To provide specialized knowledge and skills in a particular field.

To prepare students for a doctoral program.

To offer a general education in a broad range of subjects.

To provide vocational training for a specific job.

Master of Arts (MA)

Master of Science (MS)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

A master's degree typically takes longer to complete.

A doctoral degree requires more coursework.

A doctoral degree involves conducting original research and writing a dissertation.

A master's degree is more focused on practical skills, while a doctoral degree is more focused on research.

Teaching assistantships

Research assistantships

Fellowships

Scholarships

Loans

Graduate Record Examination

Graduate Readiness Examination

General Reasoning Examination

Graduate Aptitude Test

To explain why the applicant is interested in the particular program.

To highlight the applicant's academic achievements and research experience.

To provide a writing sample that demonstrates the applicant's communication skills.

To discuss the applicant's career goals and how the program aligns with those goals.

To provide guidance and support to the student during their research.

To evaluate the student's progress and provide feedback.

To help the student select a research topic and develop a research plan.

To serve as a member of the student's dissertation committee.

A thesis is typically shorter than a dissertation.

A thesis is based on original research, while a dissertation is based on a review of existing literature.

A thesis is typically completed in one year, while a dissertation takes several years to complete.

A thesis is typically required for a master's degree, while a dissertation is required for a doctoral degree.

To assess the student's knowledge of the core concepts in their field.

To evaluate the student's ability to think critically and apply their knowledge.

To determine the student's readiness to conduct independent research.

To provide feedback to the student on their strengths and weaknesses.

To provide guidance and support to the student during their research.

To evaluate the student's progress and provide feedback.

To help the student select a research topic and develop a research plan.

To serve as a panel of experts who evaluate the student's dissertation and oral defense.

One year

Two years

Three years

Four years

Three years

Four years

Five years

Six years

A terminal master's degree prepares students for a career in a specific field, while a research master's degree prepares students for a doctoral program.

A terminal master's degree typically requires a thesis, while a research master's degree does not.

A terminal master's degree is typically shorter than a research master's degree.

A terminal master's degree is typically less expensive than a research master's degree.

A professional master's degree is designed to prepare students for a specific career, while an academic master's degree is designed to prepare students for further academic study.

A professional master's degree typically requires more coursework than an academic master's degree.

A professional master's degree typically takes longer to complete than an academic master's degree.

A professional master's degree is typically more expensive than an academic master's degree.