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. 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. This is especially true if the student is studying and working.
If you are planning to get a raise, a master degree may be a better choice since they are more career-oriented. The focus of a doctoral degree is of course research. Professors are practically all in possession of a PhD.
Someone with a masters degree will get preference over another with only a bachelor's degree 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. You do not need to have a masters in order to get a doctoral degree though, contrary to what many think.
But one of the less tangible yet very valuable components of doctoral degrees is their ability to create knowledge. Because of their research component, the students essentially contribute new knowledge and information to their field of study. Those who love their studies and get excited by the potential contribution of meaningful information should then pursue doctoral degrees.
It takes notably longer to complete a doctorate than it does for a master. Typical full-time students can attain masters degrees in two years' time. A couple more years are required to complete a doctorate.
PhDs are more costly because they take longer to complete. On the up side, doctorate degrees result in a better salary package at the end of the day. Students are in agreement that doctorate degrees offer more long term benefits.
However, an important difference between the two graduate programs is the financial aid options available to such degrees. Less financial aid is made available to students of the masters degree. The programs that receive full scholarships most often PhD programs.
Both degrees offer the students the opportunity to explore subjects that they are interested in. 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 then almost comes naturally.
There is however more masters degree programs online there PhD programs. Basically, if you love learning and the study of a particular field, a doctoral degree will be great for you. But if you are looking for a promotion or expertise for potential career growth, a masters degree will definitely be the better choice.
