pre phd vs phd

Why do a predoc?

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The Academic Pipeline

Until recently, the typical academic pipeline in the quantitative social sciences has solely been a series of degrees: first a Bachelor's degree, then perhaps a Master's before completing a PhD program.

Completing a Master's degree or enrolling directly in a PhD program is an option for some, but presents challenges to those who are still deciding if a PhD is right for them, or need some further development before applying to PhD programs but find a Master's degree prohibitive. Pre-doctoral programs can resolve these difficulties.

At universities, pre-docs work directly for faculty for one to two years, allowing them to gain a deep understanding of the research process. At research institutions, pre-docs typically work with a team of senior researchers. During their tenure, pre-docs:

• hone coding, quantitative, and field work proficiencies;
• develop professional skills like team and project management;
• gain confidence and skill interacting with faculty and senior researchers;
• explore subfields and refine their academic interests;
• ultimately evaluate whether the PhD track is right for them.

Those who do continue on to top PhD programs do so with a highly developed toolkit, and hit the ground running. Those who decide to go on to non-PhD opportunities are well-positioned for a variety of careers, including non-PhD research positions and other industry roles. All leave with a network of aspiring researchers who could well become future colleagues and collaborators.

There are two career outcomes: either an assistant professor position or a career in Research, Data Science, consulting in the public or private sector. All degrees can get a position in the latter. To become an assistant professor, you must have a Bachelor's degree, either a Pre-Doc or a Masters degree, and a PHD.

This flow chart illustrates the new pathway through the academic pipeline. While a pre-doctoral opportunity or Master's degree may add a lot of value, neither is required to apply to the PhD. Pre-docs and Master's programs are not identical, but they can fulfill similar credentialing functions when one is applying to PhD programs. Master's degrees are student-driven and are, of course, costly. Pre-docs are faculty-driven, giving direct experience of the research process, and are paid positions. While pre-docs are not specifically designed to prepare people for non-academic careers, the skills they pre-docs gain through their work are applicable to a wide variety of non-academic occupations.

So why do a pre-doc?

Pre-doctoral research experience can be valuable in several different ways. 

• Gain more experience before a PhD (and get paid for it).  For those who need to flesh out some technical skills or get more research experience, a pre-doc can be a great alternative to a more expensive option like a terminal Master's degree.  A lot of that skill and experience comes directly from the job, but can also be supplemented by coursework and resources specifically created for pre-docs by the hiring institutions. 
• Explore what a research career is, and whether it's right for you.  For those still exploring what a career in research looks like and whether a PhD is right for them, pre-docs give an unparalleled window to the research process.  Supervisors involve pre-docs closely in the research projects they are running.  Pre-docs who have gone on to PhD programs report that this preview helps them hit the ground running for their own graduate studies.  Even for those who never go on to exactly the kind of research they did as a pre-doc, the toolkit developed in these roles is broadly applicable and highly valued.  
• Prepare for a successful career (academic or otherwise).  Most people who complete a pre-doc do go on to PhD study.  We are still sharing data among the PREDOC consortium members to get a clear picture of exactly how many go on to the PhD, but from what we've analyzed so far, it looks to be in excess of 75%.  From our preliminary data, around 40% of applicants accepted to top PhD programs have experience as a pre-doc, so while it's not necessary experience, it's not uncommon, either.  Those who go on to a PhD (which is typically fully funded ) after a pre-doc are generally happy with their placements and report being well prepared.  Those who don't go on to the PhD typically take jobs in research and data science, frequently in policy (e.g., at the Federal Reserve or International Monetary Fund), and also in private industry (e.g., data science consultancy or non-profit work). 

To get a concrete idea of what compensation for a professorial career looks like, the following chart reports the distribution of faculty salaries in business schools as reported by  AACSB :

Check out our FAQ  for PhD graduates  for more information.

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Applied Doctorate vs. Ph.D.: What are the Differences?

Making a choice between two similar but different things can be a challenge.

Oh, sure, some things don’t fall under the “do-or-die” category of decision making. With some things, there simply is no wrong choice.

Take a sports car versus an SUV, for example. Either is a great choice, depending on your budget, your lifestyle and your personal preferences.

What about an angus beef burger versus a textured soy protein patty? When it comes to radically opposing food choices, there’s usually a clear-cut winner.

Yet what about the more important things in life … like your career, your future and your doctoral education?

You already know the drill when it comes to deciding if a Ph.D. or doctorate is right for you:

• Investigate each type of degree program.
• Make a list of personal and professional pros and cons for each type of degree.
• Seek the wise counsel of colleagues, academic advisors and professional mentors.
• Make a confident decision about which degree is right for.

But first, let’s define the Ph.D. and the professional doctorate and then look at how they’re different from one another.

What is a Ph.D.?

A Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy, is a high-level degree earned after a period of three or more years of graduate-level study, culminating in the creation, submission, presentation and defense of a research dissertation.

The Ph.D. can be awarded in a wide variety of fields, including the sciences, engineering and humanities. The term “philosophy,” according to Wikipedia, “does not refer solely to the field or academic disciple of philosophy, but is used in a broader sense in accordance with its original Greek meaning, which is ‘love of wisdom.’”

For some professions, such as university professor or researcher, the Ph.D. is pretty much de rigueur. Most Ph.D.s are earned as a means of contributing original research findings to an academic community, field of study or professional discipline.  

Earning a doctorate is challenging and rewarding, but do you know what to really expect? Download this free guide for tips and insights to help you prepare for success.  

What is an applied professional doctorate.

This doctorate is an advanced, high-level degree, too, earned after a period of three or more years of graduate-level study across a wide variety of disciplines. Like the Ph.D. it, too, culminates in the creation, submission, presentation and defense of a research dissertation or similar type of comprehensive final project.

The professional doctorate is also a research-based degree, only it emphasizes looking at existing bodies of knowledge and raising questions for the purposes of solving a problem and applying theories to a real-world setting.

Applied doctorate degrees first became well established in the United Kingdom and Australia and were initially offered in the United States by for-profit colleges and universities. Employer demand for higher skill levels and actionable problem-solving, however, opened up new programs at accredited non-profit institutions.

Different than a theoretical, Ph.D. degree, the professional doctorate is often the best terminal degree for the working professional who’s driven to lead and innovate.

Applied doctoral degree programs offer the opportunity to earn a practical degree that enables both subject mastery and field application.

What is the difference between the Ph.D. and doctorate?

It’s often assumed that a Ph.D. is a teaching-only degree while a professional doctorate is for the corporate player. The truth is, either degree can be valued in an academic or professional setting, depending on the type of institution or organization. Furthermore, either degree could be right for you.

Dr. Christopher Washington, Franklin University’s provost and chief academic officer explains the fundamental difference between the Ph.D. and the applied professional doctorate degree this way:

“With a Ph.D., you generate new theory. With the professional doctorate, you start from a place of practice and what’s going on in the world. You look at existing bodies of knowledge to see what theories have been created. Then you raise questions to determine how to design experiences that test theory to practice. In cultivating these types of practitioner-oriented scholars, there’s potential for a stronger and better relationship between the scholar and the community he or she serves. Such a connection helps us convene people to tackle the hard questions.”

Here we offer a side-by-side comparison of the Ph.D. and the professional doctorate to further demonstrate the differences (and similarities):

As you can see, the differences between the Ph.D. and the applied doctorate are few – and many – most of which are directly related to how earning the degree will impact your career.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself before deciding which degree is right for you :

• Do you want to conduct research or analyze and apply it?
• Do you want to work in an academic or professional setting?
• Do you want to identify problems or lead solutions to them?

Explains Dr. Washington, “If you want to generate new theory and conduct pure science within the pursuit of an academic life, then the Ph.D. is probably more in line with what you’ll need. If, however, you want to advance knowledge within a complex, global practice context while challenging yourself professionally, consider the applied doctorate degree.”

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9 things you should consider before embarking on a PhD

June 23, 2021 | 15 min read

By Andy Greenspon

The ideal research program you envision is not what it appears to be

Editor's Note:  When Andy Greenspon wrote this article, he was a first-year student in Applied Physics at Harvard. Now he has completed his PhD. — Alison Bert, June 23, 2021

If you are planning to apply for a PhD program, you're probably getting advice from dozens of students, professors, administrators your parents and the Internet. Sometimes it's hard to know which advice to focus on and what will make the biggest difference in the long-run. So before you go back to daydreaming about the day you accept that Nobel Prize, here are nine things you should give serious thought to. One or more of these tips may save you from anguish and help you make better decisions as you embark on that path to a PhD.

1. Actively seek out information about PhD programs.

Depending on your undergraduate institution, there may be more or less support to guide you in selecting a PhD program – but there is generally much less than when you applied to college.

On the website of my physics department, I found a page written by one of my professors, which listed graduate school options in physics and engineering along with resources to consult. As far as I know, my career center did not send out much information about PhD programs. Only after applying to programs did I find out that my undergraduate website had a link providing general information applicable to most PhD programs. This is the kind of information that is available all over the Internet.

