Some students wouldn’t simply settle for their bachelor’s degree—the one they get from college. They would find ways to pursue advanced education by earning a master’s degree or doctorate degree. Today’s millennials know this well: advanced study will give them a competitive edge and makes them more marketable in their job fields.
In many fields, having a post-graduate degree will put you ahead of the pack. From a practical standpoint, the advanced degree can open up vocational doors a bachelor’s degree alone would not necessarily open. Some employers will see your dedication and qualifications and may choose to hire you over an equally qualified but less-educated job seeker.
While the initial cost of grad school can be quite expensive, obtaining a master’s or doctorate degree can give you a jump start into a higher wage. Because you have an advanced degree, your employer will know that they will have to pay you more.
Another benefit of pursuing an advanced degree is an expanded base of knowledge, intellect and practical applications. When you attend grad school, you become an expert in your field and this also makes you more marketable.
There are several types of degrees you can earn in graduate school, the most common are the master’s degree (MA or MS) and doctorate degree (Ph.D., Ed.D. and others). These degrees vary in level, time to completion, and more.
MASTER’S DEGREES
A master’s degree generally takes two, sometimes three, years to complete (after earning a bachelor’s degree). All master’s programs entail coursework and exams, and, depending on field, an internship or other applied experience (for example, in some fields of psychology).
Some programs require a written thesis, others offer an option between a thesis and comprehensive exam.
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.
PH.D./DOCTORATE DEGREES
A doctoral degree is a more advanced degree, but it 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. program entails two to three years of coursework and a dissertation, which is an independent research project designed to uncover new knowledge in your field and be of publishable quality.
Some fields, like applied psychology, also require an internship of one year or more.
Most doctorate programs offer various forms of financial aid, from assistantantships to scholarships to loans. The availability and forms of aid 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 institution. Students in some doctoral programs earn master’s degrees along the way.
WHICH DEGREE IS BETTER?
It depends on your interests, field, motivation, and career goals. Read more about your field and consult faculty advisors to learn more about which option will fit your career goals.
Master’s degrees and Ph.D. degrees certainly differ, with advantages and disadvantages to each. Only yourself know which is the right degree for you.
Take your time and ask questions, then carefully weigh what you learn about each degree, its opportunities, as well as your own needs, interests, and competencies.
WHAT CAN BE GAINED FROM ADVANCED EDUCATION
Besides being able to add the appropriate designation after your name, there are solid academic, career-related, and personal and interpersonal skill sets that are acquired through doctoral-level education. Here are some of the most prevalent skills that can be expected from a graduate.
Academic skills: Aptitude for Research, Critical and Creative Thinking, Academic Presentation, Teaching, Intellectual Strength, Focus, Tenacity, Stamina and Discipline
Career-Related skills: Management and Organization, Communication, Research, Service, Problem Solving, Presentation
Personal and interpersonal skills: Personal Effectiveness, Time Management, Project Management, Stress/Anxiety Management, Leadership and Team Building, Persuasion, Consensus-Building.
Simply stated, by earning a doctoral degree you’ll be joining an elite population. You’ll have the opportunity to achieve goals in your chosen field that may not be available to others. And whether you choose to be an author; an educator; or an innovator adding additional knowledge, training and research to your field; you’ll be considered an expert.
For a list of universities and colleges offering Doctorate courses in Metro Manila, visit www.finduniversity.ph/universities/r=national-capital-region/doctoral-programs/.