phd ma bsc

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD - what do they all mean?

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD (and more) are abbreviations of British degrees.

They reflect the specific level and discipline of a qualification achieved at university.

While most courses are conducted on a full-time basis, there are options for part-time, distance learning and other flexible learning arrangements.

Here is a breakdown of some of the most common qualifications and ones that Aberystwyth University offers.

• BA = Bachelor of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences;
• BSc = Bachelor of Sciences;
• BENG = Bachelor of Engineering (Software, Robotics and Physics);
• LLB = Bachelor of Law.

Achieved after 3 to 4 years of study. The extra year (for a 4 year course) can be from a year studying abroad or a year working in industry.

Integrated-Masters:

• MARTS = Masters of Arts;
• MBIOL = Masters of Biology;
• MCOMP = Masters of Computer Science;
• MENG = Masters of Engineering;
• MMATH = Masters of Mathematics;
• MPHYS = Masters of Physics;
• MSCI = Masters of Sciences and Humanities.

4 years course (3-year Bachelors, 1 year Masters) that enables you to secure a loan for the full duration rather than having to fund a Masters degree separately.

• MA = Masters of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences;
• MSc = Masters of Sciences;
• MBA = Masters of Business Administration;
• MPhil = Masters of Philosophy: Advanced research Masters degree;
• MRes = Masters of Research: Contains some taught and research elements;
• LLM = Masters of Law.

Achieved after graduation from Bachelors level, usually 1-2 years duration.

• PhD = Doctor of Philosophy: for a range of disciplines.

Achieved after graduating from Masters level, usually 3-8 years duration.

A wide range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Further-Research courses – across the Arts and Sciences – are available at Aberystwyth.

MA, MBA, BS, MS, MSW, PhD, PsyD: What Does it All Mean?

The benefits of college degrees, be it associate, B.A., M.A. or Ph.D level, have been touted and restated many times. Despite rising costs, the investment continues to be valuable one for a wide variety of people. That said, back it up a little bit: just what do all those different degree acronyms mean? Beyond that, what differentiates, say, a B.B.A. from a BSN?

To help answer those questions we put together the following list of definitions for what each degree acronym stands for as well as explanations of the meanings behind all the different terminology.

Associate Degrees

An associate degree is typically completed in two years of full-time study, but may take longer for part-time students. These undergraduate programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, technical colleges, and some universities. In general, associate degrees fall into three different categories: Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.).

Associate degrees are a great fit for career-oriented students who want to enter a technical or vocational trade that requires some post secondary education. Along with often being the quickest and cheapest route to a formal degree, an associate program can also be a stepping stone to a four-year degree. Many schools offer students the option to apply credits earned from an associate degree, which is generally 60 semester credits, towards a bachelor’s degree.

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A.A. Associate of Arts

The associate of arts is a basic-level undergraduate degree granted upon completion of a two-year program, usually at community or junior college, technical college or trade school. As such, these are typically a jumping off point towards pursuing a full bachelor’s degree.

A.S. Associate of Science

Similar to the A.A., the associate of science degree is the culmination of a two-year academic program. The A.S. is usually awarded to junior college students enrolled in science or tech-related programs.

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Bachelor’s Degrees

A bachelor’s degree is the most popular post-secondary degree option, and typically seen as the standard for employment in most professional fields. In most cases, a bachelor’s program takes four years of full-time study to complete. However, some majors may take longer, or schools may offer accelerated programs allowing students to finish their degree in less time.

The two most common types of bachelor’s degrees are the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.). There are a number of other options, though, that coincide with more specific major fields, such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.). Generally, a bachelor’s degree consists of 120 semester credits, with half being made up of general education or liberal arts courses. The other half is typically filled with courses geared toward a student’s particular major.

B.A. Bachelor of Arts

The usual degree path for majors in liberal arts, humanities or social sciences such as English, creative writing, fine arts or political science. A B.A. is typically awarded upon completion of a four-year undergraduate program at a traditional school or university.

B.S. Bachelor of Science

The bachelor’s typically awarded to undergraduates in science and technical fields.

B.F.A. Bachelor of Fine Arts

Awarded to majors like art history, theater, film studies and photography.

B.B.A. Bachelor of Business Administration

A business-oriented bachelor’s path, typically associated with management, accounting, marketing, etc.

B.Arch Bachelor of Architecture

A bachelor’s degree geared towards the architecture field.

BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing

A degree path oriented towards the technical and hands-on training necessary to obtain a nursing license.

B.E. Bachelor of Engineering

Concentrates on engineering fields like electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and computer engineering.

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Master’s Degrees

Master’s degrees are graduate-level programs that typically take two years of additional full-time study after completion of a bachelor’s degree. Because most graduate students are already working professionals, many colleges and universities offer part-time or flexible master’s degree programs. These allow students to maintain their career while completing the degree at their own pace, but generally take longer than two years of study.

In order to apply for a master’s program, students usually must already possess a bachelor’s degree. Most students choose to pursue a master’s degree in order to advance in their chosen profession or enter a field that requires a high level of education. Many programs fall into one of two categories: Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.). The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) is another popular option.

M.A. Master of Arts

The basic graduate-level degree granted to grad students in fields in the humanities, social sciences or fine arts.

M.B.A. Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration is the master-level degree granted upon completion of a business administration or management-oriented program. In contrast to an M.A., M.B.A. programs are typically oriented around subjects more narrowly tailored towards business operations like accounting, marketing and analysis.

M.S. Master of Science

Typically awarded to graduate students in scientific or technical fields.

M.S.W. Master of Social Work

Similar to the M.B.A., the Master of Social Work is narrowly defined master’s degree focused on social work. M.S.W. programs may adhere to either a clinical track or practice track. The clinical track is oriented towards working with patients, while the practice track focuses on politics and policy as well as management.

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Doctoral Degrees

A doctorate is the highest level of academic degree awarded by universities, and can take anywhere from three to eight years (or more) to complete. Some doctoral programs require students to already have a master’s before enrolling, while others can be started directly after completion of undergraduate study.

There are many different types of doctoral degrees, but the most common is the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Depending on the specific degree awarded, earning a doctorate can qualify graduates to teach at the university level, or work in a position that requires extensive training and education. Psychologists and medical doctors are two examples of professionals who must hold doctoral degrees in order to become licensed to practice in their field.

Ph.D Doctor of Philosophy

Despite what the name might suggest, this isn’t a degree for philosophers exclusively. A Ph.D is the doctorate-level degree granted in a variety of different disciplines. These are typically research-intensive programs pursued by those who’ve already acquired bachelor’s and master-level credentials in their field of study.

Psy.D. Doctor of Psychology

The Psy.D.is similar to a standard doctorate degree, but granted specifically for students pursuing psychology practice.

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What do these letters stand for?

There are two parts; one can classify the educational level of the degree: “B” stands for bachelor’s degree; “M” stands for master’s degree; and “D” stands for doctoral degree. The second part denotes the discipline of the degree, like “S” for science, “A” for arts, or “Ph” for Philosophy.

What are the distinctions between arts and science degrees?

Depending on the school you attend and the kind of courses you take, you could earn an arts degree or a science degree. Typically, an “arts” degree means that you focused on a wide area of learning and discussion, while a “science” degree implies a deep, technical understanding of your subject.

What kinds of designations exist for doctoral students?

The highest degree you can earn in most liberal arts disciplines is a PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy. However, clinical and counseling psychologists earn a PsyD, Doctor of Psychology nomenclature; medical students earn M.D. degrees and law students can earn J.D. (Juris Doctor) degrees.

What about some of the other specialized degrees?

Distinctive nomenclature are named after applied disciplines, include Master of Social Work (MSW), Doctor of Social Work (DSW), Master of Education degree (MaEd), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).

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• Master’s vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Master's vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Published on November 27, 2020 by Lauren Thomas . Revised on May 10, 2024.

The two most common types of graduate degrees are master’s and doctoral degrees:

• A master’s is a 1–2 year degree that can prepare you for a multitude of careers.
• A PhD, or doctoral degree, takes 3–7 years to complete (depending on the country) and prepares you for a career in academic research.

A master’s is also the necessary first step to a PhD. In the US, the master’s is built into PhD programs, while in most other countries, a separate master’s degree is required before applying for PhDs.

Master’s are far more common than PhDs. In the US, 24 million people have master’s or professional degrees, whereas only 4.5 million have doctorates.

Table of contents

Master’s vs phd at a glance, which is right for you, length of time required, career prospects, costs and salaries, application process, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about master's and phd degrees.

The table below shows the key differences between the two.

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A PhD is right for you if:

• Your goal is to become a professor at a university or some other type of professional researcher.
• You love research and are passionate about discovering the answer to a particular question.
• You are willing to spend years pursuing your research even if you have to put up with a lot of dead ends and roadblocks.

A master’s degree is the better choice if any of the following apply:

• You want to continue studies in your field, but you’re not committed to a career as a professional researcher.
• You want to develop professional skills for a specific career.
• You are willing to pay a higher upfront cost if it means finishing with your degree (and thus being able to work) much faster.
• You want the option to study part-time while working.

The length of time required to complete a PhD or master’s degree varies. Unsurprisingly, PhDs take much longer, usually between 3–7 years. Master’s degrees are usually only 1–2 years.

Length of a master’s

Master’s degrees are usually 2 years, although 1-year master’s degrees also exist, mainly in the UK.

Most of the degree consists of classes and coursework, although many master’s programs include an intensive, semester-long master’s thesis or capstone project in which students bring together all they’ve learned to produce an original piece of work.

Length of a PhD

In the US, a PhD usually takes between 5 and 7 years to complete. The first 2 years are spent on coursework. Students, even those who choose to leave without finishing the program, usually receive a master’s degree at this point.

The next 3–5 years are spent preparing a dissertation —a lengthy piece of writing based on independent research, which aims to make a significant original contribution to one’s field.

Master’s degrees tend to prepare you for a career outside of academia, while PhDs are designed to lead to a career in research.

Careers for master’s graduates

There are two types of master’s degrees: terminal and research-intensive. The career prospects are different for each.

Terminal master’s degrees are intended to prepare students for careers outside of academia. Some degrees, known as professional degrees, specifically prepare students for particular professions; these include the Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees.

Other master’s degrees, usually Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Sciences (MS or MSc) degrees, do not necessarily lead to a specific career, but are intended to be a final degree. Examples include an MS in Communications or MS in Data Analytics.

In research-intensive master’s programs, students take coursework intended to prepare them for writing an original piece of research known as the master’s thesis . Such programs are usually intended to prepare for further study in a doctoral program.

Careers for PhD graduates

As research degrees, PhDs are usually intended to lead to an academic career. A PhD can be thought of like an apprenticeship, where students learn from professional researchers (academics) how to produce their own research.

Most students aspire to become a university professor upon the completion of their degree. However, careers in academia are highly competitive, and the skills learned in a doctoral program often lend themselves well to other types of careers.

Some graduates who find they prefer teaching to producing research go on to be teachers at liberal arts colleges or even secondary schools. Others work in research-intensive careers in the government, private sector, or at think tanks.

Below are a few examples of specific fields and non-academic careers that are common destinations of graduates of those fields.

• Computer Science
• Lab Sciences

Many government jobs, including economists at a country’s central bank, are research-intensive and require a PhD. Think tanks also hire economists to carry out independent research.

In the private sector, economic consulting and technology firms frequently hire PhDs to solve real-world problems that require complex mathematical modeling.

Graduate students from the humanities are sometimes hired by museums, who can make use of their research and writing skills to curate exhibits and run public outreach.

Humanities PhDs are often well-suited to research and grant-writing roles at nonprofits. Since so much of research is funded by grants, PhD students often gain a lot of experience applying for them, which is a useful skill in the nonprofit sector.