So don't wait for your career center or department to lay out a plan for you. Actively seek it out from your career center counselors, your professors, the Internet — and especially from alumni from your department who are in or graduated from your desired PhD program. First-hand experiences will almost always trump the knowledge you get second-hand.

2. A PhD program is not simply a continuation of your undergraduate program.

Many students don't internalize this idea until they have jumped head-first into a PhD program. The goal is not to complete an assigned set of courses as in an undergraduate program, but to develop significant and original research in your area of expertise. You will have required courses to take, especially if you do not have a master's degree yet, but these are designed merely to compliment your research and provide a broad and deep knowledge base to support you in your research endeavors.

At the end of your PhD program, you will be judged on your research, not on how well you did in your courses. Grades are not critical as long as you maintain the minimum GPA requirement, and you should not spend too much time on courses at the expense of research projects. Graduate courses tend to be designed to allow you to take away what you will find useful to your research more than to drill a rigid set of facts and techniques into your brain.

3. Take a break between your undergraduate education and a PhD program.

You are beginning your senior year of college, and your classmates are asking you if you are applying to graduate school. You think to yourself, "Well, I like studying this topic and the associated research, and I am going to need a PhD if I want to be a professor or do independent research, so I might as well get it done as soon as possible." But are you certain about the type of research you want to do? Do you know where you want to live for the next five years? Are you prepared to stay in an academic environment for nine years straight?

Many people burn out or end up trudging through their PhD program without a thought about what lies outside of or beyond it. A break of a year or two or even more may be necessary to gain perspective. If all you know is an academic environment, how can you compare it to anything else? Many people take a job for five or more years before going back to get their PhD. It is true though that the longer you stay out of school, the harder it is to go back to an academic environment with lower pay and a lack of set work hours. A one-year break will give you six months or so after graduation before PhD applications are due. A two-year gap might be ideal to provide time to identify your priorities in life and explore different areas of research without having school work or a thesis competing for your attention.

Getting research experience outside of a degree program can help focus your interests and give you a leg up on the competition when you finally decide to apply. It can also help you determine whether you will enjoy full-time research or if you might prefer an alternative career path that still incorporates science, for example, in policy, consulting or business — or a hybrid research job that combines scientific and non-scientific skills.

I will be forever grateful that I chose to do research in a non-academic environment for a year between my undergraduate and PhD programs. It gave me the chance to get a feel for doing nothing but research for a full year. Working at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in the Space Division, I was the manager of an optics lab, performing spectroscopic experiments on rocks and minerals placed in a vacuum chamber. While my boss determined the overall experimental design, I was able to make my own suggestions for experiments and use my own discretion in how to perform them. I presented this research at two national conferences as well — a first for me. I was also able to learn about other research being performed there, determine which projects excited me the most, and thus narrow down my criteria for a PhD program.

4. Your current area of study does not dictate what you have to study in graduate school.

You might be studying the function and regulation of membrane proteins or doing a computational analysis of the conductivity of different battery designs, but that doesn't mean your PhD project must revolve around similar projects. The transition between college or another research job to a PhD program is one of the main transitions in your life when it is perfectly acceptable to completely change research areas.

If you are doing computation, you may want to switch to lab-based work or vice versa. If you are working in biology but have always had an interest in photonics research, now is the time to try it out. You may find that you love the alternative research and devote your PhD to it, you might hate it and fall back on your previous area of study — or you may even discover a unique topic that incorporates both subjects.

One of the best aspects of the PhD program is that you can make the research your own. Remember, the answer to the question "Why are you doing this research?" should not be "Well, because it's what I've been working on for the past few years already."While my undergraduate research was in atomic physics, I easily transitioned into applied physics and materials science for my PhD program and was able to apply much of what I learned as an undergraduate to my current research. If you are moving from the sciences to a non-STEM field such as social sciences or humanities, this advice can still apply, though the transition is a bit more difficult and more of a permanent commitment.

5. Make sure the PhD program has a variety of research options, and learn about as many research groups as possible in your first year.

Even if you believe you are committed to one research area, you may find that five years of such work is not quite what you expected. As such, you should find a PhD program where the professors are not all working in the same narrowly focused research area. Make sure there are at least three professors working on an array of topics you could imagine yourself working on.

In many graduate programs, you are supposed to pick a research advisor before even starting. But such arrangements often do not work out, and you may be seeking a new advisor before you know it. That's why many programs give students one or two semesters to explore different research areas before choosing a permanent research advisor.

In your first year, you should explore the research of a diverse set of groups. After touring their labs, talking to the students, or sitting in on group meetings, you may find that this group is the right one for you.

In addition, consider the importance of who your research advisor will be. This will be the person you interact with regularly for five straight years and who will have a crucial influence on your research. Do you like their advising style? Does their personality mesh with yours? Can you get along? Of course, the research your advisor works on is critical, but if you have large disagreements at every meeting or do not get helpful advice on how to proceed with your research, you may not be able to succeed. At the very least, you must be able to handle your advisor's management of the lab and advising style if you are going to be productive in your work. The Harvard program I enrolled in has professors working on research spanning from nanophotonics to energy materials and biophysics, covering my wide range of interests. By spending time in labs and offices informally chatting with graduate students, I found an advisor whose personality and research interests meshed very well with me. Their genuine enthusiasm for this advisor and their excitement when talking about their research was the best input I could have received.

6. Location is more important than you think — but name recognition is not.

The first consideration in choosing a PhD program should be, "Is there research at this university that I am passionate about?" After all, you will have to study this topic in detail for four or more years. But when considering the location of a university, your first thought should not be, "I'm going to be in the lab all the time, so what does it matter if I'm by the beach, in a city, or in the middle of nowhere." Contrary to popular belief, you will have a life outside of the lab, and you will have to be able to live with it for four or more years. Unlike when you were an undergraduate, your social and extracurricular life will revolve less around the university community, so the environment of the surrounding area is important. Do you need a city atmosphere to be productive? Or is your ideal location surrounded by forests and mountains or by a beach? Is being close to your family important? Imagine what it will be like living in the area during the times you are not doing research; consider what activities will you do and how often will you want to visit family.

While many of the PhD programs that accepted me had research that truly excited me, the only place I could envision living for five or more years was Boston, as the city I grew up near and whose environment and culture I love, and to be close to my family.

While location is more important than you think, the reputation and prestige of the university is not. In graduate school, the reputation of the individual department you are joining — and sometimes even the specific research group you work in — are more important. There, you will develop research collaborations and professional connections that will be crucial during your program and beyond. When searching for a job after graduation, other scientists will look at your specific department, the people you have worked with and the research you have done.

At the Asgard Irish Pub in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Andy Greenspon talks with fellow graduate students from Harvard and MIT at an Ask for Evidence workshop organized by Sense About Science. He grew up near Boston and chose to go to graduate school there.

7. Those time management skills you developed in college? Develop them further.

After surviving college, you may think you have mastered the ability to squeeze in your coursework, extracurricular activities and even some sleep. In a PhD program, time management reaches a whole new level. You will not only have lectures to attend and homework to do. You will have to make time for your research, which will include spending extended periods of time in the lab, analyzing data, and scheduling time with other students to collaborate on research.

Also, you will most likely have to teach for a number of semesters, and you will want to attend any seminar that may be related to your research or that just peaks your interest. To top it all off, you will still want to do many of those extracurricular activities you did as an undergraduate. While in the abstract, it may seem simple enough to put this all into your calendar and stay organized, you will find quickly enough that the one hour you scheduled for a task might take two or three hours, putting you behind on everything else for the rest of the day or forcing you to cut other planned events. Be prepared for schedules to go awry, and be willing to sacrifice certain activities. For some, this might be sleep; for others, it might be an extracurricular activity or a few seminars they were hoping to attend. In short, don't panic when things don't go according to plan; anticipate possible delays and be ready to adapt.

8. Expect to learn research skills on the fly – or take advantage of the training your department or career center offers.

This may be the first time you will have to write fellowship or grant proposals, write scientific papers, attend conferences, present your research to others, or even peer-review scientific manuscripts. From my experience, very few college students or even PhD students receive formal training on how to perform any of these tasks. Usually people follow by example. But this is not always easy and can be quite aggravating sometimes. So seek out talks or interactive programs offered by your department or career center. The effort will be well worth it when you realize you've become quite adept at quickly and clearly explaining your research to others and at outlining scientific papers and grant proposals. Alternatively, ask a more experienced graduate student or your advisor for advice on these topics. In addition, be prepared for a learning curve when learning all the procedures and processes of the group you end up working in. There may be many new protocols to master, whether they involve synthesizing chemicals, growing bacterial cells, or aligning mirrors on an optical table. In addition, the group may use programming languages or data analysis software you are unfamiliar with. Don't get discouraged but plan to spend extra effort getting used to these procedures and systems. After working with them regularly, they will soon become second nature. When I first started my job at Johns Hopkins, I felt overwhelmed by all the intricacies of the experiment and definitely made a few mistakes, including breaking a number of optical elements. But by the end of my year there, I had written an updated protocol manual for the modifications I had made to the experimental procedures and was the "master" passing on my knowledge to the next person taking the job.

