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What is more preferred: 2 masters or a PhD

• Thread starter dukebound85
• Start date Nov 8, 2010
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• MacRumors Community
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dukebound85

Macrumors core.

• Nov 8, 2010

As the title says. I am working on a masters and would like to get another in mech engr as well. However, I am also debating working for a PhD in atmos science. Both options would take about the same time to complete all said and done. Now, the reason I would like 2 masters is better marketability for industry and it would give me a breadth of knowledge over two fields that I would like to combine in my career vs learning in great depth in one field. Keep in mind I have my BS in mech engr so I could do that (combining disciplines) with either route. Have any of you faced this situation? If so, what did you do? Any thoughts are welcome  

macrumors Nehalem

No, but I see a phd out ranking a double Ma.  

2 masters degrees makes you look unfocused and less passionate about one subject, and more concerned with your pedigree of collecting degrees. Another thing to consider is the PhD would be free + stipend, but you'd likely have to pay for the masters. If you want to get a masters in something else, just take some prereqs and write a hell of a convincing essay to get into a PhD program for that field.  

GimmeSlack12

Macrumors 603.

Having 2 masters would make you a more utility choice for employment but in the end you have to realize that you will end up focusing on only one topic and thus have had wasted time acquiring one of the MS degrees. Get the PhD or just go get a job. Being smarter does not mean you get more money.  

macrumors 601

Correct me if I'm wrong here but a Masters is an acknowledgment that you have a deep understanding of a single subject. But to earn PhD you must add new knowledge to the field that you're studying. I'd think a PhD is more impressive than 2 masters degrees.  

macrumors 68040

go for the PhD ... you may have second thoughts going the other route  

puma1552 said: 2 masters degrees makes you look unfocused and less passionate about one subject, and more concerned with your pedigree of collecting degrees. Another thing to consider is the PhD would be free + stipend, but you'd likely have to pay for the masters. If you want to get a masters in something else, just take some prereqs and write a hell of a convincing essay to get into a PhD program for that field. Click to expand...

GimmeSlack12 said: Having 2 masters would make you a more utility choice for employment but in the end you have to realize that you will end up focusing on only one topic and thus have had wasted time acquiring one of the MS degrees. Get the PhD or just go get a job. Being smarter does not mean you get more money. Click to expand...

obeygiant said: Correct me if I'm wrong here but a Masters is an acknowledgment that you have a deep understanding of a single subject. But to earn PhD you must add new knowledge to the field that you're studying. I'd think a PhD is more impressive than 2 masters degrees. Click to expand...

It seems that in the current job market, having the option of breadth of training trumps depth. The more one pigeonholes him/herself, the more vulnerable one becomes to shifts in technology/employment realities. There are a lot of specialized engineers and technicians on the space coast of Florida who have worked on the space shuttle program who are having a hard time finding employment.  

dukebound85 said: I don't know about unfocused as I really enjoy both fields. But you make an interesting point. Perhaps instead of a second masters, just go straight into a Phd program in the other field I disagree about one topic. I would like to deal with emissions and that has substantial overlap in both atmospheric science and engineering. At least that is my thinking lol. My issue with a Phd potentially is that it may pigeon hole one into a specific industry. I would like to be as diverse as possible so I can more of a safety net career-wise yet still be able to pursue my interests. Regarding money, as long as I can have a modest home, food and a reliable form of transportation, that is all I desire. I am not aiming to be wealthy by getting multiple degrees but rather be as attractive to as many potential companies in these two fields that I can be Click to expand...

macrumors 6502

alust2013 said: I have to say, I think perhaps just one Masters might even be the best solution here. Unless you are teaching or doing research, a PhD is typically looked at as overqualified, especially in science fields. Two Masters may not be ideal as some potential employers may see that as unfocused, whether that is actually the case or not. Perhaps contacting someone in the field that you want to enter and asking what they are looking for would be the best way to determine exactly what the best choice is. Click to expand...

