Master of Science | M.S.
1-2 years
Coursework in field of interest
Requires thesis and thesis defense (or preliminary exam, if continuing on toward Ph.D.)
Selection and performance of original research
Timely progress and completion reports on their research findings as required by the major professor or funding agency.
One or more manuscripts suitable for submission to a refereed scientific journal.
May be terminal (i.e., can’t continue same studies toward a Ph.D.), or may be awarded immediately prior to starting a relevant Ph.D. program.
Doctor of Philosophy| Ph.D.
Highest earned academic degree
5 years, on average (if includes M.S. or equivalent experience)
May or may not be combined with an M.S. degree
Requires conducting original research, some of which will be published in a scientific journal.
Trains you to be a scholar and researcher.
Requires a written dissertation and an oral defense of the dissertation.
Required for a career as a university professor, high-level researcher, etc.
Teaching experience may be required by serving as a graduate teaching assistant for undergraduate courses in the same department or school.