9. There are no real breaks.

In a stereotypical "9-to-5" job, when the workday is over or the weekend arrives, you can generally forget about your work. And a vacation provides an even longer respite. But in a PhD program, your schedule becomes "whenever you find time to get your work done." You might be in the lab during regular work hours or you might be working until 10 p.m. or later to finish an experiment. And the only time you might have available to analyze data might be at 1 a.m. Expect to work during part of the weekend, too. Graduate students do go on vacations but might still have to do some data analysis or a literature search while away.

As a PhD student, it might be hard to stop thinking about the next step in an experiment or that data sitting on your computer or that paper you were meaning to start. While I imagine some students can bifurcate their mind between graduate school life and everything else, that's quite hard for many of us to do. No matter what, my research lies somewhere in the back of my head. In short, your schedule is much more flexible as a PhD student, but as a result, you never truly take a break from your work.

While this may seem like a downer, remember that you should have passion for the research you work on (most of the time), so you should be excited to think up new experiments or different ways to consider that data you have collected. Even when I'm lying in bed about to fall asleep, I am sometimes ruminating about aspects of my experiment I could modify or what information I could do a literature search on to gain new insights. A PhD program is quite the commitment and rarely lives up to expectations – but it is well worth the time and effort you will spend for something that truly excites you.

Contributor

Andy greenspon.

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• Wharton Online

Pre-Doctoral Training Opportunities

For those looking to gain more experience and exposure to business research, there are a broad range of opportunities available for those interested in doctoral education.

• Introduction to Diversity in Doctoral Education and Scholarship (IDDEAS) Program – IDDEAS is a two-day program that introduces outstanding undergraduates to the field of business academia and research. The aim of IDDEAS is to create a diverse doctoral student environment and, in turn, a diverse faculty population. IDDEAS is hosted at IDDEAS @ Wharton ,  IDDEAS @ Stanford and IDDEAS@Kellogg/Booth,
• PhD Project – expansive network of supporters, sponsors and universities helps individuals pursue PhDs in business areas and become business professors who will mentor the next generation of leaders. Annual Conference – The PhD Project Conference is a 2-Day event that takes place annually, each November in Chicago. The conference provides a rare networking and information gathering opportunity for those underrepresented on college campuses interested in pursuing a business Ph.D. to become a business school professor.
• Summer Undergraduates Mentored Research Program (SUMR) – The SUMR program is a 12 week paid summer program to prepare first generation and underrepresented minority undergraduates students to pursue PhD degrees in health services research.  SUMR is hosted by the Health Care Management Department of the Wharton School and the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics. For over 20 years, SUMR has helped inspire students to explore the fields of health services research, medicine, and academia.
• Stanford GSB Research Fellow Program -This two-year fellowship is designed for individuals wanting to gain valuable training and experience toward a career in academic research before applying to a PhD program in business and related fields.
• NYU Pre-Doctoral Program – The Stern Pre-Doctoral program is intended to prepare select students to apply to PhD programs in Business, at Stern or elsewhere. The Stern Pre-Doctoral program seeks to promote a diverse, scholarly environment and encourage promising individuals from under-represented or non-typical backgrounds (personal, academic, or employment) to enter the academic profession.
• Pathways to Research and Doctoral Careers (PREDOC) – A consortium of universities and research institutions that aims to foster a talented, diverse, and inclusive population in the quantitative social sciences. Consortium members collaborate to prepare Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students for a potential academic career through predoctoral research programs: paid, full-time, post-baccalaureate research positions working directly for faculty, where recent graduates are mentored and prepared for careers in the academy, institutes of policy research, and industry.
• The Michigan Ross Bridges to Doctoral Fellows Program – The Ross Bridges to Doctoral Fellows Program offers a 12-month, full-time certificate that prepares individuals who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree to successfully transition into full-time doctoral studies. The program is made possible by the  University of Michigan Rackham Merit Fellowship , which supports students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and goals who desire pre-doctoral preparation.
• American Economic Association  Summer and Scholarship Program – Intensive, 2-month residential program. AEASP offers talented undergraduates seriously considering post-graduate studies in economics, the opportunity to develop and solidify their math and other technical skills to enable them to successfully meet the high demands of academically challenging doctoral programs.
• BYU Ph.D. Prep Program – BYU’s School of Accountancy offers a specialized PhD Prep Track as part of the Masters of Accountancy (MAcc) degree. The program is designed to prepare students to enroll in a Ph.D. program in accounting at another university after finishing their master’s degree.
• Harvard GSAS Research Scholars -The GSAS Research Scholar Initiative is a non-degree granting post-baccalaureate program that provides mentored research and training for individuals interested in pursuing doctoral studies.
• Harvard Program for Research in Markets and Organizations (PRIMO) – A 10-week summer residential community of undergraduates participating in research affiliated with HBS faculty. The Program seeks to create a diverse group of Fellows including but not limited to women and underrepresented minorities who are inspired by and are committed to pursuing excellence in business research.
• Leadership Alliance Summer Research Early – Identification Program – SR-EIP is a fully paid summer internship that provides undergraduates with training and mentoring in the principles underlying the conduct of research and prepares them to pursue competitive applications to PhD or MD-PhD programs. SR-EIP offers closely mentored research experiences in the life and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and the humanities at research institutions across the country. Wharton is a host site of the SR-EIP. Interested applicants can learn more here. 
• Pathways To Science – Browse 650+ different summer research experiences for undergrads interest in STEM fields.
• Master’s in Science in Business Research   – The Master’s in Business Research (MSBR) at the Fox School of Business is a STEM-designated degree program that is designed to prepare students for PhD study. This one-of-a-kind program is designed such that MS students enroll in PhD courses alongside current PhD students and have the opportunity to learn from leading scholars.

5 Pre PhD Programs You Can Take to Prepare

Discover 5 effective pre-PhD programs that can help you prepare for your doctoral studies and increase your chances of success in academia.

Jul 14, 2024

Embarking on a PhD journey is a significant decision that requires careful preparation and consideration. Whether you're an undergraduate student with a less-than-stellar GPA, a professional looking to transition into academia, or simply someone who wants to strengthen their research skills before diving into a doctoral program, there are several pre-PhD programs available to help you build the necessary skills and experience.

These programs can significantly enhance your PhD application and prepare you for the rigorous demands of doctoral study.

In this expanded guide, we'll explore five types of pre-PhD programs in detail, discussing their benefits, structure, and how they can contribute to your academic journey. From intensive summer research experiences to online certificate programs, these options cater to a variety of needs and circumstances.

1. Research Intensive Summer Programs: Boost Your Research Skills as a Pre-PhD Student

Research-intensive summer programs are an excellent way for aspiring PhD students to gain hands-on experience and write research papers. These programs typically last 8-12 weeks and allow you to work closely with faculty members on cutting-edge research projects.

• Develop crucial research skills
• Learn to write research proposals and papers
• Network with faculty and other pre-PhD students
• Gain insight into the PhD process
• Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities
• Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) programs funded by the National Science Foundation

These programs are particularly beneficial for undergraduates looking to strengthen their research experience before applying to PhD programs. They can help you build a strong foundation in research methodologies, data analysis, and academic writing.

2. Post-Baccalaureate Research Programs: Bridge the Gap to Get Admission into a PhD Program

Post-baccalaureate research programs are designed for recent graduates who want to strengthen their research experience before applying to PhD programs. These programs typically last 1-2 years and offer full-time research positions in academic or research institutions.

Key features:

• Intensive research experience
• Mentorship from experienced researchers
• Opportunity to publish papers and present at conferences
• Preparation for the PhD application process

Notable programs:

• NIH Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA)
• Stanford University's Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)

These programs are particularly useful for students with low GPAs or those who need additional research experience. They can significantly improve your chances of getting into top Ph.D. programs by demonstrating your research potential and commitment to academia.

3. Master's Degree Programs: A Stepping Stone for Pre-PhD

Students pursuing a master's degree can be an effective way to prepare for a PhD, especially if you need to   improve your GPA  or gain more specialized knowledge in your field.

Advantages:

• Opportunity to take advanced courses in your discipline
• Develop research skills through a thesis project or research-based coursework
• Build relationships with faculty members who can write strong letters of recommendation
• Explore research interests before committing to a long-term PhD program

Types of Master's Programs:

• Focus: Intensive research experience culminating in a thesis
• Duration: 1-2 years
• Best for: Students aiming for research-heavy PhD programs
• Focus: Advanced coursework with a research component
• Best for: Students in non-STEM fields or those transitioning between disciplines
• Focus: Blend of practical skills and research methodologies
• Best for: Students looking to balance academic preparation with professional development

Choosing the Right Master's Program:

• Research focus: Look for programs with strong research components and thesis options
• Faculty expertise: Ensure the program has faculty members working in your areas of interest
• Resources: Consider the research facilities, funding opportunities, and support services available
• Track record: Investigate the program's success in placing graduates into PhD programs

A master's degree can serve as a valuable stepping stone to a PhD, allowing you to deepen your knowledge in your field of study and gain substantial research experience. It's particularly beneficial if you're changing fields or if your undergraduate GPA is below the typical threshold for competitive PhD programs (usually 3.5).