Having a PhD is better, means you know what you want. Also, it goes to show that you know very well what you know.  

FrankieTDouglas

Macrumors 68000.

PhD will probably provide the highest promotion track. A terminal degree in whatever it is you do is the highest sign of achievement. Multiple masters is sort of the new "multiple bachelors" situation. Once you achieve a certain level of degree, it doesn't make much sense to keep working laterally. Go further up.  

macrumors regular

Speaking as one with a master's degree and currently working on a phd... The purpose of these degrees is usually very different. Master's programs are usually constructed to prepare you for jobs in the industry of your discipline. Whereas, phd programs are designed to make you a researcher/academic. Most industries do not value you more if you have a phd (some value you less). I would suggest speaking with the department chair or some other resource on campus(career center maybe) to help you decide. There is no prestige in getting a degree that does not prepare you for what you want to do.  

• Nov 9, 2010

and I do agree with the sentiment that work experience will in some instances trump education. Even more importantly, if you have work experience before going into a master's program you will be exponentially better off than having no experience whatsoever. In fact, most top notch programs require some work experience prior to admission to the program. On the other hand, given that the world economy is so bad, you may be better off continuing in school rather than hunting for a job for months with no avail. The moral of the story is consult an academic advisor of some sort.  

macrumors P6

Where I work, a MS is treated like a BS. also, management always looks to the PhD for direction, even though the MS knows just as much.  

macrumors G4

puma1552 said: 2 masters degrees makes you look unfocused and less passionate about one subject, and more concerned with your pedigree of collecting degrees. Click to expand...

GimmeSlack12 said: Having 2 masters would make you a more utility choice for employment but in the end you have to realize that you will end up focusing on only one topic and thus have had wasted time acquiring one of the MS degrees. Click to expand...

Now, the reason I would like 2 masters is better marketability for industry and it would give me a breadth of knowledge over two fields that I would like to combine in my career vs learning in great depth in one field. Click to expand...

That is my understanding as well and I do agree about the Phd being more impressive but I am just trying to look at it from a career point of view and what option may be the most "safe" in the long run Click to expand...

miles01110 said: No it won't, and two Masters' degrees is not a "collection." The counterargument would go something like "2 Masters' degrees makes you look like you have a diverse skill set that could potentially translate into some cost savings to a company." Click to expand...

dukebound85 said: I disagree about one topic. I would like to deal with emissions and that has substantial overlap in both atmospheric science and engineering. At least that is my thinking lol. My issue with a Phd potentially is that it may pigeon hole one into a specific industry. I would like to be as diverse as possible so I can more of a safety net career-wise yet still be able to pursue my interests. Regarding money, as long as I can have a modest home, food and a reliable form of transportation, that is all I desire. I am not aiming to be wealthy by getting multiple degrees but rather be as attractive to as many potential companies in these two fields that I can be That is my understanding as well and I do agree about the Phd being more impressive but I am just trying to look at it from a career point of view and what option may be the most "safe" in the long run Click to expand...

macrumors 604

It depends on what you're studying. A doctorate in something like engineering or business probably isn't really any more valuable than a Master's degree, unless you want to be a professor. A doctorate in something like math, physics, etc. could be VERY valuable.  

puma1552 said: It looks awfully unfocused to me; here's a guy with a masters degree, and then decided to go get another one in a different field. The questions I ask, and that many potential employers may ask, would be "What for? Why? At the very least, why hasn't this guy woven his first masters degree into a more in depth PhD in another field, using the masters as a foundation for the PhD and really built on and expanded his knowledge? Why did this guy just move sideways?" Click to expand...

macrumors G5

I say stick with the Masters. Everyone I know with PhDs are basically constrained by them- pigeonholed as you say. I think there's something painfully ironic about people who work that hard and then can't even decide where they want to live, because they have to go where the work is for their particular PhD.  

macrumors 65816

leekohler said: I say stick with the Masters. Everyone I know with PhDs are basically constrained by them- pigeonholed as you say. I think there's something painfully ironic about people who work that hard and then can't even decide where they want to live, because they have to go where the work is for their particular PhD. Click to expand...

