degree master phd doctor

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Applying to graduate school
• 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 May 10, 2024.

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.

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

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.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

College essays

• College essay examples
• College essay format
• College essay style
• College essay length
• Diversity essays
• Scholarship essays

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Avoiding repetition
• Literature review
• Conceptual framework
• Dissertation outline
• Thesis acknowledgements
• Burned or burnt
• Canceled or cancelled
• Dreamt or dreamed
• Gray or grey
• Theater vs theatre

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.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Thomas, L. (2024, May 09). Master's vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences. Scribbr. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/graduate-school/masters-vs-phd/

Is this article helpful?

Lauren Thomas

Other students also liked, when to apply for graduate school | month-by-month timeline, how to write a statement of purpose | example, how to write a graduate school resume | template & example, get unlimited documents corrected.

✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

• Skip to main content
• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Apply Apply
•   Follow Us

Demystifying Graduate Degrees: Comparing Master’s vs. Doctorate

You want a graduate degree — to continue exploring your passions, make discoveries or advance your career — but how do you turn that decision into a plan?

It starts with understanding the difference between a master’s and a PhD in your field. They differ in length, intensity, curriculum and career paths, so you’ll also need a clear idea of why you want to pursue a graduate degree to determine which one you should get.

What Is a Master’s Degree?

If you’ve completed your undergraduate degree, it might be time to ask, “What’s next?”

That’s where Master’s degrees can come in.

Whether you want to specialize in a particular area or get advanced skills in your profession, a master’s degree can help you get there in 1-2 years.

The most common types of master's degrees include:

• Master of Arts (MA),
• Master of Science (MS),
• Master of Business Administration (MBA),
• Master of Education (MEd),
• and Master of Fine Arts (MFA). 

What do you learn in a master’s program?

The short answer? A lot.

Master’s degree programs are designed to build on the foundational knowledge gained during your undergraduate studies, and the curriculum focuses on advanced knowledge and skills in a particular field.

Here’s what you can expect to encounter in a master’s program:

Advanced coursework:  Master's programs provide advanced courses that build upon the foundational knowledge gained during your undergraduate studies. These courses delve deeper into specific topics within your field and often explore the latest research and developments. 

Specialization:  One of the primary goals of a master's program is to allow you to specialize in a particular area. Whether pursuing a Master of Arts, Master of Science, or a professional degree like an MBA, you can focus your studies on a specific subfield or concentration within your discipline. 

Research and analysis:   Many master's programs require you to engage in research projects and analytical work. This could involve conducting independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor or participating in group research projects with fellow students. Through these research experiences, you’ll develop critical thinking and analytical skills, learn how to gather and evaluate relevant data and draw meaningful conclusions.

Practical applications and internships:  Some master's programs incorporate practical training opportunities like internships, practicums, or field experiences; hands-on experiences allow you to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to real-world settings.

Collaboration and networking:  A Master's program is a rich collaboration and networking environment. Collaborative projects, group discussions, and professional events allow you to exchange ideas and build connections within your field, often leading to long-lasting professional relationships and potential career opportunities.

Thesis project:   Outside of building skills like project management, problem-solving, project management, and effective communication, thesis projects in master's degree programs serve as a cornerstone for building advanced skills, expanding professional networks, and contributing to the body of knowledge in your respective field. 

Why get a master’s degree?

Career advancement: One primary advantage of getting a master’s degree is an edge in the job market. Employers value the specialized knowledge and advanced skills that come with a master’s degree, opening up new and exciting career opportunities.  The cherry on top? Individuals with a master’s degree often earn more than those without an advanced degree — you can take that to the bank, especially if you set yourself up for financial success during your studies. Flexibility: Another aspect to consider is the flexibility that a master’s degree offers. Many programs offer part-time or online options, allowing you to balance your studies with work or other commitments.  This flexibility can be particularly helpful if you’re already established in your career but want to gain additional qualifications.  Growth opportunities: Depending on your field, a master’s degree can be a stepping stone toward a PhD or other doctoral programs. It gives you a solid foundation in research methods and academic rigor — a boon if you want to pursue a career in academia or conduct advanced research.

What is a Doctoral Degree or PhD?

A doctoral degree is a terminal degree — it represents the pinnacle of academic achievement and is the most advanced degree you can attain. Doctoral students want to become authorities in their chosen fields and develop the skills to conduct independent and original research. 

Doctoral programs usually span 3-6 years of full-time study, during which students complete advanced coursework, pass comprehensive examinations, engage in extensive research and ultimately produce a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field. 

There are several types of doctoral degrees based on different academic and professional aspirations, including:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD),
• Doctor of Education (EdD),
• And Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), among others. 

What do you learn in a doctoral program?

When you successfully defend your dissertation and complete your degree, you also become an expert in your field — but it doesn’t happen overnight. Here's what you can expect to encounter in a doctoral program:

Advanced research: If you’re looking for a hard emphasis on research, a doctoral program is the place to be. Over several years, PhD students engage in extensive research activities — including conducting independent research, producing scholarly publications, and contributing to the knowledge base of their field through original research contributions.

Theoretical and conceptual frameworks:  PhDs are an incredible opportunity to deepen your understanding of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in your field of study. You'll critically analyze existing theories, evaluate their applicability, and develop your theoretical frameworks to advance knowledge and understanding in your chosen area of research.

Advanced methodological training:  Because a dissertation is an original research project, you’ll gain advanced training in research methodologies and data analysis techniques, like designing robust research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing valid and reliable conclusions from your research findings.

Critical thinking and intellectual independence: Both academia and industry employers highly value independent thinkers and workers. Doctoral programs foster critical thinking and intellectual independence by challenging you to evaluate existing research, identify gaps in knowledge, and propose innovative research ideas. Teaching and Mentoring Experience: Being a teacher or mentor is a great opportunity to share your hard-earned knowledge, and universities agree. Doctoral programs often provide opportunities to teach and mentor undergraduate students, develop effective pedagogical skills, and contribute to the academic community.

Dissertation project:  Your dissertation is the culmination of years of hard work within your field. By enrolling in a doctoral program, you’re also given the chance to participate in a significant and original research endeavor that demonstrates the expertise you’ve worked so hard to cultivate.

Why Get a Doctorate?

Having a doctorate doesn’t just open doors; it can kick them down. A doctorate might be right for you if you’re looking for a door to these things:

Expertise and specialization:  Doctoral degrees can be a labor of love. They help you delve deeper into a specific subject area, gaining expertise and specialization.

Research opportunities:  Extensive research training, opportunities for conducting original research, and contributing new knowledge to the academic community — these three things make a doctorate coveted by students, universities, and employers.

Salary potential and career advancement: In some fields, having a doctorate can lead to higher earning potential and increased salary opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , doctoral degree holders made an average of $1,885 per week in 2020, while master’s degree holders made an average of $1,545 per week.

Contribution to society:  Doctoral research often addresses pressing societal issues, contributing to advancements in technology, healthcare, education, and other areas for the benefit of society — for many students, contributing to the greater good is just as rewarding as career advancement or personal development.

What’s the difference between a dissertation and a thesis?

You might have heard “thesis” and “dissertation” used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same. Here are the general distinctions to consider:

• A thesis is usually associated with a master's degree program. Students undertake a research project in the final stage of their degree.
• It typically involves conducting original research or analyzing existing research to answer a specific research question.
• The length of a thesis varies based on the field and program requirements, but it’s usually shorter than a dissertation.

Dissertation:

• A dissertation is typically associated with a doctoral degree program. It is an extensive, in-depth research project that marks the culmination of a doctoral program.
• in-depth exploration of a research topic
• comprehensive literature review
• methodology section
• data collection and analysis
• substantive discussion of findings and conclusions.
• Dissertations are usually longer than theses and may take several years to complete.
• Once you’ve completed your dissertation, you participate in a formal defense of the research, where you’ll present your findings to a committee of experts in the field.

Key Differences: Master's vs. PhD

Deciding Between Master's vs. PhD Programs

“Should I get a master’s degree or a PhD?”

Answering that question can be exciting — and a bit intimidating. You must consider long-term career objectives, personal interests, and the time you can commit. Plus, the level of specialization you wish to achieve based on your career path is also a factor. Typically, a PhD is a prerequisite for those aspiring to research careers in academia, while professional roles in various industries may require only a master's degree. 

It’s still worth noting that students have the option of completing a master's degree first and then, based on their experiences and career aspirations, deciding whether to pursue a PhD.

Find the right graduate degree at SMU 

A graduate degree is a big investment, so investing in the right program is important.

SMU offers a diverse array of master's and PhD programs tailored to align with your unique interests and career goals, and personalized support, from the applicant to the graduate, is always available. 

Whether you're interested in pursuing a PhD in Chemistry or are almost finished with your MBA, we can help you find the right advanced degree.

