PhD vs. Master's - Level of Difficulty?

Question

I received my masters degree in 2006 and am thinking of heading back to earn a PhD in political science/public policy. For those who've gone on to PhD programs, how difficult are doctoral studies compared to masters work?

This has nothing to do with helping me decide whether to get a PhD; rather, I'm just curious about how it stacks up to a masters.

Thanks!

Answer 1

The difference between Master's level and doctoral level work lies primarily in the expectation of originality in method and theory, and in the narrowness of one's specialization.

Master's level work is mostly about gaining familiarity with the literature in the field, and learning about the various methodologies of interpretation employed in the field.

Doctoral level work is about staking out one's own method and theory, and then applying it to various types of data. At the doctoral level, one is expected to specialize in an even narrower concentration, and original interpretations within this concentration are the aim.

There will also be less faculty guidance at the doctoral level. Independent activity (writing, presenting, etc.) is expected.

Best wishes to you!

Answer 2

FYI
I read this and I think it may apply to you also.
A glut of History MAs and PhDs, too few desired positions, and a faculty invested in the status quo point to a need for change.
Many History MAs and PhDs want to know why the number of PhDs and the focus of their education are out of balance with job prospects and career expectations.
Between 1983 and 2006, the number of doctorates earned annually in the History tripled.
The percentage of History MAs and PhDs finding jobs continues to shrink.
For History PhDs overall, after five years only about 7% of graduates hold a full time job.
"You talk to anyone running a faculty job search anywhere and they are getting on average 200 applicants," says a PhD from Yale.