SlovakApple

Personally, I would go for the PhD.  

Rodimus Prime

Tomorrow said: Oh, how short-sighted of you. I have two Master's degrees, and I got them at the same time - there wasn't any changing my mind, no "moving sideways." My undergraduate degree is in mechanical engineering; I also have an MBA and an MS in information systems. Today I manage projects in data center design. My educational background looks stellar to someone who wants to employ someone to do what I do. Perhaps the person lacking focus is the one who can't see the value in a diverse education? Click to expand...

• Second Master’s or PhD? – A Comparison
• Types of Doctorates

A second Master’s degree is best suited for those who want to work in industry, but first either want to acquire additional knowledge in their current field or move to a new one. A PhD is best suited to those who want to gain advanced research skills and expertise in their current field and pursue a career in research or academia.

Introduction

It’s common for Master’s students to be plagued by the thought of what they will do next as they near the end of their current degree. Whether it’s taking a gap year, starting their career or continuing education, one thing is clear: there are many possibilities.

If you decide to stay in education, you’ll likely at some point consider whether it’s better to do a second Master’s or a PhD. You’d be right to give this serious thought, as the two degrees have significant differences, from their costs and durations, to the career paths they offer.

This page explains the differences between a second Master’s and a PhD, the pros and cons of each, and will help you to decide which of the two degrees is best for you.

Second Master’s vs PhD

Level of specialisation, master’s.

A Master’s degree, regardless of whether it’s an MSc, MRes or MPhil, aims to provide you with targeted knowledge that builds on what you would have learnt from your undergraduate degree. Although each type of Master’s degree has its own focus, such as an MSc on practical knowledge and an MPhil on research skills, the specialisation they offer isn’t as in-depth as that offered by a PhD. This is because they have a wider curriculum and usually utilise several teaching methods, including lectures and tutorials, which provide a range of knowledge around several closely related subjects.

PhDs are the highest form of academic qualification you can obtain and offer more specialised knowledge than any Master’s degree. Unlike Master’s degrees, which are based on a mixture of teaching methods and curriculum, PhDs are purely research degrees and focus on a specific research question.

A second Master’s degree will provide you with specialist knowledge in various subjects in your field. A doctoral degree will provide you with research skills and expert knowledge in a single topic within your field.

Programme Duration

Most Master’s courses take one year to complete, with an MPhil two years. However, the exact duration will depend on your specific course, type of Master’s and university.

A PhD lasts on average three to four years , with part-time studies lasting up to eight years.

Since a doctorate lasts several times longer than a Master’s, it requires a much greater commitment.

Programme Cost

The cost of a second Master’s degree will vary depending on its type, subject and host universities. Based on an analysis by FindAMaster’s , which summarises tuition fees from the International and Postgraduate Fees Survey 2019 , the average academic tuition fee per year for a Master’s degree in the UK is:

The average tuition fee per year for a PhD in the UK is £4,407 for home/EU students and £19,600 for international students .

There are other fees associated with doctoral research projects that aren’t present with Master’s studies. These include bench fees, travel costs for collaborations and conferences, and potential writing up fees for late thesis submissions.

Annually, a second Master’s degree is twice as expensive than a PhD for home/EU students, and slightly cheaper for international students. However, considering the typical duration of these programmes, a PhD becomes significantly more expensive; twice as expensive for home/EU students and four times as expensive for international students:

Notes: (1) The tuition fee values for the second Master’s is based on the average fees for an MSc. (2) The above table assumes a second Master’s duration of 1 year and a PhD duration of 4 years. (3) The fees and durations are indicative – the exact values vary depending on the course and university.

