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  • Master’s vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Master's vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Published on November 27, 2020 by Lauren Thomas . Revised on June 1, 2023.

The two most common types of graduate degrees are master’s and doctoral degrees:

  • A master’s is a 1–2 year degree that can prepare you for a multitude of careers.
  • A PhD, or doctoral degree, takes 3–7 years to complete (depending on the country) and prepares you for a career in academic research.

A master’s is also the necessary first step to a PhD. In the US, the master’s is built into PhD programs, while in most other countries, a separate master’s degree is required before applying for PhDs.

Master’s are far more common than PhDs. In the US, 24 million people have master’s or professional degrees, whereas only 4.5 million have doctorates.

Table of contents

Master’s vs phd at a glance, which is right for you, length of time required, career prospects, costs and salaries, application process, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about master's and phd degrees.

The table below shows the key differences between the two.

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which is higher a master's degree or a phd

A PhD is right for you if:

  • Your goal is to become a professor at a university or some other type of professional researcher.
  • You love research and are passionate about discovering the answer to a particular question.
  • You are willing to spend years pursuing your research even if you have to put up with a lot of dead ends and roadblocks.

A master’s degree is the better choice if any of the following apply:

  • You want to continue studies in your field, but you’re not committed to a career as a professional researcher.
  • You want to develop professional skills for a specific career.
  • You are willing to pay a higher upfront cost if it means finishing with your degree (and thus being able to work) much faster.
  • You want the option to study part-time while working.

The length of time required to complete a PhD or master’s degree varies. Unsurprisingly, PhDs take much longer, usually between 3–7 years. Master’s degrees are usually only 1–2 years.

Length of a master’s

Master’s degrees are usually 2 years, although 1-year master’s degrees also exist, mainly in the UK.

Most of the degree consists of classes and coursework, although many master’s programs include an intensive, semester-long master’s thesis or capstone project in which students bring together all they’ve learned to produce an original piece of work.

Length of a PhD

In the US, a PhD usually takes between 5 and 7 years to complete. The first 2 years are spent on coursework. Students, even those who choose to leave without finishing the program, usually receive a master’s degree at this point.

The next 3–5 years are spent preparing a dissertation —a lengthy piece of writing based on independent research, which aims to make a significant original contribution to one’s field.

Master’s degrees tend to prepare you for a career outside of academia, while PhDs are designed to lead to a career in research.

Careers for master’s graduates

There are two types of master’s degrees: terminal and research-intensive. The career prospects are different for each.

Terminal master’s degrees are intended to prepare students for careers outside of academia. Some degrees, known as professional degrees, specifically prepare students for particular professions; these include the Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees.

Other master’s degrees, usually Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Sciences (MS or MSc) degrees, do not necessarily lead to a specific career, but are intended to be a final degree. Examples include an MS in Communications or MS in Data Analytics.

In research-intensive master’s programs, students take coursework intended to prepare them for writing an original piece of research known as the master’s thesis . Such programs are usually intended to prepare for further study in a doctoral program.

Careers for PhD graduates

As research degrees, PhDs are usually intended to lead to an academic career. A PhD can be thought of like an apprenticeship, where students learn from professional researchers (academics) how to produce their own research.

Most students aspire to become a university professor upon the completion of their degree. However, careers in academia are highly competitive, and the skills learned in a doctoral program often lend themselves well to other types of careers.

Some graduates who find they prefer teaching to producing research go on to be teachers at liberal arts colleges or even secondary schools. Others work in research-intensive careers in the government, private sector, or at think tanks.

Below are a few examples of specific fields and non-academic careers that are common destinations of graduates of those fields.

  • Computer Science
  • Lab Sciences

Many government jobs, including economists at a country’s central bank, are research-intensive and require a PhD. Think tanks also hire economists to carry out independent research.

In the private sector, economic consulting and technology firms frequently hire PhDs to solve real-world problems that require complex mathematical modeling.

Graduate students from the humanities are sometimes hired by museums, who can make use of their research and writing skills to curate exhibits and run public outreach.

Humanities PhDs are often well-suited to research and grant-writing roles at nonprofits. Since so much of research is funded by grants, PhD students often gain a lot of experience applying for them, which is a useful skill in the nonprofit sector.

There are a wide range of non-academic research jobs for lab scientists with doctorates in subjects like chemistry, biology, ecology and physics.

Many PhD graduates are hired by pharmaceutical companies that need to perform research to create and test their products. Government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), also hire lab scientists to work on research projects.

Job prospects after graduation vary widely based on the field. In fields like management, computer science, statistics, and economics, there’s little underemployment—even graduates from less well-known programs can easily find jobs that pay well and use the skills they’ve gained from the PhD.

However, in other fields, particularly in the humanities, many PhD graduates have difficulty in the job market. Unfortunately, there are far more PhD graduates than assistant professor roles, so many instead take on part-time and low-paid roles as adjunct instructors. Even non-academic careers can sometimes be difficult for PhDs to move into, as they may be seen as “overqualified”  or as lacking in relevant professional experience.

Because career options post-PhD vary so much, you should take the time to figure out what the career prospects are in your field. Doctoral programs often have detailed “placement” records online in which they list the career outcomes of their graduates immediately upon leaving the program. If you can’t find these records, contact the program and ask for them—placement information should play an important role in your choice of PhD program.

Although PhDs take far longer to complete, students often receive a living stipend in exchange for being a teaching or research assistant. Master’s degrees are shorter but less likely to be funded.

Both master’s degrees and PhDs lead to increased salaries upon graduation. While PhDs usually earn a bit more than those with a master’s degree, in some fields, the wages are identical, meaning that no financial benefit is gained from going on to a PhD.

Cost of a master’s

The upfront cost of a master’s degree is usually higher than a doctoral degree due to the lower amount of financial aid available. However, increased salaries also arrive faster than with a doctoral degree, because people graduate much earlier from a master’s program.

Some master’s students do receive stipends for their degrees, usually as compensation for being a teaching or research assistant. In addition, many people complete master’s degrees part time while working full-time, which allows them to fund their living costs as well as tuition.

The cost varies significantly by school and program. Public schools are usually cheaper than private ones. Some master’s degrees, such as MBAs, are notoriously expensive, but also result in much higher wages afterwards that make up for the high cost.

The master’s wage premium , or the extra amount that someone with a master’s degree makes than someone with just a high school diploma, is 23% on average. Many universities provide detailed statistics on the career and salary outcomes of their students. If they do not have this online, you should feel free to contact an administrator of the program and ask.

Cost of a PhD

PhDs, particularly outside the humanities, are usually (though not always) funded, meaning that tuition fees are fully waived and students receive a small living stipend. During the last 3–5 years of a PhD, after finishing their coursework (and sometimes before), students are usually expected to work as graduate instructors or research assistants in exchange for the stipend.

Sometimes students can apply for a fellowship (such as the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Program in the United States) that relieves them of any obligations to be a teaching or research assistant. Doctoral programs in the US tend to be better funded than in the rest of the world.

Sometimes, PhD degrees can be completed part-time, but this is rare. Students are usually expected to devote at least 40 hours a week to their research and work as teaching or research assistants.

The main cost of doctoral programs comes in the form of opportunity cost—all the years that students could be working a regular, full-time job, which usually pays much better than a graduate school stipend.

The average wage premium for PhDs is 26%, which is not much higher than the master’s degree premium.

In the US, the application process is similar for master’s and PhD programs. Both will generally ask for:

  • At least one application essay, often called a personal statement or statement of purpose .
  • Letters of recommendation .
  • A resume or CV .
  • Transcripts.
  • Writing samples.

Applications for both types of programs also often require a standardized test. PhDs usually require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which tries to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative, critical thinking , and analytical writing skills. Many master’s programs require this test as well.

Applying for a master’s

Master’s degrees programs will often ask you to respond to specific essay prompts that may ask you to reflect upon not just your academic background, but also your personal character and future career ambitions.

Northwestern University’s Kellogg Business School requires Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) applicants write two essays, one about a recent time they demonstrated leadership and the second about their personal values.

Who you should ask for your letters of recommendation varies by program. If you are applying to a research-intensive master’s program, then you should choose former professors or research supervisors. For other programs, particularly business school, current work supervisors may be a better choice.

Some professional master’s programs require a specific test. For example, to apply to law school, you must take the Law School Admissions Test, or LSAT. For business school, you must take either the GRE or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).

Applying for a PhD

When applying for a PhD, your resume should focus more on your research background—you should especially emphasize any publications you’ve authored or presentations that you’ve given.

Similarly, your statement of purpose should discuss research that you’ve participated in, whether as an assistant or the lead author. You should detail what exactly you did in projects you’ve contributed to, whether that’s conducting a literature review, coding regressions, or writing an entire article.

Your letters of recommendations should be from former professors or supervisors who can speak to your abilities and potential as a researcher. A good rule of thumb is to avoid asking for recommendations from anyone who does not themselves have a PhD.

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A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

This depends on the country. In the United States, you can generally go directly to a PhD  with only a bachelor’s degree, as a master’s program is included as part of the doctoral program.

Elsewhere, you generally need to graduate from a research-intensive master’s degree before continuing to the PhD.

This varies by country. In the United States, PhDs usually take between 5–7 years: 2 years of coursework followed by 3–5 years of independent research work to produce a dissertation.

In the rest of the world, students normally have a master’s degree before beginning the PhD, so they proceed directly to the research stage and complete a PhD in 3–5 years.

A master’s degree usually has a higher upfront cost, but it also allows you to start earning a higher salary more quickly. The exact cost depends on the country and the school: private universities usually cost more than public ones, and European degrees usually cost less than North American ones. There are limited possibilities for financial aid.

PhDs often waive tuition fees and offer a living stipend in exchange for a teaching or research assistantship. However, they take many years to complete, during which time you earn very little.

In the US, the graduate school application process is similar whether you’re applying for a master’s or a PhD . Both require letters of recommendation , a statement of purpose or personal statement , a resume or CV , and transcripts. Programs in the US and Canada usually also require a certain type of standardized test—often the GRE.

Outside the US, PhD programs usually also require applicants to write a research proposal , because students are expected to begin dissertation research in the first year of their PhD.

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Is a PhD Higher Than a Master’s Degree?

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which is higher a master's degree or a phd

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As students go through their educational journey, it’s important to know the differences between a master’s and a PhD. Is a PhD higher than a master’s degree? We’ve looked into it and found out the answer. Let’s talk about the differences between PhDs and master’s degrees and figure out which one might be right for you.

Is a PhD Higher Than a Master’s Degree?

The hierarchy between a PhD and a master’s degree isn’t simply about one being “higher” than the other. Each serves different purposes and holds its own value depending on career goals and aspirations.

A proud graduate in a gown holds a red scroll

A master’s takes one to two years and allows you to learn more or try a new field through courses and projects. It’s perfect for job advancement and doctoral preparation. 

However, a PhD involves original research. You’ll spend three to six years on a unique problem to advance your field. PhD degrees focus on research and knowledge generation, while Master’s degrees apply knowledge through courses and projects. 

PhD programs use multivariate research more and are more generalizable than masters’ degrees. 

Educational Pathways Beyond a Bachelor’s

The journey from a Bachelor’s degree to a PhD can vary widely. Direct PhD programs allow students to embark on their doctoral studies immediately after completing their undergraduate degree. This path is ideal for students with a clear research focus and the motivation to explore deep into their chosen field without a Master’s degree.

Universities offering direct PhDs seek candidates with excellent academic records, substantial research experience, and a passion for discovery and innovation.

The traditional route involves completing a master’s degree before progressing to a PhD. This pathway allows students to gain further knowledge and research skills, often helping refine their academic interests before deciding on a PhD research topic.

Comparative Analysis of Ph.D. and Master’s Degrees

When comparing master’s and PhD degrees, consider the academic intensity, career trajectories, and personal investment required. Master’s programs often focus on advanced learning and skill development in a specific field, enhancing career prospects and earning potential. 

In contrast, a PhD is characterized by its emphasis on original research, contributing new knowledge to a discipline. 

Here’s a chart for your understanding:

The Academic Journey to a PhD

Transitioning from a master’s degree to a PhD marks a significant academic commitment. The journey commences with identifying a research gap, followed by developing a study to address this void.

A man sitting at a desk in a library, surrounded by books

This approach requires a deep understanding of research methods, theoretical frameworks, and literature reviews beyond master’s work. In addition to courses, the commitment includes comprehensive exams, research proposal defense, and original research project. 

Here’s a closer look at the stages of this academic path:

  • Identifying Research Gap: The process begins with pinpointing a specific problem that has not yet been adequately addressed.
  • Deep Dive into Methodologies: A thorough understanding of various research methods is important, going beyond what is typically required at the Master’s level.
  • Comprehensive Literature Review: Involves an exhaustive examination of existing scholarly work related to the research topic.
  • Exams and Defenses: Candidates must successfully navigate comprehensive exams and defend their research proposals.
  • The Dissertation: Represents a significant contribution of new knowledge to the field through original research.

Funding and Financial Considerations

Funding models for master’s and PhD programs often vary, reflecting the different commitments each degree requires. Master’s programs might offer scholarships based on academic merit or need, however; funding is generally more limited compared to PhD programs. 

PhD programs often provide more substantial funding opportunities, including teaching and research assistantships that cover tuition and living expenses, compared to master’s programs. This support reflects the longer duration and research focus of doctoral studies . 

Here’s a chart to give you an overview:

Demystifying PhD and Master’s Degrees: Facts vs. Myths

When choosing between a master’s and a PhD, it’s important to navigate through common myths that often cloud decision-making. This section aims to debunk these myths, offering clarity and insight.

  • Myth 1 – A PhD is just an extension of a master’s: In reality, a PhD goes beyond deepening knowledge, as it involves performing new research that contributes to a field.
  • Myth 2 – PhD graduates are overqualified for industry roles: While academia is a common path, many industries value the depth of expertise and research skills PhD holders bring, especially in sectors like technology , pharmaceuticals, and engineering.
  • Myth 3 – Master’s degrees are only for those who can’t commit to a PhD: Choosing a master’s is a strategic decision based on career goals, industry requirements, or the desire for specialized knowledge without the need for extensive research.

A person jotting down notes in notebook with pen

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i pursue a phd in a field different from my master’s degree specialization.

Yes, transitioning to a PhD in a different field from your master’s is possible. However, may require additional coursework or prerequisites to bridge knowledge gaps. This flexibility allows individuals to tailor their educational paths to evolving interests or career goals, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches.

What Are the Employment Rates for PhD vs. Master’s Degree Holders, and in Which Sectors?

Employment rates vary; PhD holders often find roles in academia, research, and specialized industry positions, while master’s graduates see broader opportunities across various sectors. The depth of research and expertise PhD programs provide is highly valued in sectors requiring specialized knowledge, whereas master’s degrees offer versatile skills applicable in a wider range of professional settings.

How Significant Is the Research Experience for Admission Into a Direct PhD Program?

Significant, strong research experience can be a critical factor in securing admission to direct PhD programs, showcasing a candidate’s potential for scholarly contribution. Direct PhD programs look for evidence of a student’s ability to undertake in-depth research, making prior research experience a key indicator of success in these rigorous academic paths.

In exploring the hierarchy of postgraduate education, it’s clear that a PhD is above a master’s degree in terms of academic level, research depth, and specialization. While a master’s degree provides advanced knowledge and specialization within a field, a PhD examines original research, contributing novel insights and theories. 

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Master’s vs. Ph.D.: What’s the Difference and Which One to Choose?

If graduate school is on your radar, one of the first things to consider is what type of degree you should pursue . While a bachelor’s degree is required for any postgraduate study, many people think you need a master’s to pursue a Ph.D., but that isn’t always the case. While there are benefits to receiving your master’s degree before your Ph.D., it’s not always necessary or required. However, there are important differences to note when deciding which type of program to apply to.

Master’s degree

A master’s degree usually takes about two years to complete full time. There are programs that allow a student to attend on a part-time basis, but that of course extends the completion time. Many master’s programs require a thesis to be completed, but not all. A thesis is a research project that is completed during the final year of a master’s program under the guidance of your program chair or advisor.

Under the master’s umbrella, there are quite a few specific degrees you can obtain. Your professional path will determine which of these you pursue.

