A masters degree is the specialized academic course of study thats intended to hone your professionalism in the area you choose. Masters programs can last anywhere from one to three years depending upon the particular course youve chosen. During your masters program you can expect to take classes and exams, and in some cases you may conduct research and write a thesis or dissertation. Depending upon the school youre attending, you may also have the option of teaching, which can help defray the cost of your tuition as well as provide you with important experience.
*Masters degree vs. bachelors degree*
In todays world, because of the phenomenon of degree inflation, a bachelors degree is still valuable, but no longer seen as a mark of exceptional academic capability. Many people believe that in a competitive workforce, a masters is the minimum needed to stand out from your peers and excel in your career. In most cases, your masters level coursework will be more specialized and challenging than your bachelors level coursework. Generally speaking, your classes will be conducted as discussion-heavy seminars rather than lectures in which youre passively learning. Service-oriented masters programs can also require an internship or practicum, in which youre placed at a site where you can learn skills hands-on. For example, if youre obtaining your masters in social work, you may spend time at a setting where youre actually learning how to offer therapy and case management, rather than simply reading about it and discussing it in a classroom.
*Competitive career advantage with a masters degree*
Masters degrees are often, though not always, prerequisites for certain career paths. Theyre often also necessary if you wish to obtain a doctoral degree. If youd like to make a career switch, going back to school for your masters is a great way to gain experience and facilitate that change. Similarly, if your chosen career path has nothing to do with what you studied as an undergraduate, youll likely need a masters so you can get the education you need. In this case, it makes far more sense to pursue a masters rather than go back for an additional bachelors since full time bachelors degrees take four years to complete. Many masters programs are offered online, part-time and/or with evening and weekend classes to accommodate working professionals schedules. A masters degree also allows you to upgrade your bachelors. If you obtained your bachelors from a college that isnt particularly well known, a masters from a well-reputed school can vastly improve your resume. Similarly, stellar academic performance at a masters program can make up for ho-hum undergraduate grades.
*Types of masters degrees*
There are many types of masters degrees, and while these arent the only degrees available to you, they are among the most popular.
*Master of Arts or M.A.* An M.A. is a graduate degree in the Humanities, such as English or history. Some universities offer an M.A. for the social sciences such as psychology or sociology.
|
|
|
*Master of Science or M.S.* An M.S. refers to a degree in the Sciences, often including the social sciences. Many M.S. programs are course-based, research-based or a mixture of the two.
*Master of Business Administration or MBA* An MBA is a graduate degree that focuses on various areas of business including accounting, finance, marketing and human resources.
*Master of Fine Arts or M.F.A.* An M.F.A is a graduate degree in the visual, creative or performing arts. M.F.A programs often culminate with a major work or performance.
*Master of Music or M.M. or M.Mus.* An M.M or M.Mus is a graduate degree in an applied area of music performance, composition or conducting with a focus on music theory and history.
*Master of Physician Assistant Studies, or M.P.A.S.* An M.P.A.S. is graduate degree that trains and licenses healthcare professionals to practice medicine with limited supervision by a physician.
*Master of Engineering, or M.Eng.* An M.Eng. refers to a professional engineering degree offered as an alternative to the traditional research-based Master of Science.
TEXT 2 Taking a Post-Graduate Course
1. Read the text to find the answers to the following questions:
1) What does your research deal with?
2) What are you engaged in at present?
Last year by the decision of the Scientific Council I took post-graduate courses to increase my knowledge in economics. I passed three entrance examinations - in History, English and the special subject. So now I am a first year post-graduate student of the Orenburg State University. I'm attached to the Statistics Department. In the course of my post-graduate studies I am to pass candidate examinations in philosophy, English and the special subject. So I attend courses of English and philosophy. I'm sure the knowledge of English will help me in my research.
My research deals with economics. The theme of the dissertation (thesis) is "Computer-Aided Tools for...". I was interested in the problem when a student so by now I have collected some valuable data for my thesis.
I work in close contact with my research adviser (superviser). He graduated from the Moscow State University 15 years ago and got his doctoral degree at the age of 40. He is the youngest Doctor of Sciences at our University. He has published a great number of research papers in journals not only in this country but also abroad.
He often takes part in the work of scientific conferences and symposia. When I encounter difficulties in my work I always consult my research adviser.
At present I am engaged in collecting the necessary data. I hope it will be a success and I will be through with my work on time.
2. Read passage 2 and answer the following questions: What is the theme of your dissertation?
3. Read passage 3 and speak about your research adviser according to the following plan:
1. Doctor's degree.
2. Scientific publications.
3. Participation in the work of scientific conferences.
4. Inform your colleague:
Ø what candidate examinations you have already passed;
Ø what the theme of your dissertation is;
Ø how many scientific papers you have published;
Ø if you are busy with making an experiment.