There are a wide range of non-academic research jobs for lab scientists with doctorates in subjects like chemistry, biology, ecology and physics.

Many PhD graduates are hired by pharmaceutical companies that need to perform research to create and test their products. Government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), also hire lab scientists to work on research projects.

Job prospects after graduation vary widely based on the field. In fields like management, computer science, statistics, and economics, there’s little underemployment—even graduates from less well-known programs can easily find jobs that pay well and use the skills they’ve gained from the PhD.

However, in other fields, particularly in the humanities, many PhD graduates have difficulty in the job market. Unfortunately, there are far more PhD graduates than assistant professor roles, so many instead take on part-time and low-paid roles as adjunct instructors. Even non-academic careers can sometimes be difficult for PhDs to move into, as they may be seen as “overqualified”  or as lacking in relevant professional experience.

Because career options post-PhD vary so much, you should take the time to figure out what the career prospects are in your field. Doctoral programs often have detailed “placement” records online in which they list the career outcomes of their graduates immediately upon leaving the program. If you can’t find these records, contact the program and ask for them—placement information should play an important role in your choice of PhD program.

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Although PhDs take far longer to complete, students often receive a living stipend in exchange for being a teaching or research assistant. Master’s degrees are shorter but less likely to be funded.

Both master’s degrees and PhDs lead to increased salaries upon graduation. While PhDs usually earn a bit more than those with a master’s degree, in some fields, the wages are identical, meaning that no financial benefit is gained from going on to a PhD.

Cost of a master’s

The upfront cost of a master’s degree is usually higher than a doctoral degree due to the lower amount of financial aid available. However, increased salaries also arrive faster than with a doctoral degree, because people graduate much earlier from a master’s program.

Some master’s students do receive stipends for their degrees, usually as compensation for being a teaching or research assistant. In addition, many people complete master’s degrees part time while working full-time, which allows them to fund their living costs as well as tuition.

The cost varies significantly by school and program. Public schools are usually cheaper than private ones. Some master’s degrees, such as MBAs, are notoriously expensive, but also result in much higher wages afterwards that make up for the high cost.

The master’s wage premium , or the extra amount that someone with a master’s degree makes than someone with just a high school diploma, is 23% on average. Many universities provide detailed statistics on the career and salary outcomes of their students. If they do not have this online, you should feel free to contact an administrator of the program and ask.

Cost of a PhD

PhDs, particularly outside the humanities, are usually (though not always) funded, meaning that tuition fees are fully waived and students receive a small living stipend. During the last 3–5 years of a PhD, after finishing their coursework (and sometimes before), students are usually expected to work as graduate instructors or research assistants in exchange for the stipend.

Sometimes students can apply for a fellowship (such as the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Program in the United States) that relieves them of any obligations to be a teaching or research assistant. Doctoral programs in the US tend to be better funded than in the rest of the world.

Sometimes, PhD degrees can be completed part-time, but this is rare. Students are usually expected to devote at least 40 hours a week to their research and work as teaching or research assistants.

The main cost of doctoral programs comes in the form of opportunity cost—all the years that students could be working a regular, full-time job, which usually pays much better than a graduate school stipend.

The average wage premium for PhDs is 26%, which is not much higher than the master’s degree premium.

In the US, the application process is similar for master’s and PhD programs. Both will generally ask for:

• At least one application essay, often called a personal statement or statement of purpose .
• Letters of recommendation .
• A resume or CV .
• Transcripts.
• Writing samples.

Applications for both types of programs also often require a standardized test. PhDs usually require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which tries to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative, critical thinking , and analytical writing skills. Many master’s programs require this test as well.

Applying for a master’s

Master’s degrees programs will often ask you to respond to specific essay prompts that may ask you to reflect upon not just your academic background, but also your personal character and future career ambitions.

Northwestern University’s Kellogg Business School requires Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) applicants write two essays, one about a recent time they demonstrated leadership and the second about their personal values.

Who you should ask for your letters of recommendation varies by program. If you are applying to a research-intensive master’s program, then you should choose former professors or research supervisors. For other programs, particularly business school, current work supervisors may be a better choice.

Some professional master’s programs require a specific test. For example, to apply to law school, you must take the Law School Admissions Test, or LSAT. For business school, you must take either the GRE or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).

Applying for a PhD

When applying for a PhD, your resume should focus more on your research background—you should especially emphasize any publications you’ve authored or presentations that you’ve given.

Similarly, your statement of purpose should discuss research that you’ve participated in, whether as an assistant or the lead author. You should detail what exactly you did in projects you’ve contributed to, whether that’s conducting a literature review, coding regressions, or writing an entire article.

Your letters of recommendations should be from former professors or supervisors who can speak to your abilities and potential as a researcher. A good rule of thumb is to avoid asking for recommendations from anyone who does not themselves have a PhD.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

This depends on the country. In the United States, you can generally go directly to a PhD  with only a bachelor’s degree, as a master’s program is included as part of the doctoral program.

Elsewhere, you generally need to graduate from a research-intensive master’s degree before continuing to the PhD.

This varies by country. In the United States, PhDs usually take between 5–7 years: 2 years of coursework followed by 3–5 years of independent research work to produce a dissertation.

In the rest of the world, students normally have a master’s degree before beginning the PhD, so they proceed directly to the research stage and complete a PhD in 3–5 years.

A master’s degree usually has a higher upfront cost, but it also allows you to start earning a higher salary more quickly. The exact cost depends on the country and the school: private universities usually cost more than public ones, and European degrees usually cost less than North American ones. There are limited possibilities for financial aid.

PhDs often waive tuition fees and offer a living stipend in exchange for a teaching or research assistantship. However, they take many years to complete, during which time you earn very little.

In the US, the graduate school application process is similar whether you’re applying for a master’s or a PhD . Both require letters of recommendation , a statement of purpose or personal statement , a resume or CV , and transcripts. Programs in the US and Canada usually also require a certain type of standardized test—often the GRE.

Outside the US, PhD programs usually also require applicants to write a research proposal , because students are expected to begin dissertation research in the first year of their PhD.

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• Masters vs PhD – Differences Explained
• Types of Doctorates

The decision of whether or not to pursue a Masters or PhD (or both) after you complete your undergraduate studies is not necessarily a straightforward one. Both are postgraduate degrees but are different in terms of the academic experience and the career paths taken afterwards.

In short, a Masters degree involves a year of study, primarily through taught lectures and a final dissertation research project, whilst a PhD (also referred to as a doctorate degree) is a three-year commitment of independent research on a specific subject.

There’s more to it than that, however – read on for more information.

What Is a Masters Degree?

A Masters degree is the next level of education after the completion of an undergraduate degree, commonly known as a Bachelors.

These degree levels are often referred to in terms of cycles so that a Bachelor’s is a first-cycle degree, a Masters is a second-cycle and finally, a PhD is the third-cycle of higher education (and the highest).

Masters degrees demand an intense period of study, usually centred around a core series of lectures and taught modules, coupled with coursework assignments and exams, followed by the completion of a contained research project usually taking students 3-4 months to complete.

These types of degrees are attractive to recent graduates who want to delve deeper into their specific field of study, gaining some research experience and more specialised knowledge beyond what an undergraduate degree can offer.

Equally, some pursue a Masters degree program in a subject that is only tangentially related to their Bachelors degree, helping them gain a broader depth of knowledge.

These degrees also serve as a significant stepping stone for those already in employment who want to progress their current career development and earn a higher salary. They can also be an excellent method for helping in changing careers completely by learning new skills and subject knowledge.

What Is a PhD Degree?

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest academic degree that can be awarded and is the third and final cycle in the progression of higher education.

A doctoral degree is earned on the basis of producing a significant, independent and novel body of work (a Thesis) that contributes new knowledge to a particular research topic.

These are research degrees that are a significant investment of a candidate’s time, resources and energy and are all but a pre-requisite for anyone considering a career in academia, such as eventually becoming a professor.

There are some exceptions to this, such as those with a medical background who may earn an MD (Doctor of Medicine), which is the equivalent of a PhD.

Doctoral degrees can also have a significant positive impact on career development outside of academia, especially in fields such as engineering, business and finance that have a high demand for highly qualified and capable people.

A graduate student engaged in PhD study is commonly known as a PhD student, PhD candidate or doctoral student.

What are the Benefits of a Masters Degree?

There are several reasons one might consider doing a Masters degree rather than a PhD in their graduate education. These include:

• It takes approximately a third of the time to do compared to a doctorate degree and costs less too.
• It’s a good way to differentiate yourself from those that hold only an undergraduate degree without having to commit to a substantial research degree.
• The end goal is more career-focused as opposed to research-focused. For example, it is practically an ‘easier’ route to changing or progressing your career if that aligns with your professional goals.

What are the Benefits of Doing a PhD?

You may continue on into a doctoral program after a Masters or you may even dive straight in after completing your undergraduate studies. So, what are the advantages of completing this third-cycle?

• You’ll have developed a wealth of transferable skills at graduate school, such as effective communication of complex concepts, multi-tasking time-management and the ability to adapt to and solve unexpected problems.
• A doctorate helps to establish you as an expert within your chosen subject area; your work will hopefully have furthered the knowledge in this.
• It will open up career paths and teaching positions within academia that may otherwise be very difficult to get a hold in (although these career paths will still be very competitive).
• You can add the title ‘Dr’ in front of your name!

Which Degree Is More Impactful: A Masters or a PhD?

On paper, the answer should be clear: A doctorate degree is the highest degree you can earn, so has more impact than a Masters, which in turn has more impact than a Bachelors.

The reality is that the size of the impact (if any) really depends on the subject area and the career path you choose (if the measure of impact is how it positively improves your career prospects, that is).

For someone with aspirations of becoming a professor, a PhD will be of greater value than a Masters alone.

Equally, it’s also possible that someone with a PhD entering a different field or one that doesn’t require a PhD may find that their degree has no bearing on their career or in some cases may even be seen as a ‘negative’ with a concern of the person being ‘over-qualified’ for a position. There are many scenarios in which professional experience would be more valuable to an employer than a doctorate degree.

Check out the links below to our interviews with Prof. Debby Cotton and Dr Nikolay Nikolov to read their experiences of when a going through a PhD program has had a clear benefit (Prof. Cotton) and when it hasn’t been helpful (Dr Nikolov).

Do You Need to Have a Masters to do a PhD?

This really depends on the university, department and sometimes even the project and supervisor.

From a purely application process perspective, some institutions may formally require you to hold a Masters degree relevant to the subject of the PhD project before you can enter their doctoral program.

In another scenario, most universities are unlikely to accept candidates that were awarded below a 2:1 (in the UK) in their undergraduate degree but may consider someone who has ‘made up’ for this with a high-grade Masters.

Lastly, some universities now offer PhD programmes that incorporate an additional year of study in which you would complete a Masters degree before carrying directly on into a PhD project. As you’d expect, even if a university doesn’t formally require you to hold one, a Masters degree can help separate you from other applicants in being accepted on the project.

Check out our detailed guide to doing a PhD without a Master’s .

Why Do a Masters before Your PhD?

Even if you don’t need to have one, it could still be beneficial to begin your postgraduate study by doing a Masters first before you embark on your doctorate journey.

As mentioned previously it’ll help you stand out from applicants that don’t have one, but beyond that, it’ll give you a taster of what research life could be like, especially if you stay at the same university and department for your PhD.

The one-year commitment (in the UK at least) of carrying out a Masters first, and in particular your research project, will help you better understand if this is truly something you want to commit the next three or more years to.

You’ll learn some of the skills of independent research, from performing detailed literature searches to more complex, analytical writing.