  • Master of Arts (MA) is given for disciplines in the arts and social sciences.
  • Master of Science (MS) is given for sciences, health, engineering and statistics.
  • Master of Research (MRes) is focused on training students to become researchers. This is advantageous to a student if they’re pursuing a research-based career or planning to apply for a Ph.D. program.
  • Master by Research (MPhil) is similar to a MRes but is more advanced and focuses on research topics to be explored in depth. It’s often considered a precursor to a Ph.D. program.

Specialized master’s degrees

There are numerous specialized master’s degrees that are categorized by profession. These are often (not always) preceded by some professional experience prior to undertaking these types of advanced degrees.

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Library Science (MLS, MLIS, MSLS)
  • Master of Public Administration (MPA)
  • Master of Public Health (MPH)
  • Master of Social Work (MSW)
  • Master of Laws (LLM)
  • Master of Education (MEd, MSEd, MIT, MAEd, MAT)
  • Master of Engineering (MEng)
  • Master of Architecture (MArch)
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
  • Master of Divinity (MDiv)

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

There are many Ph.D. programs and, in general, it’s considered the most advanced type of research degree you can obtain. Ph.D. candidates are required to complete a dissertation to obtain their degree. Unlike a thesis, a dissertation is longer and consists of original research conducted throughout the entire doctoral study. In some cases, students may be awarded a stipend, or pay, to complete the doctoral program and dissertation.

Ph.D.’s take a considerably longer time to complete than a master’s, five to eight years on average, and they carry a rather high rate of noncompletion due to time and financial commitments. Many Ph.D. programs have stipends available, so it’s important to inquire about that when researching a particular program.

Specialized doctorate programs

As with master’s degrees, there are several specialized doctorate programs specific to different disciplines and areas of study:

  • Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
  • Doctor of Engineering (EngD/PhD)
  • Doctor of Education (EdD/D.Ed)
  • Doctor of Social Science (DsocSci)
  • Doctor of Professional Studies (DProf)
  • Doctor of Architecture (DArch)
  • Doctor of Theology (Th.D)
  • Doctor of Divinity (DD/DDiv)
  • Doctor of Science STEM (Dsc/ScD)
  • Doctor of Science Arts & Humanities (DLitt/LitD)

When deciding which one to get, consider your immediate or long-term career goals — which degree would serve you best? In some cases, you can obtain a Ph.D. with just a bachelor’s degree, but often it’s recommended you get a master’s first for the research experience that will be required for a Ph.D.

As with anything, there are exceptions. Students in law school obtain a J.D. (Juris Doctor) but can then further obtain a master’s in a sub-specialty like tax or immigration law. The health care occupations of physical therapist and pharmacist are also doctorate programs obtained post undergrad.

Making your choice

As with any decision, weigh your options, list pros and cons, and go from there. Once you’ve narrowed your options , you’ll have a precise list of programs and institutions generated for your specific goals.

Should I Pursue A Master’s or A Ph.D.?

Shot of back of graduate looking into the distance with chin resting on hand at hooding ceremony

The first step in deciding on the right graduate program for you is to figure out which degree will best serve you—a master’s or a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.). Here are a few factors to consider.

What are your career goals?

  • Professional master’s: A good choice if you want to develop a particular skill set in order to practice a particular profession. This type of degree provides coursework focused on learning and practicing skills.
  • Research master’s: A good fit if you want to gain expertise in a discipline and know how to teach it. A research master’s typically includes a research project or thesis and comprehensive exams in addition to coursework and provides experience in research and scholarship.
  • Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy): Consider this option if your goal is to ground yourself in a body of research and develop the ability to add to that body of knowledge. Ph.D. study includes a major research project in addition to coursework, and a Ph.D. is the highest scholastic degree awarded by American universities. Contrary to common perception, career paths for Ph.D. graduates are quite varied, not just limited to academia. Ph.D. training helps you hones skills such as writing, research, teaching, data analysis, communicating complex topics—all of which can translate into many sectors, including industry, government, nonprofit, and entrepreneurship.

See career data for Duke graduate programs' alumni

How much time do you have to pursue a graduate degree?

Master’s degrees typically take two years to complete, while Ph.D. programs generally take five to seven years ( see Duke programs' time-to-degree ). That is a significant difference in commitment and opportunity costs. It might also play a key role in deciding which factors take higher priority as you evaluate a program. How does the length of the program fit with your career and family plans? How important is the surrounding community if you are going to be there for seven years instead of two? How long are you able or willing to go on a limited income while in graduate school?

How much can you afford to pay for a graduate degree?

Consider your personal financial situation (e.g., how much savings and student loans do you have), as well as how much financial aid you can get. Master’s and Ph.D. programs differ greatly in the amount of financial aid available. Ph.D. programs tend to offer significantly more financial support than master’s programs (but often will have research or teaching requirements). 

A typical Ph.D. financial aid package usually includes coverage of tuition and fees, a living stipend, and some level of support for health insurance for a set number of years. For instance, Duke’s standard Ph.D. package covers tuition, mandatory fees, and a stipend for five years, as well as health insurance premiums for six years. 

Within an institution, the level of financial support often differs across programs, so be sure to ask your specific program about the financial aid it offers. There are also many national organizations that provide competitive fellowships and scholarships for graduate students.

Know which degree you want to pursue? Here are some key things to look for in a program .

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Master’s vs PhD — These are the Main Differences

Master’s-vs-PhD---These-are-the-Main-Differences-

The consideration between earning a master’s vs PhD is not always an easy choice. While many careers and personal aspirations may be complete with just an undergraduate degree (Associate’s or Bachelor’s), a lot of people continue their higher education to obtain graduate degrees. These include a master’s and/or a PhD.

Neither a master’s degree nor a PhD is considered to be a walk in the park. Therefore, it’s useful to understand why you would earn either and then decide how far to go.

which is higher a master's degree or a phd

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Definitions: master’s vs phd.

Bost a master’s and PhD are defined as postgraduate degrees, but they require different commitments and styles of learning.

1. Master’s Degree:

Mostly all master’s degrees will require the completion of an undergraduate bachelor’s degree to enroll. They generally all share the same common requirement for a thesis or dissertation to graduate.

Earning a master’s degree through a taught program will result in the completion of a Master of Art (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Philosophy (MPhil). For those who earn their master’s degree through research, they will earn a Master of Research (Mre), in a tailored field of study. There are also degree-specific master’s programs like Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Education (M.Ed).

After earning a master’s degree, the next step is a PhD, which entails both working and performing research at an institution. A PhD is an abbreviation for “Doctor of Philosophy.” It is the highest academic degree one can achieve. As such, it is a time-consuming pursuit that requires a lot of studying and research.

You may be wondering, “Do you need a master’s to get a PhD?”

Technically, the answer is not always. Some students skip a master’s and go straight for their PhD, but they may lack research experience. While it could save money, the transition between a bachelor’s and a PhD is incredibly sharp. It may be harder to complete a PhD without the experience from a master’s.

Yet, some institutions may allow for the possibility to earn both your master’s and PhD in conjunction with one another. This will alleviate the transition between skipping a master’s and going straight to earning a PhD.

Should You Get a Master’s or PhD?

There are many considerations to factor when deciding between a master’s of PhD. For starters, it’s useful to consider the amount of time it will take, the cost, and the benefits and disadvantages of each. It is also of utmost importance to explore your own personal goals and reasons for wanting a graduate degree.

If your desired career of choice requires a PhD, like becoming a university professor, then you have your answer. If you want to start a business and benefit by networking while in school, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) could be a good idea. Consider what you want to pursue as a career and find out the requirements first.

Another useful thing to note is that a master’s degree can be used for a shift in careers. For example, if you attended college and earned a bachelor’s degree in humanities, but now you want to pursue science, you can still earn your master’s degree in a scientific discipline. On the other hand, a PhD is tailored to your field of study and specialty, so it will require that you are sure of your direction when you first earn your master’s degree.

Length of Time

A typical master’s degree program takes about two years full-time. However, there are accelerated programs that can be completed in just a year or so.

A PhD, in general, requires five to six years of studying, teaching, and research. However, it may even take some students up to eight or nine years to graduate. With this significant investment in time, it’s necessary to know if a PhD is right for you before starting.

The cost of both programs varies by institution and enrollment status of part-time versus full-time. However, since a PhD takes longer to complete, it will end up costing more. With that said, if you look into your return on investment, a PhD could end up yielding a higher salary, and therefore end up “costing less.”

Additionally, there is also the possibility of being paid to complete your PhD. Some students may receive an academic stipend, a university fellowship or apprenticeship or a reduced fee to earn their PhD while completing research (or teaching) at an institution. It’s also possible to get financial aid through a scholarship or grant.

As tuition rates continue to rise, it’s useful to look into alternative institutions for affordable education. For example, the University of the People offers a tuition-free master’s program in Business Administration and Education. This means you can study 100% online and graduate for less than the cost of most programs.

Weighing the Benefits

When comparing the two degree types, here are some benefits of each:

  • Career-oriented
  • Can open the door for more job opportunities
  • Costs less than a PhD
  • Takes less time than a PhD
  • Helps you stand out from those with only an undergraduate degree
  • You can perform research in your field of choice
  • You become an expert in your field
  • The prefix Dr. is added to your name
  • You can teach in academia at the highest level

Required Commitment and Reasons to Pursue

Both a master’s and a PhD require a huge amount of hard work and utter commitment. You must be dedicated and motivated to complete either degree. Since most careers only may require a bachelor’s degree, having a master’s or PhD will set you apart from the competition. However, this should not be the sole reason to pursue either.

You may be wondering why would you earn either degree. Here’s a look at some motivational factors:

Reasons to Study for a Master’s

  • Your career requires it (see next section)
  • You want to advance your subject knowledge
  • You want to experience graduate school and network with peers

Reasons to Study for a PhD

  • You want to contribute new research to your field of choice
  • Your career requires a PhD
  • You want to earn the title of Dr.

Careers in the medical field often require a PhD

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Required degrees by career.

Most people are motivated to pursue higher education because their desired careers require they do so. Here, we will break down those fields that require the completion of a master’s degree as it’s high on the list of reasons why to get one.

  • Education Administration: To work as an administrator in an educational institution, you need to hold an advanced degree. A Master’s in Education (M.Ed) will provide you with the necessary knowledge and required skills to succeed in the field.
  • Executive Level Business: A Master’s in Business (MBA) will not only place you ahead of the competition to land high-level positions in the field of business, but it can also be the jumping off point for becoming your own boss.
  • Environmental Science: With issues in climate change and technological advancement, careers in Environmental Science are growing. As with most scientific careers, it requires a master’s degree where you will learn Applied Ecology, Environmental Policy, Environmental Chemistry, and more.
  • Mental Health: To become a licensed practitioner and assist in mental health counseling, you will continue your education through a master’s degree in the field.
  • Physical Therapy: Employers of physical therapists often prefer them to obtain a master’s degree in the discipline as the field is highly specialized.

Of course, some careers require a PhD. These careers are easy to spot because they have the prefix Dr. in front of them or the suffix like J.D. (Juris Doctor). To become a lawyer, doctor of medicine, veterinary medicine or psychologist/psychiatrist, you must obtain a PhD in the respective field.

Salary Differences Between Master’s and Ph.D. Graduates

According to a study performed by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce , the overall evidence shows that the higher the degree you have, the higher your salary potential. However, the differences vary by subject level and field.

In general, the expected lifetime earnings of those with each degree level is as follows:

  • High School Diploma: $973,000
  • Bachelor’s Degree: $1.3 million
  • Master’s Degree: $2.7 million
  • Doctorate Degree: $3.3 million

The Bottom Line

Aside from the financial cost and length of time, the opportunity to earn a master’s and a doctorate degree can offer several benefits.

However, it is an undertaking that requires a lot of dedication and motivation on behalf of the student. As such, it’s important to perform research on your desired career’s requirements, as well as your personal interest in pursuing either a Phd vs master’s.

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There are a lot of degree types out there. Many fall into one of two camps: doctorates and master’s degrees. Both graduate degrees offer a narrower educational focus than the undergraduate experience. The higher the degree, the longer it takes to earn and the more specialized is its focus. We’re taking a closer look at the master’s and doctorate degrees to highlight differences and help you determine which might be most useful to you.

Master’s Degrees

Master’s degrees are more versatile than doctoral degrees, and have a wide range of professional and academic applications. The most common master’s degrees are Master’s of Arts (M.A.) and Master’s of Science (M.S.) . Additionally, there are three types of master’s programs:

  • Research Master’s degrees are typically for academic and applied research disciplines. Examples include a Master’s of Arts in Comparative Literature, and Master’s of Science in Biology. In some fields, earning a research master’s degree without going on to earn a Ph.D. restricts your professional options. Figure out what's best for you and your career trajectory by talking with professors or professionals in your field.
  • Professional Master’s degrees prepare candidates for professional work by introducing practical skills and frameworks for understanding issues in their field. These degrees may also qualify a person to practice in their field. Examples include a Master’s of Social Work, Master’s of Architecture, or Master’s of Art in Teaching. Most of the degrees featured at Idealist Grad Fairs are professional master’s degrees supporting careers in the social good sector.
  • Terminal Master’s degrees are the highest academic degree in their field. While some master’s degrees may serve as the first step towards a doctorate, others—such as a Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing or a Master’s in Library Science—are as high as you can go for academic accreditation in those fields of study.

Before pursuing a master’s degree, candidates must have already earned a bachelor's degree. Master’s programs take one to three years to complete and consist of advanced-level courses and seminars. In some programs, students go on to research, write, and defend a master’s thesis. In professional master’s programs, the thesis is often replaced by final projects and exams.

Doctoral Degrees

The most common doctorate is the Doctor of Philosophy or PhD. These research doctorates prepare students to contribute to the collective knowledge base of the field and offers a unique opportunity for an individual to conduct intensive and prolonged research on a very particular topic, which often leads to publication. With a PhD, many seek careers as professors and researchers, but may also pursue roles in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Additionally, there are professional doctorates like the MD (Medical Doctor), and the JD (Juris Doctor). Before pursuing a doctorate, candidates must have already earned a bachelor's degree and in some cases a master’s depending on the program. Due to the nature of specialization, PhD programs tend to be smaller than master’s programs.

PhD candidates begin by taking courses and exams. They go on to take advanced seminars and complete their requirements by researching, writing, and defending a dissertation. A dissertation is one of the central components of earning the PhD and is a doctoral-level thesis about the candidate’s original research. A doctorate degree may take up to eight years to earn depending on the program, whether the candidate has already completed a master’s degree (or is coming straight from undergraduate), and the amount of time it takes to complete the dissertation.

Dual Degree Programs or Joint Master’s and PhD Programs

If you decide both degree programs sound right for you, there are some programs that offer the option to pursue both degrees at the same time. A dual degree program allows you to double count your earned credits towards the completion of both degrees. You can find more information here .

How to decide which degree is right for you?

Figuring out whether to pursue a master's or PhD will depend on your career field and educational goals. You can learn more about requirements in your field by doing some research or your own as well as networking with colleagues. Reaching out to a mentor in the field or alumni from your preferred program can also help you navigate graduate school decisions. Additionally, speaking with admissions staff at graduate schools can help provide insight into the kinds of graduate programming available. 

It can be tricky to offer general guidance on graduate programs since so much is dependent on the field of study. That said, we wanted to offer examples of how master’s and doctorate degrees can set you up for success. We've selected social work and business as fields to illustrate this:

Social Work

If you want to go to graduate school to study social work, you can study at the master’s level or the PhD level. To determine what is best for you, consider what role you’d like to play in the field of social work. If you’d like to be a social welfare direct service provider or government agency administrator, a master’s program may be most appropriate. If you’d like to become a faculty member at a post-secondary institution, a social welfare research scholar, or a social welfare policy analyst, a Ph.D. program will be a better fit. Outside of academic settings—where a doctorate is required for most faculty positions—a master’s combined with practical work experience may provide ample preparation for a career as a researcher, policy analyst, or mid-level manager.

For business administration, you have the option of a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA), or a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). If your long term goal is to take on a leadership role in a nonprofit or business enterprise, the MBA (or nonprofit management degree) may be best. If instead, you’re interested in a career in academia teaching and researching on business practices, the DBA will be the better option.

Knowing your professional goals will help guide your choices for graduate study. Certain career paths, such as becoming a public defender or a medical doctor, are more clearly marked with the necessary steps, including the required educational level and graduate degree. Other career paths are less regimented and therefore require more investigation and consideration of what is right for you. Thoroughly researching your field of interest and having a strong understanding of the skills and knowledge you want and need from your graduate education will inform which degree options make the most sense for your goals.