This could just be the beginning of your journey. Get a closer look at applying to graduate programs of your choice with our guide, How to Get a PhD: A Guide to Choosing and Applying to PhD Programs .

Learn More About

Doctoral degrees at SMU, and how you can choose the right program and thrive in it, in our Guide to Getting a PhD.

Request more

Information.

Complete the form to reach out to us for more information

Published On

More articles, recommended articles for you, why an organizational psychology master’s pays off.

Understanding what motivates employees and how to create thriving workplaces is key for today's...

Is a Master’s in Economics Worth It?

If you’re contemplating a career in economics, you might be wondering if a master’s degree in the...

5 Jobs You Can Do with a Master’s in Higher Education that Spark Joy

Finding joy in your career is essential for personal fulfillment and overall happiness. When you...

Browse articles by topic

Subscribe to.

What Comes After a Master's Degree?

Know Your Graduate School Options Beyond a Master's

• Choosing a Graduate Program
• Tips & Advice
• Admissions Essays
• Recommendation Letters
• Medical School Admissions
• Homework Help
• Private School
• College Admissions
• College Life
• Business School
• Distance Learning
• Ph.D., Developmental Psychology, Fordham University
• M.A., Developmental Psychology, Fordham University

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.

• What Does It Take to Earn a Master's Degree?
• Degree Requirements for Therapists
• The Meaning and Significance of a PsyD
• How to Decide Between a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Psychology
• Should I Seek the MSW, PhD or DSW for a Career in Social Work?
• Can You Change Fields from Undergrad to Grad?
• 6 Tips Applying to Grad School for a Different Major
• What to Expect in an Online Graduate Class
• Grad School Online Education Advantages and Disadvantages
• Best Dental Schools in the U.S.
• Top 10 Best Veterinary Schools in the U.S.
• 3 Considerations in Selecting a Graduate Program
• How to Choose Between Grad Schools
• A Doctor of Philosophy or Doctorate
• A Note About Masters and Doctoral Comprehensive Exams
• What is Grad School Like?

Popular searches

Land your dream job, the difference between a masters and a doctorate.

Angel Eduardo

There are a lot of degree types out there, but they often fall into one of two camps: doctorates and master’s degrees.

Both graduate degree options 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. Today, we’re taking a closer look at master’s and doctorate degrees to highlight differences and help you determine which might be most useful to you in your social-impact career.

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 undergrad), 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? RSVP for the Idealist Grad School Fair in New York City !

Angel uses his skills as a storyteller to support and inspire job seekers and aspiring social-impact professionals.

• Affiliate Program

• UNITED STATES
• 台灣 (TAIWAN)
• TÜRKIYE (TURKEY)
• Academic Editing Services
• - Research Paper
• - Journal Manuscript
• - Dissertation
• - College & University Assignments
• Admissions Editing Services
• - Application Essay
• - Personal Statement
• - Recommendation Letter
• - Cover Letter
• - CV/Resume
• Business Editing Services
• - Business Documents
• - Report & Brochure
• - Website & Blog
• Writer Editing Services
• - Script & Screenplay
• Our Editors
• Client Reviews
• Editing & Proofreading Prices
• Wordvice Points
• Partner Discount
• Plagiarism Checker
• APA Citation Generator
• MLA Citation Generator
• Chicago Citation Generator
• Vancouver Citation Generator
• - APA Style
• - MLA Style
• - Chicago Style
• - Vancouver Style
• Writing & Editing Guide
• Academic Resources
• Admissions Resources

Master’s vs PhD/Doctorate Degrees – Key Differences

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!

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.

Wordvice Business & Writer Editing Services

After landing that sweet job position when you finish your graduate degree, be sure to get English editing services for any of your crucial documents before sending them to colleagues, clients, or users. Check out our list of business editing and writer editing services below.

• Document Editing Services
• Report Editing Services
• Blog Editing Services
• Editing Services for Writers
• Script Editing Services
• Book Editing Services

• Online Degrees
• Tuition & Financial Aid
• Transferring Credit
• The Franklin Experience

Request Information

We're sorry.

There was an unexpected error with the form (your web browser was unable to retrieve some required data from our servers). This kind of error may occur if you have temporarily lost your internet connection. If you're able to verify that your internet connection is stable and the error persists, the Franklin University Help Desk is available to assist you at [email protected] , 614.947.6682 (local), or 1.866.435.7006 (toll free).

Just a moment while we process your submission.

Popular Posts

Master's vs Doctorate: Which Degree is Right for You?

Graduate degrees are becoming increasingly popular. 

According to the world’s largest and most sophisticated database of labor market and talent data from Burning Glass Technologies, 19% of U.S. job openings in the year 2018 requested a graduate degree. And that trend isn’t changing any time soon. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects master’s-level occupations to grow by 17% by 2026. Employment for doctoral- and professional-level degree is also projected to grow by about 13%. Both of these projections are much faster than the 7% average for all occupations. 

The demand for both master’s and doctorate degrees is high. But how do you know which level of educational attainment is right for you? Does your industry or career aspirations necessitate one degree or another? Will you personally benefit more from a master's or doctorate?

We’ll show you how to take all these factors into consideration to help choose if you should get a master’s degree, or if you should complete your master's and go on to pursue a doctorate degree.

Master's vs Doctorate: What are typical program requirements?

Whether you pursue a master’s degree or doctorate degree program, it’s a significant commitment of time, energy and finances. Before you choose, you should understand the requirements for not only getting into a program, but also completing your master’s or doctorate degree.

Now that you have an understanding of what committing to a master’s degree or doctorate degree entails, compare the focus of the program and coursework. 

Master's vs Doctorate: What’s the difference in content and coursework?

The focus of master’s degrees and doctorate degrees is different. 

A master’s degree is designed to deepen career-oriented knowledge and skills. A doctorate degree is a heavily research-based degree, designed to develop critical research,analytical and writing skills in an effort to fill industry knowledge gaps.

Because of these different goals, the makeup of the coursework and content is also distinct.

Master’s programs feature three different types of courses:

• Core courses: These courses are required to complete your master’s degree and are considered essential knowledge to advance your industry expertise.
• Electives: These are a selection of courses that allow you to further specialize your degree with concentrated knowledge in specific areas. They can also be used to broaden your experience in related subject areas.
• Capstone course (or thesis): The culmination of a master’s degree, a capstone course or thesis usually involves conducting research and presenting your findings.

Doctorate programs are broken down into four distinct parts:

• Coursework: These advanced courses are required knowledge for passing your comprehensive exam. 
• Research Core: These courses impart essential research, analytical and writing skills to prepare you to complete your dissertation.
• Comprehensive exam: The comprehensive exam tests your understanding of key concepts learned through your coursework. Passing your comprehensive exam is essential to beginning your dissertation.
• Dissertation: You work with a dissertation committee to identify a research topic. Then you complete in-depth research, analysis, and writing before you defend your original research to your dissertation committee. 

As you consider these degrees, decide which better fits your academic and professional goals, as well as your personal interests and learning style.

Master's vs Graduate: How much will the degree cost?

We know that cost is a top concern for individuals deciding what degree to pursue. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most difficult questions to answer. Cost estimates for a master’s degree can be anywhere from $30,000 to $120,000—and costs for doctorates can range just as widely. 

If you’re trying to evaluate the cost of a master’s vs doctorate degree you need to look at important factors like:

• Type of institution: Whether you choose a public, private nonprofit or for-profit school will impact how much you pay in tuition. The reputation and rankings of a university also affect the cost of tuition. 
• Time to graduation: How many courses you take at one time and the total number of credit hours you need to graduate affect the cost of both master's and doctorates. Doctorates depend highly on an individual’s time and commitment to completing the research and writing of an original dissertation. Also, keep your other personal and professional commitments in mind when estimating how long it will take to earn your degree (and how that will impact cost).
• Transfer credit: If you have a professional certification, or have earned graduate-level course credit, you may be eligible to transfer credit toward your degree. Getting transfer credit can significantly reduce your total cost.

Remember: To complete a doctorate degree you must first complete a master’s degree. So if cost is a top concern, evaluate which institution and program will give you the best value. In some cases, you may even be able to complete both a master’s degree and doctorate degree at a lower cost than a master’s degree at a school with high tuition. 

Earning a doctorate is challenging and rewarding, but do you know what to really expect? Download this free guide for tips and insights to help you prepare for success.

Master's vs doctorate: what are the outcomes of each degree.

When it comes to the outcomes of a master’s or doctorate degree, you should look at three key factors: skillset, career prospects and salary expectations. Let’s dive into the differences between the outcomes of these two types of graduate degrees.

