When it comes to entering graduate school, there are several types of degrees to choose from. Masters degrees and doctoral degrees are the most popular choices. How are these two different to each other?
Many students can attest to the fact that graduate school, either masters and doctoral, requires a very large commitment when it comes to work, time and energy. The competitive nature of graduate degrees can make them seem overwhelming at times. If a student intends to continue working while studying they will find this to be especially true.
The more career-focused masters program is great for people looking to get a raise a work. Anyone hoping for a research-rich career would do better with a doctoral degree though. A PhD is a fundamental requirement for becoming a professor.
Masters degrees are superior to bachelor's degrees though. The degree also works well for those who have been in a particular field for quite some time and want to gain knowledge and expertise. It is incorrect to think that a masters is required before a doctorate can be pursued.
But one of the less tangible yet very valuable components of doctoral degrees is their ability to create knowledge. Since doctoral degrees require original research, individuals are essentially contributing new information to a particular field of study. A doctoral degree is attractive to those who have a love for study.
Doctorate degrees and masters degrees vary in length. Masters can be obtained in two years, full-time. A doctorate degree, however, will take more years than that.
Because it takes longer to complete a PhD, it is usually a more expensive degree. A great thing about doctorate degrees is that they afford the students who complete them a much higher salary. Students are aware of the long-term benefits of the doctorate degree and they therefore see it as worth it.
An important difference is the financial aid options available for these graduate programs. Although both degrees allow help when it comes to paying educational costs, masters degree students receive less financial help if at all. Full scholarships usually go to students in PhD programs.
A perk of both these degrees is that they allow students to choose areas of focus that actually hold some interest for them. While the graduate school workload is high, this work is enjoyable because the subject is of interest. It is then easy to see the course through.
There is however more masters degree programs online there PhD programs. Doctoral degrees are ideal for people who enjoy study and learning in a specific field. If you are actually after career advancement then a masters degree is what you need.
