You’ve earned your bachelor’s degree, or you are finishing up. So, what’s next? You might be considering continuing your education but aren’t sure which advanced degree is right for you.
Earning a master’s degree sets you apart from those with only a bachelor’s degree. It can also lead to greater employment opportunities and career advancement.A Ph.D. is considered the highest degree you can earn, and you’ll be regarded as an expert in your field.
Master’s degrees tend to be more career-oriented while Ph.D.'s tend to be more focused on research since they are preparing people for research-oriented careers or in academia. If you are looking for a raise, a Ph.D. is probably not the road to choose.
On the other hand, if you love research and you want to pursue a career as a professor, then the work required for Ph.D. may be the right fit for you. Also, many Ph.D. programs require that you have earned a master’s degree, though there are exceptions. Be sure to check with the admissions requirements of all schools and programs before applying.
Both a master’s and doctoral degree require a time commitment. On average, a master’s degree takes less time to complete than a doctoral degree. Most full-time students can earn a master’s in two years. A Ph.D. takes at least four and up to nine years to complete.
Given that a Ph.D. takes more years to complete, it makes sense that it can also take more money to complete. The plus side is it can often garner a larger salary once you are done. Ph.D. students can also find funding through teaching assistantships and fellowships.
Whichever graduate degree you decide to pursue, you’ll have expenses, such as tuition, fees, books and others. The cost of a master’s and doctoral degree varies from one institution to the next and the area of specialization to the other.
Learn more about the degreesUC Merced offers.
