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What is a Grad School Cohort Model? (Here’s What You Need to Know)

Posted by:
October 18, 2022

If you’re considering graduate school, then you have a lot to think about.

You’re probably researching program options, financial aid opportunities, and future career paths. While you may be overwhelmed by your options, there’s a specific graduate school program format that you should be sure to consider — a grad school cohort model.

Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of a grad school cohort model.

Tip: Which graduate program is right for you?
Download PLU’s Master Graduate Program Guide to explore your options. 

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What is a grad school cohort model?

By its definition, a cohort is a group of people who share a common set of experiences. A graduate school cohort model applies this concept to a learning environment. 

In graduate school, a cohort model refers to a group of students who are attending school during the same period of time and are taking the same set of classes based on their academic program of study. 

Students learning in a cohort model start and finish their graduate program with the same students — making it possible for members to support one another and to make real connections and relationships with future and emerging industry leaders. 

What are the benefits of a grad school cohort model?

When pursuing a graduate degree through a cohort model, students have the advantage of learning with and from fellow cohort members. Cohorts allow students to really get to know one another, and cohort members benefit from the experience and knowledge of those relationships.

In a cohort, students know exactly who will be in their courses, and they can keep each other informed and on track with their projects. Whether it’s a research project, a presentation, or some other kind of course-based project, the entire class will understand the program and know how to help each other.

Traditionally, when pursuing a graduate degree in a cohort format, professors are available based on the cohort, so students never have to worry about struggling to sign up for a course they need to graduate on time. 

In short, students work closely together, developing relationships that benefit both their professional and personal lives.

Which of Pacific Lutheran University’s graduate programs offer a grad school cohort model?

The graduate programs at Pacific Lutheran University are designed to combine practice and theory to prepare students to take the next step in their careers. We understand the value of a grad school cohort, and for that reason, we offer the following programs in a cohort model.

Want to learn more about Pacific Lutheran University’s graduate programs? Connect with us today!

Pacific Lutheran University seeks to educate students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care — for other people, for their communities, and for the world. 

PLU purposefully integrates the liberal arts, professional studies, and civic engagement in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. With distinctive international programs and close student-faculty research opportunities, PLU helps its 3,100 students from all faiths and backgrounds discern their life’s vocation through coursework, mentorship, and internships at world-class Puget Sound-area businesses and institutions.

Ready to talk to explore further or talk to a PLU representative? Request more information or schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor today.

Don’t put your new career on hold — download our Master Graduate Program Guide today to learn more about PLU programs and how you can get started today.

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