stipend: Monthly or bi-weekly payments to graduate students in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative work as part of an assistantship or fellowship.

Teaching Assistant (TA): A graduate student who supports the instruction of students through teaching courses, labs, recitations, or assisting faculty with teaching duties.

Travel Grant: Grants offered to graduate students to assist with travel costs for conference attendance. The Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS), Purdue Graduate Student Government (PGSG), and academic departments often have funds available to students through competitive processes.

Tuition Remission: Graduate students with an eligible assistantship and graduate students with a fellowship administered as an assistantship are eligible to have their tuition waived for the terms in which they are employed. Questions should be directed to the Bursar’s Office or your graduate program contact.

Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20): Certificate issued to eligible international students for VISA processing.

International Students and Scholars (ISS): Provides services and support to international students to enhance the academic, cultural, and social pursuits of students through knowledge and expertise in immigration, intercultural engagement, and advising.

Notification of Intent (NOI): This serves to confirm an international student’s intention to attend Purdue University and their international status. The NOI will be sent via email by the Office of International Students and Scholars (ISS) to international students for completion about a week after being admitted to a program. Contact ISS for more information.

Graduate Funding and Fellowship Office: Supports graduate students, postdocs, and Purdue staff in securing and managing funding through fellowships, OGSPS travel and research grants, and assistantships.

Graduate Records, Thesis, and Dissertation Office: Provides guidance to graduate students related to thesis and dissertation format and deposits, upholds academic standing, processes student plans of study, and clears all requirements for graduation.

Office of Graduate Assistance (OGA): Meets with Purdue graduate students to assist them with addressing a variety of issues that may arise, providing impartial assistance based on knowledge of university policy, practice, and personnel, without judgment.

Office of Graduate Recruitment and Success (OGRS): Supports efforts to recruit outstanding applicants and contribute to their success through signature programs that include a summer undergraduate research program (SROP) and an early start summer program for new students (Graduate Bridge).

Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS): A Vice-Provost’s office that supports the administration of graduate student admissions, records, professional development, fellowships, graduate assistance, postdoctoral affairs, curriculum, and policies not made at the graduate program level.

Office of Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs (OIGP): Connects graduate students with faculty, research opportunities, and resources across a broad range of fields, enabling students to collaborate and pursue research that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries.   

Office of Postdoctoral Affairs: Empowers postdoctoral scholars to advance their careers and contributions by connecting them to resources and community.

Office of Professional Development: An OGSPS office that offers over 300 expert-led professional development workshops, career resources, and academic training for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.

Big 10 Conference: An intercollegiate athletic conference composed of eighteen large, predominantly public research universities, of which Purdue University is a founding member. Institutions in the Big Ten compete at the highest level of collegiate athletics, with Purdue student‑athletes participating in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I competition.

BIG 10 Academic Alliance (BTAA): An intercollegiate academic consortium of the BIG 10 conference’s major research universities to which Purdue belongs. Member institutions collaborate and advance shared academic and research priorities through initiatives such as sharing library resources, professional development programs, shared instructional opportunities, and faculty networking.

Boilermaker: This term represents the legacy of our proud student heritage. Historically, the term Boilermaker refers to skilled, working-class metal fabricators who construct and maintain large-scale boilers and industrial containers, including those essential to railroad locomotives. At Purdue University, this designation developed from the institution’s early technical emphasis, its longstanding commitment to educating students from working-class backgrounds, and the acquisition of a Victorian-era locomotive. The Boilermaker nickname was adopted for its strong connotations of diligence, perseverance, innovation, and pride. The moniker has since become representative of the university’s character, mirroring both its industrial heritage and its abiding emphasis on fortitude and practical achievement.

Boilermaker Special: The official mascot of Purdue University, the Boilermaker Special is a meticulously crafted representation of a Victorian-era locomotive. Modeled after the locomotive acquired by Purdue in 1891 for its pioneering locomotive laboratory and testing program, the Boilermaker Special symbolizes the institution’s strong connection to engineering innovation and railroad history. This emblematic mascot integrates the university’s engineering legacy with its distinctive “Boilermaker” moniker, reflecting both legacy and institutional identity.

Purdue Pete: Originally designed in 1940 as the University Bookstore’s logo, Purdue Pete is the athletic mascot of the Purdue Boilermakers. Proudly wearing Purdue’s school colors of old gold and black on his uniforms, Purdue Pete has been making spirited appearances at sporting events since 1956.