Master’s

There are two kinds of master’s degrees: the terminal master’s degree, and the master’s degree you might get on your way to a doctoral degree.

The terminal master’s degree

A terminal master’s degree is designed for someone who wishes to practice a profession.Classic examples are the MFA (Master of Fine Arts) or M.Arch. (Master of Architecture). Someone interested in business or law might first, or additionally, consider studying for the degree Master of Public Policy. Perhaps the best-known master’s degree in this category is the Master of Business Administration.

Someone might also get a terminal master’s degree if he or she does not do sufficiently well at the beginning of the studies toward a doctorate; the academic department might decide that the student will end his or her studies with a master’s degree, and not proceed to write a doctoral dissertation.

If you know in advance that the coursework–and possibly the thesis—required for a master’s degree in an academic field such as history or English would be enough for your career goals, you may apply for a master’s degree in an a academic department.

Lately, especially in Germany, numerous master’s programs have sprung up, as the bachelor’s degree has been shortened to a three-year program and people are clamoring for job training at university.

The academic master’s degree

Some people elect to satisfy the requirements for a master’s degree on the way toward a doctoral degree. Typically, one would write a master’s thesis—a research paper usually well under a hundred pages—and be awarded the degree Master of Arts or Master of Science.

Confused?

You’re not alone. The master’s degree is in flux these days. Don’t misjudge the usefulness of a specific master’s program! Be sure you know what you’re getting into!

The biggest mistake might be to look at a master’s degree as a way of prolonging the fun you had in college.

Be sure you make the right choice for you! Contact us to arrange a half-hour consultation free of charge. We can give you some preliminary information and explain how Athena Mentor might help you chart your course.