When thinking about higher education after a bachelor’s degree, you will likely come across options such as master’s degree, doctoral programmes or professional degrees.
Each of these path offers different opportunities, challenges, and benefits. This article examines how a master’s degree differs from advanced degrees such as professional degrees, PhDs and advanced diplomas.
If your aim is to enter competitive industries in Singapore such as business, finance, IT or media and communication, that require higher qualification, then pursuing a master’s degree can be a great choice.
What is a master’s degree?
A master’s degree is an advanced academic degree that you can pursue after a bachelor’s degree. It typically takes one to two years to complete.
A master’s degree is more specialised. For example, you can earn a Master of Science (MSc) in Biology or a Master of Arts (MA) in History.
Master’s degree courses usually involve coursework, exams, and sometime a thesis or a final project.
What is the difference between a master’s degree and a PhD?
Purpose and Focus
The main goal of a master’s degree is to deepen your knowledge in a specific field. This degree prepares you for professional or academic advancement.
If you are looking to gain expertise and increase your job prospects and better pay in a particular area, a master’s degree can be a right choice.
It is more focused and less time-consuming than a PhD, making it a great option if you want to enter the workforce sooner.
Duration and Commitment
Master’s degrees are relatively short compared to doctoral degrees or professional degrees.
While most master’s degree can be completed in one to two years, PhDs or professional degree usually take around four to six years, or even longer. This shorter time frame makes a master’s degree a more manageable commitment.
Research vs Coursework
Master’s degree generally has a mix of coursework and research. Some might lean more towards coursework with exams and projects, while other might require you to complete a thesis based on your research.
What is the difference between a master’s degree and a professional degree?
In addition to master’s and PhD programs, there are professional degrees like the Juris Doctor (JD) for law, Doctor of Medicine (MD) for medicine, and Master of Business Administration (MBA).
These degrees are specifically tailored for certain professions. They combine academic learning with practical skills and are necessary for careers in those fields.
For instance, to practice law or medicine, you must have a JD (Juris Doctor) or MD (Doctor of Medicine), respectively, and also pass the necessary licensing exams.
In contrast, an MBA (Master of Business Administration) is not always required but can provide significant advantages, such as getting a higher-level job opportunities and better pay.
Flexibility and Specialisation
Professional degrees are more rigid, as they are designed to prepare you for specific careers such as law, or medicine.
Additionally, there are advanced diplomas provide practical skills for specific careers, making them ideal for quickly entering the workforce or enhancing skills in particular area.
On the other hand, in a master’s degree, you can choose from a wide range of subjects and focus on a niche that interests you. Plus, if you plan to pursue a PhD, having a master’s degree is necessary.
Additionally, a master’s degree tends to carry more weight in the job market because it signifies deeper knowledge and broader skills.
Consider enrolling in a reputed master’s degree course today!
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