• Skillset: Master’s degrees focus on the expert command of industry-specific skills, while working to develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. On the other hand, doctorate degrees are nearly the inverse—they heavily focus on research, analysis and writing in support of developing transferable skills that can be used to fill gaps in industry knowledge.
• Career prospects: Career advancement is a primary goal for people who pursue master’s and doctorate degrees. Master’s degrees are seen as career-oriented degrees that prepare you for management and leadership positions. More and more, doctorate degrees are becoming the norm for top executive positions, as well as opportunities to transition your career into academia.
• Income: Both master’s degrees and doctorate degrees significantly increase your salary expectations and lifetime earning potential. But which is worth more? According to the BLS, a master’s degree has the power to boost your earnings by 17% when compared to a bachelor’s degree, while a doctorate degree can bring in a salary 30% higher than a bachelor’s degree. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an individual with a master’s degree can also earn more than $2.8 million in their lifetime, while a doctorate degree can earn you over $3.5 million.

Comparing the Benefits of Master's vs Doctorate Degrees

There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a master's vs doctorate degree. But as you evaluate all of the different aspects of these programs, make sure to keep your long-term goals in mind. We’ve outlined four key ways to compare the benefits of master's vs doctorate degrees against your goals.

Master's vs Doctorate: Popularity meets possibility with online degrees

As demand increases for advanced degrees, professionals are looking for ways to make getting their graduate degree more attainable. That’s why online master’s and doctorate degrees are more popular than ever. Online degrees offer working professionals the opportunity to get their degree without stalling their career.

Getting your master’s degree or doctorate degree is a lifetime achievement that can help you advance your career. If you’re considering your options for a master’s or doctorate degree, explore Franklin University’s online master’s degrees and online doctorate degrees to find a program that can help you take your career to the next level.  

Related Articles

Franklin University 201 S Grant Ave. Columbus , OH 43215

Local: (614) 797-4700 Toll Free: (877) 341-6300 [email protected]

Copyright 2024 Franklin University

• 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).

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!

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

Graduate Journey Resource Center

Discover valuable resources to assist you in your program search and decision-making process.

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.

Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > Tips for Students > Master’s vs PhD — These are the Main Differences

Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

Master’s vs PhD — These are the Main Differences

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: October 31, 2019

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.

Photo by  Good Free Photos  on  Unsplash

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.

Photo by  Online Marketing  on  Unsplash

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.

In this article

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More

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

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 .

Doctor of Public Health

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) is a first-of-its-kind, multidisciplinary degree that provides advanced education in public health along with mastery of skills in leadership, management, communication, and innovative thinking. The program is designed for experienced professionals with a master’s degree and at least six years of full-time public health or public service experience in a relevant discipline. The DrPH prepares professionals for high-impact leadership roles in public health and health care through advanced training in foundational concepts, theories, and methods of public health; application of social and managerial sciences; and development of leadership and management skills.  

The program blends traditional academic training with experiential learning and competency development to enable systematic change. Through the completion of their capstone project, also known as the Doctoral Project, degree candidates practice and develop personal leadership skills while engaging in a project that contributes to the advancement of public health or healthcare.  

• Abbreviation : DrPH  
• Degree format : On campus  
• Time commitment : Full-time  
• Average program length : 3 years full-time
• The first 2 years are completed full-time on campus  
• The third year focuses on the Doctoral Project  
• Estimated cohort size : 10 students per year  
• Start term : Summer  
• The Doctor of Public Health fosters a highly collaborative, small group learning environment.  
• DrPH students receive hands-on experience working to achieve a specific public health objective under the guidance of Harvard’s world-renowned faculty.  
• The DrPH degree teaches the intricacies of data translation and application to achieve real results in the field.  

Harvard DrPH graduates are ready to lead and are equipped with experience gained through real-world fieldwork. Graduates have the skills to start new organizations or work from within to change existing ones and know how to translate public health research into effective policies, programs, and initiatives that dramatically improve individual and population health.  

Graduates of the DrPH program are trained to pursue careers in a variety of industries:  

• Government  
• Health ministry  
• Hospital/Health care delivery  
• Non-profit/NGO  
• Private sector   

Students in the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program are supported by the Harvard Chan School staff through graduation. Students are closely connected with faculty, staff, and academic advisors to meet their educational and professional goals.  

All DrPH students have access to the Office of Career and Professional Development, other Harvard Chan faculty who may serve as professional mentors, and the extended Harvard Alumni Network.  

Admission information

Eligibility requirements.

The Doctor of Public Health program is for talented professionals who aim to apply their experience to advance public health or health care.  

  Eligible DrPH applicants should have at a minimum:  

• A master’s or doctoral degree in the health sciences or in another related field or non-US equivalent.
• At least six years of full-time public health and/or public service experience in a relevant discipline. Advanced degrees will not be considered in lieu of work experience as coursework will build directly on professional skills and experiences.  
• Prior coursework in public health-related methods and in specific technical areas of public health is also beneficial.  

Candidate applications should display a history of energy, creativity, and passion for public health as well as an appetite and vision to effect change. The DrPH Admissions Committee seeks to admit students with interest and experience across a broad cross-section of public and private areas of public health and health care locally, nationally, and internationally.  

Application requirements

All applications must be submitted through SOPHAS – the centralized application for schools and programs of public health . In addition to the application, applicants must submit:

• Statement of purpose and objectives
• Official test scores ( optional )
• Three letters of reference
• Resumé/curriculum vitae
• Post-secondary transcripts or mark sheets (World Education Services credential evaluation for applicants with degrees from outside of the United States.)
• English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo English Test), if applicable

Learn more about the application process .

Application deadline

Applicants may apply to only one degree program for either full- or part-time status. Applications are reviewed in their entirety and decisions are released via email in late February/early March. Decisions are not released until all application components are received.

For more information

2024 Best Grad Schools in the United States for Doctorate Degrees

Choosing the best grad school for you, higher than average earnings, taking out student loans, more ranking factors that are important, one size does not fit all, top doctorate degree schools in the united states, rest of the top 50 best doctorate degree schools in the united states, narrow doctorate degree schools by region, rocky mountains, middle atlantic, great lakes, new england, plains states, far western us, other u.s. territories, rest of the top 15% doctorate degree schools in the united states.

Honorable Mentions

More Rankings

Bachelor's degrees, returning adults, master's degrees, notes and references, popular reports, compare your school options.

Virtual Tour

Experience University of Idaho with a virtual tour. Explore now

• Discover a Career
• Find a Major
• Experience U of I Life

More Resources

• Admitted Students
• International Students

Take Action

• Find Financial Aid
• View Deadlines
• Find Your Rep

Helping to ensure U of I is a safe and engaging place for students to learn and be successful. Read about Title IX.

Get Involved

• Clubs & Volunteer Opportunities
• Recreation and Wellbeing
• Student Government
• Student Sustainability Cooperative
• Academic Assistance
• Safety & Security
• Career Services
• Health & Wellness Services
• Register for Classes
• Dates & Deadlines
• Financial Aid
• Sustainable Solutions
• U of I Library

• Upcoming Events

Review the events calendar.

Stay Connected

• Vandal Family Newsletter
• Here We Have Idaho Magazine
• Living on Campus
• Campus Safety
• About Moscow

The largest Vandal Family reunion of the year. Check dates.

Benefits and Services

• Vandal Voyagers Program
• Vandal License Plate
• Submit Class Notes
• Make a Gift
• View Events
• Alumni Chapters
• University Magazine
• Alumni Newsletter

SlateConnect

U of I's web-based retention and advising tool provides an efficient way to guide and support students on their road to graduation. Login to SlateConnect.

Common Tools

• Administrative Procedures Manual (APM)
• Class Schedule
• OIT Tech Support
• Academic Dates & Deadlines
• U of I Retirees Association
• Faculty Senate
• Staff Council

Graduate Admissions

Office of graduate admissions.

820 Idaho Avenue Morrill Hall, Room 205 Moscow, ID 83843

University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 3019 Moscow, ID 83844-3019

Phone: 208-885-4001

Email: [email protected]

Web: More Contact Information

Graduate Programs and Certificates

Select program to review admissions requirements and apply.

Accountancy (M.Acct.)

Adult Organizational Learning and Leadership (M.S.)

Agricultural Education (M.S.)

Animal Physiology (Ph.D.)

Animal Science (M.S.)

Anthropology (M.A.)

Applied Economics (M.S.)

Architecture (M.Arch.)

Art (M.F.A.)

Athletic Training (D.A.T.)

Athletic Training (M.S.A.T.)

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (M.S., Ph.D.)

Biological Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)

Biology (M.S., Ph.D.)

Chemical Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)

Chemistry (M.S., Ph.D.)

Civil Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)

Climate Change - Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (P.S.M.)

Computer Engineering (M.Engr., M.S.)

Computer Science (M.S., Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Criminology (M.S.)

Curriculum & Instruction - Career and Technical Education (Ed.S.)

