Master's degrees are academic degrees awarded to students who have already completed bachelor's degree programs. The master's degree demonstrates a mastery of a specific field of study related to the bachelor's degree. For example, a student can pursue a master's degree in calculus after earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics. Skills such as analytical thinking, critical evaluation and complex problem-solving are often utilized in master's degree courses.
An executive master's degree is an advanced type of master's degree specifically for professionals in the midst of their careers. These programs are attended by full-time working professionals. Like traditional master's programs, an executive master's degree can be completed within two years. To qualify for the program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree, at least 4 years of work experience in their field of study and qualities such as leadership potential. The two main types of executive master's degrees are an Executive Master's of Business Administration (EMBA) and an Executive Master's of Science in Communication (EMScom). Both programs cover general business topics such as organizational behavior, corporate strategic management, marketing management and financial management.
A doctorate is the highest earned academic degree in post-secondary education. The degree qualifies graduates to teach or practice in their field. A research doctorate is awarded after a student produces academic research that is publishable in an academic journal. The coursework required to earn a research doctorate degree is more difficult and time consuming than the coursework required for a master's degrees. The time required to complete a research doctorate may be three years or longer. Common postdoctoral positions include a quantitative research scientist, engineer or college professor.
A professional doctorate is an advanced doctorate degree on the same academic level as research doctorate degrees. In contrast, professional doctorates are engaged in courses geared towards a profession such as medicine or law instead of academic research. Professional doctorates complete classes that have a focus on applied research. Sample professional doctorate degrees include Doctor of Education, Doctor of Business and Doctor of Professional Studies. Most professional doctorate graduates enter the corporate world as a high-ranking senior vice president, chief executive officer or chairman.