It’s also important to bear in mind that many PhD programmes come with funding which covers the cost of their fees. Many funding packages also include a living allowance (known as a stipend) which is comparable to a low salary. It is usually much more difficult to secure non-repayable funding for a Master’s programme unless it’s integrated with a PhD programme.

Employability

The skills and knowledge gained through a Master’s degree are general enough to apply to other relevant disciplines. For example, a Master’s degree in statistics would enable you to work in finance, medical analysis, and specific engineering fields etc. Due to this, a second Master’s could help make you suitable for an even wider range of professional fields.

Because a PhD focuses on advanced research methods and a specific research question as opposed to the broad field, your career path is usually refined to the more advanced positions which require expert knowledge. This doesn’t mean that you cannot apply your skills elsewhere, but most PhD holders remain in their field after completing their studies.

It’s worth noting, however, that there is a growing trend for PhD holders to use the transferable skills they acquired during their degree to successfully reposition themselves in careers outside of academia. In fact, STEM PhD holders are particularly sought after in the financial sector because of their proven ability to perform complex tasks under strict deadlines.

Both a second Master’s and a PhD offer excellent employment opportunities. However, a second Master’s usually offers greater career flexibility across industries, especially at the beginning of a career. A doctorate opens up the more demanding positions within a field, but can sometimes make it more difficult to change industries.

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

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Second Master’s

Improving skills:  A second Master’s can strengthen your skills within your current field. For example, suppose you have an MEng in Biomedical Engineering. Here, you know of the technical aspects and their application, but you do not necessarily know how to innovate and develop them further. You could fill this skills gap with an MRes or an MPhil that would provide you with complimentary research and investigatory skills. Improving your skills won’t only help you advance faster in your career faster but may also open up future roles that would not otherwise be available to you.

Career change:  After completing your first Master’s degree, you may decide that the field is no longer suitable for you. In these scenarios, a second Master’s degree can facilitate career changes. This will have obvious limitations, for example, you shouldn’t expect to be able to do a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering with a Master’s in Classical Literature, however, if you already have a Master’s in another type of engineering, this transition would be possible.

Bridge between different Industries: In STEM subjects, there is extensive interaction between different industries. Although this interaction has always existed, it has grown steadily as more industries try to innovate and tackle more ambitious projects. There’s an obvious need for multidisciplinary roles, and a second Master’s degree in a relevant subject can make you desirable for this reason.

Disadvantages

Perception: If you carry out a second Master’s in a field unrelated to your first, even if to facilitate a career change, it can lead to potential employers perceiving you as unfocused. Although this shouldn’t be the case for large multidisciplinary organisations, it may deter the more specialised companies.

Salary: While a second relevant Master’s in the same subject field may increase your earning potential, a second unrelated Master’s is unlikely to. Although an unrelated second Master’s isn’t a disadvantage if being used to facilitate a career change, it will probably be an unnecessary use of time and money if you intend to stay within your current career path.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a PhD

Establishing yourself as an Expert: Any individual who holds a doctorate is considered an expert in his or her field. Therefore, a PhD has not only a prestigious status but also opens up roles in advanced research and academia.

Commitment: A PhD shows your willingness, commitment and motivation to learn. This makes you highly desirable for employers, as a strong passion for continuous learning usually correlates with the potential to become industry leaders.

Less freedom:  Taking three to four years to complete, a PhD is a huge commitment. As a result, many feel pressured to stay in their field to ensure that their PhD was ‘worth’ it, even if they no longer feel that the field is the right one for them. Although it is still possible to change paths after your doctorate, and many do so successfully, many feel ‘locked’ into their path after they finish their studies.

Over-qualified: You may find it difficult to find a job outside of research or academia, as employers may consider you over-qualified and therefore believe that you will quickly leap from the role to a more challenging one. They may also believe you lack practical work experience compared to your counterpart, who has a Master’s degree and has been working in the industry whilst you were working on your academic studies.