Planning on returning to school? Check out our Grad School Resources and connect directly with social-impact programs through Idealist. And if you’re interested in speaking with an admissions representative, find out which cities near you are hosting an Idealist Grad School Fair this fall.

which is higher a master's degree or a phd

  • Masters vs PhD – Differences Explained
  • Types of Doctorates

The decision of whether or not to pursue a Masters or PhD (or both) after you complete your undergraduate studies is not necessarily a straightforward one. Both are postgraduate degrees but are different in terms of the academic experience and the career paths taken afterwards.

In short, a Masters degree involves a year of study, primarily through taught lectures and a final dissertation research project, whilst a PhD (also referred to as a doctorate degree) is a three-year commitment of independent research on a specific subject.

There’s more to it than that, however – read on for more information.

What Is a Masters Degree?

A Masters degree is the next level of education after the completion of an undergraduate degree, commonly known as a Bachelors.

These degree levels are often referred to in terms of cycles so that a Bachelor’s is a first-cycle degree, a Masters is a second-cycle and finally, a PhD is the third-cycle of higher education (and the highest).

Masters degrees demand an intense period of study, usually centred around a core series of lectures and taught modules, coupled with coursework assignments and exams, followed by the completion of a contained research project usually taking students 3-4 months to complete.

These types of degrees are attractive to recent graduates who want to delve deeper into their specific field of study, gaining some research experience and more specialised knowledge beyond what an undergraduate degree can offer.

Equally, some pursue a Masters degree program in a subject that is only tangentially related to their Bachelors degree, helping them gain a broader depth of knowledge.

These degrees also serve as a significant stepping stone for those already in employment who want to progress their current career development and earn a higher salary. They can also be an excellent method for helping in changing careers completely by learning new skills and subject knowledge.

What Is a PhD Degree?

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest academic degree that can be awarded and is the third and final cycle in the progression of higher education.

A doctoral degree is earned on the basis of producing a significant, independent and novel body of work (a Thesis) that contributes new knowledge to a particular research topic.

These are research degrees that are a significant investment of a candidate’s time, resources and energy and are all but a pre-requisite for anyone considering a career in academia, such as eventually becoming a professor.

There are some exceptions to this, such as those with a medical background who may earn an MD (Doctor of Medicine), which is the equivalent of a PhD.

Doctoral degrees can also have a significant positive impact on career development outside of academia, especially in fields such as engineering, business and finance that have a high demand for highly qualified and capable people.

A graduate student engaged in PhD study is commonly known as a PhD student, PhD candidate or doctoral student.

What are the Benefits of a Masters Degree?

There are several reasons one might consider doing a Masters degree rather than a PhD in their graduate education. These include:

  • It takes approximately a third of the time to do compared to a doctorate degree and costs less too.
  • It’s a good way to differentiate yourself from those that hold only an undergraduate degree without having to commit to a substantial research degree.
  • The end goal is more career-focused as opposed to research-focused. For example, it is practically an ‘easier’ route to changing or progressing your career if that aligns with your professional goals.

What are the Benefits of Doing a PhD?

You may continue on into a doctoral program after a Masters or you may even dive straight in after completing your undergraduate studies. So, what are the advantages of completing this third-cycle?

  • You’ll have developed a wealth of transferable skills at graduate school, such as effective communication of complex concepts, multi-tasking time-management and the ability to adapt to and solve unexpected problems.
  • A doctorate helps to establish you as an expert within your chosen subject area; your work will hopefully have furthered the knowledge in this.
  • It will open up career paths and teaching positions within academia that may otherwise be very difficult to get a hold in (although these career paths will still be very competitive).
  • You can add the title ‘Dr’ in front of your name!

Which Degree Is More Impactful: A Masters or a PhD?

On paper, the answer should be clear: A doctorate degree is the highest degree you can earn, so has more impact than a Masters, which in turn has more impact than a Bachelors.

The reality is that the size of the impact (if any) really depends on the subject area and the career path you choose (if the measure of impact is how it positively improves your career prospects, that is).

For someone with aspirations of becoming a professor, a PhD will be of greater value than a Masters alone.

Equally, it’s also possible that someone with a PhD entering a different field or one that doesn’t require a PhD may find that their degree has no bearing on their career or in some cases may even be seen as a ‘negative’ with a concern of the person being ‘over-qualified’ for a position. There are many scenarios in which professional experience would be more valuable to an employer than a doctorate degree.

Check out the links below to our interviews with Prof. Debby Cotton and Dr Nikolay Nikolov to read their experiences of when a going through a PhD program has had a clear benefit (Prof. Cotton) and when it hasn’t been helpful (Dr Nikolov).

Debby Cotton_Profile

Do You Need to Have a Masters to do a PhD?

This really depends on the university, department and sometimes even the project and supervisor.

From a purely application process perspective, some institutions may formally require you to hold a Masters degree relevant to the subject of the PhD project before you can enter their doctoral program.

In another scenario, most universities are unlikely to accept candidates that were awarded below a 2:1 (in the UK) in their undergraduate degree but may consider someone who has ‘made up’ for this with a high-grade Masters.

Lastly, some universities now offer PhD programmes that incorporate an additional year of study in which you would complete a Masters degree before carrying directly on into a PhD project. As you’d expect, even if a university doesn’t formally require you to hold one, a Masters degree can help separate you from other applicants in being accepted on the project.

Check out our detailed guide to doing a PhD without a Master’s .

Why Do a Masters before Your PhD?

Even if you don’t need to have one, it could still be beneficial to begin your postgraduate study by doing a Masters first before you embark on your doctorate journey.

As mentioned previously it’ll help you stand out from applicants that don’t have one, but beyond that, it’ll give you a taster of what research life could be like, especially if you stay at the same university and department for your PhD.

The one-year commitment (in the UK at least) of carrying out a Masters first, and in particular your research project, will help you better understand if this is truly something you want to commit the next three or more years to.

You’ll learn some of the skills of independent research, from performing detailed literature searches to more complex, analytical writing.

At the end of it, you should be in a stronger position to consider your options and decide about whether to continue into a PhD at graduate school.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters Degree?

In the UK, a full-time Masters degrees take students one calendar year to complete: The programme of study usually starts in September, the final research project the following April and final project viva around August. Part-time degrees are usually double the time.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD?

In the UK, most PhD projects take 3-4 years to complete , as reflected by the majority of funded projects offering stipends to cover living expenses of about 3.5 years.

For many reasons, projects may end up taking longer to complete, however. This might be because of difficulties in collecting enough data, or if the project is being done part-time.

Which One is More Expensive to Do?

As you’d expect, as a PhD takes three times as long to complete as a Masters degree, it will cost you more to do as far as university fees are concerned.

Another thing to consider is that many PhD projects come with some level of funding equivalent to a low salary, which may cover the cost of tuition fees and living expenses, whilst it is usually more difficult to obtain funding for Masters study.

Conversely, a Masters graduate may progress into a higher (versus PhD funding) salary sooner whilst a PhD student will endure three years of a comparatively low income.

A Masters vs a PhD: Conclusion

If you’re considering continue further graduate study after your undergraduate degree, the question of doing a Masters vs a PhD is likely to come up. They are both considered an advanced degree, each with their own advantages.

There are benefits to doing either of these graduate programs or even both of them; your decision here can be easier if you have an idea of the career you want to follow or if you know you have a love for research!

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Master’s Degree vs. PhD Degree: What Is The Difference?

masters-degree-vs-phd-degree

There is a big difference between a Master’s degree and a Doctorate degree. Both are terminal degrees, meaning they are the highest possible degrees you can achieve in their respective field. But what exactly is the difference between these two types of degrees?

Compared to undergraduate education, both graduate degrees offer a more focused educational experience. 

Both Master’s and Doctoral degrees are in high demand. For instance, in the US, obtaining a Master’s degree can help you qualify for promotions, certain professions, and some can help you make over 100k .

But how can you tell which educational level is best for you? 

That’s why we’re here to help!

To highlight differences and assist you in deciding which degree would be most beneficial to you, we’re comparing a Master’s Degree vs. PhD Degree in this blog so you can make an informed decision.

What Is a Master’s Degree?

Compared to Doctorate degrees, Master’s degrees take less time to complete and can often help people advance in their careers or achieve a higher salary. The Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M.S.) are the most popular Master’s degrees. There are also 2 different kinds of master’s programs. Let’s take a look at both of them to get a better understanding. 

Research Master’s Degree

Most academic and practical research fields require Master’s degrees. Earning a research Master’s degree without pursuing a Doctorate might limit your career opportunities in several professions. Speak with instructors or experts in your area to determine what is best for you and your career path.

Professional Master’s Degree

Master’s degrees introduce individuals to frameworks and practical skills to comprehend challenges in their industry, preparing them for a professional job. Some areas require people to have the appropriate master’s degree to work in the field. Master’s degrees in social work, architecture, or teaching art are a few examples. 

The highest academic degree available in certain professions is a Master’s degree. While particular Master’s degrees might be the first step toward a doctorate, others, like a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing or a Master of Library Science, are the highest levels of certification available in their respective fields of study.

Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree before pursuing a Master’s program but there are some programs that allow you to get both the master’s and bachelor’s.  Advanced-level courses and seminars are the main components of a Master’s degree, which can be completed in 1–3 years .

What Is a Doctorate Degree?

The PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the most popular doctoral degree. These research Doctorates give a unique chance for a person to perform an extensive and protracted study on a particular issue, which frequently results in publication. They also equip students to contribute to the body of knowledge in the field. 

Many PhD. holders go into academia and research but can also work in the public, corporate, and nonprofit sectors.

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree and, in certain situations, a Master’s before pursuing a doctorate, depending on the program. PhD programs often have fewer students than Master’s programs due to the nature of the specialization.

PhD candidates first take courses, and qualifying exams are sometimes required before continuing on. dissertation. Following that, they enroll in advanced seminars and finish their requirements by doing research for, writing, and presenting a dissertation. One of the main requirements for receiving a PhD is completing a dissertation, which is a Doctoral-level thesis detailing the candidate’s original research. 

Depending on the program, whether the applicant has already earned a Master’s degree (or is coming straight from undergraduate school), and how long it takes to complete the dissertation, earning a doctorate could take 3 to 8 years .

Key Differences Between a Master’s and Doctorate Degree

A Master’s degree and Doctorate degree but also in price, credit, skillset, and employment possibilities. Let’s examine these variations in more depth.

A PhD typically costs more since it takes longer to finish. However, on the plus side, a PhD could result in a better-starting income after completion. Therefore, it can be worth the higher price in the long run.

Regardless of the graduate degree you choose, there will be costs involved, including tuition, fees, books, and others. Additionally, you may lose income if you cannot work in your current job or can only find low-paying assistantships or part-time jobs. 

Finally, there is always the possibility of getting student loans that have a low interest, and many doctoral programs offer assistantships or fellowships that can cover tuition plus pay a stipend.

The cost of graduate degrees varies depending on the school, which is another thing to consider. So, before choosing a school, be sure to think about how much it will cost.

Master’s degrees concentrate on developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities while emphasizing expert mastery of industry-specific skills. 

On the other hand, doctorate degrees are almost the opposite; they strongly emphasize research, analysis, and writing to assist the development of transferable abilities one may utilize to address gaps in industry expertise.

Career prospects

For many who pursue master’s and doctoral degrees, career progression is a top priority. Master’s degrees are regarded as career-focused degrees that prepare you for roles in management and leadership. 

As a result, Doctorate degrees are increasingly required for top executive positions and prospects to move into academia.

Earning a Master’s or a Doctorate degree significantly raises your lifetime earning potential and income expectations.

But which is more valuable?

According to the US Census Bureau , a Master’s degree may increase your income by 17% compared to a Bachelor’s degree, and a doctorate can increase your revenue by 30% compared to a Bachelor’s degree. 

A Master’s degree holder may expect to make over $2.8 million in their lifetime, while a Doctorate holder can expect to make over $3.5 million , according to the U.S. Census Bureau .

Which Option Is the Best for You?

Considering your professional field and educational objectives will help you decide whether to pursue a Master’s or a Ph.D. You may learn more about your profession’s needs by conducting your study, talking to colleagues, and networking. 

In addition, you can explore graduate school choices by getting in touch with a mentor in the area or alums from your selected program. 

Speaking with graduate school admissions representatives can also provide more information about the many graduate programs offered.

A Master’s degree and a Doctorate are significant turning points in one’s career. The difference is between your current situation and your chosen path. If you want to plan your career ahead of time, compare a Master’s degree vs. PhD degree and decide which one is best for you. 

For instance, if you are interested in professional education, a Master’s degree is likely your best bet. But, if you are inclined towards academia, a PhD will serve you better. So think about it and select the degree best suited to your career!

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Master’s vs. PhD: What’s the Difference?

A young woman with her palms turned up

When you are at a college or university, you are likely pursuing the same goal as most other undergraduate students: an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree. However, what happens if you want to continue your formal education ? You generally have three options. You can pursue a Master’s, a PhD, or both! In today’s guide, we will discuss some of the most important differences between a Master’s and a PhD, as well as the paths required for each one.

Master’s vs. PhD: A Comprehensive Breakdown

What is a master’s degree.

In layman’s terms, a Master’s degree is the next step up from a Bachelor’s Degree. Once you enter a Master’s program, you are officially a “graduate” student (as opposed to an undergraduate). It can be helpful to think of a Master’s as a continuation of your undergraduate studies but with a greater focus on your field of interest. For example, you might get a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and then go on to get your Master’s in Early Childhood Psychology. Getting a Master’s essentially prepares you for a future career with more intensive coursework, greater emphasis on research, and the opportunity to do more fieldwork.

How Long Does a Master’s Take?

In the vast majority of cases, if you hold a Bachelor’s Degree and want to further your education, you can apply for a Master’s program. You can technically go directly from a Bachelor’s to a PhD, but this path is more complex and less common (more on that later!). If you are accepted into a Master’s program, you can expect to finish the program in roughly two years as a full-time student. There are certain Master’s programs that take less time to complete – for example, the J-Term from Columbia Business School which allows you to earn your MBA in 16 months.

Naturally, if you opt to take fewer classes per semester, it will take longer. For example, you may want to get a part-time job to help cover the costs of your Master’s, in which case it could take you anywhere between three and five years to finish your degree. Many universities offer part-time options specifically for students who plan to work while in school.

Master’s Degree Overview

  • Application Process : This varies from one program to another, but it is very similar to the application process for an undergraduate university program. You will need to choose your program, review the requirements, collect the necessary documents, and submit your application. Many schools will require a standardized test like the GRE or GMAT.
  • Length of Time : 1.5 to 2 years (full-time) or 3 to 5 years (part-time)
  • In-School Experience : If you majored in a certain subject in undergrad, you were likely required to take a number of courses on that specific topic. You can think of a Master’s degree somewhat similarly – where you’re spending a lot of time learning about going a field that you’re interested in. Master’s degree coursework generally entails a mix of different types of classes – lectures, research, and project-based courses. The workload is usually more intensive than undergraduate degrees and often requires a final project or thesis. But, remember, you’re likely getting a Master’s because you’re interested in the topic – so you should be interested in many of the classes you’re taking!
  • Career Prospects : As more people go to college, the requirements for jobs become more stringent. You can greatly expand your potential career opportunities and even improve salary negotiations by having a Master’s degree. However, whether or not you really need a Master’s depends on your field of study, as well as your educational and career aspirations.
  • Average Cost of a Master’s : $66,340 [ 1 ]
  • Average Annual Salary with a Master’s : $77,844 [ 2 ]

What is a PhD?

While PhD is short for “Doctor of Philosophy,” it does not mean that you have to get an advanced degree in philosophy. Essentially, a PhD is the highest educational achievement that encompasses nearly all fields of study. With a PhD, you are considered an expert in your field and capable of teaching others at the undergraduate or graduate level. The exact experience varies significantly based on your chosen field of study, but PhD programs are often far more intensive than Master’s programs, with much greater emphasis on research and a final doctoral dissertation.

How Long Does a PhD Take?

