At AAAS the first year master's students take courses to fulfill degree requirements, just like in college. However, the workload is heavier, the course topics are more specific and much more is expected of you than in college. At the beginning of the master's program, you choose a faculty member (mentor) who will serve as your advisor. This person will help you develop an academic focus and potential topics for your thesis or final project. As a second year master's student, you decide on your research focus and in one semester or two complete your master's thesis or final project. If you show promise, you may be encouraged to continue toward a PhD.

At the AAAs in the first three years of a PhD program, you take courses to satisfy your degree requirements and gain a broad knowledge of the field. You choose an mentor and write a dissertation proposal, and you develop a working relationship with other professors in your department. At the end of the second or third year, PhD students complete a thesis, take comprehensive exams or both. The thesis and/or exams demonstrate your qualification to continue with doctoral work. In years four through six, you take fewer (or no) courses and focus on writing your dissertation, which is supposed to constitute a new and meaningful contribution to knowledge in your field. When you've finally finished, you are required to present and defend your work before a faculty committee.