At the end of it, you should be in a stronger position to consider your options and decide about whether to continue into a PhD at graduate school.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters Degree?

In the UK, a full-time Masters degrees take students one calendar year to complete: The programme of study usually starts in September, the final research project the following April and final project viva around August. Part-time degrees are usually double the time.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD?

In the UK, most PhD projects take 3-4 years to complete , as reflected by the majority of funded projects offering stipends to cover living expenses of about 3.5 years.

For many reasons, projects may end up taking longer to complete, however. This might be because of difficulties in collecting enough data, or if the project is being done part-time.

Which One is More Expensive to Do?

As you’d expect, as a PhD takes three times as long to complete as a Masters degree, it will cost you more to do as far as university fees are concerned.

Another thing to consider is that many PhD projects come with some level of funding equivalent to a low salary, which may cover the cost of tuition fees and living expenses, whilst it is usually more difficult to obtain funding for Masters study.

Conversely, a Masters graduate may progress into a higher (versus PhD funding) salary sooner whilst a PhD student will endure three years of a comparatively low income.

A Masters vs a PhD: Conclusion

If you’re considering continue further graduate study after your undergraduate degree, the question of doing a Masters vs a PhD is likely to come up. They are both considered an advanced degree, each with their own advantages.

There are benefits to doing either of these graduate programs or even both of them; your decision here can be easier if you have an idea of the career you want to follow or if you know you have a love for research!

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Types of university qualifications and degrees explained

Types of qualifications available at huddersfield, undergraduate qualifications (level 6), postgraduate qualifications (level 7 and level 8), types of university degrees.

Combine subjects, take a placement year, learn online or even while you’re working – study in a way that suits you.

• Bachelor’s Degrees

Integrated Master's Degree

• Degree apprenticeship
• Distance Learning
• Taught Master's Degree
• Research Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

A Bachelor’s Degree is available either full-time or part-time, usually three years (full-time) often with the opportunity of a placement year.

The BA and BSc are two of the most common types of Bachelor’s degrees. However, there are also a number of subject specific qualifications, most of which can be studied at Huddersfield.

One year full-time so you can build on a foundation degree or HND qualification and go on to degree level.

Some courses combine undergraduate and postgraduate. Meaning you’ll study for four or five years with a placement.

Distance learning

Study from wherever you are using online learning tools and learn at your own pace, part-time or full-time.

Degree Apprenticeship

Paid for by your employer, this is hands-on learning in an industry setting. Learn more about Degree Apprenticeships.  

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Dual Degrees

Students in the dual degree program combine their law degree with one in another subject, joining two areas of interest and expanding career opportunities. Boston College Law School partners with other programs such as Tufts University, Vermont Law School, and the Sorbonne Law School of the Université Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne.

JD/MEd or MA in Education

Jd/ma or jd/phd in philosophy, jd/ma in urban and environmental policy and planning (with tufts university), jd/mph (with tufts university).

• JD/MA in Law & Diplomacy (with Tufts University)
• JD/MA in Environmental, Energy, or Food & Agriculture Law (with Vermont Law School)

Offered in conjunction with the Carroll School of Management, this popular program is ideal for future lawyers targeting careers in the corporate sector. The purpose is to provide professionals with a unique knowledge base combining the skills and credentials of management and law practice.  

Students admitted to the program may expect to receive both the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the Juris Doctor (JD) degrees in four years rather than the normal five years to complete the two separately. It is preferable for students to begin at the Law School. This provides a solid philosophical foundation for the program and ensures that the student will maintain continuity at the business school by entering and graduating with the same cohort and class. 

Contact the BC Law Admissions Office to learn more about the JD program. For information on the MBA program, contact the Carroll School of Management .

Sample Plan of Study

The MSW/JD Dual degree Program is designed for students who are interested in serving the combined legal and social needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities. The program reflects the University’s mission to educate individuals who are committed to working with the poor, the powerless, and the disadvantaged. It is intended for persons who wish to combine social work knowledge and intervention skills with legal knowledge and practice skills to better serve their clients or constituencies. 

Students admitted to the program may expect to receive both the Master of Social Work (MSW) and the Juris Doctor (JD) degrees in four years rather than the normal five years to complete the two separately. Graduating students will be eligible to take the bar and social work licensing exams. It is preferable for students to begin the program at the School of Social Work. This provides a solid philosophical foundation for the program and ensures that the student will maintain continuity at the Law School by entering and graduating with the same class.

Contact the BC Law Admissions Office to learn more about the JD program. For information on the MSW program, contact the Graduate School of Social Work .

Sample Plan of Study - Law Start

Sample plan of study - ssw start.

Interdisciplinary expertise in law and education can be invaluable for students committed to the pursuit of social justice and quality education for all. These programs provide students with access to leading experts and field-based learning experiences, allowing them to acquire vital skills. Students emerge prepared to act as advocates in a variety of careers, including as policymakers, education leaders, policy analysts, and teachers.

Students admitted to the program may expect to receive both degrees in about three years.Students must begin at the Law School. This provides a solid philosophical foundation for the program.

Contact the BC Law Admissions Office to learn more about the JD program. For information on the Education programs, contact the Lynch School of Education & Human Development website.

Law and philosophy have always been inextricably linked, employing similar styles of argument and analysis. These dual degrees provide frameworks for examining issues of globalization, bioethics, modern technology, professional responsibility, and social justice—designed for students looking to leverage interests in legal theory and jurisprudence. The JD/MA program offers a foundation for examining a range of topics, allowing students to put theory into practice. The JD/PhD program investigates the intersection of law and philosophy, preparing students for academic careers.

The JD/MA program may be completed in as few as three years, but it must be completed within six years of enrollment. The JD/PhD program may be completed in as few as six years, but it must be completed within ten years of enrollment.

Contact the BC Law Admissions Office to learn more about the JD program. For information on the MS or PhD program, contact the Philosophy Department .

This innovative program offers BC Law students the chance to explore an array of professional practice areas. Participants acquire practical skills while studying land law, environmental policy, the limits of private and governmental roles in urban planning, and more. Courses incorporate debates and critical thinking about the environment, human settlements, social and environmental justice, corporate responsibility, and public and private land use management.

Students admitted to the program may expect to receive both the Master of Urban & Environmental Policy and Planning (MA) and the Juris Doctor (JD) degrees in four years rather than the normal five years to complete the two separately. 

Contact the BC Law Admissions Office to learn more about the JD program. For information on the MA program, contact Tufts Admissions .

Sample Plan of Study - Tufts Start

This Master of Public Health dual degree puts students in position to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in the legal and public health fields. The curriculum lies at the intersection of health law and policy, where interdisciplinary training has become more essential than ever. Among other issues, students examine health care law, global health, environmental regulation, and food safety policy.

Students admitted to the program may expect to receive both the Master of Public Health (MPH) and the Juris Doctor (JD) degrees in four years rather than the normal five years to complete the two separately. Students can either complete their 1L course of study first before beginning MPH coursework, or begin MPH coursework in the pre-1L summer.

Contact the BC Law Admissions Office to learn more about the JD program. For information on the MPH program, contact Tufts Admissions .

Sample Plan of Study - Fall Start at BC Law

Sample plan of study - summer start at tufts, jd/ma in law and diplomacy (with tufts university).

Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD), Fletcher's flagship international affairs degree, is highly flexible and can be customized in numerous ways to meet specific academic, personal and professional goals. The program allows for students to explore different aspects of International Relations while benefiting from Fletcher's unique interdisciplinary approach that breaks down walls between disciplines and trains students to look across them for solutions.

Students admitted to the program may expect to receive both the Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) and the Juris Doctor (JD) degrees in four years rather than the normal five years to complete the two separately. Students can either complete their 1L course of study first before beginning MALD coursework, or begin one academic year of MALD coursework before beginning the 1L course of study.

Sample Plan of Study - Fletcher Start

Jd/masters degrees in environmental, energy, or food & agriculture law (with vermont law school).

Presented in partnership with Vermont Law & Graduate School, this program offers several specialized advanced degree credentials, focused training, and flexibility: Students can choose masters concentrations in environmental protection, energy, or food & agriculture law. 

Contact the BC Law Admissions Office to learn more about the JD program. For information on the MA programs, contact Vermont Law & Graduate School .

Being admitted into one graduate program does not guarantee admission into the other. A student must apply to both schools and admission decisions are made independently. Please note that enrollment in a dual degree program may have an impact on tuition and financial aid. Students considering enrollment in a dual degree program must meet with Academic & Student Services.

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5 routes to getting a Doctorate

While most of those studying for a PhD take the PhD by thesis pathway, there are five viable routes to achieving a Doctorate, with both full-time and part-time options available

PhD by thesis

This is the most common means of getting a Doctorate. Over the three or four years of research at university, your PhD supervisor will support you as you aim to produce a thesis based on your research proposal .

A thesis is typically 60,000-90,000 words in length - although this can vary between institutions. For instance, the University of Glasgow's College of Social Sciences expects a thesis to be 70,000 to 100,000 words including references, bibliography and appendices, while the University of Cambridge has set an upper limit of 80,000 words.

Once completed, you'll need to defend your PhD thesis in front of a panel of examiners during your viva voce .

Doctorate by publication

This route involves submitting previously published work - such as books, book chapters and journal articles, which together form a coherent body of work and show evidence of an original contribution to a particular field of study.

The PhD by publication route is often taken by mid-career academics that haven't had the opportunity to undertake a standard Doctorate degree.

Generally, a minimum of five to eight published pieces are required, but this varies between institutions and depends on their length. The published work will be assessed to the same rigorous standards as a traditional PhD by thesis.

You must also provide a written supporting statement, which typically ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 words.

For instance, the University of Westminster asks for a commentary of 5,000 words (science and technology subjects) or 10,000 words (arts, social sciences and humanities). On the other hand, Queen Margaret University Edinburgh requires 12,000 to 15,000 words on the rationale and theoretical context for the portfolio of published work.

The work will then be presented to an academic committee. A supervisor will assist you with selecting which publications to submit, as well as guidance on the supporting statement.

Some universities accept only their own graduates for a PhD by publication, while others restrict this route to their academic staff. In general, you should have graduated from your first degree at least seven years ago to be eligible.

For example, The University of Manchester has published its own Guidance for the PhD By Published Work , with eligibility only extending to current members of staff.

Professional Doctorate

This type of Doctorate includes a significant taught component and a smaller research project, and is geared primarily towards current professionals in vocational sectors such as:

• engineering and manufacturing
• teaching and education .

Professional Doctorates are often taken on a part-time basis and can last between two and eight years. Like their standard PhD counterparts, they usually begin in October or January.

While you won't typically be looking to get an academic job , your research is expected to contribute to theory as well as professional practice. Projects often revolve around a real-life issue that affects your employer.

Several professional Doctorates, such as the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), are accredited by a professional body - for instance, the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and The British Psychological Society (BPS) - and may also lead to a professional qualification .

Common titles for graduates of professional Doctorate degrees include:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Engineering (EngD)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Unlike many professional Doctorates, the EngD is typically offered as a full-time course and is aimed at young engineering graduates with little or no professional experience.

Integrated PhD

This four-year qualification, also known as the New Route PhD, involves studying a one-year research Masters degree (MRes) before progressing onto a three-year PhD.

Offered by a select number of universities across the UK, integrated PhDs are supported by the government and the British Council through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) .

Visit Research Council funding for further information on research and funding for different types of PhD.

The integrated PhD involves a combination of taught materials, practical experience and advanced research. This allows you to learn subject-specific methodologies, while building the transferable skills that will enable you to become a leader in your chosen profession.

