There are various degrees open to people entering graduate school. Popular choices are the masters degree and doctoral degree. What makes these two degrees different from each other though?
The commitment it takes to complete a graduate degree, whether masters or doctoral, can be confirmed by many a student. Taking on a graduate degree can get competitive and overwhelming at times. Students find this to be especially the case if they are keeping their careers and pursuing full-time study.
The more career-focused masters program is great for people looking to get a raise a work. For research-based careers though, a doctoral degree is the better choice. A PhD is also practically mandatory for those who want to become professors.
Masters degrees do set people apart from those with bachelor's degrees. People in long standing careers and jobs are allowed to expand their knowledge through this degree. It is incorrect to think that a masters is required before a doctorate can be pursued.
Doctoral degrees have the power to create knowledge. New information is added to the particular field by students who will be required to perform original research in their doctoral degree. People in the doctoral degree program are usually those who are excited about being able to contribute meaningful information to the field.
Doctorate degrees and masters degrees vary in length. Typical full-time students can attain masters degrees in two years' time. A couple more years are required to complete a doctorate.
Now since PhDs take longer to complete, they also require more money when it comes to tuition fees and other educational expenses. A great thing about doctorate degrees is that they afford the students who complete them a much higher salary. Students are in agreement that doctorate degrees offer more long term benefits.
Importantly, there are different financial aid packages for the two degrees. Less financial aid is made available to students of the masters degree. Full scholarships usually go to students in PhD programs.
The best thing about both degrees is that they allow you to concentrate on areas that really interest you. Although graduate school does require a lot of work, work is mostly enjoyable to the students because it involves a subject that they are very much interested in. Perseverance becomes almost second nature.
Online, there are more masters degree programs than there are PhDs. The bottom line is that if you really enjoy learning then a doctoral degree is definitely for you. The masters degree is the better option for people looking for promotions at work or career advancements.
