A terminal master's degree is the most advanced degree necessary in a field. For some, this degree will be a launch for a successful career. For others, this degree remains a point between undergraduate work and a doctoral degree.
What It Is
When a master's degree is terminal, you do not have to move on to a doctoral program in order to have a career within the field. Terminal degrees are usually found in professional fields, or academic areas where research is not the priority. Those hiring for research positions will generally prefer job seekers with doctorates.
Why Choose a Terminal Degree?
Choose a terminal master's degree if you are going into a field where a doctorate is not required for most positions, or if you have a bachelor's degree and want to qualify for a more competitive administrative position. If you want to teach at a smaller college and research is not a priority, or, for example, are a social worker who is seeking a higher level of pay and more responsibility, a terminal master's degree is suitable. If you are aiming for a tenure-track position at a large research university, a doctoral program will be more desirable for you.
Examples of Terminal Master's Degrees
Some examples of degrees normally considered terminal are:
Master of Fine Arts
Master of Library Science
Master of Social Work
Examples of Non-Terminal Master's Degrees
Degrees that are most often followed by doctoral work include:
Master of Arts in English
Master of Arts in History
Master of Science in Biology
Master of Science (or Arts) in Psychology
Beyond a Master's Degree
Some people who have completed a terminal master's degree choose to go on to a doctorate program in their field or another. Reasons for this choice will include a change in careers or competing for a position with higher pay, more responsibility or more prestige.
Keep in mind that if you complete any master's degree program, whether terminal or not, you may be limiting yourself in regards to doctoral programs later. Some doctoral programs prefer to admit students directly out of undergraduate school and will award them master's degrees at a certain point in their studies.
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