4. Pre-Doctoral Fellowships: Gain Valuable Experience as a PhD Student Before Formal Admission

Pre-doctoral fellowships offer aspiring PhD students the chance to work on research projects and gain experience in an academic setting before formally entering a PhD program.

• Hands-on research experience
• Mentorship from faculty members
• Exposure to the academic environment
• Potential for publications and conference presentations
• Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (can be used for pre-doctoral research)

These fellowships can be an excellent way to prepare for a PhD, especially if you're taking a year or two before starting a PhD program. They provide an opportunity to work closely with potential PhD supervisors and get a taste of doctoral-level research.

5. Online Certificate Programs: Enhance Your Skills to Excel in the PhD Process

Online certificate programs can help you develop specific skills that are valuable for PhD students, such as advanced statistics, research methods, or academic writing.

• Flexibility to complete while working or studying
• Focus on specific skills needed for PhD success
• Opportunity to explore new areas of interest
• Demonstrate commitment to ongoing learning

Recommended areas:

• Advanced research methods
• Data analysis and statistics
• Academic writing and publishing
• Grant writing and research proposal development

Tailoring Your Pre-PhD Preparation

Pre-PhD programs offer valuable opportunities to enhance research skills, academic abilities, and overall preparedness for doctoral studies. These programs cater to diverse backgrounds, including those with lower GPAs, career changers, and international students looking to transition into the U.S. academic system.

When choosing a pre-PhD program, consider:

• Your academic background and areas that need strengthening
• Your time availability and financial situation
• The specific requirements of your target PhD programs
• Your long-term career goals in academia or research

Remember that while these programs are beneficial, they aren't the only path to a PhD. Some individuals may choose to gain industry experience or work as research assistants instead. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate your research potential, academic abilities, and commitment to your chosen field.

By carefully selecting and fully engaging with a pre-PhD program, you can significantly enhance your chances of admission to top doctoral programs and set yourself up for success in your future academic career.

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• Master’s vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Master's vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Published on November 27, 2020 by Lauren Thomas . Revised on May 10, 2024.

The two most common types of graduate degrees are master’s and doctoral degrees:

• A master’s is a 1–2 year degree that can prepare you for a multitude of careers.
• A PhD, or doctoral degree, takes 3–7 years to complete (depending on the country) and prepares you for a career in academic research.

A master’s is also the necessary first step to a PhD. In the US, the master’s is built into PhD programs, while in most other countries, a separate master’s degree is required before applying for PhDs.

Master’s are far more common than PhDs. In the US, 24 million people have master’s or professional degrees, whereas only 4.5 million have doctorates.

Table of contents

Master’s vs phd at a glance, which is right for you, length of time required, career prospects, costs and salaries, application process, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about master's and phd degrees.

The table below shows the key differences between the two.

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A PhD is right for you if:

• Your goal is to become a professor at a university or some other type of professional researcher.
• You love research and are passionate about discovering the answer to a particular question.
• You are willing to spend years pursuing your research even if you have to put up with a lot of dead ends and roadblocks.

A master’s degree is the better choice if any of the following apply:

• You want to continue studies in your field, but you’re not committed to a career as a professional researcher.
• You want to develop professional skills for a specific career.
• You are willing to pay a higher upfront cost if it means finishing with your degree (and thus being able to work) much faster.
• You want the option to study part-time while working.

The length of time required to complete a PhD or master’s degree varies. Unsurprisingly, PhDs take much longer, usually between 3–7 years. Master’s degrees are usually only 1–2 years.

Length of a master’s

Master’s degrees are usually 2 years, although 1-year master’s degrees also exist, mainly in the UK.

Most of the degree consists of classes and coursework, although many master’s programs include an intensive, semester-long master’s thesis or capstone project in which students bring together all they’ve learned to produce an original piece of work.

Length of a PhD

In the US, a PhD usually takes between 5 and 7 years to complete. The first 2 years are spent on coursework. Students, even those who choose to leave without finishing the program, usually receive a master’s degree at this point.

The next 3–5 years are spent preparing a dissertation —a lengthy piece of writing based on independent research, which aims to make a significant original contribution to one’s field.

Master’s degrees tend to prepare you for a career outside of academia, while PhDs are designed to lead to a career in research.

Careers for master’s graduates

There are two types of master’s degrees: terminal and research-intensive. The career prospects are different for each.

Terminal master’s degrees are intended to prepare students for careers outside of academia. Some degrees, known as professional degrees, specifically prepare students for particular professions; these include the Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees.

Other master’s degrees, usually Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Sciences (MS or MSc) degrees, do not necessarily lead to a specific career, but are intended to be a final degree. Examples include an MS in Communications or MS in Data Analytics.

In research-intensive master’s programs, students take coursework intended to prepare them for writing an original piece of research known as the master’s thesis . Such programs are usually intended to prepare for further study in a doctoral program.

Careers for PhD graduates

As research degrees, PhDs are usually intended to lead to an academic career. A PhD can be thought of like an apprenticeship, where students learn from professional researchers (academics) how to produce their own research.

Most students aspire to become a university professor upon the completion of their degree. However, careers in academia are highly competitive, and the skills learned in a doctoral program often lend themselves well to other types of careers.

Some graduates who find they prefer teaching to producing research go on to be teachers at liberal arts colleges or even secondary schools. Others work in research-intensive careers in the government, private sector, or at think tanks.

Below are a few examples of specific fields and non-academic careers that are common destinations of graduates of those fields.

• Computer Science
• Lab Sciences

Many government jobs, including economists at a country’s central bank, are research-intensive and require a PhD. Think tanks also hire economists to carry out independent research.

In the private sector, economic consulting and technology firms frequently hire PhDs to solve real-world problems that require complex mathematical modeling.

Graduate students from the humanities are sometimes hired by museums, who can make use of their research and writing skills to curate exhibits and run public outreach.

Humanities PhDs are often well-suited to research and grant-writing roles at nonprofits. Since so much of research is funded by grants, PhD students often gain a lot of experience applying for them, which is a useful skill in the nonprofit sector.

There are a wide range of non-academic research jobs for lab scientists with doctorates in subjects like chemistry, biology, ecology and physics.

Many PhD graduates are hired by pharmaceutical companies that need to perform research to create and test their products. Government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), also hire lab scientists to work on research projects.

Job prospects after graduation vary widely based on the field. In fields like management, computer science, statistics, and economics, there’s little underemployment—even graduates from less well-known programs can easily find jobs that pay well and use the skills they’ve gained from the PhD.

However, in other fields, particularly in the humanities, many PhD graduates have difficulty in the job market. Unfortunately, there are far more PhD graduates than assistant professor roles, so many instead take on part-time and low-paid roles as adjunct instructors. Even non-academic careers can sometimes be difficult for PhDs to move into, as they may be seen as “overqualified”  or as lacking in relevant professional experience.

Because career options post-PhD vary so much, you should take the time to figure out what the career prospects are in your field. Doctoral programs often have detailed “placement” records online in which they list the career outcomes of their graduates immediately upon leaving the program. If you can’t find these records, contact the program and ask for them—placement information should play an important role in your choice of PhD program.

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Although PhDs take far longer to complete, students often receive a living stipend in exchange for being a teaching or research assistant. Master’s degrees are shorter but less likely to be funded.

Both master’s degrees and PhDs lead to increased salaries upon graduation. While PhDs usually earn a bit more than those with a master’s degree, in some fields, the wages are identical, meaning that no financial benefit is gained from going on to a PhD.

Cost of a master’s

The upfront cost of a master’s degree is usually higher than a doctoral degree due to the lower amount of financial aid available. However, increased salaries also arrive faster than with a doctoral degree, because people graduate much earlier from a master’s program.

Some master’s students do receive stipends for their degrees, usually as compensation for being a teaching or research assistant. In addition, many people complete master’s degrees part time while working full-time, which allows them to fund their living costs as well as tuition.

The cost varies significantly by school and program. Public schools are usually cheaper than private ones. Some master’s degrees, such as MBAs, are notoriously expensive, but also result in much higher wages afterwards that make up for the high cost.

The master’s wage premium , or the extra amount that someone with a master’s degree makes than someone with just a high school diploma, is 23% on average. Many universities provide detailed statistics on the career and salary outcomes of their students. If they do not have this online, you should feel free to contact an administrator of the program and ask.

Cost of a PhD

PhDs, particularly outside the humanities, are usually (though not always) funded, meaning that tuition fees are fully waived and students receive a small living stipend. During the last 3–5 years of a PhD, after finishing their coursework (and sometimes before), students are usually expected to work as graduate instructors or research assistants in exchange for the stipend.

Sometimes students can apply for a fellowship (such as the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Program in the United States) that relieves them of any obligations to be a teaching or research assistant. Doctoral programs in the US tend to be better funded than in the rest of the world.

Sometimes, PhD degrees can be completed part-time, but this is rare. Students are usually expected to devote at least 40 hours a week to their research and work as teaching or research assistants.

The main cost of doctoral programs comes in the form of opportunity cost—all the years that students could be working a regular, full-time job, which usually pays much better than a graduate school stipend.

The average wage premium for PhDs is 26%, which is not much higher than the master’s degree premium.