Cost: While PhD programmes can come with funding that helps to finance tuition fees and living costs, the funding usually covers only the first 3.5 years of full-time programmes and the first seven years of part-time programmes. You may be determined to complete your doctorate within this timeframe, but it is not uncommon for students to experience setbacks in their research that take them beyond the period for which they’re funded for. This means they have to pay the rest of the fee themselves, which can be a significant burden for some, especially if they lack the savings to do so.

Deciding between a second Master’s and a PhD may seem like a tough decision, but ultimately it depends on what your career goals are. Therefore, the first thing to do is to ensure you’ve thought about your future and have a good idea of where you want to go after your education.

A second Master’s is best suited to those who want to either gain more specialised knowledge in their current industry or make a job change by transitioning into a new industry. A PhD is best suited for those who want to gain advanced research skills and knowledge in their field and pursue a career in research or academia.

Either way, both options offer great opportunities and will open new doors for you. Which of the two degrees is better for you depends on which door you would like to open.

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Second Master’s or PhD? – A Comparison

Published 16 October, 2023

There are many reasons to pursue a second master’s degree or PhD, and the decision ultimately depends on your goals and interests. If you’re looking to further your academic career and research opportunities, a PhD may be the best option. However, if you want to gain additional skills and knowledge in a specific field, another master’s degree may be more beneficial.

Introduction

When it comes to choosing between a second master’s degree or PhD, there are many factors to consider. Your career goals and interests will play a large role in determining which path is right for you.

The end of a degree’s body is often filled with stress and uncertainty. Some students may take time off to explore other options, such as starting their career or continuing Education; but for those who want more structure in the final months before graduating – there’s no need to worry! There are plenty of options available.

The decision to do an additional degree often comes down between a second master’s and PhD. There are many factors that should be considered when making this choice, such as cost and duration for each type of program available in your country or whether you’re looking into getting specific career opportunities upon graduation from either one.

This article will provide a brief overview of each type of degree, its benefits and drawbacks, as well as some common questions that students ask about these programs.

What Is Second Master’s?

A second master’s degree is an academic degree earned after the completion of a bachelor’s degree and first master’s degree. Students who pursue a second master’s degree often do so to gain additional skills and knowledge in a specific field or to change careers.

Like the first, a second master’s degree generally takes two years of full-time study to complete. However, some programs may allow students to complete their degree in a shorter amount of time by enrolling in accelerated courses or by transferring credits from their first master’s degree.

Students who pursue a second master’s degree will typically take a mix of core and elective courses. Core courses generally focus on advanced topics in the field, while elective courses allow students to explore other areas of interest.

What Is a PhD?

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest level of academic degree earned after completing a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Students who pursue a PhD do so with the goal of furthering their academic career or research opportunities.

A PhD generally takes 5-7 years of full-time study to complete. Students must also complete a dissertation, which is a research project that demonstrates their knowledge and expertise in the field.

Major Difference Between Second Master’s & PhD

 level of specialisation, second masters.

Second Master’s degrees are great if you want to learn more about a specific subject or expand your knowledge of different topics. For example, an MSc allows the student to specialise in their desired field while still learning various subjects that will be beneficial for them down the road and can assist with any future careers they may have considered trying out! PhDs offer unlimited opportunity due its breadth across all disciplines; however this does come at higher tuition fees than other types of Masters Programmes do which some people might not afford, or feel comfortable with taking on.

A PhD is the highest level of academic degree you can earn. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but it also gives you the chance to specialize in your field of interest. You’ll be able to conduct research and contribute new knowledge to the field. Unlike Second Master’s degrees, PhDs offer the chance to teach at the collegiate level and beyond.

2. Duration of Program

The duration of a Second Master’s degree program can vary depending on the country you study in and the type of institution. In the United States, for example, most programs take two years of full-time study to complete.

The duration of a PhD program can also vary depending on the country you study in and the type of institution. In the United States, for example, most programs take five to seven years of full-time study to complete.