Curriculum & Instruction - Career and Technical Education (M.Ed.)

Curriculum & Instruction (Ed.S.)

Curriculum & Instruction (M.Ed.)

Cybersecurity (M.S.)

Dietetics (M.S.)

Education (Ed.D., Ph.D.)

Educational Leadership (M.Ed., Ed.S.)

Electrical Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)

Emerging Media (M.A.)

Engineering Management (M.Engr.)

English (M.A.)

Entomology (M.S., Ph.D.)

Environmental Science (M.S., Ph.D.)

Experimental Psychology (Ph.D.)

Family and Consumer Sciences (M.S.)

Food Science (M.S., Ph.D.)

Geographic Information Science: Geospatial Aspects of Sustainable Planning Application (M.S.)

Geographic Information Science: Geospatial Habitat Assessment Application (M.S.)

Geographic Information Science: Geospatial Intelligence Application (M.S.)

Geographic Information Science: Geotechnician Application (M.S.)

Geographic Information Science: GIS Programming Application (M.S.)

Geographic Information Science: Natural Hazards and Emergency Planning Application (M.S.)

Geographic Information Science: Remote Sensing (M.S.)

Geographic Information, Skills, Mapping, and Monitoring - Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (P.S.M.)

Geography (M.S., Ph.D.)

Geological Engineering (M.S.)

Geology (M.S., Ph.D.)

Groundwater Hydrology (M.S.)

History (M.A., Ph.D.)

Human Factors (Psychology M.S.)

Hydrology (Groundwater Hydrology (M.S.))

Integrated Architecture and Design (M.S.)

Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (P.S.M.)

Interdisciplinary Studies (M.A., M.S.)

Kinesiology and Leisure Sciences (M.S.)

Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.)

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

Master of Natural Resources (Natural Resources (M.N.R.))

Mathematics (M.A.T.)

Mathematics (M.S., Ph.D.)

Mechanical Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)

Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (Ph.D.)

Music (M.A., M.Mus.)

Natural Resources - Environmental Education and Science Communication (@MOSS) (M.N.R.)

Natural Resources - Fire Ecology and Management (M.N.R.)

Natural Resources - Fish and Wildlife Science and Management Option (M.N.R.)

Natural Resources - Integrated Natural Resources (M.N.R.)

Natural Resources - Restoration Ecology and Habitat Management (M.N.R.)

Natural Resources (M.S., Ph.D.)

Neuroscience (M.S., Ph.D.)

Nuclear Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)

Nutritional Sciences (M.S., Ph.D.)

Online Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

Physical Education (M.Ed.)

Physics (M.S., Ph.D.)

Plant Pathology (M.S.)

Plant Science (M.S., Ph.D.)

Political Science (Ph.D.)

Precision Nutrition for Human and Animal Health - Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (P.S.M.)

Professional Science Master (Interdisciplinary Science & Technology (P.S.M.))

Psychology (M.S.)

Psychology (Ph.D.)

Public Administration (M.P.A.)

Secondary Education (M.A.T.)

Soil and Land Resources (M.S., Ph.D.)

Special Education (M.Ed.)

Statistical Science (M.S.)

Sustainable Soil and Land Systems - Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (P.S.M.)

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (M.A.)

Technology Management (M.S.)

Theatre Arts (M.F.A.)

Unclassified

Water Resources - Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (P.S.M.)

Water Resources (M.S., Ph.D.)

2024-2025 Catalog

Doctoral degrees.

The University of Idaho awards the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in recognition of high achievement in scholarly and research activity. The degree of Doctor of Education is granted for high scholarly attainment and in recognition of the completion of academic preparation for professional practice. See the "Ph.D. and Ed.D. Procedures" tab for more details. The Doctor of Athletic Training is offered through the College of Education and the Department of Movement Sciences (see the "DAT Procedures" tab for more details).

The major professor and program offering a particular doctoral program indicate the general philosophy of the degree program, the objectives of courses and seminars, the research specialties available, and requirements unique to the department. Admission to the doctoral program is granted only to those who have a recognized potential for completing the degree.

Requirements for Doctoral Degrees

Credit requirements.

For the Ph.D. and Ed.D., a minimum of 78 credits beyond the bachelor's degree is required.; At least 52 credits must be at the 500 level or above and at least 33 of the 78 credits must be in courses other than 600 (Doctoral Research and Dissertation). A maximum of 45 research credits in 600 (Doctoral Research and Dissertation) including 6 credits of 599 (Non-thesis Research) or 500 (Master's Research and Thesis) may be in the 45 research credits used toward the degree. For the D.A.T., a minimum of 66 credits is required and follows a prescribed set of courses set by the program.

Courses numbered below 300 may not be used to fulfill the requirements for a doctoral degree; courses numbered 300-399 may be used only in supporting areas and are not to be used to make up deficiencies. Individual programs may require additional course work. Applicants having a doctoral degree may obtain a second doctoral degree subject to the approval of the Graduate Council. The Graduate Council will establish the requirements for the second degree.

Credit Limitations for Transfer, Correspondence Study, and Non-degree

For the Ph.D. and Ed.D. degrees, a student must complete at least 39 of the 78 required credits at the University of Idaho (U of I) while matriculated in the College of Graduate Studies. Credits can be transferred to U of I with the consent of the student's major professor, the committee (if required by the program), the program's administrator, and the dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Credits can be transferred only if the institution from which the credits are being transferred has a graduate program in the course's discipline. All credits used toward graduate degrees must be from regionally accredited American institutions or from non-US institutions recognized by the appropriate authorities in their respective countries. Transfer credits are subject to all other College of Graduate Studies rules and regulations. Correspondence study courses may be applied to the degree only with the prior written approval of the College of Graduate Studies. Courses used toward an undergraduate degree, professional development courses, and courses on a professional development transcript are not available to be used toward a doctoral degree.

Time Limits

Of the credits submitted to satisfy the requirements for a Ph.D. or Ed.D. degree, a maximum of 30 may be more than eight years old when the degree is conferred, provided the student's committee and program administrator determine that the student has kept current in the subjects concerned. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their preliminary or general examination. These time limitations can be extended only on recommendation of the committee and approval by the Graduate Council.

Awarding Doctoral Degrees to Members of the Faculty

Regulations are outlined in Section 4920 of the Faculty-Staff Handbook.

Particular Requirements for the Ed.D. Degree

A period of professional practice is required for the Doctor of Education degree; the period involved is determined by the student's supervisory committee. While the Ed.D. is a College of Education degree, you should consult with the departments in the College of Education to learn of specific emphasis requirements.

Procedures for Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Education Degrees

Appointment of major professor and committee.

Refer to " Appointment of Major Professor and Committee for All Degree Seeking Graduate Students " in the preceding General Graduate Regulations section. In addition, a doctoral supervisory committee consists of at least four people: the major professor as chair and at least one additional UI faculty member from the program, the balance of the committee may be made up of faculty members from a minor or supporting area, and faculty members from a discipline outside the major. If the committee has a co-chair, the minimum number of committee members is five.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination is a program option and serves to assess the background of the student in both the major and supporting fields and to provide partially the basis for preparation of the student's study program. A particular program may or may not require a master's degree as a prerequisite for the qualifying evaluation. As soon as the program's qualifications are met, a supervisory committee is appointed.

Preparation of Study Plan

Refer to " Preparation and Submission of Study Plan " in the preceding General Graduate Regulations section.

Preliminary Examination for Ph.D. Degree

The preliminary examination should be scheduled only after the student has completed the majority of the courses on their study plan. The student is required to be registered during the semester the preliminary examination is taken. The student's committee certifies to the College of Graduate Studies the results of the preliminary examination and if passed, the student is advanced to candidacy. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their examination. If the preliminary examination is failed, it may be repeated only once; the repeat examination must be taken within a period of not less than three months or more than one year following the first attempt. If a student fails the preliminary examination a second time, or the program does not allow the student to repeat the examination after the first failure or the student does not retake the examination within one year, the student is automatically moved to unclassified enrollment status and is no longer in the degree program.

General Examination for Ed.D . Degree

When the student approaches the end of their course work, has completed the professional experience requirement, and has outlined the dissertation subject in detail, the supervisory committee approves the holding of the general examination. The student is required to be registered during the semester the general examination is taken. The examination is both written and oral and is intended to assess progress toward degree objectives. The student's committee certifies to the College of Graduate Studies the results of the general examination and if passed, the student is advanced to candidacy. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their examination. If the general examination is failed, it may be repeated only once; the repeat examination must be taken within a period of not less than three months or more than one year following the first attempt. If a student fails the general examination a second time, or the program does not allow the student to repeat the examination after the first failure or the student does not retake the examination within one year, the student is automatically moved to unclassified status and is no longer in the degree program.