Institutions can also develop personalised integrated PhD programmes to meet each student's needs. For example, universities may offer you the opportunity to gain a postgraduate certificate (PGCert) in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education - perfect if you're considering a career as a higher education lecturer .

Online/distance learning PhD

As PhDs are based primarily on independent research rather than time spent in lectures and seminars, distance learning has always been a viable route for many Doctoral students.

PhDs by distance learning offered by course providers such as The Open University are therefore a good option to consider if you've got family or work commitments or are an international student - as this gives you the chance to undertake Doctoral research without having to live close to your chosen institution. It's also a suitable mode of study if your subject requires you to be based in a specific location away from the university.

For the most part, you'll be in touch with your supervisor by phone, email or Skype/Zoom. You'll need to bear in mind that even if you opt for this form of research, you'll generally still need to attend university for one or two weeks of each academic year for meetings and to receive research skills training. Your final exam may be undertaken either face-to-face or virtually.

With online PhDs, you can usually register as a full or part-time student. The level of fees you pay varies between institutions - some charge the same as for a standard PhD while others offer a reduced rate.

Check that any funding you plan to apply for is available to distance learning students, as this isn't always the case.

Search for online/distance learning PhDs .

Find out more

• Discover what is a PhD?
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• Consider what to do after completing your PhD .

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Application requirements for phd, ma, ms.

The following requirements and processes apply to all PhD and most master’s programs with the following exceptions:

• Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP)
• Joint MA Programs
• Individually Designed MA in Education

Deadlines For The 2025-2026 Academic Year:

Application Available:  Mid September 2024  PhD Application Deadline: December 2, 2024 MA/MS Application Deadline:  January 9, 2025 KHS  GSE Program Application Deadline, Master's & PhD Candidates: November 15, 2024

Complete and submit Stanford’s graduation application form . For reference only, here is a PDF sample of last year's application .

Coterm applicants (current Stanford undergraduates): please use the coterminal application . For more information on being a GSE coterm, visit this page: https://ed.stanford.edu/admissions/coterminal

The application fee is $125, is nonrefundable, and must be received by the application deadline.

Application fee waivers are reviewed when the graduate application opens in mid-September, and are available to GSE applicants in three ways:

• GRE Fee Reduction Certificate-Based Waiver
• Program Participation-Based Waiver
• School-Based Waiver

GRE fee reduction certificate and program participation waivers are granted by Stanford's Central Graduation Admissions office . School-based waivers are granted by GSE admissions to applicants who do not qualify for the GRE fee reduction certificate or the program participation-based waiver. School-based waiver applications will be reviewed on a first-come basis. Preference is given to low-income, first generation domestic applicants. Acceptance or denial of your fee waiver application does not affect your likelihood of admission into a graduate program.

GSE Admissions reviews and releases our School-based fee waiver decisions in rounds, and decisions are sent after 12:00 PM (Pacific) the day of the fee waiver application deadline. The rounds are scheduled as follows for the 2024-2025 application cycle:

Round 1: October 1 - October 19 @ 12pm PDT (decisions released on October 20) Round 2: October 20 - November 2 @ 12pm PDT (decisions released on November 3, last day for KHS Master's or PhD applicants) Round 3: November 3 - November 16 @ 12pm PDT (decisions released on November 17, last day for PhD applicants) Round 4: November 17 - December 7 @ 12pm PST (decisions released on December 8) Round 5: December 8 - January 4 @ 12pm PST  (decisions released on January 5, last day for Master's applicants)

If your fee waiver application is approved you will receive a waiver code to enter on the payment page of your graduate admissions application.

If you do not receive a fee waiver, you are instructed to pay the $125 nonrefundable fee.

Your typed, single-spaced statement of purpose should be between one and two pages with 12-point font and regular, one-inch margins. Describe your reasons for applying, your preparation for this field of study, why our program is a good fit for you, your future career goals, and other aspects of your background and interests that might aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.

If you are applying to the doctoral program , you should include your research interests and the names of two or three faculty members whose work closely converges with yours, to identify potential advisors. DAPS applicants have a specific statement of purpose prompt; please review it below under the program-specific requirements section.

For master's applicants , focus on how your previous work, background, and/or academic experience informs your decision to apply to the program as well as how the program will impact your career goals.

Please keep a copy for your records.

What is a good statement of purpose?

Upload your resume or CV (whichever is most appropriate to your background) in the online application. There is no page limit, though we typically see resumes of one page with 12-point font and regular, one-inch margins.

In the online application, you will be asked to identify your recommenders and their email addresses. Please notify your recommenders that they will receive an email prompt to submit their letters online. You can submit your request for letters of recommendation through the system without submitting your entire application. Stanford GSE only accepts recommendations through the online application system , and cannot accept mailed, emailed, or faxed recommendations.

Your recommenders should be people who have supervised you in an academic, employment, or community service setting. We strongly recommend that at least one of these letters be from a university professor familiar with your academic work. Your letters should directly address your suitability for admission to a graduate program at Stanford GSE.

It is your responsibility to ensure that all three letters of recommendation are submitted through the application system by the application deadline. 

Guide for Recommenders

If you are writing a letter of recommendation for an applicant to Stanford GSE, please review our Guide for Recommenders to see what we are looking for in a strong letter or recommendation.

We require transcripts from every college and university you have attended for at least one academic year as a full-time student. Upload transcripts as scanned copies or PDFs (no larger than 10MB) when submitting the online application. Please refrain from uploading a secured PDF/transcript with a digital signature, as our system cannot upload these properly.

If you earned a degree at the institution from which you are submitting a transcript, please ensure that the degree conferred and the degree conferral date are clearly visible on the document. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the degree by the time you submit your application, submit your most recent in-progress transcript .

If admitted, we will contact you with instructions for sending official transcripts. Note that the instructions for sending transcripts in the online application and on the Stanford Graduate Admissions Office website differ from this GSE requirement.

Study Abroad

If the transcript from your home institution reflects your study abroad coursework and grades, you do not need to submit original transcripts from your abroad institution.

Foreign Institutions

If your institution provides a transcript in a language other than English, we require that you submit a translation, either provided by the institution or a certified translator. Translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records.

If your transcript does not include your degree conferred and your degree conferral date , please submit a scanned copy of your diploma, a conferral statement, or a conferral document in addition to your transcript. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the degree by the time you submit your application, submit your most recent in-progress transcript .

GSE will not require the GRE for admission for the 2025-2026 academic year. However, applicants will have the opportunity to submit GRE scores if you have taken the test and feel that your scores would enhance your application. Not submitting your GRE scores does not affect your application negatively in any way. If you wish to send scores, please follow the guidelines below.

• For applicants submitting optional GRE scores: We accept all scores that are still valid/reportable by ETS standards . If your scores are reportable you may send them electronically to Stanford University institution code 4704 (department code does not matter). Once you submit your application, your scores will be matched with your application. We cannot guarantee that official scores received after your program’s application deadline will be included in your application.

TOEFL Requirement

Stanford University requires the TOEFL from all applicants whose native language is not English. The GSE requires a minimum score of 100 ibT. The Test of Written English (TWE) is not required. Applicants who have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree or a one- or two-year master’s program (or equivalent) in the U.S. or at an institution at which English is the main language of instruction do not need to take the TOEFL. For more information on TOEFL requirements, please refer to the central Stanford Graduate Admissions website .

TOEFL Dates and Deadlines

You should plan to take the TOEFL and have the scores sent electronically to Stanford at institution code 4704 no later than the following dates:

• PhD applicants: November 1 (to meet the December 1 deadline)
• MA/MS applicants: December 13 (to meet the January 7 deadline)
• KHS-GSE applicants: October 15 (to meet the November 15 deadline)

In alignment with ETS policy, Stanford considers TOEFL scores to be valid for two years (counting back from the application deadline).

Do I need to take the TOEFL?

Please follow our TOEFL flowchart  to determine if you are required to take the TOEFL.

TOEFL Waiver Request

If you have earned a degree from an institution in a country outside the U.S., Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland, or the UK but the language of instruction was only English, then you may request a TOEFL waiver from Stanford's central Graduate Admissions Office. Because the central office needs up to 15 business days (three weeks) to review the request, then please plan to submit your GSE application 3 weeks BEFORE the application deadline.  To request a TOEFL waiver, please see the instructions at the bottom of this page .

If approved, you do not need to take the TOEFL. If not approved, you need to take the TOEFL.

Program-Specific Requirements

Cte: elementary education; literacy, language, and english education; history/social science education; mathematics education; science education; teacher education.

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information. Writing sample: Not required. Other program-specific requirement: None.

NOTE : The History/Social Science Education program will  not admit students for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

DAPS: Developmental and Psychological Sciences

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information. Writing sample: Not required. Other program-specific requirement: DAPS Statement of Purpose must include the following (2,000 word maximum):

• Describe your academic coursework (e.g., courses in math, statistics, computer science, data science, interview or ethnographic methods, etc.) that demonstrates you have potential to be successful in the research-focused DAPS strand. Also, add a short statement of why you believe these courses are relevant to your DAPS ambitions.
• Describe any research experiences and papers you have authored/co-authored that demonstrate you have potential to be successful in the quantitative/qualitative-focused DAPS strand.
• Describe any other academic, research or volunteering experiences (e.g., film projects, policy briefs, software design, teaching) that demonstrate your potential as a researcher.
• Describe experiences that illustrate why you are applying to the graduate program in DAPS. These experiences should include academic, research, or professional experiences, and they may also include personal experiences that further demonstrate your commitment to this course of study.
• Lastly, how do you see your interests and ideas connected to those of two or more current faculty members in the DAPS program?

LSTD: Learning Sciences and Technology Design 

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information. Writing sample: Not required. Other program-specific requirement : None.

RILE: Race, Inequality, and Language in Education 

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information. Writing sample: Required. Please submit a piece of writing that helps us understand your perspectives on education as they relate to race, inequality, and/or language. The piece could include a blog post, an op-ed, a reflection on a lesson you have designed, an essay, or a more formal research paper. There is no minimum or maximum page limit requirement, however 1,000 to 5,000 words is preferred. Other program-specific requirement: None.

SHIPS: Anthropology of Education

Interview: Not required. Writing sample: Required. Please submit one research-oriented writing sample written in the context of your employment or education. The writing sample should be at least 10 pages in length; submitting the work in its entirety is acceptable. Other program-specific requirement: None.

SHIPS: Economics of Education

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information. Writing sample: Not required . Other program-specific requirement: You will be asked to respond to these essay prompts on the SHIPS Economics of Education supplemental application (page 13).

• Please discuss a situation in which you approached a problem with data (preferably about education). Explain the problem you addressed and how you used your analytical and technical skills as well as your domain knowledge to understand the data and problem. You may also elaborate on potential theoretical applications and/or data-driven approaches if you have yet to carry one out. (1,500 characters maximum)
• It is important we understand your current skills so we can better understand your needs should you be admitted to the program. On the application, you will be asked to fill out a skill level matrix. View the matrix here . If your answer is other than “degree” or “certified course,” please elaborate. (1,000 characters maximum)
• How many years of experience do you have with statistical software/programming languages? Please list languages and experience. (for example: R—x years; Python—x years; Stata—x years, etc.)
• Please identify a piece of empirical research/scholarship about education that represents the scholarship that you would like to learn to do. Why do you find this type of research valuable? We would prefer if you choose a sample of research or scholarship that was not written by one of our program faculty. (1500 characters maximum)

SHIPS: Education Data Science

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information. Writing sample: Required. Please submit a research-oriented writing sample, e.g., master's or honors thesis, senior or capstone research paper, a class research paper or proposal, or a study written in the context of your employment. Other program-specific requirement: You will be asked to respond to these essay prompts on the SHIPS EDS supplemental application (page 13).

