A terminal degree is a graduate education level that follows a master's degree. It is typically intended for students with extensive work experience and advanced degrees who already have full-time employment or plan to be short. A terminal degree generally requires a long study period and can be obtained at various levels, such as an undergraduate, research doctorate, or research-based doctoral program.
These often consist of coursework focused on furthering particular interests in fields of study. The term "terminal" means that the degree ends once all requirements have been met, often including thesis writing with defense rounds occurring during the last semester before graduation.
What does the diploma mean when you have a terminal degree?
The word terminal means the end of the road; in this case, the end of your degree path. It is intended to indicate that you are not pursuing further education at that particular level of study. They may be awarded after completing a master's degree, but they are also given for other degrees such as Master of Arts, Doctorate, and Ph.D.
For example, a Doctoral candidate may choose to complete a research thesis as part of their Master's degree requirements and then graduate with both degrees in one year. A research thesis is necessary to graduate because the candidate may not have completed the full requirements.
What are the benefits of graduating with a terminal degree?
Your work brings satisfaction and completes your educational goals for this level of education. You can also be assured that you will achieve an important position in your chosen field. In addition, because the courses are usually focused on more specialized knowledge, you will be knowledgeable in your area of study and qualified to teach it at the college level if needed. Finally, a terminal degree confirms that you have had a well-rounded education in all aspects of research, writing, and developing formal arguments on various topics around one central topic.
What is the difference between a terminal degree and a terminal Master's degree?
Terminal Master's degrees are for Master's candidates who intend to pursue doctoral work. Terminal Master's degrees may also be given to individuals with extensive work experience who are not seeking further education. They may include a thesis project and require the completion of 30 or more units of coursework.
The terminal degree has no thesis project and takes less than 30 units of coursework to complete. It is intended for students who do not intend to continue their education. In contrast, the terminal Master's degree is intended for those who wish to pursue a doctoral program.
Is a terminal degree necessary to pursue a doctoral program?
Yes and no. A terminal degree may help you save time because you have already completed the courses usually required for a doctorate, but you can also pursue a doctoral program without one. It depends on your chosen field of study and whether or not your university will accept a terminal degree to satisfy some of its requirements for the Doctoral program.
In addition, some schools require that candidates hold an earned doctorate before they are hired as professors or teaching assistants. Therefore, if you have decided to pursue further education and obtain a doctorate, it is best to choose the most option to benefit you in your future career plans.
Should I pursue a terminal degree?
If further education is not a priority for you and you do not wish to become a professor or teacher, the terminal degree may be the right choice. If, on the other hand, you are interested in higher education and plan to pursue further work in your chosen field, consider pursuing a Doctoral program instead.
Why should I pursue an advanced degree?
An advanced degree provides greater marketability within your chosen field. It also attracts attention from potential employers who see that you have taken the initiative to increase your knowledge or credentials by undertaking additional coursework. It demonstrates that you are interested in the field and have ambitions to advance within it.
