Graduate Degree Studies at US Colleges and Universities
The United States offers a unique system for graduate study, compared to most other countries. Once students have an undergraduate degree from a college or university, they can choose to focus on a specialty area and receive more in-depth education through the pursuit of either a master's or doctorate degree. Regardless of the chosen field of study, or the type of degree pursued, graduate programs in the US offer curricula that combine research and coursework. Objectives of any program include:
- Furthering of undergraduate studies
- Intensive training and instruction
- Increased specialization
- Applied skills
- Self-directed learning
Some master's level courses are formal lectures, while others are primarily discussion facilitated by faculty. In seminars, where students may be expected to present as well as participate, class size is smaller than in lecture courses. Success is measured by primarily by class participation, quality of research papers, and performance on examinations.
Types of Graduate Degrees in the US
Master's Degree
Obtaining a master's degree is the next step in higher learning following a bachelor's degree. Available in many different fields, master's degree programs are either academic or professional. The two academic degrees are the Master of Arts (MA), which is awarded in the arts and humanities, and the Master of Science (MS), which is earned from study of the sciences and technical areas. Both the MA and MS emphasize research methodology, field investigation and original research, requiring between 30 and 60 credit hours for completion.
Most full-time master's students complete their studies in 1-2 years. Prior to receiving their degree, master's students must conduct research and write a thesis, plus take a comprehensive oral exam. Or they may choose a "non-thesis" option, where they take more coursework instead, and their comprehensive exam is written.
Many master's programs are known as "terminal" programs, meaning that students do not intend to continue on immediately with doctoral studies. Some master's programs are specially designed for students who plan to go straight on to study for their doctorate. These "accelerated" programs often limit their admissions to only doctoral candidates, but allow students to pursue a doctorate without having to go through the process of applying to doctorate programs, or worry about whether transferred credits will be accepted. Most programs that combine master's and doctoral degrees award professional master's degrees.
Professional master's degree target a particular profession -- for example, business administration (MBA), education (MEd), social work (MSW), fine arts (MFA), public policy (MPP) and public administration (MPA). They are designed to provide complete preparation for entrance into the profession, so are considered terminal programs. Other subjects frequently studied include architecture, journalism, urban planning and international relations.
In the case of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or law, programs may begin after only three years of undergraduate education that includes prerequisite coursework. Like academic master's degree programs, professional degree programs can be completed in one to two years, after earning between 36 and 48 credits hours. However, a thesis is rarely required.
Doctoral Degree
Most doctoral students earn their PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) to certify that they are trained as a research scholar or professional. Other awarded degrees include the EdD for education, DBA for business administration, MD for medicine, Juris Doctor for law, Doctor of Arts, Doctor of Theology, Doctor of Pharmacy and Doctor of Physical Therapy.
The first three to five years of a doctoral program focus on intensive coursework. Then, when course requirements have been completed and the student and adviser both agree that the student is ready, a comprehensive exam is given. The exam tests the student's ability to apply cumulative knowledge comprehensively, independently and creatively. Once this exam is successfully passed, the student dedicates all of his or her efforts to research.
Working with a faculty adviser, the student works to create an original product of significant research and write a dissertation, which may take two to three years or longer. The doctoral degree is awarded when the student successfully defends their dissertation before members of faculty who specialize in the field. Many who graduate go on to become faculty members themselves.
Depending on the discipline, some professions (such as medicine) do not consider a degree-holder fully trained until he or she has completed formal apprenticeship (residency and internship) or certification (e.g. medical boards or the bar exam for lawyers).
Tips
- Terminal vs. Non-terminal - When comparing programs, students should ask whether a master's degree program in a particular field is terminal or non-terminal (accelerated). If the program is terminal, and the student plans to pursue a doctorate at some time in the future, programs that provide credits that will be accepted for transfer into doctoral programs may be preferred.
- Compare Different Program Types - There are many different kinds of doctoral programs in the US, some nontraditional. Prospective students should compare program requirements, culture, modalities and expectations.