Should I get a master's degree or a PhD

Deciding between a master's degree and a PhD can be difficult. Each path offers unique advantages and challenges depending on your career goals, personal aspirations and the time and effort you're willing to invest.


With such high demand, how do you determine whether a master’s degree or a doctorate is the right fit for your career goals? Whether you’re looking to advance in your current field or transition into a specialized area, understanding the differences between master’s and doctoral programs can guide your decision-making process.


This guide compares the key factors to help you choose the best graduate degree for your future.



Master’s Degree vs PhD: What’s the Difference?

A master's degree typically takes 1-2 years and focuses on specialized knowledge in a particular field. It’s ideal for career advancement or transitioning to a new industry. Master’s degrees are more applied and skill-focused compared to a PhD.


A PhD is a research-intensive degree that takes 4-7 years to complete. It’s designed for those interested in generating new knowledge or pursuing careers in academia, research, or high-level positions in specific industries.



Time Commitment: How Long Does Each Degree Take?

  • Master's Degree: On average, a master’s takes 1-2 years to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. You’ll complete coursework and often a capstone project or thesis.

  • PhD: A PhD typically takes 4-7 years. This includes coursework, comprehensive exams, research and the completion of a dissertation. A master’s degree can shorten the time needed for a PhD, but the PhD remains a long-term commitment.



Understanding the Difference in Content and Cost

When deciding between pursuing a master’s degree or a doctorate, it’s important to understand how each program differs in terms of coursework, goals and financial investment.



Focus and Coursework

Master’s Degrees are designed to deepen your career-focused knowledge and skills. These programs typically consist of three main types of courses:


  • Core Courses: These are required to fulfill your degree requirements and provide essential knowledge necessary to advance within your chosen field.

  • Electives: These courses allow for specialization or exploration in related areas, offering flexibility to tailor your degree to specific interests.

  • Capstone or Thesis: The final requirement of a master’s program, involving research and presenting findings that reflect your expertise in the subject.


On the other hand, Doctorate Degrees are heavily research-focused, aimed at developing critical research, analytical and writing skills to contribute original knowledge to the field. Doctoral programs include:


  • Coursework: Advanced classes designed to prepare you for comprehensive exams.

  • Research Core: These courses provide the foundation for conducting independent research and developing strong analytical capabilities.

  • Comprehensive Exam: A key milestone to test your mastery of the subject matter before advancing to the dissertation phase.

  • Dissertation: A major component of the doctorate, involving in-depth research, analysis, and the defense of original research in front of a committee.


Your personal interests and learning style play a crucial role in determining whether a master’s degree or a Ph.D. is the right path for you. Consider how you prefer to engage with material, collaborate with others and approach research to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic and professional aspirations.



Cost Considerations

Cost is a significant factor when choosing between a master’s and a doctorate degree. While estimates for master’s degrees can range from $30,000 to $120,000, doctoral programs can vary similarly, depending on the institution and time required for completion.


Several factors influence the overall cost:


  • Type of Institution: Public, private nonprofit, and for-profit schools each have different tuition structures, with private institutions often being more expensive.

  • Time to Graduation: The pace at which you complete your coursework and research directly impacts the total cost. Doctoral programs, with their emphasis on research and dissertations, require a greater time commitment.

  • Transfer Credit: Prior graduate-level coursework or certifications may reduce the overall cost by allowing you to transfer credits into your degree program.


Ultimately, understanding your academic and career goals, along with the financial implications, will help guide your decision between pursuing a master’s or a doctorate at UCLA.



Career Implications: What Are the Salary and Job Opportunities?

  • Master’s Degree: A master’s can boost your earning potential, with many fields offering higher salaries for those with a graduate degree. Careers in management, healthcare, data science and engineering, for example, often require or value a master’s degree.

  • PhD: PhDs are generally suited for careers in academia or research. They often lead to specialized roles in research institutions, universities, or high-level industry positions. PhDs tend to have higher earning potential, particularly in fields like technology, medicine and business.



Does a PhD Pay More Than a Master’s?

In most fields, PhDs do tend to have higher earning potential compared to those with a master's degree. However, salary increases are dependent on the field of study, industry and the specific role you pursue. Some industries, like technology or finance, may offer higher salaries for those with a master’s, while academia and research roles often require a PhD.



What Are the Challenges of Each Degree?

  • Master's Degree: A master’s degree requires a significant academic commitment, but it’s generally less intense than a PhD. The workload includes coursework, projects, and exams but doesn’t require original research or a dissertation.

  • PhD: PhDs are significantly more challenging, requiring extensive research, long hours and intellectual rigor. PhD students must complete original research and defend their dissertation, which can be mentally and emotionally taxing.



Can You Skip a Master’s and Go Straight to a PhD?

In some cases, it is possible to skip a master’s degree and go straight to a PhD program. However, many PhD programs require a master’s or equivalent academic experience before admission. Some programs may allow you to earn a master’s degree as part of the PhD process.



Does Getting a Master’s Shorten a PhD?

Having a master’s degree may shorten the time required for a PhD, as it can reduce the amount of coursework or foundational research you need to complete. However, you will still need to complete all requirements of the PhD program, including original research and the dissertation.



PhD vs Master’s: Which Path is Right for You?

Choosing between a master’s and a PhD depends on your career aspirations, time commitment and personal goals:


  • Choose a Master’s Degree if you want to advance your career, gain specialized knowledge or switch fields without committing to years of research.

  • Choose a PhD if you're passionate about research, academia or advanced roles that require expertise in a specific field.


Consider your long-term goals, the time you can invest in education and whether the research and career opportunities associated with a PhD align with your ambitions.



Take the Next Step Toward Your Future—Explore UCLA’s Graduate Programs Today!

Both a master’s and a PhD offer valuable opportunities depending on your career goals and interests. A master’s degree offers faster entry into the workforce, while a PhD can provide higher career satisfaction and earning potential in specialized roles. If you're ready to take the next step in your education, explore the graduate programs offered by UCLA. Learn more about UCLA’s graduate programs.