What is the difference between a masters and bachelors degree

The higher education system can be confusing, even for students currently enrolled. Sometimes it seems like a special language was created just for colleges and universities. Learning what each degree option means is a first step in planning your educational future.

Bachelor’s Degree

The most common degree completed in college is the bachelor’s degree. Students entering college usually spend four to five years working on a specific field of study. Most bachelor’s degrees require 120 credit hours. Upon successful completion of all courses and requirements, students will earn an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree. The most common bachelor’s degrees are the B.A. or Bachelor of Arts, the B.F.A. or bachelor of fine arts and the B.S. or Bachelor of Science. A bachelor’s degree is required to pursue a master’s degree.

Degree Completion

Sometimes students have to drop out of college for personal reasons. To assist students who would like to return to finish their undergraduate degree, a special program called degree completion was created. The degree completion program is crafted to accommodate a student who is working or cannot attend full time. Some programs are offered online or are a hybrid of online and on-campus classes. Students who wish to transfer from a community college can apply their earned credits toward a degree completion program.

Master’s Degree

Once you have completed your undergraduate degree, you may be interested in pursuing an advanced degree or a master’s degree. A master’s degree is also referred to as a graduate degree. Pursuing a master’s degree is a way to specialize in a particular area of study and usually requires one or two additional years of school. The most prevalent degree titles include the M.A. or Master of Arts, M.B.A. or Master of Business Administration and M.S. or Master of Science. In 2009, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that 15 percent of the U.S. population holds an advanced degree, including a masters, doctorate, law or medical diplomas.

Doctoral Degree

A doctoral degree is also knows as a terminal degree because it is the highest level of education that can be attained. The two types of doctorates awarded are the Doctor of Philosophy or Ph.D. and the Doctor of Education or Ed.D. The Ph.D. is designed for students interested in conducting research and teaching at a college level. Students with this degree often work in higher education or other scholarly fields. Students who are interested in serving as leaders in their fields or as expert practitioners typically pursue an Ed.D. Students pursuing a doctoral degree will usually be expected to spend a minimum of three years as a full-time student.

References

Writer Bio

Dr. Kelly S. Meier is a professor and college administrator for a large public institution in Minnesota. She received her undergraduate degree from Western Illinois University and her master's degree and doctorate from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She has published more than 15 books on education, group development and diversity.

Your undergraduate diploma is hanging prominently on your wall (or maybe it’s still in the unopened mailer) and now it’s time to decide: master’s degree or no master’s degree? While a variety of factors can play a role in this significant decision, here are some advantages that are worth your consideration:

Specialized Content – A master’s degree offers more focused content. Students typically begin by completing a series of field-specific core courses. Many programs also allow students to complete a concentration or emphasis area, allowing for even more specialization. Unique research opportunities can also be found in many graduate programs. Research allows for increased engagement in your field of study, which can be a crucial component for career advancement.

Professional Development – While a bachelor’s degree can provide a solid foundation to begin your career, a master’s degree will allow you to advance confidently in your field or allow you to transition to a brand new one! Technical skills found in an undergraduate program are often honed within a graduate program, but leadership training is a valuable piece of graduate-level curriculum that can be directly applied in the workplace. The distinct combination of technical skill and leadership that you will acquire while completing your master’s degree can provide a competitive edge for your professional life, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced job market.

Networking Opportunities – With specialized content and a focus on professional development, a master’s degree provides the perfect opportunity to network with practicing and aspiring professionals in your field. Peer discussion within a graduate program centers not only on an assigned text and topic but also on the academic, professional, and personal experiences of students. A graduate program can also connect you to professional organizations which can be key in expanding your network. 

Earning Potential – The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that in 2018, the median annual salary for workers with bachelor’s degrees was $62,296 while the median annual salary for workers with master’s degrees was $74,568. While salary and earning potential vary based on location, occupation, and field of study, the data suggests that the pursuit of a master’s degree is monetarily worthwhile.   

It’s no secret that a graduate program requires tenacious dedication and focus. The decision to complete a master’s degree may be based on career advancement or the personal desire to gain further knowledge and expertise in a selected field. Whatever your motivation, the advantages of obtaining a master’s degree are worthy of consideration.

If you’re ready to take advantage of the benefits a master’s degree has to offer, contact UNK Online at or 1.800.865.6388.