• Please briefly describe what your ideal PhD program would provide, given your academic and professional goals. (1500 characters maximum)
• Please discuss a situation where you approached a problem with data (preferably about education). Explain the problem you addressed and how you used your analytical and technical skills as well as your domain knowledge to understand the data and problem. You may also elaborate on potential data-driven approaches if you have yet to carry one out. (1500 characters maximum)
• How many years of experience do you have with statistical software/programming languages? Please list languages and experience (for example: R—x years; Python—x years; Stata—x years, etc.).

SHIPS: Educational Linguistics

Interview: Not required Writing sample: Required. Please submit one research-oriented writing sample written in the context of your employment or education. The writing sample should be at least 10 pages in length; submitting the work in its entirety is acceptable. Other program-specific requirement: None.

SHIPS: Educational Policy

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information. Writing sample: Not required. Other program-specific requirement: You will be asked to respond to these essay prompts on the SHIPS Educational Policy supplemental application (page 13).

SHIPS: Higher Education

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information.  Writing sample: Required. Applicants must submit a research-oriented writing sample, e.g., master's or honors thesis, senior or capstone research paper, a class research paper or proposal, or a study written in the context of your employment. Other program-specific requirement: You will be asked to respond to these essay prompts on the SHIPS Higher Education supplemental application (page 13). 

• Describe any research experiences or other scholarly work that illustrate your potential for doctoral training. (1500 characters maximum)
• Describe how specific faculty, research, and curricular resources at Stanford and the GSE will help you accomplish your goals for doctoral training. (1500 characters maximum)
• Describe how you envision contributing to the doctoral learning community at Stanford and the GSE. (1500 characters maximum)

SHIPS: History of Education

Ships: international comparative education , ships: organizational studies.

This program will not admit students for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

SHIPS: Philosophy of Education

Ships: sociology of education.

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information.  Writing sample: Required. Applicants must submit a research-oriented writing sample, e.g., master's or honors thesis, senior or capstone research paper, a class research paper or proposal, or a study written in the context of your employment. Other program-specific requirement: You will be asked to respond to these essay prompts on the SHIPS Sociology of Education supplemental application (page 13). 

The CTE master's program will not admit students for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Interview: Not required. Writing sample: Not required. Other program-specific requirements:

• Please briefly describe what your ideal MS program would provide, given your academic and professional goals (1500 characters maximum).
• Please describe a time you used data to better understand a problem (preferably related to education). How did you use your analytical and technical skills as well as your domain knowledge to frame the problem and consider solutions? You may also elaborate on potential data-driven approaches if you have yet to carry one out (1500 characters maximum).
• How many years of experience do you have with statistical software/programming languages? Please list statistical software/programming languages and experience separately (for example: R—x years; Python—x years; Stata—x years, etc.).
• Students will need basic programming skills to enter most data science classes. As a result, basic programming experience or prior coursework in programming is required. Novices should consider taking EdX or Coursera courses before applying. The education data science program relies on R and Python programming languages.

Interview: Not required. Writing sample: Required. Please submit one research-oriented writing sample written in the context of your employment or education. The writing sample should be at least 10 pages in length; submitting the work in its entirety is acceptable. Other program-specific requirement : None.

Interview: Not required. Writing sample: Not required. Other program-specific requirement: You will be asked to respond to these essay prompts on the LDT supplemental application (page 13).

• Please briefly describe what your ideal master’s program would provide, given your academic and professional goals. (1,000 characters maximum)
• What intrigues you about the design of digital tools for learning? (1,000 characters maximum)

Interview: Not required. Writing sample: Required. Please submit a writing sample of no more than 10 typewritten pages. This may be a paper written for a course, a section of an undergraduate thesis, a report submitted in the context of your employment, or a piece you write in response to a current event or something you have read. This writing sample should show evidence of your ability to evaluate an issue or problem, use evidence, and offer an informed opinion or solution. Other program-specific requirement: You will be asked to respond to this additional essay prompt on the POLS supplemental application (page 13): 

• Why POLS? Why Stanford? (2,500 characters maximum)

Still have questions? Our FAQ page might have what you are looking for.

For information not covered in our program pages , application requirements, or FAQ page , please contact the GSE Admissions Office at [email protected] . For information on recruitment events and visiting campus, please see Connect & Visit .

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MA, MBA, BS, MS, MSW, PhD – What Does It Stand For?

There are lots of benefits of obtaining a degree, be it associate, B.A., M.A. or Ph.D.

Of course, obtaining a degree can be quite expensive but still, there are lots of people who consider it a good investment.

Nevertheless, making a decision about a degree, you want or need to obtain, you need to understand what all these acronyms mean.

Also, what is the difference between, for example, a B.B.A. and a BSN?

If you want to learn about all these aspects, keep reading the article.

In this article, you can find information about all the available degrees and their specifics.

Article Table of Contents

• 1.1 A.A. Associate of Arts
• 1.2 A.S. Associate of Science
• 2.1 B.A. Bachelor of Arts
• 2.2 B.S. Bachelor of Science
• 2.3 B.F.A. Bachelor of Fine Arts
• 2.4 B.B.A. Bachelor of Business Administration
• 2.5 B.Arch Bachelor of Architecture
• 2.6 BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• 2.7 B.E. Bachelor of Engineering
• 3.1 M.A. Master of Arts
• 3.2 M.B.A. Master of Business Administration
• 3.3 M.S. Master of Science
• 3.4 M.S.W. Master of Social Work
• 4.1 Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy
• 4.2 Psy.D. Doctor of Psychology
• 5.1 What Do Those Letters Stand For?
• 5.2 What Is the Difference Between Arts and Science Degrees?
• 5.3 What Designations Exist for Doctoral Students?
• 5.4 What Other Specialized Degrees Exist?

Associate Degrees

Full-time students can obtain an associate degree in two years but part-time students may need more time to complete their training.

It is an undergraduate degree and it can be obtained at vocational schools, community, and technical colleges as well as some universities.

There are 3 main categories of an associate degree:

• A.A. – Associate of Arts
• A.S – Associate of Science
• A.A.S – Associate of Applied Science

If you are interested in technical or vocational career options, an associate degree is a perfect option for you.

You just need to get some post-secondary education to enroll in one of these careers.

It is a formal degree that can be obtained in the shortest period of time and with minimal expenses.

Also, it is a perfect stepping stone for those who plan to get a four-year degree in the future.

After completing such training program, you can transfer your credits towards a bachelor’s degree.

“Graduates with an associate degree had median annual salary of $50,230, compared with $36,210 for high school graduates. They also had a better unemployment rate.”  *Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015

A.A. Associate of Arts

The associate of arts – it is an entry-level undergraduate degree that can be obtained after completion of two years of training.

It can be obtained at junior or community college, trade school or technical school.

Most students apply for it to make it easier to get a bachelor’s degree in the future.

A.S. Associate of Science

A.S. Associate of Science is similar to A.A and it can be obtained just after two years of full-time training.

To obtain this degree, you need to complete a program related to science or technology.

Read more:  Associate Vs. Traditional Education: Differences & Similarities

Bachelor’s Degrees

Most students tend to apply for a bachelor’s degree.

In other words, it is one of the most popular degree options when it comes to post-secondary education.

Also, it is a minimal training requirement for a whole variety of career options.

To obtain this degree, in most cases, you need to complete a four-year training program on a full-time basis.

Nevertheless, in some cases, you may need more time to obtain this degree or you can apply for an accelerated course and obtain your degree faster.

There are two main types of degree – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.).

Also, there are some other variants usually related to some more specific areas such as Science in Nursing.

Typical Bachelor’s degree course contains 120-semester credits and half of them is general and liberal art disciplines.

The other half – it is subjects related to your majors.

“Bachelor’s degree holders had median annual wages of $70,400 in 2015 — nearly twice the median wages for all occupations and nearly $20,000 more per year than graduates with an associate degree.” *Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015

B.A. Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Arts is a perfect option for those who want to pursue a career in such fields as liberal arts, humanities or social sciences such as English, creative writing, fine arts or political science.

To obtain it, you need to complete a 4-year program provided by a traditional school or university.

B.S. Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science is a perfect choice for students interested in science and technical areas.

B.F.A. Bachelor of Fine Arts

If you are interested in art history, theater, photography, and film studies, Bachelor of Fine Arts is exactly what you need.

B.B.A. Bachelor of Business Administration

Bachelor of Business Administration is a perfect degree option for anyone who wants to work in such spheres as management, accounting, marketing, etc.

B.Arch Bachelor of Architecture

Anyone, interested in architecture career, should apply for Bachelor of Architecture.

BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This technical and hands-on training oriented degree is an ideal option for those who want to obtain a nursing license.

B.E. Bachelor of Engineering

Those who are interested in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer engineering, should apply for a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

Master’s Degrees

Master’s degree – it is a graduate-level training course.

You need about two years of full-time studies to complete it.

You can apply for this program only after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

According to the data, most graduate students have a full-time job so colleges and universities tend to offer flexible schedules for them.

In such a case, you need more than 2 years to complete your training but it will allow you balancing between your work and studies.

As we’ve already mentioned, you need to have a bachelor’s degree to be able to apply for a master’s degree.

It is a great opportunity to advance your career options or enter a career field that requires a higher level of education.

There are three the most popular master’s degree options:

• M.A. – Master of Arts
• M.S. – Master of Science
• M.B.A. –  Master of Business Administration

“The BLS predicts 13.8% growth in employment for master’s degree holders between 2014 and 2024 — the highest of any level of education.” *Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015

M.A. Master of Arts

This graduate-level degree is the best option for students interested in the humanities, social sciences or fine arts.

M.B.A. Master of Business Administration

You can obtain the Master of Business Administration after completing business administration or management-oriented training program.

Training programs offered for this degree usually oriented around subjects that are closely related to business disciplines such as marketing, accounting, and analysis.

M.S. Master of Science

If you are interested in science and technologies, the Master of Science is a perfect option for you.

M.S.W. Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work is similar to M.B.A.  as it is closely related to social work and most programs are based on related subjects.

Usually, these programs comply with a clinical track or practice track.

The first one is related to work with patients while the second one – to policy, politics, and management.

Doctoral Degrees

A Doctoral degree is the highest academic degree and it can be obtained only in a university.

To complete your training, you need from 3 to 8 years and sometimes even more, depending on the field you are interested in.

Some doctoral degree programs are available only to those who have a bachelor’s degree while others can be obtained after completing an undergraduate program.

There is a variety of Doctoral degree options but the most popular is the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

After completing this degree program, you can work as a teacher in a university or apply for some careers that require extensive training.

For example, psychologists and medical doctors need a doctoral degree if they want to be licensed.

“Workers with a doctoral degree had both the highest median annual salaries — more than $100,000 — and the lowest unemployment of any level of educational attainment.” *Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015

Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy

To begin with, Doctor of Philosophy is a degree that is not only for philosophers.

It is related to a whole variety of disciplines.

Usually, it is programs that are oriented on some intensive researches.

You can apply for it if you already have a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree.

Psy.D. Doctor of Psychology

This doctoral degree is quite similar to the standard doctorate.

However, it is a good choice only for those who are interested in psychology.

What Do Those Letters Stand For?

These letters can be divided into two parts.

The first letter indicates the level of the degree:

• B – bachelor’s degree;
• M – master’s degree;
• D – doctoral degree.

The second part of the abbreviation stands for the field of training:

• S -science;
• Ph – philosophy and so on.

What Is the Difference Between Arts and Science Degrees?

As we’ve said before, there are two main types of degree fields – art and science.

Usually, art degrees cover a wide range of disciplines and issues.

At the same time, being a “science” student means you need to have some deep, technical understanding of your field of interest.