This is where things can get tricky. On its own, a PhD can take anywhere between four and six years to complete as a full-time student. However, this is just the PhD program. You can finish your undergraduate degree and apply directly for a PhD program, but you will need to have excellent qualifications to make it through the application process. Moreover, many PhD programs require you to have a Master’s in a relevant field to even apply. As a result, many people first get a Master’s degree (roughly 2 years) and then apply for a PhD program. Therefore, if you add on the length of time you will need to get your Master’s, it could take as long as 6 to 10 years to get your PhD.

PhD Overview

  • Application Process : The application process is often more competitive for PhD programs, as there are fewer slots and more stringent requirements. You will likely need to provide multiple letters of recommendation, personal statements, and examples of your past work.
  • Length of Time : 4 to 6 years (full-time) or 5 to 8 years (part-time)
  • Experience : A PhD is a very intensive and rigorous experience, and you can expect to put hundreds of hours into research and coursework. The majority of PhDs require a final dissertation – which is essentially original research and your contribution to your field of study. For example – someone getting their PhD in Chemistry might do research on molecular properties in certain environments (that’s a real PhD title! ). Typically, completing your dissertation means you present it for review to a board of advisors at your university, and may submit it to be published in academic journals.
  • Career Prospects : Many people debate how much your career prospects improve with a PhD. Oftentimes, people pursue a PhD if they wish to work in academia – teaching or conducting long-term research in their field of study. That said, some people do move out of academia after finishing their PhD. It can be helpful to look at alumni from programs you’re applying to – where do they end up after school? Do most of them work in academia, or move into another industry? This also varies by your focus – you could imagine a construction company might be more interested in hiring a PhD in Civil Engineering than a PhD in Medieval Literature.
  • Average Total Cost of a PhD : Many PhD programs are fully funded, meaning the student does not have to pay tuition and is paid by the university. [ 3 ]
  • Average Annual Salary with a PhD : $97,916 [ 3 ] Note – research from the U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics indicates that the average PhD makes 25% more than someone with a Master’s degree.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when deciding whether to pursue a Master’s, a PhD, or both. A Master’s takes less time, but it’s not comprehensive and may not yield as high a salary as a PhD. Alternatively, a PhD takes two to three times as long to complete, but it could help you advance your career even further, command a higher salary, and become a recognized expert in your field. So, while it’s a great idea to pursue higher education, just remember the pros and cons of Master’s vs. PhD programs when you are ready to apply – and ultimately make the decision that’s best for you, vs. what you feel is expected!

Matthew Jones

Matthew Jones is a freelance writer with a B.A. in Film and Philosophy from the University of Georgia. It was during his time in school that he published his first written work . After serving as a casting director in the Atlanta film industry for two years, Matthew acquired TEFL certification and began teaching English abroad. In 2017, Matthew started writing for dozens of different brands across various industries. During this time, Matthew also built an online following through his film blog . If you’d like to learn more about Matthew, you can connect with him on Twitter , LinkedIn , or his personal website !

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Master’s Vs. Ph.D.: What’s The Difference?

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Most people have a pretty solid understanding of what a bachelor’s degree is, but master’s degrees and Ph.D.s can often be fuzzier for many.

In this article, we’ll go over each of these degrees and what each one entails.

Key Takeaways:

What Is a Master’s Degree?

A master’s degree – also called a graduate degree – is an advanced degree that people with an undergraduate degree can go on to obtain.

A master’s degree takes about one to three years to obtain. This can change based on the program you pursue and how many classes you take per semester, but the typical master’s degree program lasts about two years.

Again, the actual amount of time a master’s degree requires depends on the program you’re in, how much time you have to dedicate to your classes and research, and how smoothly your research goes, but most master’s degree programs are designed to take two years to complete.

A master’s degree requires a bachelor’s degree. This is the main prerequisite for starting a master’s degree. While some master’s programs require students to have bachelor’s degrees related to the graduate program, others don’t, allowing anyone with any area of expertise to enter as long as they meet the other qualifications .

One of these qualifications is often a passing score on a standardized graduate school entrance exam such as the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or TOEFL.

A master’s degree mostly involves coursework with one to two semesters dedicated to research for a thesis and/or capstone project. This thesis or project (or combination of both) is a requirement for graduation and must be approved by and presented to the program faculty (called a defense).

While the student is working on this research, they’re usually taking classes as well.

A master’s degree can prepare you for almost any career. You can find people with master’s degrees in virtually any industry, and you can find a master’s degree program for a wide variety of interests.

Some people choose to pursue their master’s in order to build a more advanced and/or specialized knowledge base in their field or to open up opportunities in an entirely different field than they’d originally been working in.

What Is a Ph.D.?

A Ph.D. is a doctoral degree that many people pursue when they want to work in research or academia. It’s the highest degree someone can obtain.

A Ph.D. takes three to seven years to obtain. Usually, though, it takes closer to five to seven years to obtain a Ph.D. The length of time it takes you to finish a doctorate program will depend on the particular program, how much time you have to spend on classes and research, and how long your dissertation takes to research and complete.

A Ph.D. usually requires a master’s degree. Usually, your master’s degree has to be at least somewhat related to the Ph.D. program you’re trying to enter so that you have a solid knowledge base going into your research.

However, many programs combine their master’s degree and Ph.D. programs so you can start right out of undergrad and get it all done in one place. Sometimes these programs even take less time since they often require less research than two separate programs would.

A Ph.D. involves some coursework but mostly focuses on research for a dissertation. Generally, Ph.D. students spend just a few years on coursework and focus the majority of their time conducting research and writing their dissertations.

This is because their research generally has to be more original than many graduate program projects are and often requires them to obtain their own funding, which can take time.

In addition to a dissertation, Ph.D. students also may have to pass a comprehensive exam before they can graduate.

A Ph.D. can prepare you for a career in research and/or academia. If you want to continue conducting research in your field for a company or a university, or if you want to become a university professor , you’ll need a Ph.D.

As a result, many people obtain their Ph.D.s if they are interested in either of those options, even if they end up working in a regular job as part of their career as well.

Master’s Vs. Ph.D. FAQ

Can you get a Ph.D. without a master’s?

Yes, you can get a Ph.D. without a master’s. Many Ph.D. programs in the U.S. will accept students who have only earned their bachelor’s degrees. However, usually, this means that the Ph.D. program is a little longer than it would be otherwise, as it also includes the master’s degree requirements.

Many students still prefer this route if they know they want to get a Ph.D., as it often still ends up being shorter than it would be to obtain their master’s degree and then a separate Ph.D. You should only take this route if you’re very sure that you want to get your Ph.D., though, as it requires a significant amount of time and money.

Is a Ph.D. above a master’s?

Yes, a Ph.D. is above a master’s. A Ph.D. is the highest level of academic study, and a master’s degree is the second highest. Both are higher than a bachelor’s degree.

There are some master’s degrees, however, that are terminal degrees, which means there isn’t a higher degree than a master’s degree in that area of study. One example of this is a Master of Fine Arts (MFA). Because it’s a terminal degree, it’s considered similar to a Ph.D. in that field.

This is because a Ph.D. is a terminal degree in other fields of study and designates someone who has obtained the highest level of education possible in that field.

What are the four types of degrees?

The four types of degrees are associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral. An associate ’s degree typically takes about two years to earn and focuses on general education with a few specialized classes. These degrees are designed to prepare graduates to enter the workforce.

A bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years to complete and includes both general education and about two years of classes in the student’s chosen field. Typically, bachelor’s degree holders are eligible for careers in virtually any area, as well as many managerial and mid-level positions.

A master’s degree typically takes about two years to complete and includes both classwork and research in the student’s chosen field of study. Many students earn their master’s degrees because they want to take on an administrative or managerial role in the future.

A doctoral degree (which includes Ph.D.s) is a terminal degree for most fields, which means it’s the highest degree someone can obtain in that area. These degrees take between three and seven years to earn, and they focus mainly on research, although they have some classwork as well.

People who want to conduct research or work in academia often earn their doctoral degrees.

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Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.

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Articles & Advice > Graduate School > Articles

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Master's or PhD: Which One Should You Choose?

You know you want an advanced degree, but just how advanced? Keep reading to discover the key differences between master's and doctoral degrees.

by GradSchools.com Graduate School Directory

Last Updated: Dec 18, 2023

Originally Posted: Jun 20, 2011

Just as there are many reasons people choose to go to graduate school, there are many options from which they may choose. Do you want to attend full-time? Maybe you want to go part-time and work. Or perhaps an online program option will work best for you. But before you can decide on the format type of your program, you need to decide on your program. If you’ve selected a field of study, you may be wondering whether you should get a master's degree or a doctoral degree. Here are some things to consider to help you choose which one is best for you.

3 key differences between programs

Before you can properly weigh the pros and cons of a master’s degree vs. a doctoral program, you must understand the major differences between the two programs. And although that may sound like pros and cons in itself, a pros and cons list is based mainly on your personal preference. So before figuring out preference, you must consider the facts, and these are it.

A graduate degree requires a significant investment of time. Master's degrees require less time than doctoral degrees. Typically a full-time student can acquire a master's degree in about two years. A PhD usually requires at least five to six years and many people take seven to nine years.

The adage "time = money" was never so true as with graduate school. Since a PhD takes longer to complete, it also requires more money. (Not that a master's degree is cheap either!) The flip side to this is that a PhD may yield a higher salary upon completion and is therefore worth the increased cost long term. With both degrees, school costs money (tuition, fees, books, etc.). In addition, however, there is also a significant loss of money if the student is not working or is earning low wages through assistantships or part-time employment. Many people find they must either live a Spartan lifestyle for many years or find themselves strapped with huge loans when they graduate .

Graduate school takes work. Most people are not going to argue with this. However, many students who drifted through college are surprised to find that graduate school requires a much larger commitment in terms of work and intellectual energy. Graduate schools are frequently very competitive. Students who are taking a full course load as well as teaching often find themselves overwhelmed. And of course, the many years of school required for a PhD require perseverance on a scale above and beyond what undergraduates must contemplate. The difference between college and graduate school lies in the ability of the student to focus on their field and the subjects and areas that most interest them. While graduate school requires more work, most students find the work enjoyable since it involves an area in which they are very interested.

Related: Great Expectations: How Grad School Differs From Undergrad

The what ifs of choosing a master's or PhD

So we know that graduate school requires time, money, and commitment for both a master's and a PhD. So which should you choose?

  • If all you want is a raise, a PhD is probably not the road to choose. A master’s degree will boost your career possibilities enough for the kind of raise you want.
  • If you love learning in and of itself , then the work required for a PhD may be worthwhile. Master's degrees tend to be more career oriented while PhD's tend to be more research oriented since they’re preparing people for highly academic, research-based careers.
  • If you want to save time and progress your career, a master's degree has benefits in that it requires less time and money than a doctoral degree but will still set you apart from those who only have a bachelor's. A master's can allow specialization within a field. The degree works well for those who’ve been working in a career for some time and hope to advance within their field.
  • If you’re looking for a new path in life, a master's degree can also be an excellent method of changing careers. For those who’ve found their career or undergraduate education aren’t leading them in the direction they would like to go, a master's degree can allow them to start fresh by gaining new knowledge and skills.
  • If you want to become a professor, a PhD is practically mandatory. Even for those few who can find teaching positions with only a master's, most schools want to see progress toward a PhD.
  • If you really want to impress, a PhD can also be helpful outside the world of academia in today's increasingly competitive job market. Businesses are searching for extremely qualified people who have demonstrated intelligence, perseverance, and the ability to learn. A PhD can open doors.
  • If you want to impact the world with original work, PhD work requires original research that contributes new information to your chosen field of study. People interested in pursuing a PhD should love their studies and be excited by the prospect of meaningful contribution.

Related:  Choosing the Right Graduate Degree for Your Goals

Making your decision

To summarize, a PhD may be worth it if you truly love your field, enjoy your studies, and want the benefits and prestige associated with the doctoral degree. If you are simply looking to change fields or gain a promotion or do not think you could maintain interest through at least five to six years of school, then a master's is probably a better choice. However, it is worth noting that you may be able to get more financial aid for a PhD Since it takes longer, schools recognize that those trying to acquire their PhD's need more assistance than those who only want a master's degree. This adds an interesting dimension to the application process for two reasons.

First, if you think you may want a PhD but still are not sure, it is probably better to apply to the doctoral program. There is no penalty for changing your mind later and deciding to leave with a master's degree, and it increases your chances of getting financial aid. The second consideration is that the PhD program can be more competitive, and applying to it rather than the master's degree program might decrease your chances of admission. If you are denied entrance to the PhD program, you could ask them to then consider you for the master's degree program, but that may not be allowed.

Related:  7 Important Things to Do Before Applying to Graduate School

We’re glad you came seeking advice on which advanced degree program is right for you. It’s a big decision to make that you shouldn’t take lightly, and seeking the right knowledge to make an informed decision is only going to benefit you. Use this advice, take some time to think it over, and go forward knowing you’re making the best decision for your future goals and career.

Once you’ve made your decision on applying to a master’s or PhD program, start searching for just the right one with our Graduate School Search tool .   

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Master’s vs PhD/Doctorate Degrees – Key Differences

which is higher a master's degree or a phd

So, you are done with your bachelor’s degree but not with studying–according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , this seems like a good idea. In its projections for the years 2019–2029, it lists 36 occupations that typically require a master’s degree and 63 requiring a doctoral or professional degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data also shows that the wages for these occupations are higher than the median for all occupations. 

Now you might wonder: What is the difference between master’s and PhD degrees and which one should I get? Read on for all the information you need to make this important decision!

diploma with money and diploma, master's vs PhD

Difference Between Masters and PhD: An Overview

A master’s degree is designed to teach you the knowledge and skills that you will need in your future profession. A PhD or doctorate degree, on the other hand, is designed to develop your critical thinking as well as your analytical and writing skills and is usually a years-long commitment to independent research on a specific subject. The purpose of a PhD is to prepare you for a career in academic research—although it can also help you get into a variety of other professions, and at a higher entry/salary level. In the US, a master’s degree is integrated into a PhD program, as a necessary preparation period involving mostly coursework, while in most other countries, a separate master’s degree is required to enter a PhD program.

If you want to stand out, you should definitely opt for a PhD degree: According to the United States Census Bureau , 24 million people in the US had master’s or professional degrees in 2019, whereas only 4.5 million had PhDs/doctorates. But is it worth the extra effort? And what exactly would the extra effort be? Have a look at the table below to get an idea about the key differences between master’s and PhDs.

Master’s vs PhD

Master’s or doctorate: which should you choose, how long does a master’s vs doctorate take to complete.

While the length of time it will take you to complete a PhD or master’s degree varies significantly between institutions and countries, we will focus on the US system here. Obviously, PhDs take much longer, because they are in fact a combination of both degrees and involve a long period of independent research that can get even longer than expected, depending on your topic, the available equipment or support, and a lot of other factors.

How long to complete a master’s degree

In the US, a full-time master’s degree takes students generally 2 years to complete, while part-time degrees are usually double the time.

How long to complete a PhD/doctorate

Since US PhD programs only require a completed bachelor’s degree, they start with an integrated master’s of 2 years of coursework, followed by 3–4 years of independent research into a specific topic. That usually includes publishing results, presenting at conferences, and preparing the final dissertation. Note that stipends/funding do not always cover the entire time it can take you to complete your PhD project—make sure you are aware of alternative options and additional funding at your institution or have at least thought about a backup plan before you start.

Master’s Degree Cost vs. a PhD Cost

Most people assume that PhDs are more expensive because they take many more years to complete. However, since PhD students usually receive scholarships or stipends, sometimes just for their commitment to full-time research and sometimes in exchange for teaching, the direct costs for a dissertation can be lower than those for a master’s degree. 

Additionally, while you are very likely to earn more with both degrees, the additional years of studying for a PhD should be factored into any estimation of costs vs outcomes.

Cost of a master’s degree

Master’s degrees at US universities can cost anything from $30,000 to $120,000, with tuition depending on the type of institution (public, private nonprofit, or for-profit). University rankings and general reputation also affect tuition costs. 

Whether an expensive degree (e.g., MBAs are often notoriously expensive) is worth the money for you personally depends on what kind of salary you think you can expect after graduating from that specific school. The universities you consider applying to should be able to provide you with data on the career and salary outcomes of their students, either on their website or if you contact them and ask for these details.

You can of course try to get a stipend and/or apply for a teaching or research assistant position at your school, depending on your undergraduate degree and experience. Moreover, many institutions offer the possibility to complete a master’s degree part-time, while working, which allows students to fund themselves.

