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The Advanced Degree Breakdown
By Dawn Papandrea

Don't know your MBA from your M.A. or your Ph.D. from your professional degree? Read on for an Advanced Degree breakdown, complete with completion time, requirements, and earnings potential.

Master's Degree
Completion of a master's program usually takes one to three years and focuses on a specific course of study. Master's degree programs are available in areas like business and health care to technology, education, even criminal justice. You can either vie for a master of arts degree or a master of science degree depending on the program to which you aspire.

Admission into a master's program may involve taking the GRE, completing a competitive application process, and more; requirements vary by school and program.

MBA Degree
Master's degree in business administration takes two years to complete if done as a full-time student. There are alternative ways to pursue an MBA as well, including accelerated (a higher course load allows completion in 18 months), part-time (can take three years or more), and executive (designed for professionals with several years of experience to earn the EMBA in two years or less).

Entry into an MBA program usually involves taking the GMAT test, having work experience or strong academic transcripts, being interviewed by the school, etc.

Ph.D. Degree
A doctor of philosophy degree, the Ph.D., is the highest degree offered in most disciplines. It typically consists of one to three years of study, followed by a comprehensive exam, and then the completion of a dissertation (a 250-250 page research paper). The total length of time to earn a Ph.D. varies from four to eight years. Having completed a master's degree prior can take a year off of the total.

Admission is competitive for most Ph.D. programs, and will most likely require a bachelor's degree or master's degree in a related field, high scores on the GRE, and other application items like letters of recommendation.

Professional Degree
A professional degree is a high-level research-based degree that leads to a professional designation in various fields. Doctors (M.D.), lawyers (J.D.), dentists (D.D.S.), and pharmacists (Pharm.D.) are among the many professionals that must attain a professional degree. Others include engineers, architects, theologians, etc.

Professional degree programs are very competitive, require a great deal of research, and may have a residency/apprenticeship period. Depending on the profession, admissions exams vary (i.e. the MCAT is for medical school and the LSAT is for law school). To graduate with a professional degree, there may be a national or state board exam, thesis, or dissertation requirement, depending on the field.

The Big Bucks of Advanced Degrees
Many students in advanced degree programs work as teaching assistants or graduate assistants, either teaching courses or assisting professors with research and clerical projects. Doing so earns them a fellowship or stipend to help offset the cost of school. No matter the cost, which can range from a few thousand to $100K and more, educational attainment equals higher earnings over a lifetime.

As reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, here are the expected lifetime earnings for each of the following degree levels:
High school degree > $1.2 million
Bachelor's degrees > $2.1 million
Master's degrees > $2.5 million
Doctoral degrees > $3.4 million
Professional degrees > $4.4 million

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