3. Curriculum

The curriculum for a Second Master’s degree can vary depending on the country you study in and the type of institution. In the United States, for example, most programs require coursework in research methods, statistics, and writing. Students also complete a thesis or capstone project.

The curriculum for a PhD can vary depending on the country you study in and the type of institution. In the United States, for example, most programs require coursework in research methods, statistics, and writing. Students also complete a dissertation, which is a research project that contributes new knowledge to the field.

4. Cost of Degree

The cost of a Second Master’s degree can vary depending on the country you study in and the type of institution. The average annual cost for the Second master’s is £8,860 (Home/EU), and £17,493 (International).

Similarly, the cost of a PhD can vary depending on the country you study in and the type of institution. On average, the annual cost for PhD is £4,407 (Home/EU), £19,600 (International) and full programme average cost is £17,628 (Home/EU), £78,400 (International).

5. Job Opportunities

Second Master’s degrees can lead to a variety of different job opportunities. Many students use their degrees to change careers or advance in their current field. Others use their degree to enter into a new field or start their own business.

A PhD can open up many doors, both in terms of job opportunities and research opportunities. Graduates can pursue careers in academia, government, or industry. They can also use their degree to further their education and career goals.

Advantages and Disadvantages: Second Master’s & PhD

So, these are some of the advantages and disadvantages of a Second Master’s degree and a PhD. Deciding whether or not to pursue one of these degrees depends on your specific goals and circumstances. If you’re considering either degree, be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully to make the best decision for you.

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Should I Pursue A Master’s or A Ph.D.?

The first step in deciding on the right graduate program for you is to figure out which degree will best serve you—a master’s or a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.). Here are a few factors to consider.

What are your career goals?

• Professional master’s: A good choice if you want to develop a particular skill set in order to practice a particular profession. This type of degree provides coursework focused on learning and practicing skills.
• Research master’s: A good fit if you want to gain expertise in a discipline and know how to teach it. A research master’s typically includes a research project or thesis and comprehensive exams in addition to coursework and provides experience in research and scholarship.
• Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy): Consider this option if your goal is to ground yourself in a body of research and develop the ability to add to that body of knowledge. Ph.D. study includes a major research project in addition to coursework, and a Ph.D. is the highest scholastic degree awarded by American universities. Contrary to common perception, career paths for Ph.D. graduates are quite varied, not just limited to academia. Ph.D. training helps you hones skills such as writing, research, teaching, data analysis, communicating complex topics—all of which can translate into many sectors, including industry, government, nonprofit, and entrepreneurship.

See career data for Duke graduate programs' alumni

How much time do you have to pursue a graduate degree?

Master’s degrees typically take two years to complete, while Ph.D. programs generally take five to seven years ( see Duke programs' time-to-degree ). That is a significant difference in commitment and opportunity costs. It might also play a key role in deciding which factors take higher priority as you evaluate a program. How does the length of the program fit with your career and family plans? How important is the surrounding community if you are going to be there for seven years instead of two? How long are you able or willing to go on a limited income while in graduate school?

How much can you afford to pay for a graduate degree?

Consider your personal financial situation (e.g., how much savings and student loans do you have), as well as how much financial aid you can get. Master’s and Ph.D. programs differ greatly in the amount of financial aid available. Ph.D. programs tend to offer significantly more financial support than master’s programs (but often will have research or teaching requirements). 

A typical Ph.D. financial aid package usually includes coverage of tuition and fees, a living stipend, and some level of support for health insurance for a set number of years. For instance, Duke’s standard Ph.D. package covers tuition, mandatory fees, and a stipend for five years, as well as health insurance premiums for six years. 

Within an institution, the level of financial support often differs across programs, so be sure to ask your specific program about the financial aid it offers. There are also many national organizations that provide competitive fellowships and scholarships for graduate students.

Know which degree you want to pursue? Here are some key things to look for in a program .