Do you know what the terms lato sensu and stricto sensu mean? These are the names of two different types of postgraduate degrees. Each of these programs has different characteristics and target audiences.

Therefore, it is important to obtain as much information as possible and understand what each of these terms mean before enrolling in a postgraduate program.

In this text we will create a complete guide on these two types of postgraduate studies and help you understand everything about the subject.

Therefore, if you are thinking about continuing your studies and specializing, read our article carefully to make the best choice for your career.

To help you understand the difference between lato sensu and stricto sensu postgraduate programs, we will describe each of them in detail.

First of all, we will start with the lato sensu type, a term that in Latin literally means “in a broad sense”. Courses of this type aim to complement a student's training and can be specializations, MBAs or other types of complementary courses.

At the same time, it is also possible to say that postgraduate courses in this area focus on someone's professional performance. Therefore, if you want to obtain a promotion or more knowledge about your area, this could be a good choice.

Finally, upon completing a lato sensu course, the student can obtain the title of specialist in a topic or area.

Continuing the explanation of the terms lato sensu and stricto sensu, check out the second type of postgraduate course that a student can take.

On the other hand, the term stricto sensu can be translated from Latin with the expression “in a strict sense”. In other words, postgraduate courses in this area privilege in-depth research on just one subject.

Examples of courses in this area include master's degrees and academic doctorates. In both cases, the student must carry out research during their years of study and present the results at the end.

Therefore, this is the best option for anyone who wants to become a scientist and make discoveries in their field. At the same time, you may also need a master's or doctorate degree if you wish to work as a teacher at a higher education institution.

Firstly, we can mention the difference in students' objectives in the lato sensu and stricto sensu courses. In the first case, the student may be seeking more knowledge for the job market, while stricto sensu students focus on research.

At the same time, the titles that are received at the end are different. Therefore, if you want to be a master or doctor, you must take a stricto sensu postgraduate course.

Finally, the duration of these courses is also different. Lato sensu programs can be completed in a year or even months, while a master's degree can take at least 2 years.

Are you unsure between the lato sensu and stricto sensu postgraduate programs and don't know which is best for your career? Don't worry, by following a few simple steps you can determine the appropriate option.

We have created a guide that can help you make this choice. Therefore, continue reading so that there is no doubt about this matter.

Firstly, before choosing between lato sensu and stricto sensu you must define what your professional objectives are. For example: if you would like to achieve a promotion in your area, the best option is a lato sensu course.

On the other hand, if you want to enter the academic field and conduct research, the right option is stricto sensu courses. In other words, the choice needs to be defined according to your plans.

Before starting postgraduate studies, you need to organize your routine! Therefore, if you work, think about when during the day you will carry out your studies, attend classes or conduct research.

If you determine, for example, that you will study at night, you can look for a lato sensu or stricto sensu course during this period. It's important to be realistic and only research class options that are within your reach.

Stricto sensu degree programs may require a selection process with assessments, delivery of a research project and other factors. On the other hand, lato sensu courses may have distance classes or classes at more accessible times.

Therefore, it is important to check the opportunities and prepare according to the type of course chosen. Our recommendation is that students search college websites and find the main requirements and opportunities in their area.

Finally, before choosing between lato sensu and stricto sensu, it is important to look for the reputation of the entity offering the course. Therefore, use platforms such as Emec, Quero Bolsa or Reclame Aqui to check what students say about the college.

This way you can avoid falling for scams or taking poor quality courses and wasting time, energy and money on bad investments.

Finally, if you are looking for discounts on higher education courses, you might like to check out the Educa Mais Brasil platform. On this website, users can get scholarships of up to 80% of the monthly fee.

Are you curious? Then read our full text below on this subject.