Difference between Master’s Degrees and Doctoral Degrees
A master’s degree and doctoral degree are the most common advanced degrees that you can earn after you have completed your undergraduate education. The requirements necessary to earn either a master degree or doctorate degree vary widely depending on school and the discipline of your choice.
The general rule of thumb, though – and, remember, this is not applicable in all cases – is that a doctorate degree is more advanced than a master degree and represents a more complete mastery in a specific field. In some cases, a master’s degree is the highest degree you can earn in a particular field; and, in others, a doctoral degree is required for practice (medicine, for example).
Level of Commitment
Investing the time and resources to earn a degree at any level is a commitment. If you are considering the differences between a master degree and a doctorate degree, though, you have already decided that earning your undergraduate degree was worth the investment.
Many times, students decide to earn an advanced degree to increase their earning potential (teaching, for example, is one profession in which those with more advanced degrees almost always earn at a higher bracket), to get an opportunity for advancement or to switch jobs.
Types of Degrees Available
One only needs to learn the types of advanced degrees available to recognize the importance of their applications. The category of doctorate degrees comprises the Juris Doctor (J.D.), required for the practice of law; the Medicinae Doctor (M.D.), required for the practice of medicine; the Doctor of Education (Ed.D. or D.Ed.), which prepares students for administrative, research or academic positions in the field of education; the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and other less common terminal degrees (a terminal degree is the highest degree possible in a given field.) The Doctor of Philosophy can be earned in a wide variety of humanities and science disciplines.
The most common types of master’s degrees are the Master of Arts (M.A.) and the Master of Science (M.Sc.) with the type of degree you can earn dependent on the field of study.
Master Degrees
In a traditional setting, a master degree typically requires two to three years of full-time study that includes standard coursework, exams and, depending on your program or school, an internship that provides practical experience in the field. (This is not always a requirement).
Depending on your course of study and the school you are attending, a thesis might also be required to complete the master degree. Because many students pursuing advanced degrees or certificates are already working and just seeking to advance in their career or to switch to a new career path, many schools offer night classes, online programs, or other flexible scheduling options. Master degrees also tend to be more career-oriented.
Additionally, as with undergraduate degrees, there are a number of alternative options available to fit your needs. These options include distance learning through a combination of online courses, lecture-by-mail and conference calling to unite discussion sections and students globally.
- Colorado Technical University - Undergraduate: Undergraduate - Online
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Information Technology
- Master of Science in Information Technology - Data Management Technology
- Master of Science in Information Technology - Network Management
American Intercontinental University: Online
- Master of Accounting
- Master's (M. Ed.) - Educational Assessment and Evaluation
- Master's (M.Ed.) - Adult Education and Training
- Master's (M.Ed.) - Classroom Integration of Technology
Jones International University: Online
- MABC in Entrepreneurship
- MABC in Leadership and Influence
- MABC in Leading the Customer-Driven Organization
- MABC in Project Management
Doctorate Degrees
A doctorate degree takes longer to earn than a master degree – typically from four to eight years of full-time study – and almost always requires the completion of a lengthy original thesis under the guidance of an advisor in your field.
Doctorate degrees are more focused on original research and as such, a doctorate prepares people for careers where research is critical. If you want to become a professor at a university or college, a doctorate is almost always mandatory. In some cases, students need to hold a master degree before they can even apply for a doctorate and in others, a master degree is earned as students complete the requirements for their doctorate degree.
- Grand Canyon University: Online
- D.B.A. with an Emphasis in Management
- Ed.D in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Organizational Development
- Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership in with an Emphasis in K-12 Leadership
- Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Behavioral Health
Paying for Your College Degree
As with all forms of education, there are expenses associated with earning a master degree or doctorate degree and they can be considerable. Similar to your undergraduate degree, you must cover tuition, books and other expenses associated with your education. Also similar to undergraduate degrees, though, there are several options for financial aid: scholarships, grants, fellowships, loans and more.
Because a doctorate degree takes longer to earn, the expenses are sure to be higher, but this can be misleading as there tend to be more forms of financial aid available to students pursuing these degrees.
In addition to the traditional scholarships and grants, students earning doctorates typically take on paid work as assistants to professors in which they will conduct research, help to teach classes for undergraduates or lead discussions. Additionally, it is important to consider that a doctorate degree will likely result in a higher salary for the remainder of your career.