In the US, the application process is similar for master’s and PhD programs. Both will generally ask for:

• At least one application essay, often called a personal statement or statement of purpose .
• Letters of recommendation .
• A resume or CV .
• Transcripts.
• Writing samples.

Applications for both types of programs also often require a standardized test. PhDs usually require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which tries to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative, critical thinking , and analytical writing skills. Many master’s programs require this test as well.

Applying for a master’s

Master’s degrees programs will often ask you to respond to specific essay prompts that may ask you to reflect upon not just your academic background, but also your personal character and future career ambitions.

Northwestern University’s Kellogg Business School requires Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) applicants write two essays, one about a recent time they demonstrated leadership and the second about their personal values.

Who you should ask for your letters of recommendation varies by program. If you are applying to a research-intensive master’s program, then you should choose former professors or research supervisors. For other programs, particularly business school, current work supervisors may be a better choice.

Some professional master’s programs require a specific test. For example, to apply to law school, you must take the Law School Admissions Test, or LSAT. For business school, you must take either the GRE or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).

Applying for a PhD

When applying for a PhD, your resume should focus more on your research background—you should especially emphasize any publications you’ve authored or presentations that you’ve given.

Similarly, your statement of purpose should discuss research that you’ve participated in, whether as an assistant or the lead author. You should detail what exactly you did in projects you’ve contributed to, whether that’s conducting a literature review, coding regressions, or writing an entire article.

Your letters of recommendations should be from former professors or supervisors who can speak to your abilities and potential as a researcher. A good rule of thumb is to avoid asking for recommendations from anyone who does not themselves have a PhD.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

This depends on the country. In the United States, you can generally go directly to a PhD  with only a bachelor’s degree, as a master’s program is included as part of the doctoral program.

Elsewhere, you generally need to graduate from a research-intensive master’s degree before continuing to the PhD.

This varies by country. In the United States, PhDs usually take between 5–7 years: 2 years of coursework followed by 3–5 years of independent research work to produce a dissertation.

In the rest of the world, students normally have a master’s degree before beginning the PhD, so they proceed directly to the research stage and complete a PhD in 3–5 years.

A master’s degree usually has a higher upfront cost, but it also allows you to start earning a higher salary more quickly. The exact cost depends on the country and the school: private universities usually cost more than public ones, and European degrees usually cost less than North American ones. There are limited possibilities for financial aid.

PhDs often waive tuition fees and offer a living stipend in exchange for a teaching or research assistantship. However, they take many years to complete, during which time you earn very little.

In the US, the graduate school application process is similar whether you’re applying for a master’s or a PhD . Both require letters of recommendation , a statement of purpose or personal statement , a resume or CV , and transcripts. Programs in the US and Canada usually also require a certain type of standardized test—often the GRE.

Outside the US, PhD programs usually also require applicants to write a research proposal , because students are expected to begin dissertation research in the first year of their PhD.

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What is the meaning of pre-doctoral program?

I do not know the exact meaning of pre-doctoral? Can someone be a predoctoral in university X and then goes to university Y to start Ph.D?

2 Answers 2

What it is exactly will vary between institutions, but often includes things like:

Library use - services for researchers etc

Research methods - a reminder / review of research practices - some are coming back after a period away...

It could also include some courses that are relevant for some while not others ie advanced calculus if that is needed and the student did not take it in the studies they have done already.

So, it may or may not be identical, but the purpose is the same. Some institutions will have this as a prior requirement others run it in parallel during the first 6 months...

In some parts of the world, this is the term used for a PhD program.

Before you obtain your doctorate (i.e. PhD), you are a pre-doctoral fellow or a doctoral candidate. After you have obtained it, you may become a post-doctoral fellow.

Example: http://www.ral.uni-leipzig.de/en/home/postdocs/pre-doc-award/

In other parts of the world, "predoctoral" may refer to the period before a student enrolls in a PhD programme.

On a related note, the term "PhD" is much abused these days with students who have not yet obtained a PhD being referred to as "PhDs". This is quite inaccurate as they have not yet obtained the degree and are thus not "doctors". They are a "PhD students ", i.e. studying towards obtaining a doctorate.

• Actually, in the U.S., in mathematics, it is quite popular current usage to say "start a Ph.D.". –  paul garrett Commented Apr 13, 2019 at 16:04
• @paulgarrett Fair enough, removed that bit. –  Szabolcs Commented Apr 15, 2019 at 8:40

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Ph.D. vs. Doctorate: What are the Differences?

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For those who have a deep-seated attitude, pursuing a doctoral degree can be a tough yet beneficial journey. Currently enrolled in a doctorate program means that a person has already scooched over college admissions, went through high stake tests and exams, and finished all those research papers and long hours spent in university libraries hitting the books. While studying for a doctorate entails asserting oneself to an extensive amount of quality time and money , its significance and purpose usually pave the way to a lucrative end.

After having finished the Master’s Degree , students begin to think about their next step in their academic career. Then, paradoxically, while navigating through academia, they find themselves baffled by the immense terms and terminologies used to label specific degrees. Because the terms “Doctorate” and “Ph.D.” are somehow interlocked and overlap, and because “PhD” is sometimes used inconsistently, it can lead to considerable confusion. Ph.D. vs. Doctorate? You might wonder what their difference is, and why they are important. E xplaining what each of these terms stands for, the difference between them, and why they are valuable, can help you steer yourself down the right path from the outset.

Doctorate Degree vs. Ph.D.

At first glance, it is pretty easy to confuse these two terms. But it is important for everyone to be able to make a distinction between the two. In this article, we will discuss the difference between Ph.D. and Doctorate in detail in order to get rid of any confusion you may have. In the academic world, the terms Doctorate and Ph.D. are currently used interchangeably. Both of them are the top cap of the ladder. However, a doctorate is mostly used as an umbrella term covering many fields ranging from professional degrees, humanities, and scientific disciplines.

A Ph.D. or Doctor of Philosophy, on the other hand, is a subcategory of a doctoral degree, it is much more distinct and clear-cut and is usually narrower in nature encompassing only humanities and scientific fields. In plain English, when someone says they are enrolling on a doctoral degree, it means they are doing a Ph.D. in a specific field. So, technically, in common parlance, there is no difference between the two terms.

But at the other end of the spectrum, one should be careful not to confuse a professional doctoral degree with a Ph.D. The former is more practical and is designed to prepare students to apply existing knowledge to find solutions to real-life problems and has a direct application to a particular profession.

A Ph.D. is theoretical by nature and is more academic and research-focused. it is often fixed on disseminating knowledge by conducting authentic research which means reviewing and identifying gaps in current literature and evaluating the relevance of existing and emerging theories within a particular field.

What Is a Ph.D. Degree and Why Should You Go for It?

Students who acquire a Ph.D. are justly proud — they wear it as a badge of identity in the academic elite. Traditionally, a Ph.D. was associated with teaching, which from Latin licentia docendi meant “license to teach”. However, the concept of Ph.D. has been on shifting sands nowadays and has become a more general term that isn’t necessarily confined to teaching only.

The Value of a PhD

Obtaining a Ph.D. helps you capitalize on the emerging academic opportunities making you more easily identifiable to employers or businesses seeking to fill professional, higher-level job positions. Many of these career options, conversely, are not available to those who do not belong to the Ph.D. club. While pursuing a Ph.D. requires devoting a tremendous effort and time and making significant personal sacrifices pushing the boundaries of knowledge, it’s all in service of the area of study you’re most passionate and zealous about. Ultimately, once you’ve attained your Ph.D., you will have achieved the pinnacle of education— something not too many people have or are able to accomplish.

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A Guide to Choosing and Applying to Ph.D. Programs

Learn everything you need to know about selecting and applying to Ph.D. programs. Learn tips and tricks for a successful application and find your ideal program today!

What Is a Doctorate Degree?

A doctoral or doctorate degree is usually the most advanced degree one can earn in an academic discipline. Many pursue a doctorate degree to increase their professional credibility, be acknowledged as an expert in a specific field, and improve their resume.

A doctorate degree is a graduate-level credential that is usually earned after multiple years of graduate school. Earning a doctoral degree requires a significant level of research and work. In order to get this degree, one has to research a subject thoroughly, conduct new research and analysis, and provide a solution or interpretation into the field. But what types of doctoral degrees are available?

Types of Doctorate Degrees

There are two categories of doctorate degrees: an academic degree and a professional doctorate degree. An academic degree focuses on research, data analysis, and the evaluation of theory. A professional doctorate degree, on the other hand, is considered a terminal degree, which means that one has achieved the most advanced degree in the field. This degree is specifically designed for working professionals who want to grow in their careers.

Professional Doctorate Degrees

A professional doctorate is designed for working professionals who have experience in the field and want to increase their knowledge, improve their credibility, and advance their careers. This degree focuses on applying research to practical issues, coming up with interpretation and solutions, as well as designing effective professional practices within a particular field.