What Designations Exist for Doctoral Students?

When it comes to liberal art disciplines, Ph.D. or Doctor of Philosophy is the highest degree you can obtain.

At the same time, those interested in clinical and counseling psychology can obtain PsyD, Doctor of Psychology degree.

Medical students can apply for an M.D. degree and law students – for J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree.

What Other Specialized Degrees Exist?

Among other degrees, there are Master of Social Work (MSW), Doctor of Social Work (DSW), Master of Education degree (MaEd), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).

After learning about all the available degree options and their specifications, you can make the right choice.

Just make sure to check various school to find the program that suits your needs most of all.

Noteworthy Resources

• Bachelor’s Degree: What Is It?
• List of College Degrees: What Each of Them Mean
• Associate Vs. Traditional Education: Differences & Similarities
• 10 Best Majors for Undecided Students
• 15 Best Jobs for Psychology Majors

What does PhD, MD, MA, MSc, BA, BSc mean?

In life sometimes you will receive a business card in English with abbreviations like PhD. Or on some foreign university degree will also be the acronyms such as PhD, MD, MA, MSc, BA, BSc. When reading these acronyms printed on a good business card, do you know what these acronyms are for learning? If you are wondering what the meaning of these words is, follow the following Network Administrator article to find the answer.

• What does Lmao, Rip, Gg, G9 mean?
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PhD (also written as Ph.D, Dphil) is an acronym for Doctor of Physolophy in English, meaning Doctor / Philosopher.

Dr. is the highest student of all levels, it first appeared in Germany, later used by the US and other Western countries. Recent years PhD has been pooled to generalize people with PhDs in all professions.

MD is an acronym for the phrase A medical doctor / physician. This is a degree in medicine that is very popular in many countries. MD learners often learn to practice more than theory.

MA is an acronym for Master of Arts. This word is understood as a literary / social master. These people specialize in social sciences such as media, education, language, literature, geography, history and music.

4. MS or MSc

MS or MSc stands for Master of Science. This word means a master of natural science. This degree is given to individuals after completing a course in natural sciences such as biology, chemistry, engineering, health or statistics. In some places it is often assumed that by MS there is more 'weight' than an MA.

BA stands for Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Arts / Social Studies who are professional in humanities, literature, history, social sciences, media and foreign languages. In addition, BA is an acronym for Business Analyst, this is a professional analyst, who connects customers with business people and technical workers.

BSc (or BS) stands for Bachelor of Science which means the bachelor of natural science. BS diplomas are related to subjects such as engineering, technology, mathematics, computer science, nursing and biochemistry. Although BS degrees are often related to science subjects, many schools also offer BS degrees in some other areas such as music.

In addition to the above acronyms, we also add some acronyms in the table below about the job positions you will often encounter in life. Invite you to consult.

Bc., BS, BS, B.Sc. or BSc

The Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of natural science.

The Bachelor of Business Administration

Bachelor of Business Administration.

The Bachelor of Commerce and Administration

Bachelor of Commerce and Management.

B.Acy., B.Acc. or B. Accty

The Bachelor of Accountancy

Bachelor of accounting.

The Bachelor of Laws

Bachelor of law.

Tập đoàn của công việc và chính sách quản lý

Bachelor of management and public policy.

The Master of Art

Master of social science.

MS, MSc or M.Si

The Master of Science

Master of natural science.

The Master of business Administration

Master of Business Administration.

MAcc, MAc, or Macy

The Master of Accountancy

Master of accounting.

The Master of Science in Project Management

Master in project management.

The Master of Economics

Master of economics.

The Master of Finance

Master of Finance

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctorate (industry in general).

Doctor of Medicine

Doctor of medicine.

Doctor of Science

Doctor of science.

Doctor of Business Administration

Doctor of Business Administration.

The above are the most popular academic courses in the West, and common acronyms in degrees and scientific works. Thus, the above article explained to you what the words PhD, MD, MA, MSc, BA, BSc mean, which words are short.

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• Clinical Psychology

The Clinical Psychology Program adheres to a clinical science model of training, and is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science.  We are committed to training clinical psychologists whose research advances scientific knowledge of psychopathology and its treatment, and who are capable of applying evidence-based methods of assessment and clinical intervention. The main emphasis of the program is research, especially on severe psychopathology. The program includes research, course work, and clinical practica, and usually takes five years to complete. Students typically complete assessment and treatment practica during their second and third years in the program, and they must fulfill all departmental requirements prior to beginning their one-year internship. The curriculum meets the requirements for licensure in Massachusetts, accreditation requirements of the American Psychological Association (APA; Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, apaaccred.org , Tel. [202] 336-5979), and accreditation requirements of the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). PCSAS accredited the program on December 15, 2022 for a 10-year term. APA accredited the program on April 28, 2015 for a seven-year term, which was extended due to COVID-related delays.

Requirements

Required courses and training experiences fulfill requirements for clinical psychology licensure in Massachusetts as well as meet APA criteria for the accreditation of clinical psychology programs.  In addition to these courses, further training experiences are required in accordance with the American Psychological Association’s guidelines for the accreditation of clinical psychology programs (e.g., clinical practica [e.g., PSY 3050 Clinical Practicum, PSY 3080 Practicum in Neuropsychological Assessment]; clinical internship).

Students in the clinical psychology program are required to take the following courses:

• PSY 2900 Professional Ethics
• PSY 2445 Psychotherapy Research
• PSY  2070 Psychometric Theory and Method Using R
• PSY 2430 Cultural, Racial, and Ethnic Bases of Behavior
• PSY 3250 Psychological Testing
• PSY 2050 History of Psychology
• PSY 1950 Applied Statistical Data Analysis in Psychology I
• PSY 1952 Applied Statistical Data Analysis in Psychology II
• PSY 2040 Contemporary Topics in Psychopathology
• PSY 2460 Diagnostic Interviewing
• PSY 2420 Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Psychological Disorders

Students must take at least one course in each of the following areas. 

Biological Bases of Behavior PSY 1202 Modern Neuroanatomy PSY 1325 The Emotional, Social Brain PSY 1355 The Adolescent Brain PSY 1702 The Emotional Mind Neurobio 315QC Human Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior PSY 2400 Cognitive Psychology and Emotional Disorders Social Bases of Behavior PSY 2500 Proseminar in Social Psychology PSY 3515 Graduate Seminar in Social Psychology

In accordance with American Psychological Association guidelines for the accreditation of clinical psychology programs, clinical students also receive consultation and supervision within the context of clinical practica in psychological assessment and treatment beginning in their second semester of their first year and running through their third year. They receive further exposure to additional topics (e.g., human development) in the Developmental Psychopathology seminar and in the twice-monthly clinical psychology “brown bag” speaker series. Finally, students complete a year-long clinical internship. Students are responsible for making sure that they take courses in all the relevant and required areas listed above. Students wishing to substitute one required course for another should seek advice from their advisor and from the director of clinical training prior to registering. During the first year, students are advised to get in as many requirements as possible. Many requirements can be completed before the deadlines stated below. First-year project: Under the guidance of a faculty member who serves as a mentor, students participate in a research project and write a formal report on their research progress. Due by May of first year. Second-year project: Original research project leading to a written report in the style of an APA journal article. A ten-minute oral presentation is also required. Due by May of second year. General exam: A six-hour exam covering the literature of the field. To be taken in September before the start of the third year. Thesis prospectus: A written description of the research proposed must be approved by a prospectus committee appointed by the CHD. Due at the beginning of the fourth year. Thesis and oral defense: Ordinarily this would be completed by the end of the fourth year. Clinical internship: Ordinarily this would occur in the fifth year. Students must have completed their thesis research prior to going on internship.

Credit for Prior Graduate Work

 A PhD student who has completed at least one full term of satisfactory work in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences may file an application at the Registrar’s Office requesting that work done in a graduate program elsewhere be counted toward the academic residence requirement. Forms are available  online .

No more than the equivalent of eight half-courses may be so counted for the PhD.

An application for academic credit for work done elsewhere must contain a list of the courses, with grades, for which the student is seeking credit, and must be approved by the student’s department. In order for credit to be granted, official transcripts showing the courses for which credit is sought must be submitted to the registrar, unless they are already on file with the Graduate School. No guarantee is given in advance that such an application will be granted. 

Only courses taken in a Harvard AB-AM or AB-SM program, in Harvard Summer School, as a GSAS Special Student or FAS courses taken as an employee under the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) may be counted toward the minimum academic residence requirements for a Master’s degree.

Academic and financial credit for courses taken as a GSAS Special Student or FAS courses taken as a Harvard employee prior to admission to a degree program may be granted for a maximum of four half-courses toward a one-year Master’s and eight half-courses toward a two-year Master’s or the PhD degree.

Applications for academic and financial credit must be approved by the student’s department and should then be submitted to the Registrar’s Office.

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and other data

• Time to Completion

Students can petition the program faculty to receive credit for prior graduate coursework, but it does not markedly reduce their expected time to complete the program.

2. Program Costs

3. Internships

4. Attrition

5. Licensure

Standard Financial Aid Award, Students Entering 2023

The financial aid package for Ph.D. students entering in 2023 will include tuition and health fees support for years one through four, or five, if needed; stipend support in years one and two; a summer research grant equal to two months stipend at the end of years one through four; teaching fellowship support in years three and four guaranteed by the Psychology Department; and a dissertation completion grant consisting of tuition and stipend support in the appropriate year. Typically students will not be allowed to teach while receiving a stipend in years one and two or during the dissertation completion year.

  Year 1 (2023-24) and Year 2 (2024- 25)

Tuition & Health Fees: Paid in Full Academic Year Stipend: $35,700 (10 months) Summer Research Award: $7,140 (2 months)

Year 3 (2025-26) & Year 4 (2026- 27) Tuition & Health Fees: Paid in Full Living Expenses: $35,700 (Teaching Fellowship plus supplement, if eligible) Summer Research Award: $7,140 (2 months)

Year 5 (2027-28) - if needed; may not be taken after the Dissertation Completion year

Tuition & Health Fees: Paid in Full

Dissertation Completion Year (normally year 5, occasionally year 6)

Tuition & Health Fees: Paid in Full Stipend for Living Expenses: $35,700

The academic year stipend is for the ten-month period September through June. The first stipend payment will be made available at the start of the fall term with subsequent disbursements on the first of each month. The summer research award is intended for use in July and August following the first four academic years.

In the third and fourth years, the guaranteed income of $35,700 includes four sections of teaching and, if necessary, a small supplement from the Graduate School. Your teaching fellowship is guaranteed by the Department provided you have passed the General Examination or equivalent and met any other department criteria. Students are required to take a teacher training course in the first year of teaching.

The dissertation completion year fellowship will be available as soon as you are prepared to finish your dissertation, ordinarily in the fifth year. Applications for the completion fellowship must be submitted in February of the year prior to utilizing the award. Dissertation completion fellowships are not guaranteed after the seventh year. Please note that registration in the Graduate School is always subject to your maintaining satisfactory progress toward the degree.

GSAS students are strongly encouraged to apply for appropriate Harvard and outside fellowships throughout their  enrollment. All students who receive funds from an outside source are expected to accept the award in place of the above Harvard award. In such cases, students may be eligible to receive a GSAS award of up to $4,000 for each academic year of external funding secured or defer up to one year of GSAS stipend support.

For additional information, please refer to the Financial Support section of the GSAS website ( gsas.harvard.edu/financial-support ).

Registration and Financial Aid in the Graduate School are always subject to maintaining satisfactory progress toward the degree.

Psychology students are eligible to apply for generous research and travel grants from the Department.

The figures quoted above are estimates provided by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and are subject to change.

