After completing a bachelors degree, some will enter the workforce and others will continue in school. Graduate programs provide you with the opportunity to learn in smaller settings and at a higher caliber. Concepts will be taught more in depth and because of that, more is expected of you. There are two types of graduate programs, Master's Degrees (for science majors, a MS-- Masters of Science) and Doctorate Degrees (PhD--Doctor of Philosophy). A PhD is the highest degree attainable in liberal arts. A bachelor of science can either enter a Master's Degree Program or a Doctorate Degree Program.
When choosing between them, keep in mind the following:
Time Commitment:
Master's degrees take between 2 and 3 years to complete. Doctoral degrees take anywhere from 4-8 years.
Requirements:
Master's degrees involve coursework, exams, internship/ thesis and a comprehensive exam. PhD's involve 2-3 years of coursework, a dissertation (a high-quality independent research project that involves discovery in a related field). The thesis is defended to a group of faculty.
Costs:
Master's students often pay a large portion of their tuition. Doctoral students usually receive financial aid in the form of assisstantships and scholarships.
Future Employment:
While considering either a master's degree or a doctoral degree, keep in mind your ideal career. What will future employers expect from you education-wise?