Master's or Ph.D.?

Class Location: The Internet.

Description: This course explains the differences between these two very popular graduate opportunities.

Objective: Find out which degree will best fit your desires.

Before deciding whether to enter a master’s or Ph.D. program, you need to understand the differences between the two and the purposes of each.

A Ph.D., or doctorate, is more advanced than a master’s degree, usually requiring three years of graduate school, plus passing comprehensive exams and completing some piece of original study, such as a written dissertation. Ph.D. candidates usually need at least five years to complete all the requirements. It takes much more than good grades and test scores to get into a doctoral program. You need to be entirely committed to your field of study, be able to think creatively, and be able to establish and maintain professional relationships in your field. Completing the program requires enormous commitment and effort. A Ph.D. is much more than a piece of paper. It signifies acceptance into an intellectual community.

Most master’s programs involve two years of full-time study. Depending on the field, some programs have an academic focus, preparing students for doctoral programs. Others have a professional or practical emphasis, getting students ready to pursue a related career. Master’s programs require either a written thesis or a project that demonstrates a practical application of the studies, called a capstone project.

One of the major factors influencing your decision between a master’s and Ph.D. program is how each degree is used in your field. In some areas of study, you must have a master’s before you can pursue a Ph.D. In other fields, such as creative writing, a master’s is a terminal degree, meaning it’s the highest degree available. In still other areas, such as psychology, a master’s degree alone won’t get you very far. If you want to work in that field professionally, you’ll need a Ph.D.

If you’re unsure about which degree to pursue, give some serious thought to your future goals. The path you choose may determine which degree is best for you. Spend time researching the different programs available, and select the one that best suits your interests and goals.