There are quite a few types of degrees that are available at graduate schools. Popular choices are the masters degree and doctoral degree. What sets these two degrees apart from one another?
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. This is the case particularly for those who study and work simultaneously.
People need to know that the masters degree is focused on careers and is better for those looking for career prospects to be improved. For research-based careers though, a doctoral degree is the better choice. It is basically a mandatory requirement for professors to have a PhD.
Someone with a masters degree will get preference over another with only a bachelor's degree though. The degree also allows people who have been in a specific field for a while to gain added 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. Since doctoral degrees require original research, individuals are essentially contributing new information to a particular field of study. People in the doctoral degree program are usually those who are excited about being able to contribute meaningful information to the field.
It takes more time for someone to do masters than to complete a doctorate. Masters can be obtained in two years, full-time. A couple more years are required to complete a doctorate.
PhDs are more costly because they take longer to complete. 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.
The financial aid options also vary between the two programs. Students in the masters degree program usually receive less funding, if any. PhD programs, however, may receive full scholarships with an attractive income.
However, one of the best things that both degrees offer is the ability of the student to focus on subject areas that interest him the most. 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.
However, there are more online masters degree programs than there are online PhD programs. Doctoral degrees are ideal for people who enjoy study and learning in a specific field. A masters degree is the best choice for anyone looking to grow their career prospects.
