What types of degrees are available?
Masters degrees. (M.A.,
M.S., M.Ed., M.B.A., M.F.A., M.M., M.S.W., etc.) Masters degrees
are awarded upon completion of a one to two year program of studies
after the baccalaureate degree.
In general, programs are of the following types:
- Course-type programs. Students
satisfactorily complete a required program of studies. There
may or may not be a comprehensive examination.
- Thesis-type programs. Students
complete a required program of studies and a thesis, which is
an original piece of research. A comprehensive examination may
or may not be required.
- Programs with proficiency requirements.
Many of the creative disciplines (music, dance, theatre, art)
offer programs that require the student to demonstrate proficiency
in order to graduate.
Specialists and advanced masters degrees. (Ed.S.,
Adv.M.) These represent study beyond the masters degree but less than
the doctoral degree. They are most often offered in education, but
may be available in a number of areas. They may be either a course-type
or thesis-type program and may or may not require a comprehensive exam.
Professional degrees. (J.D.,
M.D., D.V.M., Pharm.D., D.D.S., D.M.D, etc.) Professional degrees are
awarded upon completion of programs of study that prepare individuals
to enter certain professions. Though the degree may contain the term
doctor, a professional degree is the initial degree awarded in that
area. Higher degrees may be available, including masters degrees and
Ph.D.s.
Doctoral degrees. (Ph.D.,
Ed.D., D.M., etc.) These are the highest degrees awarded. In addition
to completion of an academic program of study and a comprehensive examination,
all require a dissertation, which is a significant work of original
research.
Post doctorates. These
are not really degrees but simply advanced study/research/training
in a particular area.
