What are the main differences between an MA and a PhD?
The doctoral degree generally takes between four to seven years to complete. PhD programs are designed to prepare students for university teaching, research, or advanced positions in certain professional fields. Funding is often available through grants, fellowships, or teaching or research assistantships. In some cases, you can apply directly to the PhD from an undergraduate degree if you meet the appropriate criteria for acceptance, depending on the graduate program. In these programs, the MA degree is often earned along the way, and will generally focus on the research techniques or the fields of study in which you will be involved at the PhD level. A combined MA/PhD program can take less time to completion than a terminal MA followed by a transfer to a PhD program. Going directly into a PhD program from a BA is particularly useful if you are completely dedicated to your area of study, and you plan to teach or research at the university level, or study in a research-intensive field.
