Emergence of the doctors and mastersdegrees

EMERGENCE OF THE DOCTORS AND MASTERSDEGREES
Master’s degree, academic degree intermediate between the bachelor’s degree and the doctor’s degree. The terms master and doctor were used interchangeably during the Middle Ages, but in Germany the doctorate came to be considered superior to the master’s and this system subsequently spread to the rest of the world.

The master of arts (magister artium or M.A.; sometimes rendered artium magister or A.M.) is in theory the holder of a license to teach. The term master was originally equivalent to doctor; in the faculty of arts the approved scholar was styled master, while in faculties of divinity, medicine, and law the scholar was termed doctor. Perhaps because of the need to become a master of arts before proceeding to other studies, the doctorate came to be esteemed as a higher title. In modern usage in most universities, except in Scotland, the gradation in the faculty of arts proceeds B.A., M.A., Ph.D., D.Litt.

The automatic conferring of an M.A. degree upon the holder of B.A. seven years, or nearly seven years, after matriculation is practiced at Oxford and Cambridge, but elsewhere in England and in the U.S. the M.A. must be achieved through examination or by the completion of a piece of research. In modern times intermediate degrees such as that of master have been abandoned in the universities of many countries.

Doctoral degrees are advanced graduate or professional degrees that demonstrate mastery in a particular subject area.

Doctoral degrees are terminal degrees, meaning they're the highest possible degrees available in their field. Doctorates can be both applied or research-based degrees and they usually attract learners who already hold master's degrees.

A doctor of philosophy degree, or Ph.D., emphasizes research. Students in Ph.D. programs spend most of their time conducting research projects and studies. On the other hand, applied doctorates — like a juris doctor or doctor of pharmacy — emphasize practical applications of skills and knowledge. These degrees often also include a research component.

Earning a doctoral degree can be a pathway to career advancement, increased salary potential, and leadership credentials. Both Ph.D. and applied doctorate programs prepare learners to serve as experts in their specific fields.

Types of Doctoral Degrees

There are two types of doctoral degrees: research-oriented degrees, like a Ph.D., and applied degrees, like a doctor of education. Less common applied doctorates include the following:

Doctor of chiropractics

Doctor of optometry

Doctor of osteopathic medicine

Doctor of podiatric medicine

Doctor of veterinary medicine

Although some fields have a master's as a terminal degree, most fields offer doctorates. Many students choose to pursue a doctorate to narrow their academic focus and build on their skills and knowledge in their field.

Some master's degrees prepare graduates to teach at the postsecondary level, but universities often prefer applicants with doctorates. Most tenure-track professorships require a doctorate.

Read on to learn about the most common doctoral degrees.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

A DBA builds on the skills taught during MBA programs. With more graduates earning MBAs, earning a DBA can set candidates apart in the job market and prepare them for more advanced roles.

DBA programs typically require around 60 credits. Full-time students can complete these programs in 3-4 years. A DBA prepares graduates for roles as chief executives and senior business analysts.