See the General Graduate Regulations section regarding application for advanced degree, registration requirements, final defense and dissertation requirements.

Procedures for Doctor of Athletic Training

The culminating clinical project.

Students enrolled in the Doctor of Athletic Training (D.A.T.) will engage in research projects during the curricular phase of the program. These project(s) will lead to at least two publication ready manuscripts, and all students must meet professional authorship requirements (regardless of order). See the  Department of Movement Sciences and Doctor of Athletic Training webpages for more information.

The Team (Committee)

All D.A.T. project team committees will have at least four committee members: two members of the athletic training faculty (all with graduate faculty status), the student's attending clinician (who is the student's on-site mentor during the student's residency), and an expert in the student's chosen area of clinical research. The athletic training faculty members will always chair the CCP, provide research guidance, and serve as the experts in the development of advanced practice in Athletic Training. A situation may arise in which one or both of the members of the committee that are outside of the AT program faculty may have a degree less than that of which the student is seeking; however, the intent of the third and fourth D.A.T. committee membership is to provide outside validation of the student's progress toward advanced practice and clinical utility of action research studies.

Culminating Clinical Project Hours

These dissertation hours may be used in instances when the CCP has not been successfully completed and the curricular phase of program has been completed.

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

PhD Program

Take on the big challenges.

Earning a PhD takes courage. There will be obstacles, uncertainty and ambiguity. But it’s the vision of better patient care that sustains you, drives you. That’s what drives us, too.

The Duke Difference

High-impact research.

Field-defining work in imaging, genetic medicine, biomaterials, light-based technologies and more.

Mentoring, from Day One

Be surrounded by a team invested in your success.

Uniquely Interdisciplinary

Duke BME’s superpower. Experience our innovative learning and research ecosystems.

Comprehensive Mentorship & Support

Mentoring, really, even before Day One. During the Duke BME admission process we’ll begin an immersive discussion about your interests. Based on those discussions, once accepted you’ll be admitted directly to a lab. Your Advising Team will including your program director, a team of faculty members and senior PhD students as well as dedicated resources available through the Graduate School at Duke.

Additional High-Value Resources

• Conference and travel support
• Grant supported traineeship programs
• Graduate certificate programs in tissue engineering, nanoscience and photonics

Entrepreneurship: Duke Design Health

Discover. Design. Deploy.

When you join a Duke Design Health team you identify needs that impact human health, and then create effective, equitable solutions.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering

30 Credits of Coursework

• Life Science course—3 credits
• Advanced Mathematics course—3 credits
• Additional courses—24 credits

2 Semesters of Teaching Assistantship (TA)

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

• Orientation
• 4 RCR forums

Thesis and Defense

Sample Timeline

The minimum required amount of coursework is 30 units.

The program of coursework, including the applicability of any  transfer credits , is determined by the student, their advisor and their committee.

Each committee meeting should include an update on progress towards coursework requirements. The student’s committee retains the power to approve the coursework or request that the student take additional courses.

The advanced math (3 units required) and life science (3 units required) courses, and up to one (1) independent study class may be used toward the 30-credit requirement. See a list of potential life science and advanced math courses . Students are not limited to the courses listed.

Important Notes

• Ungraded seminars do not count toward the 30-unit requirement. Students are encouraged to discuss class selection with their advisor upon matriculation and frequently throughout their course of study
• Students seeking a master’s degree en route to a PhD must satisfy the degree requirements for the master’s degree. These are not necessarily aligned with the PhD coursework requirements, and so special consideration should be taken

Two semesters of BME Seminar are required. New matriculants take BME 702’s (Fall only).

Second-year students take BME 701’s (Spring only).

Teaching Assistantship

Two (2) semesters aare required. Duke BME PhD students typically fulfill their teaching assistant (TA) assignments in years 2 to 5.

Students must:

• Complete a TA training session
• And sign up for a Teaching Assistantship Seminar during the semesters in which they TA

Responsible Conduct of Research

RCR training at Duke challenges students to engage in ethical decision-making through active learning—by using realistic scenarios and current issues.

One (1) orientation session and 4 forums are required.

More about RCR at Duke .

PhD Contacts

Danielle Giles

Assistant Director of Graduate Studies

Kathryn Radabaugh Nightingale

Director of Graduate Studies, Theo Pilkington Distinguished Professor of BME

Research Themes

Biomechanics & Mechanobiology, Biomedical Imaging & Biophotonics

Research Interests

Ultrasonic and elasticity imaging; image-guided therapies; biomechanical tissue modeling; ultrasonic bioeffects.

• Request Information

Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Designed to empower you with the skills and expertise needed to excel in your chosen path.

Offered in Ohio State’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, this online Master of Science program prepares certified health professionals and those looking to enter the health care field for expanded roles in research, teaching, administration, and professional practice.

Choose between two specialization tracks, the Research Track or the Advanced Practice Track, to customize the rehabilitation master’s degree program to match your goals of pursuing roles in research or leadership and education. The rich curriculum for either track of this online rehabilitation science degree focuses on evidence-based practice, management and leadership, research methods, and design. While attaining your master’s degree, you will also participate in collaborative experiences and comprehensive projects under mentorship. For professionals aiming to take the next step and earn their Ph.D., the Research Track provides a great foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers we hope you find helpful. Please know that our team of Academic Enrollment Advisors are always ready to connect and answer any questions that are specific to your unique needs.

What makes this online MS in rehabilitation science program unique?

With only 30 credit hours, this online program offered by Ohio State provides an accessible path to obtaining your master’s degree in health and rehabilitation sciences.

The program also gives students the unique opportunity to tailor 16 credit hours of coursework – in either specialty track – to an area of focus that matches professional aspirations. Open electives for students in the rehabilitation master’s program include assistive technology, injury biomechanics, medical coding, and healthcare technology, many of which can be applied towards further certification in these specialized areas.

Is this program offered online or on campus?

Students can choose from the traditional on-campus MSHRS program or the flexible fully online program to fit their individual needs.

What are the admissions requirements for the online Master of Sciences in Health and Rehabilitative Sciences program?

Students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or international equivalent in a health profession or non-health background with clear academic and professional goals that fit within health and rehabilitation sciences. Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.

"The MS [in HRS] program was flexible and provided a great variety of coursework to choose from. I was able to customize my educational experiences to best suit my career."

"Preparing registered, certified and/or licensed health professionals for expanded roles in research, teaching, administration and professional practice."

Academic calendar.

For the convenience of online students, multiple start dates are offered during the academic calendar year for the online Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitative Sciences program.

Spring 2025

Application Deadline October 1, 2024

Term Start Date January 6, 2025

Summer 2025

Application Deadline February 1, 2025

Term Start Date May 6, 2025

Autumn 2025

Application Deadline April 1, 2025

Term Start Date August 26, 2025

Application deadline is in 32 days.

Apply by October 1, 2024 to be considered for the upcoming term, starting January 6, 2025.

Admission Criteria

Academic Requirements:

Applicants must meet the following criteria in order to apply to the MS in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences program:

• A minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA
• A bachelor’s degree in a health profession from an accredited institution (or international equivalent)

* Applicants with a non-health background may be considered if clear academic and professional goals have been established prior to applying to the program.

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, also known as  SARA , establishes uniform standards for distance education for all participating states and institutions. Ohio State joined SARA in 2015, which means Ohio State can offer most online and on-ground courses and programs in  SARA member states, districts and territories without seeking authorization in each state.

Career Outlook

Earning a graduate degree from Ohio State means you and your peers will be working alongside some of the world’s leading researchers and scholars, a network of colleagues you will value throughout your career.

Graduates of the program are:

• leaders within their professional practice settings
• managers of rehabilitation facilities
• department managers in health care facilities
• academic advisors
• instructors
• staff educators in health care facilities
• working at the local or national level in aging
• pursuing doctoral studies

Whether you aspire to advance your career in research, education, leadership or professional practice, the Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences program at Ohio State is designed to empower you with the skills and expertise needed to excel in your chosen path. Join our vibrant community and embark on a transformative journey toward a rewarding and impactful career in health and rehabilitation sciences.

The curriculum for the Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitative Sciences includes a total of 30 to 36 credit hours depending on which track you decide to take. Track #1 – Advanced Practice Track – This track offers individuals the opportunity to customize their education for management, leadership or teaching. students that choose this track can tailor their additional core courses and personalize their electives based on their specific areas of interest. The program track concludes with a comprehensive project under mentorship. Track #2 – Research Track – This track features a curriculum focused on research methods and design courses, accompanied by a mentored research experience culminating in a thesis guided by an HRS faculty mentor. The students within this track will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive as successful researchers in their field, well-prepared for careers in industry, pre-clinical and clinical research. Most courses are offered asynchronously, meaning that you can attend those classes on your own time.