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 336-5979 E-mail:  [email protected]   www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

The Director of Clinical Training is Prof. Richard J. McNally who can be reached by telephone at (617) 495-3853 or via email at:  [email protected] .

Harvard Clinical Psychology Student Handbook

The purpose of the Psychology Clinical Handbook is to outline and describe the philosophy and structure of Harvard University’s Clinical Psychology Program and to provide students with information about the courses, research, and clinical training required to earn a Ph.D. degree in clinical psychology.

Clinical Science Faculty

• Matthew K. Nock
• Mark L. Hatzenbuehler
• Jill M. Hooley
• Richard J. McNally
• Rebecca Shingleton
• John R. Weisz
• Undergraduate Program
• Postdoctoral Program
• Doctoral Alumni

PhD in Statistics

Program description.

The Ph.D. program in statistics prepares students for a career pursuing research in either academia or industry.  The program provides rigorous classroom training in the theory, methodology, and application of statistics, and provides the opportunity to work with faculty on advanced research topics over a wide range of theory and application areas. To enter, students need a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or a closely related discipline. Students graduating with a PhD in Statistics are expected to:

• Demonstrate an understanding the core principles of Probability Theory, Estimation Theory, and Statistical Methods.
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct original research in statistics.
• Demonstrate the ability to present research-level statistics in a formal lecture

Requirements for the Ph.D. (Statistics Track)

Course Work A Ph.D. student in our department must complete sixteen courses for the Ph.D. At most, four of these courses may be transferred from another institution. If the Ph.D. student is admitted to the program at the post-Master’s level, then eight courses are usually required.

Qualifying Examinations First, all Ph.D. students in the statistics track must take the following two-semester sequences: MA779 and MA780 (Probability Theory I and II), MA781 (Estimation Theory) and MA782 (Hypothesis Testing), and MA750 and MA751 (Advanced Statistical Methods I and II). Then, to qualify a student to begin work on a PhD dissertation, they must pass two of the following three exams at the PhD level: probability, mathematical statistics, and applied statistics. The probability and mathematical statistics exams are offered every September and the applied statistics exam is offered every April.

• PhD Exam in Probability: This exam covers the material covered in MA779 and MA780 (Probability Theory I and II).
• PhD Exam in Mathematical Statistics: This exam covers material covered in MA781 (Estimation Theory) and MA782 (Hypothesis Testing).
• PhD Exam in Applied Statistics: This exam covers the same material as the M.A. Applied exam and is offered at the same time, except that in order to pass it at the PhD level a student must correctly solve all four problems.

Note: Students concentrating in probability may choose to do so either through the statistics track or through the mathematics track. If a student wishes to do so through the mathematics track, the course and exam requirements are different. Details are available here .

Dissertation The dissertation is the major requirement for a Ph.D. student. After the student has completed all course work, the Director of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the student, selects a three-member dissertation committee. One member of this committee is designated by the Director of Graduate Studies as the Major Advisor for the student. Once completed, the dissertation must be defended in an oral examination conducted by at least five members of the Department.

The Dissertation and Final Oral Examination follows the   GRS General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree .

Satisfactory Progress Toward the Degree Upon entering the graduate program, each student should consult the Director of Graduate Studies (Prof. David Rohrlich) and the Associate Director of the Program in Statistics (Prof. Konstantinos Spiliopoulos). Initially, the Associate Director of the Program in Statistics will serve as the default advisor to the student. Eventually the student’s advisor will be determined in conjunction with their dissertation research. The Associate Director of the Program in Statistics, who will be able to guide the student through the course selection and possible directed study, should be consulted often, as should the Director of Graduate Studies. Indeed, the Department considers it important that each student progress in a timely manner toward the degree. Each M.A. student must have completed the examination by the end of their second year in the program, while a Ph.D. student must have completed the qualifying examination by the third year. Students entering the Ph.D. program with an M.A. degree must have completed the qualifying examination by October of the second year. Failure to meet these deadlines may jeopardize financial aid. Some flexibility in the deadlines is possible upon petition to the graduate committee in cases of inadequate preparation.

Students enrolled in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) are expected to adhere to a number of policies at the university, college, and departmental levels. View the policies on the Academic Bulletin and GRS website .

Residency Post-BA students must complete all of the requirements for a Ph.D. within seven years of enrolling in the program and post-MA students must complete all requirements within five years. This total time limit is set by the Graduate School. Students needing extra time must petition the Graduate School. Also, financial aid is not guaranteed after the student’s fifth year in the program.

Financial Aid

As with all Ph.D. students in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the main source of financial aid for graduate students studying statistics is a Teaching Fellowship. These awards carry a stipend as well as tuition remission for six courses per year. Teaching Fellows are required to assist a faculty member who is teaching a course, usually a large lecture section of an introductory statistics course. Generally, the Teaching Fellow is responsible for conducting a number of discussion sections consisting of approximately twenty-five students each, as well as for holding office hours and assisting with grading. The Teaching Fellowship usually entails about twenty hours of work per week. For that reason, Teaching Fellows enroll in at most three courses per semester. A Teaching Fellow Seminar is conducted to help new Teaching Fellows develop as instructors and to promote the continuing development of experienced Teaching Fellows.

Other sources of financial aid include University Fellowships and Research Assistantships. The University Fellowships are one-year awards for outstanding students and are service-free. They carry stipends plus full tuition remission. Students do not need to apply for these fellowships. Research Assistantships are linked to research done with individual faculty, and are paid for through those faculty members’ grants. As a result, except on rare occasions, Research Assistantships typically are awarded to students in their second year and beyond, after student and faculty have had sufficient time to determine mutuality of their research interests.

Regular reviews of the performance of Teaching Fellows and Research Assistants in their duties as well as their course work are conducted by members of the Department’s Graduate Committee.

Ph.D. Program Milestones

The department considers it essential that each student progress in a timely manner toward completion of the degree. The following are the deadlines for achieving the milestones described in the Degree Requirements and constitute the basis for evaluating satisfactory progress towards the Ph.D. These deadlines are not to be construed as expected times to complete the various milestones, but rather as upper bounds. In other words,   a student in good standing expecting to complete   the degree within the five years of guaranteed funding will meet these milestones by the much e arlier target dates indicated below.   Failure to achieve these milestones in a timely manner may affectfinancial aid.

• Target: April of Year 1
• Deadline: April of Year 2
• Target: Spring of Year 2 post-BA/Spring of Year 1 post-MA
• Deadline: End of Year 3 post-BA/Fall of Year 2 post-MA
• Target: Spring of Year 2
• Deadline: End of Year 3
• Target: Spring of Year 2 or Fall of Year 3 post-BA/October of Year 2 post-MA
• Deadline: End of Year 3 post-BA/October of Year 2 post-MA
• Target: end of Year 3
• Deadline: End of Year 4
• Target: End of Year 5
• Deadline: End of Year 6

If you have any questions regarding our PhD program in Statistics, please reach out to us at [email protected]

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BSc, MSc, PhD vs. B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D

ODO prefers Ph.D. over PhD in US English. But at the same time, there is no B.Sc. and no M.Sc. entry in OED, which leads me into thinking that there is a mismatch: Ph.D. is typically written with periods, but MSc and BSc without in the US English. Am I right? Which forms are most widespread in the US? And in the UK?

• american-english
• british-english
• abbreviations

In the US, the Associated Press style uses periods: B.S., M.S., Ph.D., M.D. , etc. However, other sources may use a different style, (e.g. PhD).

B.Sc. and M.Sc . are not the usual degree abbreviations in the US. Instead use B.S. and M.S.

• 2 To complete the answer, add that in British usage, no periods: PhD, MSc MA BSc BA and so on –  James K Commented Mar 24, 2018 at 23:29

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What's the correct way of writing a higher education title (MSc or M.Sc.) [duplicate]

Possible Duplicate: Should I write “PhD” or “Ph.D.”?

I see that PhD is written PhD while the undergraduate degree is written B.Sc.

What's the reason for this?

Should I write the Master of Science MSc or M.Sc.?

Is Scott Aaronson's CV inconsistent listing his degrees as "B.Sc." and PhD"

• abbreviations

• 1 You will find that PhD Ph.D. BSc B.Sc. MSc and M.Sc. are all found. The question linked to handles this for PhD/Ph.D. but the answer covers the rest. The only thing to add to it is to be consistent, so PhD and BSc or Ph.D. and B.Sc., but not one form together with another in the same piece of writing. –  Jon Hanna Commented Feb 3, 2013 at 1:29
• @JonHanna Thanks. Reason for asking is that this looks inconsistent (B.Sc. + PhD) scottaaronson.com/vita.pdf –  Niklas Rosencrantz Commented Feb 3, 2013 at 1:59
• I agree. If they were to ask the same question here, I'd advise them to pick on or the other unless they had a good reason for being inconsistent (I can't imagine one, but it's good not to assume). –  Jon Hanna Commented Feb 3, 2013 at 14:27

This is strictly style manual stuff. American English generally prefers using periods with abbreviations, and British English generally prefers to omit the periods. Both are "correct", but which one is acceptable is a matter of who is accepting it. It's not grammar or spelling, merely a punctuation convention.

I always omit the periods for academic degrees. If a publisher wants the periods, it has copy editors that can insert them. If it's for your university, check the university's style manual. If there's no manual that you must use, be consistent about including or omitting the periods. It's strictly personal preference unless otherwise indicated, or unless doing it one way or the other causes confusion.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged abbreviations or ask your own question .

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How should degrees be listed in an e-mail signature?

I have the following degrees:

• PhD in Information Technology (Computer Science concentration)
• MS in Systems Engineering (MSE)
• MS in Engineering Management (MEM)
• BS in Computer Science

What would a proper e-mail signature look like?

• 56 I don't think I have read anyone's email signature even once in my life. IMO, you're overthinking this very much. –  user9646 Commented May 31, 2017 at 13:02
• 206 It's also worth mentioning that listing all of your degrees (especially when the list is that long) could come off as obnoxiously pompous to some people. –  user51076 Commented May 31, 2017 at 13:46
• 50 And it is generally regarded as incorrect to prefix your title and to repeat it after the name. Even with a single degree, you should either say "Dr. Bob Roberts" or "Bob Roberts, PhD". Saying "Dr. Bob Roberts, PhD" isn't good. So, if you really want to list all of your degrees, you should probably omit the title before your name. Aren't you going to include High School, Junior High, Elementary, and Kindergarden as well? It all seems a bit excessive. I think I would just stick with "Dr. Bob Roberts". Including the rest seems rather unhumble. –  MPW Commented May 31, 2017 at 16:14
• Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat . –  eykanal Commented Jun 4, 2017 at 5:11

12 Answers 12

There is no formal academic convention for email signatures, although your university or institution may have formatting guidelines. You can simply include as much or as little information as you want the recipient to know.

Personally, I think your name and position are sufficient and listing every degree you have is a bit redundant (and, as others have pointed out, pretentious). People will probably infer that you have a BS and MS if you also have a PhD.

