Graduate schools offer a number of degrees to students. Popular choices are the masters degree and doctoral degree. How are these two different to each other?
The commitment it takes to complete a graduate degree, whether masters or doctoral, can be confirmed by many a student. A graduate degree can be very competitive however. Students find this to be especially the case if they are keeping their careers and pursuing full-time study.
The chances of getting a raise at work though are improved by a masters degree since it has a stronger career focus. A doctoral degree, however, is more research-oriented and prepares individuals for research-rich careers. Professors are practically all in possession of a PhD.
Masters degrees do set people apart from those with bachelor's degrees. 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. While many believe you need to be in possession of a masters before you can get a doctorate, this is not the case.
An extremely valuable component of doctoral degrees is their knowledge creation ability. New information is added to the particular field by students who will be required to perform original research in their doctoral degree. People who enjoy study and the gathering of information are particularly drawn to the doctoral degree.
Doctorate degrees and masters degrees vary in length. It can take a typical student two years to complete a masters degree if they do it full-time. A doctorate degree takes much longer.
Now since PhDs take longer to complete, they also require more money when it comes to tuition fees and other educational expenses. The good side, however, is that doctorate degrees yield higher salaries upon completion of the degree. 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. Although both degrees allow help when it comes to paying educational costs, masters degree students receive less financial help if at all. PhD programs have a greater chance of getting full scholarships.
Both degrees offer the students the opportunity to explore subjects that they are interested in. While graduate school work is quite a lot, it is fun because it involves a subject of interest to the student. Perseverance is an almost natural result of this enjoyment.
There are fewer PhD programs than there are masters degree programs online. Basically, if you love learning and the study of a particular field, a doctoral degree will be great for you. Anyone looking for career growth path is better suited to a masters degree.
