Most of our graduate students begin their graduate degree in the traditional sense with some gap of time between their undergraduate and graduate work.  Now, that “gap” can be short (~1-2 years) or long (20+ years)—both paths are quite common here at Hood College.  However, there is rising interest in dual-degree programs, which skip the “gap” between degrees.  Thus, do not be surprised if you’re sitting next to a senior in a given class, who is taking that same class as part of the initial requirements of their graduate degree.