Professional doctoral degrees include:

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

The DBA degree is ideal for students who already have a general business background and are interested in delving deeper into the practical and theoretical aspects that underpin business education. More to the point, in DBA you will develop the ability to solve real-life problems, discover the relevant expertise to innovate and uphold complex business issues and so much more. Upon completion, DBA students will possess enhanced leadership and strategic skills as well as the tools to propel their careers in today’s marketplace. The Business Administration industry is keen on finding such graduates with business skills and this is indicated by the immense job positions currently available.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

If you are interested in setting your eyes on creating lifelong learning among your students, making a positive influence in educational culture, contributing to the growing body of research in the education realm , or just enhancing your subject matter expertise, the Doctor of Education program ticks all the boxes. This degree maintains a rigorous approach in academic education that prepares graduates to showcase the skills and expertise to devise solutions in tackling the challenges in contemporary education practice and become transformational leaders in the industry.

Doctor of Computer Science (DCS)

The demand for computer scientists has reached its peak and it is among the most sought-after positions nowadays. With a degree in DCS, you will have the opportunity to design, apply innovative experiments, predict trends and, ultimately, develop a richer understanding and contribute to your area of expertise. After all, who doesn’t want an exciting and financially stable career?

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Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)

The Doctor of Medicine degree is designed to prepare you for various medical challenges in different settings nationally and internationally. This program will further develop your critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills required for safe, high-quality medical practices. It will also improve your leadership, communication, and teamwork skills for collaborative patient care.

Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)

This professional degree typically requires four years of study. It focuses on basic biological sciences such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, neuroanatomy, and so on. This doctoral degree will prepare, educate, and train professionals to practice at the highest level of proficiency, professionalism, and integrity.

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The Doctoral of Psychology degree concentrates on the clinical and applied aspects of psychology. This type of doctorate prepares students for professional practice and clinical placement. This degree will be highly beneficial when working directly with patients who need psychology services. In addition, this degree allows doctors of psychology to confidently function as researchers and clinicians.

How to Choose a Ph.D. Program?

Choosing a Ph.D. program can be pretty challenging; it is a big academic decision and investment that requires commitment and perseverance. But how can you pick the right Ph.D. program for you? Well, there are some tips to help you choose the best fit for your goals and preferences:

• Think about the reasons why you want a Ph.D., what you expect to gain from it, and whether it is compatible with your professional goals.
• Consider your research environment.
• Take your time to research, compare, and consider multiple opportunities carefully.
• Pick a subject that interests and motivates you but is also practical.
• Ask your professors and other scholars in the field for advice.

All in all, the terms “Doctorate’’ and “Ph.D.” are in essence the same, which means all Ph.D. students are Doctoral students as well. On the other hand, earning a Ph.D. degree is no joke. If anything, Ph.D. students have the tenacity, patience, persistence, and years of hard work that you can vouch for. Ultimately, deciding what type of doctoral degree you should hop on, depends on your career goals, what you are passionate about and how you are going to achieve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a doctorate and a ph.d..

In academic contexts, the terms “Doctorate” and “Ph.D.” are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction. A Doctorate is an umbrella term covering a wide range of fields, including professional degrees, humanities, and scientific disciplines. A Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy, is a specific type of doctoral degree, typically focused on research and academic pursuits in the humanities and scientific fields.

Why should I pursue a Ph.D.?

Pursuing a Ph.D. can be a valuable endeavor, as it opens up academic and research opportunities, enhances your expertise in a specific field, and makes you more attractive to employers seeking candidates for high-level positions. It’s a chance to push the boundaries of knowledge and become an expert in your chosen study area.

What are the benefits of a professional doctorate?

Professional doctorate degrees, such as Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), are designed for working professionals who want to apply research to practical issues in their field. These degrees can enhance your career prospects, leadership skills, and problem-solving abilities within your profession.

How do I choose the right Ph.D. program?

To choose the right Ph.D. program, consider your career goals, research environment, and personal interests. Take your time to research and compare programs, seek advice from professors and experts in your field, and ensure that the program aligns with your professional aspirations.

What are the main differences between academic and professional doctorate degrees?

Academic doctorate degrees focus on research, theory evaluation, and data analysis, often leading to careers in academia or research. Professional doctorate degrees are more practical, designed for working professionals, and concentrate on applying research to real-world problems within a specific field.

Can I earn a Ph.D. in any field?

Ph.D. programs are available in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and more. However, the specific availability of Ph.D. programs may vary by field and university.

Is a Ph.D. a challenging journey?

Yes, pursuing a Ph.D. can be a challenging journey that requires dedication, patience, and years of hard work. It involves conducting original research, writing a dissertation, and often teaching or assisting in courses. It’s a significant commitment, but it can be highly rewarding.

What are the potential career opportunities after earning a Ph.D.?

With a Ph.D., you can pursue careers in academia as a professor or researcher, work in research and development roles in various industries, or take on leadership positions in organizations. The specific career path will depend on your field of study and personal interests.

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• Masters vs PhD – Differences Explained
• Types of Doctorates

The decision of whether or not to pursue a Masters or PhD (or both) after you complete your undergraduate studies is not necessarily a straightforward one. Both are postgraduate degrees but are different in terms of the academic experience and the career paths taken afterwards.

In short, a Masters degree involves a year of study, primarily through taught lectures and a final dissertation research project, whilst a PhD (also referred to as a doctorate degree) is a three-year commitment of independent research on a specific subject.

There’s more to it than that, however – read on for more information.

What Is a Masters Degree?

A Masters degree is the next level of education after the completion of an undergraduate degree, commonly known as a Bachelors.

These degree levels are often referred to in terms of cycles so that a Bachelor’s is a first-cycle degree, a Masters is a second-cycle and finally, a PhD is the third-cycle of higher education (and the highest).

Masters degrees demand an intense period of study, usually centred around a core series of lectures and taught modules, coupled with coursework assignments and exams, followed by the completion of a contained research project usually taking students 3-4 months to complete.

These types of degrees are attractive to recent graduates who want to delve deeper into their specific field of study, gaining some research experience and more specialised knowledge beyond what an undergraduate degree can offer.

Equally, some pursue a Masters degree program in a subject that is only tangentially related to their Bachelors degree, helping them gain a broader depth of knowledge.

These degrees also serve as a significant stepping stone for those already in employment who want to progress their current career development and earn a higher salary. They can also be an excellent method for helping in changing careers completely by learning new skills and subject knowledge.

What Is a PhD Degree?

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest academic degree that can be awarded and is the third and final cycle in the progression of higher education.

A doctoral degree is earned on the basis of producing a significant, independent and novel body of work (a Thesis) that contributes new knowledge to a particular research topic.

These are research degrees that are a significant investment of a candidate’s time, resources and energy and are all but a pre-requisite for anyone considering a career in academia, such as eventually becoming a professor.

There are some exceptions to this, such as those with a medical background who may earn an MD (Doctor of Medicine), which is the equivalent of a PhD.

Doctoral degrees can also have a significant positive impact on career development outside of academia, especially in fields such as engineering, business and finance that have a high demand for highly qualified and capable people.

A graduate student engaged in PhD study is commonly known as a PhD student, PhD candidate or doctoral student.

What are the Benefits of a Masters Degree?

There are several reasons one might consider doing a Masters degree rather than a PhD in their graduate education. These include:

• It takes approximately a third of the time to do compared to a doctorate degree and costs less too.
• It’s a good way to differentiate yourself from those that hold only an undergraduate degree without having to commit to a substantial research degree.
• The end goal is more career-focused as opposed to research-focused. For example, it is practically an ‘easier’ route to changing or progressing your career if that aligns with your professional goals.

What are the Benefits of Doing a PhD?

You may continue on into a doctoral program after a Masters or you may even dive straight in after completing your undergraduate studies. So, what are the advantages of completing this third-cycle?

• You’ll have developed a wealth of transferable skills at graduate school, such as effective communication of complex concepts, multi-tasking time-management and the ability to adapt to and solve unexpected problems.
• A doctorate helps to establish you as an expert within your chosen subject area; your work will hopefully have furthered the knowledge in this.
• It will open up career paths and teaching positions within academia that may otherwise be very difficult to get a hold in (although these career paths will still be very competitive).
• You can add the title ‘Dr’ in front of your name!

Which Degree Is More Impactful: A Masters or a PhD?

On paper, the answer should be clear: A doctorate degree is the highest degree you can earn, so has more impact than a Masters, which in turn has more impact than a Bachelors.

The reality is that the size of the impact (if any) really depends on the subject area and the career path you choose (if the measure of impact is how it positively improves your career prospects, that is).

For someone with aspirations of becoming a professor, a PhD will be of greater value than a Masters alone.

Equally, it’s also possible that someone with a PhD entering a different field or one that doesn’t require a PhD may find that their degree has no bearing on their career or in some cases may even be seen as a ‘negative’ with a concern of the person being ‘over-qualified’ for a position. There are many scenarios in which professional experience would be more valuable to an employer than a doctorate degree.

Check out the links below to our interviews with Prof. Debby Cotton and Dr Nikolay Nikolov to read their experiences of when a going through a PhD program has had a clear benefit (Prof. Cotton) and when it hasn’t been helpful (Dr Nikolov).

Do You Need to Have a Masters to do a PhD?

This really depends on the university, department and sometimes even the project and supervisor.

