PhD vs Masters
There are many who go to college, complete their undergraduate degree and that’s it. They are done with their studies as they land up jobs and then find no time at all to pursue higher studies. But for those who do make it a point to pursue higher studies, there is a dilemma of sorts as to whether they should do master’s or get doctoral degree in their chosen field of study. Both are post graduate degrees but are done with a completely different mindset. Masters is different from PhD degree on many counts and this article tries to highlight as many differences as possible to enable those desirous of higher studies make up their minds.
Master’s Degree
Master’s degree is a natural step for many students having completed their undergraduate degrees as it broadens their knowledge in their chosen subject. In most countries, it is a 2-3 year degree course that is mostly theoretical, thoughthere may be some practical work along with presentation of thesis of some sort. Master’s degree may not be essential in every field, and its value and importance varies from little to everything. For example, in engineering field, master’s degree is not that important and the future of a student is secured if he completes the graduate level degree which is BTech. On the other hand, a master’s degree is absolutely vital for professional success in fields like business administration and medical, and a student cannot hope to achieve much without an MBA and MS in these two fields. If your aim is a decent job and an attractive career in your chosen field, doing master’s degree may be a good option for you.
PhD Degree
For those who love the chosen subject, and want to do something new in their field, a doctoral degree is a good platform that not only broadens their knowledge of the subject, it also provides a launch pad to start on a teaching career in colleges and universities. A PhD is considered to be a more advanced degree at masters level, and those who complete their doctoral degrees normally do so with an eye on teaching profession.
A PhD takes much longer than a Master’s degree as it involves 2-3 years of coursework and another 3-4 years to complete one’s thesis and to submit it to become a doctor in chosen subject. Doctoral degrees involve original research, and this is what makes it attract so many grants and aids. Most of the grants at university level are in doctoral degrees. Those doing their PhD are provided with a stipend during their study period, which is an incentive to go on with research work.
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In brief: Difference between PhD and Masters • Master’s and PhD degrees are part of higher studies, and it depends upon students to opt for either of them • Some fields do not require master’s degree as undergraduate degree is sufficient to get a lucrative job such as engineering • PhD degree requires a much longer period than master’s degree because of dissertation and thesis required • PhD is preferred by those who want to adopt a teaching career as a doctoral degree is essential to get teaching jobs in colleges.
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