2006-06-13 07:23:40 · 15 answers · asked by Balma 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Financial Aid
Both are excellent opportunities, as is any form of higher education. In order to work for your doctorate you must first have your masters. The doctorate is the higher of the two degrees.
2006-06-13 07:26:26 · answer #1 · answered by shermamajones 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not true in all cases that you need to get a masters before a doctorate.
As has been stated before, a PhD is better for staying in the world of academia. When going into industry, those who hold doctorates are often limited to research. Many companies will not hire a doctorate due to the added expense that they bring in a very specialized area.
In most cases, a phd will be in such a small area (english history in the 1640s, high temperature polymer reactions) that a majority of the companies will not have need for your added expertice. Also, since school learning is so extremely different than real world experience, there is almost never a parallel between degrees and work experience for at least 5 years. Once you pass the 5 year mark, that added college time may play a factor.
2006-06-13 14:45:55 · answer #2 · answered by NJ Engineer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it really depends up on the discipline. Doctorates have opportunities primarily in university settings as professors, but also has consultants. Overall, more education provides more work opportunities, but it takes a long time to get a doctorate.
Getting a Masters in Business Administration opens a lot of doors, but I'm not sure if the equivalent is true if you get a masters in say, history.
2006-06-13 14:27:38 · answer #3 · answered by fightinginertia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the field. You will generally make more money with a doctorate than with a masters in the same field, but you may also have more difficulty finding a job - if a company can hire either a masters or doctorate level candidate for the same position, but pay the masters candidate less, the masters candidate may fit into the budget and be hired instead. In addition, it takes longer to get your doctorate, and the pay difference may not be worth it. For example, if you're in school 3 years longer, you are most likely not working full-time (lost wages) plus you're paying tuition. For example, in Kansas, both masters and Ph.D.'s can be licensed psychologists. Ph. D. psycs make more, but if you work it out - the extra money spend getting your Ph.D. (lost wages and tuition) makes it actually not worth it to go beyond your doctorate.
Of course, every field is different, so I'd look into it and work it our for your field of interest (talk to university professors, look up salaries on-line, look at job-opportunities in the area you work and if they are looking for masters or Ph.D. candidates). One thing that is better about a Ph.D. than a masters is that you get to put "Dr." in front of your name! :)
2006-06-13 15:43:36 · answer #4 · answered by my name is not Susan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doctorate
2006-06-13 14:26:48 · answer #5 · answered by ballyk777 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand your interest to be, which degree leads to you the best career in the US. That somewhat depends on your interests. Although both degrees open teaching options, a doctorate is the better path, if you want to stay in acedemia. As for the economic returns in the private sector, you can think of a doctorate as having the opportunity cost of two years of proving yourself in the private sector. In this case, your particular field of study will have a lot of bearing on this; some fields are in greater demand than others.
2006-06-13 14:35:00 · answer #6 · answered by Marsh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Doctorate is the higher of the degrees, but often companies are reluctant to hire doctorates straight out of college. They would rather hire a candidate with a Master's degree. Once working for a company, they will often reimburse you to complete the higher degree. It all depends on your field and degree.
2006-06-13 14:29:49 · answer #7 · answered by Scott E 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the field. But you have to have a masters before a doctorate.
2006-06-13 14:26:27 · answer #8 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer depends on the subject area you are into. For example, if you are into Polymers (Science of Oil, etc.) go for the PhD! If you want to be a Psychologist, go for the PhD! Before you get the PhD, you need a Master's Degree, usually in a related field.
Why pursue a Master's Degree? If you want to "update" your Bachelor's Degree, go for the MA, or MS, etc. For example, a teacher may want to earn a Master's Degree in Education to keep his/her license valid. A nurse who may want to be a Charge Nurse, or teach in a college, may want a MSN (Master of Science in Nursing).
If you think you would like to work in a library, and be a librarian, go for the MLS (Master's in Library Science).
Lots of learning to do, so many ways to go!
2006-06-13 14:32:39 · answer #9 · answered by Malika 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Masters degree, preferably an MBA from Harvard.
2006-06-13 14:53:56 · answer #10 · answered by the_la_mark 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