From a purely application process perspective, some institutions may formally require you to hold a Masters degree relevant to the subject of the PhD project before you can enter their doctoral program.

In another scenario, most universities are unlikely to accept candidates that were awarded below a 2:1 (in the UK) in their undergraduate degree but may consider someone who has ‘made up’ for this with a high-grade Masters.

Lastly, some universities now offer PhD programmes that incorporate an additional year of study in which you would complete a Masters degree before carrying directly on into a PhD project. As you’d expect, even if a university doesn’t formally require you to hold one, a Masters degree can help separate you from other applicants in being accepted on the project.

Check out our detailed guide to doing a PhD without a Master’s .

Why Do a Masters before Your PhD?

Even if you don’t need to have one, it could still be beneficial to begin your postgraduate study by doing a Masters first before you embark on your doctorate journey.

As mentioned previously it’ll help you stand out from applicants that don’t have one, but beyond that, it’ll give you a taster of what research life could be like, especially if you stay at the same university and department for your PhD.

The one-year commitment (in the UK at least) of carrying out a Masters first, and in particular your research project, will help you better understand if this is truly something you want to commit the next three or more years to.

You’ll learn some of the skills of independent research, from performing detailed literature searches to more complex, analytical writing.

At the end of it, you should be in a stronger position to consider your options and decide about whether to continue into a PhD at graduate school.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters Degree?

In the UK, a full-time Masters degrees take students one calendar year to complete: The programme of study usually starts in September, the final research project the following April and final project viva around August. Part-time degrees are usually double the time.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD?

In the UK, most PhD projects take 3-4 years to complete , as reflected by the majority of funded projects offering stipends to cover living expenses of about 3.5 years.

For many reasons, projects may end up taking longer to complete, however. This might be because of difficulties in collecting enough data, or if the project is being done part-time.

Which One is More Expensive to Do?

As you’d expect, as a PhD takes three times as long to complete as a Masters degree, it will cost you more to do as far as university fees are concerned.

Another thing to consider is that many PhD projects come with some level of funding equivalent to a low salary, which may cover the cost of tuition fees and living expenses, whilst it is usually more difficult to obtain funding for Masters study.

Conversely, a Masters graduate may progress into a higher (versus PhD funding) salary sooner whilst a PhD student will endure three years of a comparatively low income.

A Masters vs a PhD: Conclusion

If you’re considering continue further graduate study after your undergraduate degree, the question of doing a Masters vs a PhD is likely to come up. They are both considered an advanced degree, each with their own advantages.

There are benefits to doing either of these graduate programs or even both of them; your decision here can be easier if you have an idea of the career you want to follow or if you know you have a love for research!

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Master’s vs PhD — These are the Main Differences

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: October 31, 2019

The consideration between earning a master’s vs PhD is not always an easy choice. While many careers and personal aspirations may be complete with just an undergraduate degree (Associate’s or Bachelor’s), a lot of people continue their higher education to obtain graduate degrees. These include a master’s and/or a PhD.

Neither a master’s degree nor a PhD is considered to be a walk in the park. Therefore, it’s useful to understand why you would earn either and then decide how far to go.

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Definitions: master’s vs phd.

Bost a master’s and PhD are defined as postgraduate degrees, but they require different commitments and styles of learning.

1. Master’s Degree:

Mostly all master’s degrees will require the completion of an undergraduate bachelor’s degree to enroll. They generally all share the same common requirement for a thesis or dissertation to graduate.

Earning a master’s degree through a taught program will result in the completion of a Master of Art (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Philosophy (MPhil). For those who earn their master’s degree through research, they will earn a Master of Research (Mre), in a tailored field of study. There are also degree-specific master’s programs like Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Education (M.Ed).

After earning a master’s degree, the next step is a PhD, which entails both working and performing research at an institution. A PhD is an abbreviation for “Doctor of Philosophy.” It is the highest academic degree one can achieve. As such, it is a time-consuming pursuit that requires a lot of studying and research.

You may be wondering, “Do you need a master’s to get a PhD?”

Technically, the answer is not always. Some students skip a master’s and go straight for their PhD, but they may lack research experience. While it could save money, the transition between a bachelor’s and a PhD is incredibly sharp. It may be harder to complete a PhD without the experience from a master’s.

Yet, some institutions may allow for the possibility to earn both your master’s and PhD in conjunction with one another. This will alleviate the transition between skipping a master’s and going straight to earning a PhD.

Should You Get a Master’s or PhD?

There are many considerations to factor when deciding between a master’s of PhD. For starters, it’s useful to consider the amount of time it will take, the cost, and the benefits and disadvantages of each. It is also of utmost importance to explore your own personal goals and reasons for wanting a graduate degree.

If your desired career of choice requires a PhD, like becoming a university professor, then you have your answer. If you want to start a business and benefit by networking while in school, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) could be a good idea. Consider what you want to pursue as a career and find out the requirements first.

Another useful thing to note is that a master’s degree can be used for a shift in careers. For example, if you attended college and earned a bachelor’s degree in humanities, but now you want to pursue science, you can still earn your master’s degree in a scientific discipline. On the other hand, a PhD is tailored to your field of study and specialty, so it will require that you are sure of your direction when you first earn your master’s degree.

Length of Time

A typical master’s degree program takes about two years full-time. However, there are accelerated programs that can be completed in just a year or so.

A PhD, in general, requires five to six years of studying, teaching, and research. However, it may even take some students up to eight or nine years to graduate. With this significant investment in time, it’s necessary to know if a PhD is right for you before starting.

The cost of both programs varies by institution and enrollment status of part-time versus full-time. However, since a PhD takes longer to complete, it will end up costing more. With that said, if you look into your return on investment, a PhD could end up yielding a higher salary, and therefore end up “costing less.”

Additionally, there is also the possibility of being paid to complete your PhD. Some students may receive an academic stipend, a university fellowship or apprenticeship or a reduced fee to earn their PhD while completing research (or teaching) at an institution. It’s also possible to get financial aid through a scholarship or grant.

As tuition rates continue to rise, it’s useful to look into alternative institutions for affordable education. For example, the University of the People offers a tuition-free master’s program in Business Administration and Education. This means you can study 100% online and graduate for less than the cost of most programs.

Weighing the Benefits

When comparing the two degree types, here are some benefits of each:

• Career-oriented
• Can open the door for more job opportunities
• Costs less than a PhD
• Takes less time than a PhD
• Helps you stand out from those with only an undergraduate degree
• You can perform research in your field of choice
• You become an expert in your field
• The prefix Dr. is added to your name
• You can teach in academia at the highest level

Required Commitment and Reasons to Pursue

Both a master’s and a PhD require a huge amount of hard work and utter commitment. You must be dedicated and motivated to complete either degree. Since most careers only may require a bachelor’s degree, having a master’s or PhD will set you apart from the competition. However, this should not be the sole reason to pursue either.

You may be wondering why would you earn either degree. Here’s a look at some motivational factors:

Reasons to Study for a Master’s

• Your career requires it (see next section)
• You want to advance your subject knowledge
• You want to experience graduate school and network with peers

Reasons to Study for a PhD

• You want to contribute new research to your field of choice
• Your career requires a PhD
• You want to earn the title of Dr.

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Required degrees by career.

Most people are motivated to pursue higher education because their desired careers require they do so. Here, we will break down those fields that require the completion of a master’s degree as it’s high on the list of reasons why to get one.

• Education Administration: To work as an administrator in an educational institution, you need to hold an advanced degree. A Master’s in Education (M.Ed) will provide you with the necessary knowledge and required skills to succeed in the field.
• Executive Level Business: A Master’s in Business (MBA) will not only place you ahead of the competition to land high-level positions in the field of business, but it can also be the jumping off point for becoming your own boss.
• Environmental Science: With issues in climate change and technological advancement, careers in Environmental Science are growing. As with most scientific careers, it requires a master’s degree where you will learn Applied Ecology, Environmental Policy, Environmental Chemistry, and more.
• Mental Health: To become a licensed practitioner and assist in mental health counseling, you will continue your education through a master’s degree in the field.
• Physical Therapy: Employers of physical therapists often prefer them to obtain a master’s degree in the discipline as the field is highly specialized.

Of course, some careers require a PhD. These careers are easy to spot because they have the prefix Dr. in front of them or the suffix like J.D. (Juris Doctor). To become a lawyer, doctor of medicine, veterinary medicine or psychologist/psychiatrist, you must obtain a PhD in the respective field.

Salary Differences Between Master’s and Ph.D. Graduates

According to a study performed by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce , the overall evidence shows that the higher the degree you have, the higher your salary potential. However, the differences vary by subject level and field.

In general, the expected lifetime earnings of those with each degree level is as follows:

• High School Diploma: $973,000
• Bachelor’s Degree: $1.3 million
• Master’s Degree: $2.7 million
• Doctorate Degree: $3.3 million

The Bottom Line

Aside from the financial cost and length of time, the opportunity to earn a master’s and a doctorate degree can offer several benefits.

However, it is an undertaking that requires a lot of dedication and motivation on behalf of the student. As such, it’s important to perform research on your desired career’s requirements, as well as your personal interest in pursuing either a Phd vs master’s.