You might also be eligible to transfer credits toward your degree if you have a professional certification or have earned graduate-level course credit—which can significantly reduce your total cost for both degrees.

Cost of a PhD/dissertation

PhDs, unlike master’s degrees, are usually funded, which means that tuition fees are waived and stipends or scholarships take care of living costs. Phd students are, however, often expected to take on teaching or research responsibilities in exchange for their funding. 

There are a variety of scholarships you can apply for if you want to pursue a PhD in the US as an international student—US-based ones like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program or the HHMI International Student Research Scholarships , but there are probably also funding opportunities in your home country for students who want to embark on a PhD abroad.

Pursuing a PhD degree part-time might sometimes be possible, but since students are expected to invest a full workweek into their research and potential teaching responsibilities, this is usually not realistic.

To estimate the overall cost of a doctoral program, the extra years that you could be working a full-time job with a regular salary also need to be factored into the equation—and take into account that projects may end up taking longer than expected, due to difficulties in collecting data, supervisors dropping out or moving on, or unforeseeable crises such as the COVID-19 epidemic.

Career Prospects for a Master’s vs PhD

While both a master’s and a PhD degree will qualify you for a variety of occupations that require higher degrees, they can also get you a higher salary in a profession that is also open to employees with a lower education level. PhD holders can in theory expect the highest wages, but since the two degrees prepare you for very different careers, that alone shouldn’t be what you base your decision on.

Master’s degree jobs and positions

Master’s degrees are overall more versatile than PhDs when it comes to employment opportunities and cover a wide range of fields and professions. The most common master’s degrees are the Master’s of Arts (MA) and the Master’s of Science (MS). 

Master’s programs can generally be divided into three different types:

Research master’s degrees, such as an MA in Comparative Literature or an MS in Biology, prepare students for academic and non-academic research disciplines and usually end with a thesis based on an original piece of research. In some fields, however, you are expected to enter a Ph.D. program after completing your master’s to be competitive when it comes to finding a job later.

Professional master’s degrees teach you practical skills and in-demand competencies that qualify you for a specific field and enable you to understand issues that are relevant in a certain profession. Examples include the Master of Public Health (MPH), the  Master of Business Administration (MBA), or the MA in Teaching (MAT). 

Terminal master’s degrees are the highest academic degree in fields where doctorates are not offered, and prepare students for careers outside of academia. The Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, for example, or the MS in Library Science are as high as you can go in those fields.

To give you an idea, below, we listed the 10 occupations at the master’s level that are projected to have the most openings annually from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the highest-paying occupations for master’s degree holders without required work experience, based on projections from 2016 to 2026.

Master’s degrees, apart from helping you develop professional skills tailored to the requirements of the profession you intend to enter, can also serve as a stepping stone if you are already in employment and want to progress your career development, earn a higher salary, or change careers by learning new skills and subject knowledge.

PhD/doctorate jobs and positions

PhDs are usually intended to lead to an academic career, and many students aim to eventually become university professors. However, careers in academia are highly competitive, and there are not nearly as many professor positions as there are PhD holders. The good news is that the skills you learn during your doctoral program are often “transferable” and can be applied to other types of careers. 

Some PhD graduates end up (and enjoy) being colleague teachers, while others embark on non-academic research careers, for example at pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, consulting and technology firms, or think tanks. Job prospects vary widely across fields, with some—computer science, engineering, or economics—having very low unemployment rates, and others, for example the humanities, offering fewer and less desirable employment opportunities. Keep in mind, however, that someone with a PhD entering a different field or one that does not necessarily require a PhD may find that their degree sometimes does not help them or that they are even considered to be “overqualified” or as lacking practical skills and relevant professional experience.

Since there is no clear career path for PhD graduates, you should really take your time figuring out what field you want to work in later, what the career prospects for that field are, and if they are worth the time and effort you will have to invest to complete a PhD program. Your university should have data on the careers and salaries of their students, and should either display these details on their website or send you the relevant information if you contact them directly.

Master’s vs PhD: Application Process

The application process for master’s and PhD programs is overall very similar. In general, you will need to provide the following:

Frequently Asked Questions about Master’s vs PhD Degrees

How long does a master’s degree take vs a phd.

Full-time master’s degrees usually take 2 years to complete. Many universities offer the option to do a master’s part-time, which takes double the time. PhD programs in the US  start with an integrated master’s of 2 years of coursework (since you enter the program directly after completing your bachelor’s degree), followed by 3–4 years of independent research. 

Is a PhD harder than a master’s degree?

A PhD takes substantially longer and requires more self-motivation, organizational skills, and the willingness to carry on even when things do not go according to plan. You might also have other responsibilities, on top of your research, such as teaching or assisting your supervisor. But whether that is “harder” for you than a master’s degree that consists of mostly coursework and does not take more than 2 years depends on your interests and general working style. 

Is a master’s or doctorate better?

Master’s and doctorate degrees prepare you for different occupations and work positions, and which one is the right for you depends on what kind of career you are planning to pursue. Generally, a master’s degree is right for you if you want to deepen your career-oriented knowledge and skills for a specific profession, while a doctorate degree prepares you for a career in research, whether that is inside or outside a university.

Preparing Your Graduate School Essays

Now that you have figured out whether a master’s or PhD degree is the right choice for you, all that is left to do is to put your application together! Make sure that you focus on your chosen degree and its aim (research or a professional career) in all required documents—for example, highlight your professional and personal development in your CV for an MBA program, but the publication you got out of your bachelor’s thesis and how passionate you are about doing more research on the same topic for your application to a PhD program. 

As always, Wordvice can help with our professional Personal Statement Editing Services or Admission Editing Services , which help ensure that your application is error-free and showcases your full potential so that you get admitted to the graduate or doctoral program of your choice. For more academic resources on writing the statement of purpose for grad school or on how to request a letter of recommendation , head over to our Admissions Resources pages.

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Master’s vs PhD: Which Degree Is The Right One for You?

What is the right program for you? Master’s vs PhD: Meet the differences, the costs, prospects, and everything else you need to know.

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Making the choice to pursue a graduate degree is a significant and frequently life-changing decision. Choosing between a Master’s and a PhD program, on the other hand, can be a challenging decision for many people. Both master’s and PhD programs provide advanced knowledge and expertise, but they differ in length, depth of study, and professional opportunities. 

Knowing the distinctions between these two programs might assist you in making an educated decision about which degree to choose. In this article, let’s go over the significant distinctions between Master’s vs PhD degrees, so you can better understand which program may be the optimal fit for your objectives and aspirations.

What are the main differences between Master’s vs PhD?

Which should you choose.

The decision between a Master’s and a PhD program is ultimately determined by your personal goals, interests, and career objectives. Here are some additional considerations to think about before making this decision:

  • Time commitment: PhD programs generally require a greater time commitment than Master’s degrees, evaluate if you are willing to commit to a program for four to seven years.
  • Personal goals and interests: Evaluate your own goals and interests, such as the desire to contribute to your profession, grow in your job, or obtain specific knowledge and abilities. 
  • Funding: PhD frequently include financing possibilities, such as research assistantships or fellowships, which can help alleviate tuition and living expenses. While making your decision, consider whether financial opportunities are relevant to you.
  • Aspirations for a career: Determine what sort of career you want to pursue after finishing your degree. A PhD may be required if you want to work in academia, research, or leadership. But, if you want to advance in your current career or pursue a position that does not need a PhD, a Master’s degree may suffice.
  • Research: PhD programs place a heavy emphasis on research, so if you like performing research and are eager to contribute to your profession via original research, a PhD program may be a suitable choice.

Before deciding on a program, it is critical to acquire information and thoroughly analyze the different programs, as well as speak with existing students and professionals in your industry. Take your time and make sure you have all of the information you need to make an informed decision.

Understanding the costs

The costs of earning a Master’s degree and a PhD degree can vary based on a range of aspects, including the institution, program, and location. Tuition and fees are considerable costs for both degrees, with PhD programs sometimes costing more owing to their length.

According to Educational Data Initiative , a Master’s degree costs $62,650 on average, and a PhD degree costs $103,700 on average, however, this varies according to the institution, field, and duration of the program.

It is essential to carefully assess the costs of different programs and funding sources, as well as the possible return on investment for each degree. 

Career prospects for a Master’s vs PhD

Ultimately, both a Master’s degree and a PhD may lead to meaningful careers with diverse prospects for professional growth, income potential, and leadership roles.

Graduates with a Master’s degree can develop their careers in a specialized subject or explore a new professional path. The degree can lead to higher-level jobs and leadership positions in a wide range of industries. Furthermore, many countries and institutions need a Master’s degree before beginning a PhD program; in these circumstances, a Master’s degree might lead to a PhD.

A PhD is sometimes required for academic roles such as professor or researcher. PhD graduates are also well-prepared for research roles in government, non-profit, and private businesses. Nevertheless, PhD graduates may earn more than those with a Master’s or a Bachelor’s degree and it can qualify individuals for positions of leadership in research and development.

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What Comes After a Master's Degree?

Know Your Graduate School Options Beyond a Master's

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  • Ph.D., Developmental Psychology, Fordham University
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After receiving your master's degree, there are still more options to study in graduate school, including an additional master's degree, doctorate programs (Ph.D., Ed.D., and others) and certificate programs to consider. These degree and certificate programs all vary in level, time to complete, and more.

Additional Master's Degrees

If you have already earned a master's degree and wish to continue your studies, you might consider a second master's degree. Since master's degrees tend to be specialized degrees, as you grow within your career you may find that a new specialty is required or that two specialties will make you an even more desirable candidate when job hunting. In education, for example, many teachers earn a Master's of Arts in Teaching degree but may return to the classroom to study for a degree in the field in which they are teaching, such as English or mathematics. They may also wish to pursue a degree in organizational leadership, especially if they are looking to grow into an administrative role in the school.

Master's degrees generally take two, sometimes three, years to complete (after earning a bachelor's degree), but pursuing a second degree in a similar discipline might allow you to carry over some credits and complete the program sooner. There are also some accelerated master's programs that can earn you a degree in less than a year; just be prepared for a lot of hard work. All master's programs entail coursework and exams , and, depending on the field, possibly an internship or other applied experience (for example, in some fields of psychology ). Whether a thesis is required to obtain a master's degree depends on the program. Some programs require a written thesis; others offer an option between a thesis and a comprehensive exam . Some programs provide capstone courses, which are usually semester-long courses that provide a comprehensive overview of everything learned within the program and ask students to complete several small thesis statements to demonstrate mastery.

A meaningful way in which master's programs differ from many, but not all, doctoral programs is in the level of financial aid available to students. Most programs do not offer as much assistance to master's students as they do for doctoral students, and so students often pay most if not all of their tuition. Many top institutions even offer full scholarships for doctoral students, but a doctoral program is usually a much more comprehensive and time-consuming educational program, requiring a full-time commitment, versus the possibility of working your full-time job while going for a master's degree.

The value of the master's degree varies by field. In some areas such as business, a master's is the unstated norm and necessary for advancement. Other fields do not require advanced degrees for career advancement. In some cases, a master's degree may hold advantages over a doctoral degree. For example, a master's degree in social work (MSW) may be more cost-effective than a doctoral degree, given the time and funds required to earn the degree and the pay differential. The admission offices at the schools you're applying to can often help you determine which program is best for you.

Ph.D. and Other Doctoral Degrees

A doctoral degree is a more advanced degree and takes more time (often a great deal more time). Depending on the program, a Ph.D. could take four to eight years to complete. Typically, a Ph.D. in North American programs entails two to three years of coursework and a dissertation — an independent research project designed to uncover new knowledge in your field that must be of publishable quality. A dissertation can take a year or more to complete, with most averaging about 18 months. Some fields, like applied psychology, may also require an internship of one year or more.

Most doctorate programs offer various forms of financial aid , from assistantships to scholarships to loans. The availability and types of support vary by discipline (e.g., those in which faculty conduct research sponsored by large grants are more likely to hire students in exchange for tuition) and by the institution. Students in some doctoral programs also earn master's degrees along the way.

Certificate Programs

Certificates can usually be earned in less than a year and are often significantly less expensive than going after additional degrees. If you're wondering what should come after your master's degree and you're not sure if a doctoral program is right for you, this could be the way to go. Certificates range in scope greatly and can allow you to hyperfocus on the areas in which you wish to excel. Some schools even offer certificate programs that are of a masters degree caliber, so you can walk away better prepared for your career and without breaking the bank. Employers who offer tuition assistance may look favorably on a less expensive certificate program as well.

Which Is the Best?

There is no easy answer. It depends on your interests, field, motivation, and career goals. Read more about your field and consult faculty advisers to learn more about which option best fits your career goals. Some final considerations are as follows:

  • What types of jobs do a master's degree, doctoral degree, and certificate holders have? Do they differ? How?
  • How much will each degree cost? How much will you earn after obtaining each degree? Is the outcome worth the cost? What can you afford?
  • How much time do you have to invest in additional schooling?
  • Are you interested enough to pursue many years of schooling?
  • Will earning a doctoral degree offer a substantial benefit in your employment and advancement opportunities?

Only you know which is the right degree for you. Take your time and ask questions, then carefully weigh what you learn about each, its opportunities, as well as your own needs, interests, and competencies. What comes after a master's degree is up to you.

  • A Note About Masters and Doctoral Comprehensive Exams
  • Pros and Cons of Earning a Master's Degree Before a PhD
  • How to Earn a Doctorate Degree Online
  • What Does It Take to Earn a Master's Degree?
  • A Doctor of Philosophy or Doctorate
  • Business Administration Education and Careers
  • Should I Earn a Human Resources Degree?
  • Should I Earn a Management Degree?
  • Should I Earn an Entrepreneurship Degree?
  • Should I Earn an Operations Management Degree?
  • Should I Earn a Project Management Degree?
  • Should I Earn a Doctorate Degree?
  • Degree Requirements for Therapists
  • Abbreviations and Titles All College Students Should Know
  • 6 Tips Applying to Grad School for a Different Major
  • How to Decide Between a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Psychology
  • Should I become a long-term postdoc?

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Masters vs PhD – What’s the best degree for me?

In the US, a Master’s degree is not required for a PhD – unlike most European countries, where it is a prerequisite. Thus, in the US, deciding between a Master’s degree and a PhD can be a challenging question. By understanding the distinction, you can determine which program aligns best with your aspirations and goals. This article will provide insights into the structure, requirements, and outcomes of both degrees, helping you make an informed decision.

MASTER’S VS PHD DEGREE – WHICH IS BETTER FOR MY CAREER?

students reflecting on Master's vs PhD degree – which is better for my career

If you’re a recent graduate student looking to further your academic career, a Master’s degree might be the first step. But for those aiming for a career as university professors or to lead their own research group, pursuing a doctoral program to get a higher degree could be the better option.

Choosing the right degree program requires understanding the main difference of Master’s vs PhD.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MASTER’S AND PHD?

The most important difference between Masters and phd programs is the focus and the duration.

A Master’s degree is designed as an advanced study in a specific field following a bachelor’s degree. It typically involves structured coursework, sometimes combined with research, resulting in a thesis or project.

A PhD, commonly known as a doctorate, is a research-focused degree regarded as the highest academic degree in higher education. This doctorate degree usually requires a dissertation based on original research.

This table that summarizes the key differences when considering Master’s vs PhD degrees:

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE A MASTER’S OR A DOCTORATE?

A Master’s program typically takes one to three years to complete, depending on the type of degree and the field of study. On the other hand,  a PhD program can take anywhere from four to eight years , with the exact duration varying based on goals of the PhD candidates, the subject, the doctoral program’s requirements, and the time taken to complete the PhD dissertation.

IS A MASTER’S DEGREE A PREREQUISITE FOR A PHD OR DOCTORAL DEGREE?

Master Students preparing a doctoral degree

In the United States, a Master’s degree is *not* required for a PhD. In contrast, in most European countries, a Master’s degree is a requirement for a PhD.

In the US , many PhD programs accept applicants with only a Bachelor’s degree. This is because PhD programs in the US typically include a Master’s component in the first few years. Students take coursework, complete research rotations, and pass qualifying exams before advancing to the dissertation phase.