HTHRHSC 6795 – Introduction to Graduate Studies (required)

Introduce new graduate students to the HRS graduate school and program through various means.

HTHRHSC 7300 – Management and Leadership in Health Sciences

Application of management and leadership principles for the development of administration of allied health departments in the health care system.

HTHRHSC 7250 – Teaching and Curriculum in the Health & Rehabilitation Sciences

Provide students with theoretical background and practical training for curriculum planning and teaching in health and rehabilitation sciences; exposure to teaching and curricular policies and procedures will occur.

HTHRHSC 7350 – Issues and Policy in Health Sciences

Allied health professionals must increasingly face many complex issues that affect healthcare. It is crucial that graduate students be able to critically examine a broad range of issues and understand various positions and their implications.

Understanding Online Course Types

As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.

Program Faculty

The Ohio State University School of Health and Rehabilitative Sciences’ mission is to develop transformative leaders in health and rehabilitation sciences. With a vision to be a global leader in advancing scholarship, education and practice in health and rehabilitation sciences. Meet some of the HRS faculty that support that mission and vision every single day through the work they do.

Randee Hunter, PhD

Dr. Hunter joined our faculty after she graduated from Ohio State with a PhD focused on skeletal anatomy. Randee has an exciting background that makes her a perfect fit for our Radiologic Sciences faculty. Randee is a 2006 graduate of the St. Louis University School of Nuclear Medicine, where she distinguished herself by earning Latin honors and a minor in French. Like many of our own past students, she completed an undergraduate thesis titled: Variation in molecular imaging standards of practice between the United States and England. Randee went on to earn the NTCB credential in Nuclear Medicine and practiced as a staff technologist in Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

Kristen Roberts, PhD

Kristen Welker, PhD

Testimonials

Don’t take our word for it – hear from some of our School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences students and alumni on why they chose a degree at The Ohio State University!

"I started searching for academic programs that would allow me to link my interests of clinical care of patients, information management, and machine learning. After meeting with faculty in HRS, I realized that my interests were aligned with that of the HRS program….

…my current educational path is a direct result of where i want to end up, pursuing a career in academia. hrs provides a significant amount of training in areas that are new to me, such as grant writing and others that are important to my field, such as interdisciplinary projects.".

"I believe Ohio State instills rigorous clinical and academic standards in its students, and I wanted to strive to be a high-quality contributor and leader in my field."

Get started.

Speak with a knowledgeable Enrollment Advisor who can help answer your questions and explain different aspects of the more than 70 online degrees and certificates offered at Ohio State.

Doctor of Engineering Curriculum

Degree Requirements with the Doctor of Engineering  

The Doctor of Engineering (D. Eng) requires 90 credit hours. Professionals may transfer up to 30 credit hours from a relevant master’s degree and/or other non-degree coursework into the D.Eng. program, subject to faculty review. The program features research methodology and professional development coursework, advanced mathematics and statistics, a wide variety of engineering courses, and a culminating applied research project. See full curriculum below.  

Degree requirements: 

• 12 credit hours of core curriculum and foundational courses  
• 27 minimum credit hours of technical depth courses  
• 12 minimum credit hours of professional and applied courses  
• A minimum 30 credit research thesis and dissertation  

As you complete your first full semester, you will work through a fundamentals  to establish your individual electronic Plan of Study (EPOS). Each student’s plan of study will be unique, designed to meet the needs of their individual background and interests. Advisory committees will work with students to develop a plan of study that best meets their individual academic needs and career goals. All students are required to have an approved Electronic Plan of Study in order to graduate from Purdue.  

The Electronic Plan of Study serves as a contract between you, your faculty advisor, academic advisor, and Purdue University’s Graduate School. Your EPOS is a blueprint for successful completion of your degree requirements. The plan must be approved adhering to department and Graduate School policies. We strongly encourage students to have an approved Plan of Study on file by the end of their second semester.  

CORE REQUIREMENT – 6 CREDIT HOURS

The following courses are required:  

• ENGR 60100: Doctor of Engineering Fundamentals (1 credit)   
• ENGR 60200: Research Fundamentals (3 credits)  
• ENGR 60300: Doctor of Engineering Seminar (1 credit)  

Choose 1 of the following courses:  

• BME 69000 - Seminar in Biomedical Engineering  
• ECE 69400-001 - Electrical and Computer Engineering Seminar  
• ENE 69000 - Seminar In Engineering Education  
• IE 69700 - Graduate Seminar  

Please note Purdue University courses must be taken for Core Course requirements. Transfer credit may not be applied to the Core Course component.  

Foundational Courses - 6 Credit Hours

3 credits of s tatistics and 3 credits of m ath are required . Any statistics or math course available online will fulfill t his requirement. Available courses currently include:  

• MA 51100 - Linear Algebra With Applications  
• MA 52700 - Advanced Mathematics For Engineers And Physicists I  
• MA 52800 - Advanced Mathematics For Engineers And Physicists II  
• STAT 51100 - Statistical Methods  
• STAT 51200 - Applied Regression Analysis  
• STAT 51300 - Statistical Quality Control  
• STAT 51400 - Design Of Experiments  
• STAT 51600 - Basic Probability And Applications  
• STAT 51700 - Statistical Inference  

Technical Depth Courses - 27 Credit Hours

These courses provide the foundational concepts and theories that are applied in a students desired technical field. These courses should equip students to gain significant knowledge, experience, and capability in a particular technology or technical domain directly related to a student’s career goals.   

Students will work with their advisor(s) and during ENGR 60100: Doctor of Engineering Fundamentals to identify a selection of Technical Depth Courses to fulfill this requirement and build an Electronic Plan of Study.  

Professional and Applied Courses - 12 Credit Hours

These courses provide additional training, expertise and practice in areas that are important to student’s professional development, but that might not be specific to one technical area. Examples include technical writing, pedagogical theory and practice, project management, product development, leadership development, grant and technical report writing.    

Students will work with their advisor(s) and during ENGR 60100: Doctor of Engineering Fundamentals to identify a selection of Professional and Applied Courses to fulfill this requirement and build an Electronic Plan of Study.  

Doctor of Engineering Research Course - 30 Credit Hours

Doctor of Engineering students will earn course credit for a multi-semester applied research project in which they work closely with faculty advisor. Measurable outcomes of the research project include a final report/dissertation and demonstration of expertise in the topic area. Other outcomes of research include knowledge dissemination ( i.e. presentations at scientific or trades conference , white papers, internal reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts in archival journals, book chapters).  

ELECTIVE COURSES – REMAINING CREDIT HOURS

Any courses listed on our courses page will fulfill this requirement, including available non-engineering courses.  

All questions regarding courses and transfer credits should be directed to a student’s academic advisor.  

Items of Note:    

• Transfer credits from a student’s Master’s degree will be evaluated and applied to specific components of the degree. Students will utilize ENGR 60100: Doctor of Engineering Fundamentals to propose how a previous master’s degree could be applied to D.Eng. degree requirements.  
• Minimum credit requirements allow for maximum flexibility and the ability to tailor your degree plan to your specific areas of interest and goals. After you begin your studies at Purdue, an academic advisor will provide you with tools to map out a plan of study tailored to align with your specific goals.  

  Dissertation    

The dissertation demonstrates the candidate’s ability to conduct substantial and significant research in the engineering discipline(s) selected. Candidates are expected to demonstrate mastery of the key literature in the field and use this to situate the specific project they propose. Students enroll in a College of Engineering doctoral research course to complete and receive credit for their dissertation research. Students are required to complete a minimum of thirty credit hours of doctoral research, a requirement that will be distributed across multiple semesters. The exact duration of this distribution depends on the individual student's progress in their dissertation research. In most cases, it is expected that a student will use their final one or two years to formulate the research topic, develop the proposal, and conduct self-directed research under the guidance of their faculty advisor and with the hopeful support of an industry partner and advisor—likely the student’s full-time employer.  

At the conclusion of their program, or in the final semester, students will have a final oral defense of their dissertation research before a graduate committee of reviewers.  

Distinction between a PhD and a professional Doctorate degree    

A PhD in Engineering is earned by demonstrating research independence in an engineering-related field of study and generation of new knowledge. A Doctor of Engineering is earned by completion of interdisciplinary professional coursework and demonstration of research independence in an engineering-related field of study, and direct application of the research to engineering practice in real-world, industry, commercial, defense, or other areas of operation and utilization.    

In each program, dissemination of knowledge is key to the training, but may differ depending on the context of each student’s unique context (i.e. presentations at scientific or trades conference, white papers, internal reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts in archival journals, book chapters).     

Discover Waterloo graduate studies programs

We have a global reputation for academic excellence and award-winning faculty members, research chairs, and industry partners. We are leaders in experiential learning and entrepreneurship. We offer relevant and innovative graduate programs across disciplines. We support the actualization of ideas and the ownership of intellectual property.