• 3 @A.T.Ad: You don't seem to be the person asking the original question, but I would expect your official position to cover your 'area of expertise'. If you feel the need to specify, do so by specifying your position. Don't just rattle off all your degrees. –  Falc Commented May 31, 2017 at 15:24
• 27 @A.T.Ad It's not necessarily problematic, it just has the potential to come off as trivially boasting. If it conveys useful information, I wouldn't be too concerned. For example, for a Professor of Ethics with an MS in Biology, listing both might help to inform people of diverse (relevant) experience. However, it's rather pointless for a Professor of Biology to list a PhD, MS and BS all in biology - also mentioning the additional degrees doesn't add anything, except perhaps ego padding. -- Rule of thumb: only list them if they indicate expertise not implied by the most advanced title. –  R.M. Commented May 31, 2017 at 15:29
• 11 @A.T.Ad: Do you really think people would go on to read your signature to find out your area of expertise? Just put that on your website. –  tomasz Commented May 31, 2017 at 17:51
• 4 @R.M. Just out of curiosity, have you ever actually acted on such information that was included in a signature? Generally when I'm emailing someone I already know who they are and have a reason to email them. If I want to find someone who has expertise in area X I wouldn't send a mail to everyone and then check their signatures to find whom I'm looking for. –  Voo Commented May 31, 2017 at 18:55
• 5 @alephzero I don't know where people get their information about German culture. A typical German e-mail signature looks like "Prof. Dr. Christian Schmidt, Institute of Quantum Mechanics, address, phone number, website". Nobody lists qualifications, but some list positions. –  user9482 Commented Jun 2, 2017 at 6:48

It's supposed to be an email signature, not a CV. "Dr Bob Roberts" already says that you have a PhD. The rest is redundant, because having a PhD implies that you probably have a master's degree (which nobody cares about, because you have a PhD), and almost certainly have a bachelor's degree (which nobody cares about, because you have a master's). And, hey, you probably got some qualifications in high school, too (which nobody cares about, because you have a bachelor's).

So the only reason for including all that stuff in your signature is tooting your horn. And, in an academic context, it looks crass because you're drawing attention to the obvious. "Oh, look at me, I have a PhD and a master's and a bachelor's!" Well, er, so does everybody else on the academic and research staff. That level of qualifications is implied by the fact that you work here.

If you'll allow me, i'd like to play devil's advocate. Don't list your degrees in your email signature. The signature is there to format email more like a letter. It's not the place to communicate your experience. I'd recommend setting up a personal resume website or a linkedin page to showcase your experience.

Allow your message content to communicate your command of a subject, don't rest on your letters.

• 7 +1 I usually sign my e-mails "Patricia", unless I am being really formal, when I use "Patricia Shanahan", but just for this occasion: Patricia Shanahan, PhD, MSc, BSc, ARCS. –  Patricia Shanahan Commented Jun 1, 2017 at 0:21
• 6 @PatriciaShanahan It's good to know that you treat Academia.SE as a really formal environment. :-D –  David Richerby Commented Jun 1, 2017 at 14:08
• 4 @PatriciaShanahan Today I learned: the level of formality we attribute to commenting on SE is directly related to the naming conventions of our usernames. :) Apparently you, David, and myself are all quite formal; chuck, not so much. –  Bryan Krause ♦ Commented Jun 1, 2017 at 22:12
• 1 I am advocating this - the default should be to keep emails as informal as possible and appropriate. –  Sascha Commented Jun 3, 2017 at 12:32

I want to give a different perspective.

Do what is common practise in your institution/region (i. e. what your collegues or other comparable people do).

Here in Austria, it seems to be common practise to list all your titles (maybe except for BSc/BA if you have a MSc/MA because people are not so used to these two titles). I often see multiple doctor titles and honoris causa titles in signatures.

In my view, many people here see a signature (if there is any) as a place where you state your "official" name - and, at least here, this includes your titles. "Bob" in a signature would certainly be viewed as unprofessional and strange. (But then again, I am not sure if the commenters suggesting writing "Bob" are serious or joking.)

While many people on this site view many titles as "bragging", not including them can certainly interpreted as an insult to the others - like you are saying "you guys including so many titles are pretentious".

So in short, do what your environment does.

However, I have never ever seen someone stating the field they received their titles in. (Although there are titles like "BA (FH)" (FH meanging Fachhochschule, "university of applied sciences"), which appear sometimes. Probably they have to be stated in exact this way.)

• 9 The advice to do what other people in the same situation does is excellent. But I think somebody would have to be almost paranoid to interpret somebody not including something in their signature as a judgement on those who do. What next? "OMG, he's wearing a different coloured shirt to me! It must be an insult!" –  David Richerby Commented May 31, 2017 at 23:01
• 3 Yeah it's culture dependent. Using just your first name in professional circumstances is quite common in the US, but seems incredibly weird to Germans and Austrians (so no, not a joke to just sign with "Bob"). That said I wouldn't use my titles in emails or conversations, it's more something to put on formal documentation or requests where it really does make a difference (certainly use every title you have when trying to rent an apartment..). There is a bit of a generational divide too it seems to me. –  Voo Commented Jun 1, 2017 at 7:16
• 4 Slightly different German perspective. Listing titles is rather uncommon here, but it is common to give rather more details on your institute. For business, full company name, address, phone and tax number and possibly trade registry number etc. are often mandatory. So "blacksaibot, head of IT, company X" would need to give more details on X. –  cbeleites Commented Jun 1, 2017 at 13:11
• 2 Exactly! A year ago I registered at a GP in Czech Republic and now after a year a nurse came to me, "don't you have another title?". Medicine here is all about the titles. It is strange to be called a doctor when you are a patient, but that is how they do that here. They expect all the titles. –  Vladimir F Героям слава Commented Jun 1, 2017 at 16:09
• 1 Are we speaking about e-mail signatures in academia or in industry / rest of the world? There is probably a difference between them. (And, by the way, my "use Bob" was serious.) –  Federico Poloni Commented Jun 1, 2017 at 22:32

Dr. Bob Roberts

Bob Roberts, Ph.D.

unless one of two things obtain. First, your organization has a set of internal customs or formal rules regarding the signature. Second, if your degrees are in different areas. For example,

Bob Roberts Ph.D. Management Science MS Nursing

For interrelated fields, the Ph.D. supersedes the master's degree and ceases being relevant. It is also relevant to show certifications that are not superseded by the doctorate.

• Nice; Brief and concise! –  Alisa Commented Aug 23, 2020 at 3:51

Your signature indicates how you want the person you're writing to address you. If you want be called by your first name, sign "Bob" or "Bob Roberts". If you want to be called "Dr. Roberts", sign "Dr. Bob Roberts".

No one is going to call you "Dr. Bob Roberts PhD IT, MSE, MEM", and what do you really hope to accomplish with that signature?

I never had an email signature. Can't think of something to put there that the person I'm communicating with doesn't know already or can easily find out if interested in having that information.

When something is relevant to the other party I'll mention it in the email, not on the signature. If exchanging more than a few emails, having long signatures becomes annoying (IMO).

As for the question, I'd keep the signature as simple as possible, e.g. John Doe, PhD . This way you're not adding additional lines to your name/signature combo, while still informing everyone that you have a PhD and everything else that comes beforehand.

Another way to do this would be to just include your linkedin profile link. That way anyone interested in learning about your credentials can just click on there. Something else I see common in Academic settings is to link to their personal webpage for the department. That page usually lists their resume, educational credentials, what paper they may have presented in the past, etc. Ofcourse ensure to setup the webpage and add all the relevant information there.

While in grad school I was told by my dissertation advisor that in formal correspondence you should not refer to yourself by Dr. The proper form would be:

Bob Roberts, Ph.D. in and not,

Dr. Bob Roberts.

Medical doctors seem to violate this convention quite frequently though.

• 2 That's because medical doctors are MDs, not PhDs. Also this is very culture specific; in the UK, writing Dr Bob Roberts is far more common than Bob Roberts, PhD. Or, as others have pointed out, just plain old Bob. –  astronat supports the strike Commented Jun 2, 2017 at 20:48
• May I guess that you (or rather, your dissertation adviser) are American? Certainly in Commonwealth English, it's normal (and correct) to write "Dr." before someone's name, regardless of what type of doctorate they hold. –  Dawood ibn Kareem Commented Jun 3, 2017 at 4:38
• 2 Yes, American. The advice applied to self-references only. Referring to someone else as Dr. would of course be perfectly normal. I guess his point was that you would not introduce yourself as, "Hello, I'm Mr. Bob Roberts", so the same logic should apply to Dr. as a prefix. These are by definition English honorifics intended to address a person with respect. Therefore use in the case of a self-reference would seem inappropriate. I can see why at a medical center people would refer to themselves as Dr. in order to distinguish themselves from the nurses and janitors. –  crayguy Commented Jun 4, 2017 at 0:52

You can list your other degrees if they are relevant to your work. For example, if I were an art therapist, a BA in fine art is relevant to my work, so I'd list it. But don't list the BS in Psychology that led to the MS. And you would list any licensure first, if you have it, such as MFT.

I've seen Fred Davidson, M.D. Ph.D

which i personally like because it's all in one line and the fact that the md and the phd are together makes it look more powerful rather than separated.

• 1 This is something of a different case. the MD and PhD degrees both lead to the title "Dr" and, in the context of medical practice or research, it's good to distinguish "I'm an physician" from "I'm an academic" from "I'm both a physician and an academic." –  David Richerby Commented Aug 27, 2018 at 15:15

You shouldn't put any of that in your email. There is a general correlation of Ph.D.s who call themselves Dr. or use the ,Ph.D. being the weaker ones. Even if not true in your case, it will still come across that way. And not just to the general public, but other Ph.D. holders. (Same thing applies to retired military ranks unless you are writing a letter to the editor.)

First Last (optional) position and/or org cell phone number email

You include the cell so people can call you. Lots of people use email sigs for finding phone numebrs and get annoyed by others who don't list it. (Of course if it is an email you don't want the cell included, edit it out.) Include the actual email since many email programs or physical printouts list your name in the header but not the email adress

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• सरकारी रिजल्ट 2024

MDU Result 2024 OUT: यहां देखें MA, BCA, BA, BSc, PhD, MSc, BPEd सहित अन्य UG, PG सेमेस्टर मार्कशीट PDF

Mdu result 2024 out: महर्षि दयानंद विश्वविद्यालय (एमडीयू) ने अपनी वेबसाइट पर विभिन्न यूजी, पीजी और पीएचडी पाठ्यक्रमों के परिणाम घोषित किए है। छात्र जो वार्षिक और सेमेस्टर परीक्षा के लिए उपस्थित हुए थे, वे ऑफिशियल वेबसाइट पर या यहां दिए गए डायरेक्ट लिंक के पर क्लिक करके महर्षि दयानंद यूनिवर्सिटी रिजल्ट 2024 देख सकते हैं।.

Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) Result 2024: महर्षि दयानंद यूनिवर्सिटी रिजल्ट 

महर्षि दयानंद यूनिवर्सिटी परिणाम

कैसे डाउनलोड करें महर्षि दयानंद यूनिवर्सिटी रिजल्ट 2024?

• आधिकारिक वेबसाइट mdu.ac.in पर जाएं।
• "परिणाम" टैब पर क्लिक करें।
• अपनी परीक्षा का नाम और वर्ष चुनें।
• अपना रोल नंबर और पिता का नाम दर्ज करें।
• "Submit" बटन पर क्लिक करें।
• अपना परिणाम डाउनलोड करें।

MDU Marksheet 2024 PDF Download Link

• अनुक्रमांक (रोल नंबर)
• पंजीकरण संख्या
• पिता का नाम
• श्रेणी (SC/ST/OBC/General)
• परीक्षा का नाम (BA, B.Sc, B.Com, MA, M.Sc, M.Com, etc.)
• वर्ष/भाग (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.)
• परीक्षा का प्रकार (वार्षिक/सेमेस्टर)
• विषयों की सूची
• प्राप्त अंक (प्रत्येक विषय के लिए)
• परिणाम (उत्तीर्ण/असफल)

आप जागरण जोश पर सरकारी नौकरी , रिजल्ट , स्कूल , सीबीएसई और अन्य राज्य परीक्षा बोर्ड के सभी लेटेस्ट जानकारियों के लिए ऐप डाउनलोड करें।

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