In Europe , PhD programs are typically shorter, lasting 3-4 years. As a result, students are expected to have a stronger foundation in research before starting their doctoral studies. A Master’s degree allows students to develop their research skills, learn about their field of interest, and explore different research topics.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between PhD requirements in the US and Europe:

However, there are some exceptions to the general rule that a Master’s degree is required for a PhD in Europe. For example, in some countries, students with a four-year Bachelor’s degree may be able to apply directly to a PhD program. Additionally, some European universities offer joint Master’s-PhD programs that allow students to earn both degrees in a shorter period. However, these are structured to streamline the educational process and are often very competitive.

IS A SEPARATE MASTER’S DEGREE WORTH THE EFFORT?

In the US, a Master’s is not a prerequisite for a PhD because PhD programs typically include a Master’s component in the first few years.  Thus, a  separate  Master’s degree is probably not necessary in the US.  Most common Master’s degrees cater to professional fields, and a typical Master’s degree program is often designed to be a terminal degree.

In contrast, in most European countries, the discussion about a  separate  Master’s degree does not make sense because a Master’s program is required to reach the qualification for the PhD level.

WHAT’S THE FOCUS OF MASTER’S VS PHD: COURSEWORK VS RESEARCH?

PhD Students working on a research project

A Master’s degree involves structured coursework which allows students to deepen their understanding of a particular subject . Some Master’s programs may also have a research component leading to a thesis.

In contrast, a PhD is primarily research-focused . While there might be some coursework in the initial years of study, the main focus is on independent research, leading to the creation of new knowledge.

Graduate programs in related fields like social work or clinical psychology may offer  specialized Master’s degrees , such as the Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, designed to build academic and professional skills.

If you’re wondering whether to take the next step towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Juris Doctor (JD), which are considered  professional degrees rather than research degrees , assess the degree level that aligns with your professional goals.

For graduate students who have set their sights on becoming doctoral students, PhD programs offer a deep dive into postgraduate study. However, degree requirements for graduate school can be pretty rigorous, especially for a specialized Ph.D. program.

The life of a PhD student is marked by hard work and a deep commitment to contributing original knowledge to their field. Typically, Ph.D. candidates spend their academic year fully immersed in research projects, including anything from scientific research in clinical psychology to molecular biology.

ADVANTAGES OF A RESEARCH MASTER’S DEGREE

Opting for a research Master’s degree, such as a Master of Science, allows for a combination of coursework and a research project, often culminating in a thesis.

This path can provide rigorous training programs in research methodology and data analysis, valuable for those considering eventual doctoral degree pursuits.

Additionally, for those questioning if a doctoral degree is a good investment of time and resources, a Master’s program may be a sensible interim step to gain further work experience and professional development.

IS A PHD THE HIGHEST ACADEMIC DEGREE?

Students celebrating PhD degree

Yes, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is often regarded as the highest academic degree in many fields.

However, it is helpful to note that  a PhD is not universally the highest degree in all fields . For example, in professional fields like law and medicine, the  Juris Doctor (JD)  and the  Doctor of Medicine (MD)  are terminal degrees for professional practice but differ from a PhD.

Additionally, other degrees represent the highest level of professional achievement in their respective fields, such as the  Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA),  or  Doctor of Engineering (EngD) .

In some cases, there are also specialized degrees that go beyond the PhD in certain fields. For example, the  Doctor of Science (ScD)  or  Doctor of Letters (DLitt)  may be considered higher or at least on par with the PhD, depending on the institution and country. These are often awarded for a substantial body of academic research and publication.

CAREER PROSPECTS AFTER A MASTER’S VS PHD DEGREE

It is important to consider how each degree can also shape your career in science. A Master’s degree can open up opportunities for higher salaries and specialized job roles that might require a deep understanding of a particular area. You also start earning earlier compared to a PhD candidate. For example, with a Master of Public Health, you might immediately enter the workforce in your specific domain.

A PhD prepares individuals better for a research career in academia or industry. However, many PhD graduates also pursue roles in consultancy or policy-making. Someone with a PhD entering a different field may find that their degree gives them an edge in research and analytical skills.

It is crucial to assess the career and salary outcomes of the respective degrees to determine which is the most suitable for you.

WILL A PHD HELP ME EARN A HIGHER SALARY?

PhD graduation hat representing higher salary with a PhD degree

Generally, individuals with a PhD tend to earn higher salaries than those with just a Master’s degree. The advanced knowledge, specialized skills, and research experience gained during a PhD program make individuals more valuable in the job market, leading to better job prospects and higher earning potential.

WHICH GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM IS MORE EXPENSIVE? MASTER’S VS PHD?

The cost of pursuing either a doctorate or a Masters degree is a significant factor. While a Master’s degree can also be costly, PhD programs often come with more opportunities for financial aid such as fellowships or teaching assistantships, which can significantly reduce your total cost.

Prospective students must research and compare the salary outcomes and potential debt of Master’s and doctorate degrees.

When considering graduate programs, financial aid is a significant factor. While the costs of a Master’s program can vary, many students take out student loans.

The cost of a Master’s degree can be offset by working as a research assistant, which helps financially and enhances practical skills and subject knowledge essential for a successful professional career in science. Similarly, doctoral programs often offer substantial financial support, such as stipends.

The availability and extent of financial support can greatly vary depending on the field of study, institution, and country. Not all doctoral programs offer substantial financial support, and some students may still need to rely on loans or personal funding. However, there are many  free or fully funded PhD programs .

The cost of tuition varies widely between institutions and countries. The duration of the programs can also affect the overall cost. Typically, a Master’s program is shorter in duration than a PhD, which might imply that even if the annual costs are higher for a Master’s, the total cost could be less due to the shorter time frame.

Finally, you must consider the indirect costs of graduate education, such as living expenses, which can vary widely and impact the  overall costs and duration of pursuing a graduate degree.

SCOPE AND DEPTH: MASTERS DEGREE THESIS VS PHD DISSERTATION

While both a thesis (usually associated with a Masters degree) and a dissertation (associated with a PhD) involve research, the depth and scope differ. A Master’s thesis focuses on a particular topic, offering a new perspective or a deeper understanding. In contrast, a PhD dissertation involves extensive research to create new knowledge or theory in the chosen field.

IS A CAREER IN ACADEMIA THE ONLY PATH FOR PHD GRADUATES?

No. While many with a PhD degree pursue roles in academia, others venture into the corporate world, non-profit sectors, and governmental roles. Industries that require specialized knowledge or research skills often value PhD graduates.

It’s worth noting that some sectors that do not require a PhD may find the expertise of someone with a doctorate advantageous.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE APPLYING FOR A MASTER’S DEGREE OR A PHD

When deciding between a Master’s vs PhD, consider the following:

Your scientific career goals : Do you see yourself in academia or research?

Duration of study : Are you ready to commit several years to a doctorate?

Financial aspects : Can you support the cost of tuition or are there scholarships available?

Passion for research : A PhD will require intense, focused research. 

  • Master’s degrees are typically coursework-focused with some research, while PhDs emphasize extensive research.
  • PhDs generally take longer to complete than Master’s degrees.
  • Career opportunities vary, with PhDs preparing individuals mainly for roles in academia and research, though other industries also value doctorate holders.
  • Financial considerations are vital, with PhD programs often providing more financial support than Master’s programs.
  • A passion for research and commitment to the subject are crucial for those considering a PhD.

Deciding whether to complete a PhD or Master’s degree varies greatly depending on personal career goals and academic interests. For a lot of people, graduate studies at the Master’s level provide sufficient qualifications for their intended career paths. However, if you aim to immerse yourself in academia or high-level research, a PhD is likely the better choice.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Which degree is right for me, a master’s or a phd.

Choosing between a Master’s degree and a PhD depends on your scientific career goals and personal aspirations. When considering an advanced degree, it’s essential to contemplate the significant differences between a Master’s degree and a PhD.

A Master’s program typically offers a structured path, often leading to a thesis-driven Master’s degree, which may be the best fit for students seeking to enhance their skills in a specialized area without the commitment to the long haul of a PhD study.

A PhD may be a better fit if you are interested in pursuing a research-oriented career or becoming a subject matter expert in a specific field. However, if you want to gain specialized knowledge and skills in a particular profession or industry, a Master’s degree could be the best choice.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GETTING A PHD VS MASTER’S?

Earning a PhD offers several advantages. It allows you to  become an expert in a particular area of study  and opens up opportunities for advanced research and teaching positions. A PhD also enhances your critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Additionally, individuals with a PhD generally earn higher salaries than those with a Master’s degree.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE A MASTER’S VS PHD?

The duration of a Master’s or PhD program varies depending on the field of study, research topic, and individual circumstances. On average, it takes around 1-3 years to complete a Master’s, while it takes around 4-7 years to complete a PhD, including the time spent on coursework, research, and dissertation writing. Several key factors  influence the duration of a doctorate .

CAN I APPLY FOR A PHD PROGRAM WITH JUST A BACHELOR’S DEGREE?

Typically, most European PhD programs require applicants to have a Master’s degree or its equivalent, while US universities accept candidates with only a bachelor’s degree because their PhD programs contain a Master’s component.

CAN I SWITCH FROM A MASTER’S PROGRAM TO A PHD PROGRAM?

Yes, it is possible to transition from a Master’s program to a PhD program. Many universities offer an option to apply for a PhD program after completing a Master’s degree. However, admission is competitive, and you will need to meet the additional requirements set by the PhD program, such as research experience and a strong academic record.

CAN I PURSUE A PHD IN A DIFFERENT FIELD THAN MY MASTER’S DEGREE?

Yes, pursuing a PhD in a different field is possible than your Master’s degree. However, switching fields may require additional coursework and research experience to bridge the knowledge gap. It’s essential to consider the specific requirements and expectations of the PhD program you are interested in.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MASTERS VS PHD PROJECTS?

In a Master’s program, the final project usually focuses on applying the knowledge gained during the program and demonstrating Mastery of the subject. In a PhD program, the emphasis is on conducting original research that contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the field. A PhD project typically involves a more comprehensive and in-depth study.

WHAT ARE THE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AFTER COMPLETING A PHD?

Completing a PhD opens up a wide range of scientific career opportunities. Graduates with a PhD often pursue careers in academia as professors or researchers. The path to become a professor is long, thus, reflect carefully whether it is worth it to become a professor.

PhD graduates can also work in research and development roles in industries, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and consulting firms. Additionally, a PhD can lead to leadership positions in various sectors and provide opportunities for entrepreneurship.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I have used AI systems, including Grammarly, Google Bard, and ChatGPT, to enhance the English and comprehensiveness of this article. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you decide to purchase through my link. Thus, you support smartsciencecareer at no cost to you!

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Sven Hendrix is a Professor of Neuroanatomy at Medical School Hamburg (MSH) in Germany. He leads a research group dedicated to the neuroimmunology of brain repair and the development of xenofree organoid models as alternatives to animal experiments. Additionally, he serves as the speaker for CENE, a center focused on academic career development across MSH, Medical School Berlin (MSB), and the Health and Medical University (HMU) in Potsdam and Erfurt, Germany.

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Deciding between pursuing a master’s degree or a PhD is a crucial step in one’s academic journey within graduate school . While both options offer advanced education and research opportunities, they differ in terms of scope, duration, and career outcomes. Deciding between a master’s and a PhD in graduate school? In this guide, we will explore the distinctions between master’s and PhD programs, helping you make an informed decision about your academic path.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

  • 1 Master’s vs. PhD – In a Nutshell
  • 2 Definition: Master’s vs. PhD
  • 3 Master’s vs. PhD: Time requirements
  • 4 Master’s vs. PhD: Career possibilities
  • 5 Master’s vs. PhD: Tuition fees
  • 6 Master’s vs. PhD: Applications
  • 7 Master’s vs. PhD: Making the decision

Master’s vs. PhD – In a Nutshell

Master’s vs. PhD comparison table:

Definition: Master’s vs. PhD

A master’s degree combines taught elements with research. Coursework includes assignments, exams, and a research project or dissertation.

A PhD is research-based and focuses on a single topic. PhDs are awarded after submitting a written thesis and passing a viva (oral test).

Master’s vs. PhD: Time requirements

Next, we look at the time requirements for master’s vs. PhD, so you can get a more accurate idea of what’s involved.

Master’s program length

In the UK, full-time master’s degrees take 1 – 2 years , versus 1.5 – 2 years in the US. In some countries (like Sweden), certain master’s take considerably longer: Up to 5 years for Computer Engineering or 6 years for Medicine.

PhD program length

In the UK, a full-time PhD takes 3 years. In most countries, the average duration is 3 – 4 years , except for the US and Canada, where it’s a minimum of 4 years.

Master’s vs. PhD: Career possibilities

This section explains how postgraduate studies can expand your career possibilities, comparing master’s vs. PhD.

Careers for master’s graduates

Master’s are career-focused degrees, so they can help you advance in your career and specialize in an area if you choose to.

A master’s can prepare you for a specific job or qualify you as a “generalist”.

  • An example of the former would be a master’s in Counselling .
  • An example of a degree that allows you to apply for a range of different jobs would be a master’s in English Literature .

Salaries for master’s graduates:

Below are the average salaries for Master’s graduates in the careers mentioned above.

  • Counsellor: $74,500 / £51,000
  • English teacher: $73,000 / £54,000

Careers for PhD graduates

PhD graduates can work in academia , where they can teach at universities to give lectures, supervise master’s or PhD students, mark essays and exams, and publish original work.

You can move up the academic ladder and become a professor . This requires extensive teaching experience, having a large body of published research, participating in conferences, and being active in faculty or department committees.

PhD graduates who don’t want to work in academia have other options.

  • A PhD in Chemistry could take a position in a laboratory.
  • PhD graduates in Economics could work on research projects for banks.

Salaries for PhD graduates:

Below are the average salaries in USD and Pounds for master’s graduates in the careers mentioned above.

  • Lab Manager: $108,000 / £61,000
  • Banking research analyst: $139,000 / £71,000

Master’s vs. PhD: Tuition fees

Tuition fees can be costly when choosing a master’s vs. PhD. The following section will help you make a decision between a master’s vs. PhD based on their cost.

Master’s tuition fees

Fees are typically higher in master’s vs. PhD. This is because there’s limited financial aid for master’s degrees since master’s students are usually self-funded.

  • For a master’s in Management, typical tuition fees for public universities go from $30,000 to $120,000 / starting at £8,000 for British students and can go up to £30,000 for international students.
  • Typical tuition fees for private universities in the US are similar to fees in public institutions. In the UK, they start at £22,000.

Some universities offer scholarship opportunities that cover tuition fees. The most well-known scholarships are:

  • DAAD (Germany)
  • Fullbright (USA)
  • Mext (Japan)
  • Gates Cambridge (UK)

PhD tuition fees

PhD tuition fees are typically waived . Students receive a small stipend that covers living expenses in exchange for working as instructors or research assistants.

Some universities also offer full or partial PhD scholarships. Sometimes, financial aid is also offered by government institutions, which award scholarships to outstanding students.

Master’s vs. PhD: Applications

Although the application procedure for master’s vs. PhD degrees is different, in most cases you’ll need to submit the following documents:

  • Undergraduate diploma and transcript
  • Motivation or presentation letter
  • Letter/s of recommendation

Each university has different requirements for master’s vs. PhD applications. Always check with the department in question.

Master’s application

Master’s degree applications require evidence of previous undergraduate studies.

In the US , it’s also common to require a minimum GPA score of 3.0, plus additional tests like GMAT (for business and management Master’s) or LSAT (for law degrees).

In the UK , applications must include proof of an undergraduate degree with at least a 2:1 score, full academic transcripts, and proof of English language proficiency. GMAT and LSAT aren’t always required. You need to check with each university to see what applies.

PhD application

Since PhDs are research-oriented, the application must reflect your research interests and background, ensuring they match the expertise of a specific department.

The application must also include:

  • A proposal where you describe the goals
  • Relevance of your research topic

In the UK , PhD applications don’t usually have a cost. Before applying, you should contact potential supervisors to ensure your research interests are a good fit. Deadlines usually close 1-3 months before the start date.

In the US , the research proposal doesn’t carry as much weight as it does in the UK. US universities consider other factors, such as personal and academic achievements and extra-curricular interests. There’s usually a cost associated with US applications, and they can be filed between August and December.

Master’s vs. PhD: Making the decision

Master’s vs. PhD – make the right decision with the help of this checklist.

Masters-vs.-PhD-Making-the-decision

Master's vs. PhD: Is a PhD harder?

Not necessarily, but a PhDs entails a longer time commitment than a master’s.

Master's vs. PhD: Do I need to have a master’s before applying to a PhD?