Masters degrees, doctoral and graduate diploma programs

Wherever you are in your graduate studies journey, find the program that is right for you.

Arts, engineering, environment, health, math and science

Waterloo is home to six faculties including the only Faculty of Mathematics in Canada.

Online degree and diploma programs

Learn more about online programs available to help you complete your graduate studies while balancing your busy life.

All graduate programs listing

Alphabetical listing by program name

Jump to:   A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y| Z

• Accounting - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD )
• Actuarial Science - Master of Actuarial Science (MActSc)
• Actuarial Science - Master of Math (MMath)
• Actuarial Science - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Anthropology (Public Issues) - Master of Arts (MA)
• Applied Mathematics - Master of Math (MMath)
• Applied Mathematics (Aeronautics) - Master of Math (MMath)
• ​ Applied Mathematics (Quantum Information) - Master of Math (MMath)
• Applied Mathematics (Water) - Master of Math (MMath)
• Applied Mathematics - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Applied Mathematics (Aeronautics) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Applied Mathematics (Quantum Information) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Applied Mathematics (Water) - Doctor of Philosopy (PhD)
• Architecture - Master of Architecture (MArch)
• Architecture (Water) - Master of Architecture (MArch)
• Biology - Master of Science (MSc)
• Biology (Water) - Master of Science (MSc)
• Biology - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Biology (Water) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 
• Biostatistics - Master of Math (MMath)
• Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology - Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Tehnology (MBET)
• Business and Entrepreneurship - Graduate Diploma (GDip)
• Chemical Engineering - Master of Applied Science (MASc)
• Chemical Engineering (Nanotechnology) - Master of Applied Science (MASc)
• Chemical Engineering (Water) - Master of Applied Science (MASc)
• Chemical Engineering - Master of Engineering (MEng)
• Chemical Engineering (Co-op) - Master of Engineering (MEng)
• Chemical Engineering - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Chemical Engineering (Nanotechnology) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 
• Chemical Engineering (Water) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 
• Chemistry - Master of Science (MSc)
• Chemistry (Co-op) - Master of Science (MSc)
• Chemistry (Nanotechnology) - Master of Science (MSc)
• Chemistry (Quantum Information) - Master of Science (MSc)
• Chemistry - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Chemistry (Co-op) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Chemistry (Nanotechnology) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Chemistry (Quantum Information) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Civil Engineering - Master of Applied Science (MASc)
• Civil Engineering (Water) - Master of Applied Science (MASc)
• Civil Engineering - Master of Engineering (MEng)
• Civil Engineering (Co-op) - Master of Engineering (MEng)
• Civil Engineering (Nuclear Engineering) - Master of Engineering (MEng) 
• Civil Engineering - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Civil Engineering (Water) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Classical Studies - Master of Arts (MA)
• Climate Change - Master of Climate Change (MCC )
• Climate Risk Management - Graduate Diploma (GDip) (Online)
• Combinatorics and Optimization - Master of Math (MMath)
• Combinatorics and Optimization (Co-op) - Master of Math (MMath)
• Combinatorics and Optimization (Quantum Information) - Master of Math (MMath)
• Combinatorics and Optimization - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Combinatorics and Optimization (Quantum Information) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Computational Mathematics - Master of Math (MMath)
• Computational Mathematics (Co-op) - Master of Math (MMath)
• Computer Science - Master of Math (MMath)
• Computer Science (Quantum Information) - Master of Math (MMath)
• Computer Science - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Computer Science (Quantum Information) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Data Analytics - Graduate Diploma (GDip)
• Data Science - Master of Math (MMath)
• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence - Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MDSAI)
• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Co-op) - Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MDSAI)
• Development Practice - Master of Development Practice (MDP)
• Digital Experience Innovation - Master of Digital Experience Innovation (MDEI) (O nline)
• Earth Sciences - Master of Science (MSc)
• Earth Sciences (Water) - Master of Science (MSc)
• Earth Sciences - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Earth Sciences (Water) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Economic Development and Innovation - Master of Economic Development and Innovation (MEDI )
• Economics - Master of Arts (MA)
• Economics (Co-op) - Master of Arts (MA)
• Economics (Water) - Master of Arts (MA)
• Economics (Water) (Co-op) - Master of Arts (MA)
• Economics (Applied Economics) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Economics (Applied Economics - Water) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Electric Power Engineering - Graduate Diploma (GDip) (Online)
• Electrical and Computer Engineering - Master of Applied Science (MASc)
• Electrical and Computer Engineering (Aeronautics) - Master of Applied Science (MASc)
• Electrical and Computer Engineering (Nanotechnology) - Master of Applied Science (MASc)
• Electrical and Computer Engineering (Quantum Information) - Master of Applied Science (MASc) 
• Electrical and Computer Engineering - Master of Engineering (MEng)
• Electrical and Computer Engineering (Co-op) - Master of Engineering (MEng)
• Electrical and Computer Engineering (Electric Power Engineering) - Master of Engineering (MEng) (Online)
• Electrical and Computer Engineering - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Electrical and Computer Engineering (Aeronautics) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• ​Electrical and Computer Engineering (Nanotechnology) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Electrical and Computer Engineering (Quantum Information) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 
• English (Experimental Digital Media)- Master of Arts (MA)
• English (Experimental Digital Media) (Co-op) - Master of Arts (MA) 
• English (Literary Studies) - Master of Arts (MA)
• English (Literary Studies) (Co-op) - Master of Arts (MA) 
• English (Rhetoric and Communication Design) - Master of Arts (MA)
• English (Rhetoric and Communication Design) (Co-op)- Master of Arts (MA)
• English - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Entrepreneurship and Organization - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Environment and Business - Master of Environment and Business (MEB) (Online)
• Fine Arts (Studio Art) - Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• French Studies - Master of Arts (MA)
• French Studies - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Future Cities - Master of Future Cities (MFC) (Online)
• Geography - Master of Arts (MA)
• Geography (Aeronautics) - Master of Arts (MA)
• Geography (Water) - Master of Arts (MA)
• Geography - Master of Environmental Studies (MES)
• Geography (Aeronautics) - Master of Environmental Studies (MES)
• Geography (Water) - Master of Environmental Studies (MES)
• Geography - Master of Science (MSc)
• Geography (Aeronautics) - Master of Science (MSc)
• Geography (Water) - Master of Science (MSc)
• Geography - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Geography (Aeronautics) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Geography (Water) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• German - Master of Arts (MA)
• German (Intercultural German Studies) - Master of Arts (MA)
• German - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Global Governance - Master of Arts (MA)
• Global Governance (Aeronautics) - Master of Arts (MA)
• Global Governance - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Health Evaluation - Master of Health Environment (MHE) (Online)
• Health Informatics - Master of Health Information (MHI) (Online )
• History - Master of Arts (MA)
• History - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Kinesiology - Master of Kinesiology (MKin)
• Kinesiology and Health Sciences - Master of Science (MSc)
• Kinesiology and Health Sciences (Aeronautics) - Master of Science (MSc)
• Kinesiology and Health Sciences - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Kinesiology and Health Sciences (Aeronautics) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Kinesiology and Health Sciences (Aging, Health and Well-Being) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Management Sciences - Master of Applied Science (MASc)
• Management Sciences - Master of Management Sciences (MMSc)
• Management Sciences (Co-op) - Master of Management Sciences (MMSc)
• Management Sciences (Management of Technology) - Master of Management Sciences (MMSc) (Online)
• Management Sciences - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Mathematics for Teachers - Master of Mathematics for Teachers (MMT) (Online)
• Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering - Master of Applied Science (MASc)
• Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering (Nanotechnology) - Master of Applied Science (MASc)
• Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering - Master of Engineering (MEng)
• Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering (Co-op) - Master of Engineering (MEng)
• Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering (Nanotechnology) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Peace and Conflict Studies - Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS) (Conrad Grebel University College)
• Pharmacy - Master of Science (MSc)
• Pharmacy - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Philosophy - Master of Arts (MA)
• Philosophy - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Philosophy (Applied Philosophy) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Physics - Master of Science (MSc)
• Physics (Nanotechnology) - Master of Science (MSc)
• Physics (Quantum Information) - Master of Science (MSc)
• Physics - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Physics (Nanotechnology) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Physics (Quantum Information) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Planning - Master of Arts (MA)
• Planning (Aeronautics) - Master of Arts (MA)
• Planning - Master of Environmental Studies (MES)
• Planning (Aeronautics) - Master of Environmental Studies (MES)
• Planning - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Political Science - Master of Arts (MA)
• Political Science - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Psychology - Master of Arts (MA)
• Psychology (Aeronautics) - Master of Arts (MA)
• Psychology  (Developmental and Communication Science) - Master of Applied Science (MASc)
• Psychology (Industrial and Organizational Psychology) - Master of Applied Science (MASc)
• Psychology - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Public Health - Master of Public Health (MPH) (Online)
• Public Health Sciences - Master of Science (MSc)
• Public Health Sciences (Water) - Master of Science (MSc)
• Public Health Sciences - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Public Health Sciences (Aging, Health and Well-Being) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Public Health Sciences (Water) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Public Service - Master of Public Service (MPS )
• Public Service (Co-op) - Master of Public Service (MPS)
• Pure Mathematics - Master of Math (MMath)
• Pure Mathematics (Quantum Information) - Master of Math (MMath)
• Pure Mathematics - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Pure Mathematics (Quantum Information) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Quantitative Finance - Master of Quantitative Finance (MQF)
• Recreation and Leisure Studies - Master of Arts (MA)
• Recreation and Leisure Studies - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Recreation and Leisure Studies (Aging, Health and Well-Being) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Religious Studies - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Social and Ecological Sustainability - Master of Environmental Studies (MES)
• Social and Ecological Sustainability - Master of Environmental Studies (MES) (Internship)
• Social and Ecological Sustainability (Water) - Master of Environmental Studies (MES)
• Social and Ecological Sustainability - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Social and Ecological Sustainability (Water) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Social and Legal Studies - Master of Arts (MA)
• Social and Legal Studies (Co-op) - Master of Arts (MA)
• Social Work - Master of Social Work (MSW) (Online)
• Sociology - Master of Arts (MA)
• Sociology (Co-op) - Master of Arts (MA)
• Sociology - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Sociology (Co-op) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Statistics - Master of Math (MMath)
• Statistics - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Statistics (Biostatistics) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Sustainability Management - Master of Environmental Studies (MES)
• Sustainability Management (Aeronautics) - Master of Environmental Studies (MES)
• Sustainability Management (Water) - Master of Environmental Studies (MES)
• Sustainability Management - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Sustainability Management (Aeronautics) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Sustainability Management (Water) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Systems Design Engineering - Master of Applied Science (MASc)
• Systems Design Engineering (Aeronautics) - Master of Applied Science (MASc)
• Systems Design Engineering (Nanotechnology) - Master of Applied Science (MASc) 
• Systems Design Engineering - Master of Engineering (MEng)
• Systems Design Engineering - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Systems Design Engineering (Aeronautics) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Systems Design Engineering (Nanotechnology) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Taxation - Master of Taxation (MTax)
• Taxation (Co-op) - Master of Taxation (MTax )
• Theological Studies - Master of Theological Studies (MTS) (Conrad Grebel University College)
• Vision Science - Master of Science (MSc) 
• Vision Science (Aeronautics) - Master of Science (MSc)
• Vision Science - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Vision Science (Aeronautics) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Finding the right fit: a guide for prospective graduate students