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• PhD vs MD: What You Need to Know Before Deciding
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• Medical School

Choosing between a PhD and an MD is crucial as it determines your future career. But before making a choice, it’s imperative to understand where the two degrees differ and what each has to offer. 

Have you ever wondered whether a career in research or patient care is the right fit for you? Choosing between a PhD and an MD can significantly shape your professional life. Understanding their differences is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your interests and career goals.

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YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS BEGINS HERE

So, if you’re stuck in choosing between PhD vs MD degrees, come along as we delve into the differences between these two degrees and what to consider before making your decision. This blog post includes everything you need to know!

What Is a PhD?

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is a degree awarded to professionals who conduct research in medicine. This title, however, can be awarded not only to medical professionals but also to anyone who conducts research in their chosen field. 

The process develops deep expertise, critical thinking, and advanced research skills, contributing further to enhanced career opportunities for the PhD title owner and new knowledge in the field the research has been conducted in. 

What Is an MD?

The MD, Doctor of Medicine degree, is awarded by medical schools to students seeking to become physicians and specialize in a chosen medical field. It is divided into two phases: theoretical and practical. 

The primary focus of an MD is patient care, emphasizing the practical application of medical knowledge to treat physical and mental health conditions. After earning an MD, graduates must complete residency training in a chosen specialty.

Difference Between PhD and MD

Making the difference between PhD and MD degrees requires a closer look at the educational pathways, training and skills acquired, and career opportunities each degree offers.

Educational Pathways

The educational path for obtaining a PhD degree is purely academic, mixed with research requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Start with an undergraduate degree, typically in a related field.
• Master’s Degree (sometimes optional): Some programs require a master’s degree before entering a PhD program.
• Coursework and Exams: After applying and getting accepted into a PhD program, you begin with 1-2 years of advanced coursework to build specialized knowledge in your field. Passing exams that test your understanding of the field is vital. These are often required before moving on to research.
• Research: Develop a research question or project and get it approved by your advisor and committee. Then, conduct original research, which may often take several years, contributing new knowledge to the field.
• Dissertation: Write a detailed document presenting your research findings and defend your research before a committee of experts.
• Graduation: If successful, earn your PhD and become an expert in your field.

On the contrary, MD candidates go through an educational process that combines both the theoretical and the practical:

• Bachelor’s Degree : Start with an undergraduate degree, often with a focus on pre-medical courses like biology and chemistry.
• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) : Take and pass the MCAT , a standardized exam required for medical school admission.
• Medical School (4 years):
• Years 1-2: Complete classroom-based courses covering medical sciences like anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology.
• Years 3-4: Engage in clinical rotations in hospitals, working in different specialties like surgery, pediatrics, and internal medicine.
• USMLE Exams : Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 during medical school.
• Graduation : Earn your MD degree upon completing medical school.

Following graduation, MD’s are required to begin residency training, where they work as doctors under supervision. After residency, they need to pass exams to become board-certified in a chosen specialty.

Training and Skills

The PhD degree equips candidates with a diverse range of skills that stem from years of knowledge acquisition, research, and writing experience. The most critical skills PhD owners have include:

Research Skills

• Learn how to design, conduct, and analyze research projects
• Develop expertise in research methods and tools specific to your field

Critical Thinking

• Sharpen the ability to evaluate theories, data, and research findings
• Learn to identify gaps in existing knowledge and formulate new questions

Problem-Solving

• Tackle complex problems through independent research
• Develop innovative solutions and contribute new insights to your field

Writing and Communication

• Improve academic writing skills, especially for writing research papers and your dissertation
• Learn to present complex ideas clearly, both in writing and orally

Teaching and Mentoring

• Gain experience teaching undergraduate students and mentoring junior researchers

The MD degree, on the other hand, provides a wide range of strengths that extend beyond soft skills, equipping candidates with advanced medical prowess that aids in effective patient care. The list includes: 

Medical Knowledge

• Learn in-depth about human anatomy, physiology, diseases, and treatments
• Understand the science behind various medical conditions and how to treat them

Clinical Skills

• Develop hands-on skills like taking patient histories, performing physical exams, and conducting medical procedures
• Learn how to diagnose illnesses, interpret lab results, and create treatment plans

Patient Care

• Enhance communication skills for interacting with patients and their families
• Learn how to provide compassionate, patient-centered care
• Work closely with other healthcare professionals, like nurses and specialists, to provide coordinated care

Professionalism and Ethics

• Understand the ethical principles of medicine, including patient confidentiality and informed consent
• Develop a strong sense of responsibility and professionalism in all interactions

Career Opportunities

The career outlook for PhD individuals is vast. From academic settings to research, here are some potential careers for PhD graduates:

• Academic Professor: Teach and conduct research at universities, mentoring students and contributing to academic knowledge.
• Research Scientist: Work in laboratories (universities, government, or private companies) conducting experiments and studies to advance knowledge in your field
• Consultant: Provide expert advice to businesses, government agencies, or non-profits, using your deep knowledge to solve complex problems
• Data Scientist: Analyze large data sets to identify trends and insights, often working in tech, finance, or healthcare
• Science Communicator: Write, speak, or create content to explain complex scientific concepts to the public, working in media, museums, or education

Potential careers for MD graduates include:

• Primary Care Physician: Provide general medical care, including diagnosing and treating common illnesses, and managing overall patient health
• Surgeon : Perform operations to treat injuries, diseases, or deformities, specializing in areas like orthopedics, neurosurgery, or cardiac surgery
• Medical Researcher: Conduct research to develop new treatments, medications, or medical technologies, often working in hospitals, universities, or pharmaceutical companies
• Hospital Administrator: Manage hospital operations, overseeing staff, budgets, and policies to ensure efficient and effective patient care
• Public Health Official: Work to improve community health through policy, education, and disease prevention programs, often within government or non-profits

The salary expectations for both PhD and MD graduates are relatively high, with some careers offering better salaries than others. 

Academic professors, for example, can expect an annual salary of $84,340 by working in public and private universities and colleges or professional schools. Medical scientists, currently in demand and with an expected growth in employment by 10%, gain $100,890 yearly income. 

The demand for data scientists, on the other hand, is significantly higher than most careers, with 35% estimated growth , and with a salary that reaches $108,000 every year. 

MD graduates typically have higher salaries, resulting from the high-risk critical nature of their work in dealing with patients. The salary for surgeons of any specialty is up to $343,900 annually, which surpasses many other careers. Hospital administrators’ salaries are also high, with a $272,355 median salary per year.

In general, the demand for physicians and surgeons is anticipated to grow by 3% in the following decade. 

Considerations for Choosing Between a PhD and MD

Aside from the differences between PhD vs. MD degrees, one must consider their personal interests and goals before taking the next step. Career aspirations and lifestyle choices also should factor in when making the ultimate decision. 

Personal Interests and Goals

Choosing between a PhD and an MD depends on your personal interests and career goals. If you’re passionate about research, discovery, and contributing new knowledge, a PhD may be the right path. 

If you’re driven by a desire to directly help patients, diagnose, and treat illnesses, an MD aligns better. Both require dedication, but the choice hinges on whether you prefer research or clinical practice.

Career Aspirations

Career aspirations significantly influence whether a PhD or MD is the better fit. A PhD is ideal for those aiming for careers in academia, research, or specialized industry roles, where deep expertise and innovation are key. 

An MD suits those aspiring to practice medicine, provide patient care, or work in clinical settings. Each degree supports distinct professional paths—research for PhDs, and patient care for MDs.

Work-Life Balance and Lifestyle

Work-life balance and lifestyle differ between a PhD and an MD. PhD careers, especially in academia or research, often offer more flexible hours, allowing for better work-life balance. MDs, particularly in clinical roles, may face long, irregular hours, especially during residency and early practice, leading to more demanding lifestyles. 

However, MDs often experience high job satisfaction from direct patient care, despite the rigorous schedule.

Understanding the differences between a PhD vs. MD proves to be vital for any student. From the educational path each degree requires to the skills acquired and the careers offered, exploring their differences can aid in making the right choice for your future.

Reflect on your personal interests and career goals to determine which path aligns best with your aspirations. Whether you want to contribute to academic knowledge or provide patient care, each degree has its importance and can prepare you for success!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is it possible to combine a phd with an md, and if so, how.

Yes, combining a PhD with an MD is possible through MD/PhD programs, which integrate medical training with research-focused PhD studies. This path allows for a career that blends clinical practice with advanced research.

Can you pursue a PhD after earning an MD?

Yes, you can pursue a PhD after earning an MD. Many MDs choose to return to academia to conduct research, often focusing on areas where their clinical experience enhances their scientific work.

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Why I Chose AUA:

“I was confident going into AUA because of their leadership. It was clear to me from the beginning that the staff and administration from top to bottom were pioneers and leaders in medical education. They showed a great deal of commitment by investing in constructing a brand new state of the art campus while I was there. Although the new campus opened shortly after I left the island, it was encouraging to watch its construction. It let us know that AUA was committed to investing back into its students, and are here to stay for years to come.”

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PPU to hold pre-PhD test in Nov

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