Not always. Some universities let you apply to a PhD with a bachelor’s degree.

Master's vs. PhD: Can I take them part-time?

Many universities allow this, but it will take you twice as long to finish your degree.

Master's vs. PhD: Will I have to take exams?

In master’s degrees, there are different exams throughout the course. PhD students only take an oral exam at the end of their degree.

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Northeastern University Graduate Programs

College of Professional Studies

Northeastern University’s online Doctor of Education program provides experienced adult learners, working professionals, and scholar-practitioners from diverse backgrounds and perspectives with the practical knowledge and experience they need to transform the learning landscape. Students gain innovative approaches to create authentic change in their communities. The program was selected as the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate's Program of the Year for 2022-2023.

The Doctor of Education program is designed to be completed in three to four years of study—following a fast-paced quarter system in lieu of a traditional semester format. Students choose from five concentrations to create a curriculum that matches personal and professional interests. The program's dissertation in practice process will begin at the onset of your coursework as you identify your problem of practice and develop an action plan—incorporating cycles of data collection and analysis, collaboration, change work, and reflection—culminating in the dissemination of your action research findings. Our students come from diverse disciplines and professions, seeking more than just a degree. You'll gain a practical education that translates to your everyday working environment.

While all EdD courses can be completed online (except for hybrid courses in Seattle and Charlotte), annual in-person two-day residencies are held on campus. Residencies focus on networking and tools for career success and allow you to connect with faculty and fellow scholars to share knowledge and experience. You'll attend residencies* in your first and second years of the program at one of our campuses in Boston, Charlotte, or Seattle.

The Northeastern Doctor of Education degree is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and was selected as Program of the Year by the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Program for 2022-2023.

*Please note: International students enrolling in the online EdD program will be provided with an option to complete the residency through online participation in interactive sessions with fellow scholars offered during the residency period.

More Details

Unique features.

  • You will choose one of five concentrations—higher education administration, innovative teaching and learning, transformative school leadership, workplace learning, and integrative studies—to focus your studies and further customize your curriculum.
  • You'll begin dissertation in practice work at the onset of your program. You'll select a compelling educational/organizational challenge and will be assigned a faculty advisor to support your research throughout the program.
  • All coursework is online—providing flexibility for working professionals. Your residencies will be fulfilled in person*, at one of our campuses in Boston, Charlotte, or Seattle.
  • You'll learn alongside faculty practitioners—engaging with respected leaders who contribute to the field as authors, journal editors, school board members, bloggers, and podcasters.

*In-person participation in the residency is also available for international students.

Concentrations

  • Higher Education Administration: The higher education administration concentration provides an opportunity for experienced higher education professionals to expand their previous understanding of practices within all sectors of postsecondary education—and also advance their professional practice by developing and deepening their understanding of the roles of colleges and universities in our society. Sectors examined include community colleges, four-year colleges, for-profit institutions, and research universities.
  • Innovative Teaching and Learning: The innovative teaching and learning concentration focuses on transforming education through innovation, justice, and policy, by providing engaging opportunities for current and aspiring teaching and learning specialists working in various education spaces. The concentration focuses on teaching and learning both inside and outside the bounds of P-20 schools and focuses on developing and leading innovative curricula as well as professional development.
  • Transformative School Leadership: The transformative school leadership concentration provides innovative opportunities for experienced education professionals who are current and aspiring leaders of early childhood centers, public or private schools, or school districts. The concentration prepares students to lead and transform educational spaces and be equipped to shape the needs of education in K-12, higher education, organizational contexts, and beyond.
  • Workplace Learning: The workplace learning concentration helps professionals gain a deeper understanding of, recognize, and influence real-life social inequalities faced by marginalized populations in the workplace. Courses allow students to advance their professional practice by developing and deepening their knowledge of workplace learning, organizational dynamics, learning strategy, and ethics.
  • Integrative Studies: The integrative studies concentration provides an opportunity for students to design a program of study that fits their own professional goals and includes the required foundation and research courses, concentration courses from any EdD concentration, and electives from the Doctor of Education or Doctor of Law and Policy programs.

Program Objectives

Northeastern's Doctor of Education program is designed for experienced professionals interested in deepening their understanding of education, organizational development, and leadership. Throughout the program, students examine various approaches to critical, practice-based issues, learn research methods, and conduct a doctoral research study that investigates a compelling educational or organizational challenge.

2022-2023 Doctor of Education Program of the Year

The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate selected Northeastern's EdD program as the 2022-2023 Program of the Year, noting the “redesigned Dissertation in Practice Curriculum and the adoption of action research as its guiding methodology …” The committee praised “the program’s efforts to move beyond the typical five-chapter dissertation and engage scholarly practitioners in the acquisition of skills to realize meaningful change in their local contexts, emphasizing social justice.”

Testimonials

– sara ewell, phd, assistant dean, graduate school of education, – frawn morgan, current student, doctor of education, – aaron b., program graduate, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

  • Online application
  • Academic transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate degree documentation
  • Describe the problem of practice
  • Explain why you want to investigate it
  • Provide a strong rationale for the significance of the problem
  • Minimum work experience: Three years in a related field
  • Professional resumé: Must summarize work and education history, include an outline of your educational/academic skills with examples such as research and teaching experience, affiliations, publications, certifications, presentations, and other professional skills.
  • Faculty recommendation: Must be from a faculty member in your previous graduate program who can attest to your readiness for doctoral work. If you are no longer acquainted with a faculty member, please choose a professional who can speak of your academic capabilities to engage in doctoral-level research and writing. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
  • Two professional recommendations: Must be from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, a supervisor, mentor, or colleague. It is preferred that one letter of recommendation come from your current employer and/or supervisor. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
  • Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines *

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

The core of the mission of the program is to allow educators to remain in the places they work, focus on a problem of practice, and through experiential learning and site-specific research opportunities in the program, make an immediate impact in their professional environments. The program explicitly integrates research and practice for professionals so they develop the requisite skills for conceiving, designing, conducting, and producing original site-based research in order to effect ethical change related to real-life problems of practice.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Joseph McNabb, PhD

Joseph McNabb, PhD

Cherese Childers-McKee, PhD

Cherese Childers-McKee, PhD

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Education & Learning alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

  • Boston Public Schools
  • Chicago Public Schools
  • NYC Department of Education
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Veterans Affairs
  • Johns Hopkins
  • Columbia University

What They Do

  • Media Consultant
  • College President
  • Chief Information Officer
  • Instructional Designer
  • Diversity Officer
  • Founder-CEO
  • VP of Student Services
  • Community Services Director

What They're Skilled At

  • Experiential Learning
  • Team Building
  • International Education
  • Change Agency
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Urban Education
  • Strategic Management
  • Student Engagement

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

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Choosing A Major for Med School

Premedical students should pick a major based on what they find interesting, which may not be science, experts say.

Young woman, a university student, studying online.

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Students should make sure they complete prerequisite courses, especially if they've decided not to be on a premed track.

Key Takeaways

  • Don't choose a major because you think it will impress admissions officers.
  • Remember to take the prerequisite science courses.
  • Pay attention to application factors beyond your college major.

When it comes to choosing a college major, aspiring medical school students should follow their passion, not what they think will look good to an admissions committee.

“There’s no one right way to do it,” says Dr. LeeAnna Muzquiz, associate dean for admissions and a clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine . “When people are trying to choose the path that’s best for getting into med school, I can’t emphasize enough, the question should be ‘what’s the best path for me,’ because it’s going to look different for everybody.”

For some, that means majoring in a science; for others, it may mean art history or philosophy. Whatever the field, Muzquiz advises prospective med school applicants that students typically succeed in fields that they are most excited about.

“If you’re slogging through a major that’s not interesting to you, that might not serve you all that well, and undergrad is a time to explore passions and figure out what’s right for you,” Muzquiz says.

Remember Premed Prerequisites 

While any major is acceptable to go to med school, aspiring doctors need to be aware that most medical schools have undergraduate prerequisites . Students should make sure they complete those courses, especially if they've decided not to be on a premed track.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, which administers the Medical College Admission Test – commonly known as the MCAT – nonscience majors should plan to complete at least a year of biology, organic chemistry, general chemistry and biochemistry. This is intended to give medical school admissions offices more data to predict how well an applicant with a nonscience major and only basic science courses may perform in med school compared with applicants who have a science major.

As long as a nonscience major understands how to meet those med school prerequisites, admissions experts say their major can be anything. Even students who decide late in college, or even post-graduation , that they want to attend medical school have the option of postbaccalaureate programs to catch up on needed science courses.

Undergrads who choose not to major in a traditional premed field will have their work cut out for them completing science prerequisites in addition to the requirements of their major. That can be a tall order and is one of the reasons Glenn Ratmeyer, a fourth-year medical student at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine , chose to study biology as an undergrad.

“For me, I felt like to reach those benchmarks, it was going to be a lot more logical to do a degree in biology because in order to apply to med school, you have to have some basic measure of science courses, and with other majors, you’d be doing a lot of extra work,” he says.

Ratmeyer also appreciated the training he received in his undergraduate science courses, which he says prepared him well for the challenge of med school.

“Once you get into med school, it can be difficult because the scientific rigor can be difficult for people who haven’t had the background of studying hard sciences for the prior three or four years of undergrad,” Ratmeyer says.

Applying to Medical School as a Nonscience Major 

While it might be harder, there are benefits for students applying to medical school with a nontraditional background.

“If you get interviews at a med school with a different major, they are going to ask you about that, and it can work to your advantage,” Ratmeyer says. “I know of people who are nontraditional majors, or took gap years , and that’s huge because it shows you’re not only capable of applying yourself in science and can get a good MCAT (score) , but you’re really invested in other areas.”

Lucas Maestas, also a fourth-year medical student at UNM, combined his interest in public policy with a major in political science alongside his premed studies. Maestas says his major helped him stand out during residency interviews and proved useful during his medical school studies.

“Delving into political science not only honed my writing skills but also cultivated a unique perspective on critical thinking,” Maestas wrote in an email. “While not directly related to medicine, these skills proved invaluable in navigating the complexities of medical school.”

Dr. Marianne Green, vice dean for education and professor of medical education at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine , says there is "no selection advantage for students who major in the sciences.”

“I think most medical schools are looking to recruit a diverse student body with a variety of perspectives," Green wrote in an email. "We love it when students bring knowledge from the humanities and social sciences to the discussions in medical school.”

Another way applicants can demonstrate interest in medical school is through a clinical experience , such as shadowing a doctor in a hospital, volunteering in a community health clinic or working as an EMT. Such experiences are valuable and can help students understand if they really want to become a doctor, experts say.

“We want you to be aware of how health care works, what does the system do, what do other members of a health team do, how do doctors interact with patients , and does that resonate with you, or does that scare you or seem boring,” Muzquiz says. “Explore that before you invest all the time and money that goes into applying to med school.”

Crafting Your Story 

Undergraduates should remember that their major is only one part of their medical school application. Besides major, GPA and MCAT scores, medical schools also look at characteristics like leadership , teamwork and compassion to see if students can be leaders in their chosen field and put the needs of their patients first.

It's also important for medical school applicants to show how personal and academic experiences connect to their future goals in medicine.

Green cites a creative writing major who applied to medical school and said he wanted to use his writing to explore themes of immigration, intergenerational memory and multicultural identity – crucial themes when it comes to connecting with patients from different backgrounds.

Muzquiz sees med school applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including engineering and business. These students often make an effort to show the connection between their major and their interest in medicine, and how their major connects to patient care.

“It should all weave into the story of you,” Muzquiz says. “It doesn’t serve you to just check boxes without being able to articulate how it impacted you and how it prepared you to be a good medical student and eventually a physician.”

Medical School Application Mistakes

A diverse group of female medical students listen attentively while seated for a lecture.

Tags: medical school , college majors , graduate schools , education , students

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Lindner College of Business » Programs » Graduate Programs & Certificates

Graduate Programs & Certificates

Learning is a lifelong pursuit. Whether you are seeking to level up your skills, pick up a credential or pivot into a new industry, our offerings can help you achieve your goals.

Lindner's diverse portfolio of graduate degrees help students expand their knowledge, hone their expertise and cultivate their network.

Our engaged, expert faculty craft courses that connect advanced business concepts to the applicable skills top employers demand.

Master's degree options

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Science in Accounting
  • Master of Science in Applied Economics
  • Master of Science in Business Analytics
  • Master of Science in Finance
  • Master of Arts in Human Resources
  • Master of Science in Information Systems
  • Master of Science in Marketing
  • Master of Science in Taxation

Graduate certificates

Fast, focused and relevant, our graduate certificates help students gain specialized knowledge of a business function or cross-disciplinary domain in as little as eight months.

Graduate certificates can be completed as standalone programs or in conjunction with the Lindner MBA or master's program.

  • As a standalone option , graduate certificates help students effectively weave new skills into their existing knowledge, without the commitment of a degree.
  • Graduate certificates can also serve as the preliminary step to starting a master's degree program. All credits taken as part of a graduate certificate may be subsequently applied towards an MBA or relevant MS degree.
  • Finally, students can add even more value to their degree * by layering a graduate certificate into their current MBA or MS studies.

Certificate programs are not eligible for federal financial aid and the unversity will not issue an 1-20 for international applicants pursuing a standalone certificate.

Certificate options

  • Business Foundations
  • Data Analytics
  • Data Science
  • Enterprise Resource Planning
  • Finance (Investment Management)
  • Health Care Administration
  • Health Care Finance
  • Health Care Operations
  • Health Care Policy and Regulation
  • Human Resources
  • Leadership and Management
  • Digital Marketing
  • Marketing Research
  • Professional Selling and Sales Management
  • Public Economics
  • Real Estate
  • Corporate Taxation
  • Individual Taxation
  • Entrepreneurship
  • International Business

*Degree-seeking students must still apply for admission to the desired graduate certificate program. Please contact your academic advisor to apply.

Doctoral programs

For those who are attracted to research or mastering  how to teach business, Lindner's apprentice-style PhD programs consistently help place emerging thought leaders in public and private business schools around the world.

PhD concentrations

  • Operations, Business Analytics, and Information Systems (OBAIS)

Jeffrey Franke

Assistant Dean , Graduate Programs

1318 Carl H. Lindner Hall

Cybersecurity Degree Guide: Degree Types, Specializations And Career Paths

Nneoma Uche

Expert Reviewed

Updated: Feb 2, 2024, 5:34am

Cybersecurity Degree Guide: Degree Types, Specializations And Career Paths

Employers are facing a widespread and growing shortage of cybersecurity professionals across the globe. Though the cybersecurity workforce has grown significantly in recent years, 4 million cybersecurity professionals are still needed to fill the field’s talent gap, according to research by ISC2 .

This stark demand has made cybersecurity jobs virtually immune to cutbacks, so earning a cybersecurity degree can help you launch a lucrative career with lots of job security. In a cybersecurity degree program, you’ll learn how to protect valuable data from malicious actors online.

If you’re interested in cybersecurity, keep reading to learn about the various degree types and career paths available in this field.

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What Does Cybersecurity Do?

Cybersecurity involves the protection of networks, devices, programs and data from unauthorized access and modification. In simpler terms, cybersecurity measures protect digital assets from unauthorized users.

Cyber attacks threaten the confidentiality, integrity and availability of sensitive data. Organizations that need to protect their data should establish cybersecurity policies and processes before attacks happen—and that’s where the professionals come in.

With a cybersecurity degree, you can support and develop IT security measures for finance, insurance, pharmaceutical and consulting companies, among other organizations. Most information security experts work full time, but remote and freelance options are also available for professionals in this field.

Types of Cybersecurity Jobs

Cybersecurity is a vast field containing several subcategories and roles. Each subfield of cybersecurity tackles a specific aspect of information security, ranging from audits to incident response.

Below we explore several cybersecurity specializations to help you decide where you’d like to start your career.

Security Operations

A common entry point into cybersecurity is working as an analyst at a security operations center. These professionals continually monitor for and investigate suspicious activity, escalating any potentially malicious events to an incident response team.

Network Security

This aspect of cybersecurity involves protecting computer networks from threats. Network security professionals focus on:

  • Preventing unauthorized access to networks
  • Detecting ongoing security breaches
  • Providing authorized users with secure access to network resources

Cloud Security

Cloud security encompasses the procedures and technology that prevent and control threats to cloud-based tools and services. Cloud security engineers apply various protocols to secure cloud computing systems and prevent data leaks and data loss. Talent demand in this subfield is increasing rapidly as more companies move their applications and/or data to cloud-hosted services.

