What kind of Graduate Degree should I pursue?

Knowledge at the master’s level is intended to prepare you to practice a profession, or to continue on for more advanced study. During an master’s program, you will be expected to actively participate in contributing to the body of knowledge in your field, whether that be through research and publication or real-world experience.

A doctoral program is an extended apprenticeship in which a student learns to make significant contributions to human knowledge. After passing departmental examinations, a student enters candidacy. This is a time for performing original research, which will be judged by a faculty committee. The doctoral candidate also must defend their research orally, and write a dissertation documenting the results of the research.

Which degree is best varies widely by field, and even sub-disciplines within a field. You should research the jobs available in your field to see which degree is in more demand. Find out what the latest trend is. For instance, if you’re looking to teach at the two-year college level or pursue a career in higher education administration, you’ll need to spend some time exploring whether an master’s program or doctoral program best suites your goals.

If you wish to be a professor at a research or teaching university, you will need a doctorate. Remember, though, that these jobs are in very short supply, and a long period spent as a part-time or adjunct faculty member is common before landing a full-time, or better yet, tenure-track position. In fact, even many community colleges prefer a doctorate for full-time instructors. If you are considering earning an master’s degree to go the community college route, you should realize that you’ll likely be competing with doctoral candidates just about every time you apply for a job.

Your bachelor’s degree doesn’t necessarily restrict which advanced degree you pursue, or the field that you choose to pursue it in. Many graduate programs require a bachelor’s degree, but don’t have set requirements for majors they accept. Your passion and goals should guide you as you decide which program and which advanced degree is right for you. Research what, if any, courses might be required for you to pursue a professional program like law or medical schools. If you’re having any doubts or uncertainty, get some hands-on experience in the field(s) you are considering before making a commitment to graduate study.