An Introduction To A Master's Degree

A Master's Degree is a post-graduate degree that is awarded after the successful completion of a program whose duration may be of one year to three years. Generally, the minimum requirement for getting admission in a master's degree program is a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree is an under-graduate degree that is awarded after completing a program lasting three or four years, depending on the policies of the government and the educational structure of a particular country.

In some cases, in-hand work experience also qualifies a student for admission into the master's degree program. Some master's degree programs require the candidate to possess a bachelor's degree in the same field in which the admission is sought. There exist some universities that offer a full-fledged degree course, which includes both bachelor's and a master's degree. Usually, the duration of this course is around five years.

Master's Degree vs Bachelor's Degree

A Master's degree is pursued after a bachelor's degree. In order to enroll in a bachelor's degree course, the eligibility is the successful completion of High school. Whereas the eligibility for a master's degree program is to have a bachelor's degree. The value of a master's degree is more than that of a bachelor's degree, simply because a master's degree is much more intensive and specialized.

MBA and Master's Degree in Marketing

MBA is a management degree. An MBA program can be in various fields like human resources, accounting, strategy, and marketing. You can specialize in a particular area, depending on the electives selected by you. For example, MBA in Finance, MBA in Computers etc. Even though you will specialize in that particular field, all parts of management will be covered in the entire MBA course.

Marketing is a specialization that features under Business Administration as well. One could opt for an MBA and then elect for a specialization in Marketing. A Master's degree in marketing usually means an MBA in Marketing, which will give more knowledge, and experience in this vibrant field.

Master's Degree vs Doctoral Degree

A Master's Degree program takes two to three years to complete. It involves exams and coursework. A thesis is not required in this degree. Generally, there are some options available for master's degree students for financing their studies. A couple of scholarships and loans can help a student in financing his master's degree.

A Doctoral Degree is much more advanced than the master's degree. The duration of a PhD course depends on the type of program. In general, a doctoral degree takes about four to seven years to complete. Usually, one year (the last one) is kept reserved for the research and thesis work. The research work done must be done independently. Also, according to the doctoral course, a year of fieldwork may be required.

The PhD program has various finance options. Students pursuing a doctoral degree have the option of financing their studies by assisting in teaching junior students, in addition to various governmental aids, scholarships, and loans.