Application Security

This domain of cybersecurity uses software, hardware and specific techniques to protect applications and web services from data breaches. Application security professionals conduct security audits to identify vulnerabilities. They also employ threat detection alert tools to stay aware of ongoing security breaches.

Security Architecture

Security architecture refers to an organization’s framework for securing digital assets. An adequate cybersecurity architecture secures all components of an organization’s IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, servers, networks and cloud environments. In this domain, the security architect’s role is to anticipate threats and design structures and systems to prevent those threats.

Earning a Degree in Cybersecurity

There are four levels of degrees available in the cybersecurity field, each providing a different level of training that builds on students’ previous IT knowledge.

We generally recommend starting with an entry-level degree unless you have some prior training in cybersecurity. Read on to learn about the various degree options for cybersecurity, including common coursework and admission requirements.

Associate Degree in Cybersecurity

An associate in cybersecurity prepares learners for entry-level cybersecurity jobs such as security auditor, systems administrator and cybersecurity analyst . Applicants for cybersecurity associate programs generally need only a high school diploma or GED certificate to be admitted.

Learners in cybersecurity associate programs take courses in cybersecurity foundations, operating system security, ethical hacking and network defense. An associate degree in cybersecurity typically requires 60 credits and takes about two years to complete.

Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity

A cybersecurity bachelor’s degree is another entry-level program, but this degree lasts four years instead of two and provides a more comprehensive foundation in cybersecurity.

Students develop fundamental IT skills through coursework in programming, data analytics, information security and risk management. Graduates often go on to work as cybersecurity engineers, information security analysts and network engineers.

You’ll need a high school diploma or GED certificate to gain admission to a bachelor’s program. You may also need to submit letters of recommendation , a personal statement and college entrance exam scores.

Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity

If you’ve already earned undergraduate training in computer science, you can narrow your area of focus by earning a specialized master’s in cybersecurity .

Cybersecurity master’s students typically take courses in cryptology, incident response and cyber threat environment. This advanced training prepares cybersecurity graduate students for positions such as penetration specialist, forensic analyst and cyber threat analyst.

Earning a master’s degree typically comprises 60 credits, which full-time learners can complete in two years. Admission usually requires a completed application, plus:

  • A bachelor’s degree
  • Transcripts demonstrating a minimum undergraduate GPA
  • Prerequisite coursework
  • A résumé or CV
  • A college essay
  • Letters of recommendation

Doctorate in Cybersecurity

A Doctor of Science, Doctor of Information Technology or Ph.D. in cybersecurity prepares candidates for high-level positions in academia or the IT field. Ph.D. students often complete coursework in applied cryptology, machine learning, cyber law and artificial intelligence alongside research components.

Depending on the institution, doctoral candidates need 50 to 70 credits to earn their degree. The process can last three to seven years. Admission requirements vary among programs but may include:

  • A completed application
  • A relevant bachelor’s degree
  • A relevant master’s degree
  • Transcripts from previous higher education
  • A personal statement

Cybersecurity Bootcamps

You don’t necessarily need a traditional college education to get into cybersecurity . If you’re a seasoned professional looking to switch careers, or if you’re not in a place to invest the time and money required to earn a full-time degree, you might consider a cybersecurity bootcamp instead. Bootcamps can help you launch your career in less time, at a lower cost.

Bootcamps are specialized, intensive training programs that equip learners with job-ready skills in a short timeframe. Depending on your schedule and preference, you can opt for fully online, in-person or hybrid bootcamps. Some online bootcamps even offer self-paced study options, allowing you to complete the coursework on your own time. No matter what format you choose, look for labs and other-hands on learning opportunities to practice and gain experience.

What Can You Do with a Cybersecurity Degree? Cybersecurity Career Outlook

Any organization that integrates IT components into its operations requires the services of a cybersecurity professional to ensure the all-around integrity of digital assets.

The cybersecurity job outlook is strong: ISC2 reports that the field’s workforce gap grew by 12.6% between 2022 and 2023. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for information security analysts, including cybersecurity analysts, to grow by a whopping 32% between 2022 and 2032.

With a cybersecurity degree, you can pursue roles like malware analyst, security architect, penetration tester and cybersecurity engineer , among others. You can also pursue rewarding roles outside of IT; for example, you could train the next generation of cyber experts as a professor or as a professional training instructor. You could also work as a researcher, solving complex cases, discovering emerging technologies and predicting cybersecurity trends.

We sourced the below salary data from the BLS, Payscale and Glassdoor in December 2023.

Chief Information Security Officer

Average Annual Salary: Approximately $174,100 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or cybersecurity Job Overview: CISOs are responsible for the overall security of their organizations’ IT infrastructure. They develop and implement security standards that safeguard sensitive data.

Information Security Analyst

Median Annual Salary: $112,000 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or computer science Job Overview: Information security analysts monitor networks to identify and investigate security vulnerabilities.

Security Architect

Average Annual Salary: Approximately $138,000 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or computer science Job Overview: Security architects build systems that protect organizations from cyber attacks. They also conduct cybersecurity research, vulnerability testing and firewall management.

Security Engineer

Median Annual Salary: Approximately $164,000 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or computer science Job Overview: IT security engineers design, monitor and upgrade security measures and protocols within an organization.

What Makes a Good Cybersecurity Professional?

A strong cybersecurity professional is grounded in a wide array of technical skills such as network security control, scripting, intrusion detection and ethical hacking.

They also need soft skills to connect with others, clarify security issues and manage teams at work. Non-technical skills required to thrive as a cybersecurity professional include analytical, communication, problem-solving and leadership abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cybersecurity Degrees

Is it worth getting a degree in cybersecurity.

Yes, for many students, a cybersecurity degree is worth it . Earning a cybersecurity degree can lead to a rewarding career with a substantial salary. Moreover, most entry-level and mid-level cybersecurity positions require at least an undergraduate degree.

Is cybersecurity the right major for me?

If you’re curious, analytical and interested in fighting cybercrime without necessarily working in law enforcement, a cybersecurity major may be right for you. However, if you’re still undecided on your career path in tech, a computer science or information systems major allows you to explore various domains and make an informed decision.

How long does it take to get a cybersecurity degree?

The timespan depends on which cybersecurity degree you’re pursuing. An associate degree takes two years, a bachelor’s takes four and a master’s usually takes two. Doctoral degrees vary drastically in length.

Is cybersecurity a STEM degree?

Yes, cybersecurity is considered a STEM major. Components of science, technology, engineering and mathematics are interwoven in a cybersecurity program.

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In five years of writing for various audiences, Uche has learned to simplify career-focused content for ambitious learners regardless of their qualifications. Her work is published in notable platforms such as Hackernoon and Hashnode.

Veronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Red Ventures as both a copy editor and content manager.

Jordan Wigley is an accomplished cybersecurity leader with almost two decades of experience at multiple Fortune 30 and cybersecurity companies. He graduated from the University of Alabama and then started his cybersecurity career in 2004 at Walmart's headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. He spent over 10 years defending one of the largest networks in the world while leading teams responsible for endpoint security, network security, data security, incident response, and threat hunting globally at Walmart. He then spent 5 years as a Senior Vice President and Cybersecurity Strategist at Wells Fargo, where he was responsible for incident response and threat hunting efforts globally for the bank. For the past few years, Jordan has been working for SimSpace where he is currently their Field CISO. He holds CISSP, GSEC, GCIH, and GREM certifications and is passionate about building up the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

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  3. The Difference Between a Master's and PhD

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  4. Difference Between Master's Degree and PhD: Everything You Need to Know

    which is higher a master's degree or a phd

  5. What is a Master's Degree? A Complete Guide to Postgraduate Options

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  6. The Difference Between A Doctorate And A PhD

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COMMENTS

  1. Master's vs PhD

    The two most common types of graduate degrees are master's and doctoral degrees: A master's is a 1-2 year degree that can prepare you for a multitude of careers. A PhD, or doctoral degree, takes 3-7 years to complete (depending on the country) and prepares you for a career in academic research. A master's is also the necessary first ...

  2. Is a PhD Higher Than a Master's Degree?

    Conclusion. In exploring the hierarchy of postgraduate education, it's clear that a PhD is above a master's degree in terms of academic level, research depth, and specialization. While a master's degree provides advanced knowledge and specialization within a field, a PhD examines original research, contributing novel insights and theories.

  3. Master's vs. Ph.D.: What's the Difference and Which One to Choose?

    Ph.D.'s take a considerably longer time to complete than a master's, five to eight years on average, and they carry a rather high rate of noncompletion due to time and financial commitments. Many Ph.D. programs have stipends available, so it's important to inquire about that when researching a particular program.

  4. Masters vs PhD Degree

    Because a PhD takes longer to complete, it usually costs more money. The flip side to this is that a PhD may yield a higher salary upon completion. Therefore it may be worth the increased cost long-term. Whichever graduate degree you decide to pursue, you'll have expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, and others.

  5. Should I Pursue A Master's or A Ph.D.?

    How much time do you have to pursue a graduate degree? Master's degrees typically take two years to complete, while Ph.D. programs generally take five to seven years ( see Duke programs' time-to-degree ). That is a significant difference in commitment and opportunity costs. It might also play a key role in deciding which factors take higher ...

  6. Master's vs PhD

    2. PhD: After earning a master's degree, the next step is a PhD, which entails both working and performing research at an institution. A PhD is an abbreviation for "Doctor of Philosophy.". It is the highest academic degree one can achieve. As such, it is a time-consuming pursuit that requires a lot of studying and research.

  7. PhD vs Master's Degree: What's the Difference?

    There are also differences between the structure of each program type. A master's degree program typically includes one to two years of classes with an internship or capstone project in the last year. A Ph.D. typically includes three to five years of classes, with two to three years of preparation for a dissertation.

  8. The Difference Between a Masters and a Doctorate

    Both graduate degrees offer a narrower educational focus than the undergraduate experience. The higher the degree, the longer it takes to earn and the more specialized is its focus. We're taking a closer look at the master's and doctorate degrees to highlight differences and help you determine which might be most useful to you.

  9. Masters Vs PhD: The Difference Between Masters & PhD/Doctorates

    A Master's degree is a second-cycle academic degree and the first level of graduate study, which means it is after a Bachelor's degree and before a PhD. The Master's degree can allow specialization or concentration within a field so that you can focus your studies in-depth on a particular aspect of a subject. Pursuing a Master's works ...

  10. Masters vs PhD

    A Masters degree is the next level of education after the completion of an undergraduate degree, commonly known as a Bachelors. These degree levels are often referred to in terms of cycles so that a Bachelor's is a first-cycle degree, a Masters is a second-cycle and finally, a PhD is the third-cycle of higher education (and the highest).

  11. Master's Degree vs. PhD Degree: What Is The Difference?

    Compared to Doctorate degrees, Master's degrees take less time to complete and can often help people advance in their careers or achieve a higher salary. The Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M.S.) are the most popular Master's degrees. There are also 2 different kinds of master's programs. Let's take a look at both of them to get a better understanding.

  12. Master's vs. PhD: What's the Difference?

    A Master's takes less time, but it's not comprehensive and may not yield as high a salary as a PhD. Alternatively, a PhD takes two to three times as long to complete, but it could help you advance your career even further, command a higher salary, and become a recognized expert in your field. So, while it's a great idea to pursue higher ...

  13. Master's Vs. Ph.D.: What's The Difference?

    A Ph.D. is the highest level of academic study, and a master's degree is the second highest. Both are higher than a bachelor's degree. There are some master's degrees, however, that are terminal degrees, which means there isn't a higher degree than a master's degree in that area of study. One example of this is a Master of Fine Arts ...

  14. PhD vs. Master's Degree: What's the Difference?

    The most basic difference between a master's degree and a PhD is the amount of time it takes to complete your degree program. A master's degree can be completed in two years if you are attending school full-time, while a PhD can last anywhere between five and nine years. The time commitment directly correlates to the amount of work you will ...

  15. Master's vs PhD: Key differences explained

    On paper, Master's programs tend to be cheaper than PhD programs. This difference is not surprising considering the shorter duration required to complete a Master's degree. However, there is usually more funding and financial aid available for PhD students in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships, or grants.

  16. Master's or PhD: Which One Should You Choose?

    Since a PhD takes longer to complete, it also requires more money. (Not that a master's degree is cheap either!) The flip side to this is that a PhD may yield a higher salary upon completion and is therefore worth the increased cost long term. With both degrees, school costs money (tuition, fees, books, etc.).

  17. Master's vs PhD/Doctorate Degrees

    Master's vs PhD. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, earnings increase from the bachelor's level to the master's level by approximately 18%, while unemployment rates go down, from 3.5% (bachelor's) to 2.6% (master's) A PhD can increase your salary by approximately 21% compared to master's degree holders, according to ...

  18. Master's Degree vs. PhD: How to Choose a Graduate Program

    A master's degree is a type of graduate degree. In most fields, it is not a terminal degree—meaning that it is not the highest degree you can earn. The one notable exception is in the fine arts, where the master's is a terminal degree—there is no "Doctor of Fine Arts.". Master's degree programs typically take around two years to ...

  19. Master's vs PhD: Which Degree Is The Right One for You?

    The degree can lead to higher-level jobs and leadership positions in a wide range of industries. Furthermore, many countries and institutions need a Master's degree before beginning a PhD program; in these circumstances, a Master's degree might lead to a PhD. A PhD is sometimes required for academic roles such as professor or researcher.

  20. Master's and Doctoral Degrees: What's the Difference?

    Other fields do not require advanced degrees for career advancement. In some cases, a master's degree may hold advantages over a doctoral degree. For example, a master's degree in social work (MSW) may be more cost-effective than a doctoral degree, given the time and funds required to earn the degree and the pay differential.

  21. Masters vs PhD

    Master's degree: PhD degree: Length of time to complete: 1-3 years: 3-8 years(see differences between US and Europe) Focus: Coursework and research: ... a Master's program is shorter in duration than a PhD, which might imply that even if the annual costs are higher for a Master's, the total cost could be less due to the shorter time frame ...

  22. Master's vs PhD ~ Which Degree is Right for Me?

    Fees are typically higher in master's vs. PhD. This is because there's limited financial aid for master's degrees since master's students are usually self-funded. For a master's in Management, typical tuition fees for public universities go from $30,000 to $120,000 / starting at £8,000 for British students and can go up to £30,000 ...

  23. What Is a Doctorate or a Doctoral Degree?

    A doctorate is the type of graduate degree that is usually required for tenure-track faculty positions. Learn more about this degree from industry experts here. ... "Graduate school, and higher ...

  24. What's A Good GPA For Grad School? How To Get In

    It depends on the school and program. In general, graduate schools look for a minimum 3.0 GPA, but programs admit applicants with lower GPAs, too. Grades aren't the only way grad schools measure ...

  25. Doctor of Education (EdD)

    The Northeastern Doctor of Education degree is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and was selected as Program of the Year by the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Program for 2022-2023. ... PhD, Assistant Dean, Graduate School of Education ... A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top ...

  26. Everything You Should Know About Earning A Master's In ...

    Classes. Cybersecurity master's degrees typically entail 30 to 36 credits. Students usually begin with the degree's required core courses. These introductory classes explore information ...

  27. Choosing A Major for Med School

    Muzquiz sees med school applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including engineering and business. These students often make an effort to show the connection between their major and their ...

  28. Graduate Programs & Certificates

    As a standalone option, graduate certificates help students effectively weave new skills into their existing knowledge, without the commitment of a degree.; Graduate certificates can also serve as the preliminary step to starting a master's degree program. All credits taken as part of a graduate certificate may be subsequently applied towards an MBA or relevant MS degree.

  29. Cybersecurity Degree Guide: Degree Types, Specializations And ...

    Earning a master's degree typically comprises 60 credits, which full-time learners can complete in two years. Admission usually requires a completed application, plus: A bachelor's degree

  30. CUNY awarded $5 million for ethnic studies graduate program

    The City University of New York system has received $5 million from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to launch the state's first graduate degree program in Black, Race and Ethnic Studies, according to a press release from the system. "Amid a nationwide effort to undermine the very concept of diversity and inclusion, the new graduate program in Black, Race, and Ethnic Studies (BRES) will ...