Skip to Content

Current Students

Interested in more? Search Courses

• Search Input Submit Search

Admission Steps

Higher education - phd, admission requirements.

Terms and Deadlines

Degree and GPA Requirements

Additional Standards for Non-Native English Speakers

Additional standards for international applicants.

For the 2025-2026 academic year

See 2024-2025 requirements instead

Fall 2025 quarter (beginning in September)

Priority deadline: December 2, 2024

Final submission deadline: June 16, 2025

International submission deadline: May 5, 2025

Priority deadline: Applications will be considered after the Priority deadline provided space is available.

Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.

Degrees and GPA Requirements

Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.

Masters degree: This program requires a masters degree as well as the baccalaureate.

University GPA requirement: The minimum grade point average for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver must meet one of the following criteria:

A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree.

A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree.

An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the recognized equivalent from an international institution supersedes the minimum GPA requirement for the baccalaureate.

A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework completed for applicants who have not earned a master’s degree or higher.

Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced or Duolingo English Test are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Your TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.

The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:

Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80

Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5

Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115

Additional Information:

Read the English Language Proficiency policy for more details.

Read the Required Tests for GTA Eligibility policy for more details.

Per Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulation, international applicants must meet all standards for admission before an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued, [per U.S. Federal Register: 8 CFR § 214.3(k)] or is academically eligible for admission and is admitted [per 22 C.F.R. §62]. Read the Additional Standards For International Applicants policy for more details.

Application Materials

Transcripts, letters of recommendation.

Required Essays and Statements

Other Required Materials

We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required.  Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.

Essays and Statements

Personal statement instructions.

The Higher Education Department understands equity, diversity, and social justice as essential and fundamental concerns in the study, practice, and leadership of post-secondary education.  Please provide a personal statement of academic and professional goals (1-2 pages, double-spaced).  Include in your statement: (1) Research interests and professional objectives in the study of higher education. (2) Any personal, educational, and employment experiences that have shaped your research and professional interests in the study of higher education. (3) Expectations for how the PhD in Higher Education at the University of Denver specifically will support your research interests and professional objectives.  Note: if there is a specific faculty member with whom you would like to work, based on your research interests, please mention and discuss in this statement.

Diversity Statement Instructions

Please provide a statement of equity, diversity, and social justice (1-2 pages, double-spaced). Include in your statement: (1) Your thoughts on the roles and opportunities for equity, diversity, and social justice in postsecondary institutions and/or higher education policy. (2) Any personal, academic, and/or professional experiences that have shaped your understanding and commitment to equity, diversity, and social justice in higher education.

Résumé Instructions

The résumé (or C.V.) should include work experience, research, and/or volunteer work.

Additional requirements for this program:

Virtual interview may be required.

Start the Application

Online Application

Financial Aid Information

Start your application.

Your submitted materials will be reviewed once all materials and application fees have been received.

Our program can only consider your application for admission if our Office of Graduate Education has received all your online materials and supplemental materials by our application deadline.

Application Fee: $65.00 Application Fee

International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00 Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States.

Applicants should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.

Omaha man has master’s degree from defunct college restored after record of it was lost

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Before he could deploy to Afghanistan and counsel soldiers in a warzone, then-Army Chaplain Maj. Vince Hardy needed a master’s degree, so he earned one at Grace University in Omaha.

“The Army was aware that I completed a master’s and they allowed me to come back on duty as a chaplain,” Vince said.

Grace University closed in 2018, and by law, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln manages the academic records of defunct colleges in the state. That way, if any of the 10,000 alumni needed to show their academic achievements, they know where to find them.

But the retired Army chaplain tells 6 News when it came time to provide proof of his master’s degree at Grace, those records are nowhere to be found.

Vince is applying for his doctorate, so he needs official proof of his master’s degree, but a letter from UNL said that unfortunately, his record was not transferred from Grace.

“All the effort, all the studying, all the sacrifices, it’s coming back now, like it didn’t count,” said Vince. “It didn’t matter.”

Dr. Karl Pagenkemper was the Academic Vice President of Grace University when it closed.

“I’ve never heard of this happening before,” said Pagenkemper. “I don’t even know. It could be a mechanical thing where someone pushed a button by accident or didn’t press it.”

Because of this missing proof, Vince says he was denied enrollment in a doctorate program, but the Grace professor and dean kept records that backed up his former student’s proof of a master’s degree.

“His transcript is clean,” Pagenkemper said. “It’s a good one. It’s just not an official one, so that’s why I’ve been willing to go to bat [for Vince]. I sent letters and notes off to Lincoln.”

After that correspondence and emails from 6 News, Hardy’s master’s from Grace University has been added to his official record kept by the UNL Registrar, Steve Booton.

“I added and appended a note to the tail end of that transcript that basically explains that the record was omitted in error and this particular record was fully validated by Grace University officials,” said Booton.

Vince now has his master’s back, front and center on his academic record, so he can advance forward on his education, and Booton says he’ll pick up the phone and vouch for him during his doctorate application process, if need be.

“I’m going to be an old student and I’m going to love every minute of it,” Vince said.

Copyright 2024 WOWT. All rights reserved.

Officer-involved shooting at Omaha home leaves 37-year-old man dead

Man dead, Omaha teen hurt in Monday night crash

Family of missing Omaha man shifts from worried to scared

Omaha Public Schools bus involved in crash Tuesday morning

Bennington farmer celebrates 80th birthday with tractor display

Longtime doggie day care in Omaha told to close outdoor play area

Property owners plan to fight City of Omaha to rebuild after tornado

Two separate northeast Nebraska plane crashes result in fatalities, report says

Latest news.

Omaha man spreads gratitude on 5-year anniversary of life-saving transplant

Ohio manslaughter fugitive arrested in Omaha

Officer involved in shooting at Omaha home

Omaha zoo mourns death of 20-year-old siamang

6 things you need to know on Wednesday Aug. 28 Daybreak

Bellevue Police searching for suspect in shooting

Douglas County Youth Center officials give media a tour of new facility

Man shot, killed as by Omaha officer as police serve arrest warrant