Exploring graduate degrees and programs

• Focus: MA programs typically focus on disciplines within the humanities and social sciences, such as literature, history, sociology, psychology, and fine arts. These programs often emphasize research, critical thinking, and analysis of theories and concepts.
• Curriculum: MA programs often have a more flexible curriculum, with a focus on coursework and research in the chosen field of study.
• Research: MA programs may require a thesis or capstone project, but this can vary depending on the institution and the specific program.
• Length: Usually two years

• Focus: MS (Master of Science): MS programs are commonly found in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. They tend to emphasize technical and practical knowledge, problem-solving, and often involve laboratory work or quantitative research.
• Curriculum: MS programs may have a more structured curriculum, with an emphasis on technical or scientific coursework, laboratory work, and possibly a thesis or research project.
• Research: MS programs often require a research-based thesis, project, or internship, which is typically more common in STEM fields.
• Length: Usually two years

• Focus: A professional degree primarily focused on business and management.
• Curriculum: Covers a broad range of business disciplines, including finance, marketing, operations, and strategy. Typically does not require a thesis but may involve group projects, case studies, and internships.
• Careers: Management, entrepreneurship, or leadership roles in various fields.
• Length: Usually two years

• Focus: Primarily awarded in creative and fine arts disciplines, such as visual arts, writing, theater, and music.
• Curriculum: Typically includes studio work, projects, and a portfolio or thesis.
• Careers: Commonly pursued by aspiring artists, writers, actors, and musicians.
• Length: Usually two years

• Focus: Specifically designed for individuals interested in social work and the human services sector.
• Curriculum: Combines academic coursework with supervised fieldwork and practical training.
• Careers: Counseling, advocacy, and working with individuals and communities in need including healthcare, community services, non-profits, and education as well as the private sector.
• Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) — Board of Accreditation (CSWE-BOA)
• Length: Usually two years exploring clinical hours

• Focus: DSW programs are focused on preparing experienced social workers for advanced clinical practice, leadership, supervision, program administration, and social work education. The primary goal is to enhance professional practice and improve services for individuals, families, and communities.
• Dissertation: DSW programs typically require a capstone project, applied research project, or practice-focused dissertation that addresses a real-world issue in social work practice, leadership, or policy.
• Research vs. Practice: DSW programs emphasize advanced clinical practice, leadership, and the application of evidence-based practices over original research. Students engage in scholarly inquiry to improve professional practice, but research expectations are generally less extensive than those of PhD programs in Social Work.
• Accreditation:. Prospective students should verify that the program is offered by an institution with a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited MSW program and review the curriculum, faculty, and licensure outcomes when evaluating programs.
• Length: Typically two to four years of study, depending on whether the program is completed full-time or part-time. Applicants are generally expected to have earned an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, and many programs prefer or require post-MSW professional experience.

• Focus: PsyD programs are focused on preparing students for careers in clinical psychology. The primary goal is to train practitioners who provide psychological services to individuals and groups.
• Dissertation: PsyD programs typically require a doctoral project or dissertation related to clinical practice.
• Research vs. Practice: PsyD programs emphasize clinical training and practice over research. Students do engage in research, but it is typically less extensive than in PhD programs.
• Accreditation: American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA)
• Length: Typically four to six years of full-time study after completing a bachelor’s degree. The length varies by program and includes coursework, clinical training, supervised practicum experiences, internships, and a doctoral project or dissertation. Students who enter with a master’s degree may be able to complete the program in a shorter timeframe, depending on the institution and transferred credits.

• Focus: PhD programs are more versatile and can be found in various fields, including the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. They are research-focused and intended to produce faculty and researchers.
• Dissertation: PhD programs typically require an original and substantial dissertation based on independent research.
• Research vs. Practice: PhD programs place a strong emphasis on conducting original research and contributing to an academic body of knowledge. Graduates often pursue careers in research, academia, or leadership positions in various industries
• Accreditation: Depends on industry
• Length: Typically five years

• Focus: EdD programs are primarily designed for individuals pursuing careers in education and related fields. The emphasis is on practical applications and leadership in educational settings.
• Dissertation: EdD programs often require a doctoral project or dissertation that addresses a specific issue or challenge in education.
• Research vs. Practice: EdD programs tend to be more practice-oriented, with an emphasis on solving real-world problems in education. While research is a component, it typically focuses on applied research.
• Length: Typically three years

• Focus: The MD program is for those interested in becoming medical doctors or physicians. It focuses on the study and practice of medicine, preparing students for clinical practice.
• Dissertation: MD programs do not typically require a traditional dissertation. Instead, medical students often complete residencies and internships to gain clinical experience.
• Research vs. Practice: MD programs emphasize clinical training and patient care. While medical research is an essential part of the field, the primary focus is on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases.
• Typical Length:  Typically requires 4 years of full-time study after completing a bachelor’s degree and prerequisite coursework. The program includes foundational medical sciences, clinical rotations, and hands-on patient care experiences. After earning an MD degree, graduates must complete residency training, which typically lasts 3–7 years depending on the chosen medical specialty, before practicing independently.

A JD is the degree designated for those preparing for a legal career.  Please view information on JD’s in our “Pre-Law” section of this website.