MinerAlert
For some careers, an advanced degree provides both essential preparation and a necessary professional credential. Specialized clinical programs, such as the Master in Social Work (MSW), a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) give you the skills you need to work as a clinician in those fields and acquire the necessary professional licensure and certification.
Traditional academic programs, most commonly Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), introduce you to the literature, theory and methodology, and research practices of a certain academic discipline. For example, a MA in Political Science will introduce you to the study of politics and governance.
Some questions to consider before entering a professional or clinical program:
Some questions to consider before entering a PhD program: