Talk:Master of Arts (postgraduate)

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[edit] progressing to a doctoral program usually requires a master's degree.

The Master's Degree requirement en route to a Ph.D. seems less common than indicated in the article, at least in the U.S. Many Ph.D. programs neither require nor confer an M.A. or M.S. en route to the Ph.D to discourage candidates from leaving the program after receiving the interim degree. Also, at least in the United States, there's an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine), and a Ph.D. in Medicine, but no Master's Degree in Medicine or Master's Degree in Veterinary Medicine. Basilwhite (talk) 17:09, 18 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Progression can be based on the job, rather than the degree program

While it is true that in U.S. Graduate programs, a Master's degree is not required to undertake a Doctorate/Ph.D degree, it can be argued that many persons personally see that a Master's degree is a "requirement" before a Ph.D. Many of these type persons usually don't just go through a Graduate program from beginning to end; meaning once a person finishes their Bachelor;s degree, they immediately go into a Master's program and then once finishing the Master's they go into a Ph.D program. Most persons will stop at their Bachelor's and may work in their professions for several years and then enter into a master's program. They may work a several more years with a Master's and then go to a Ph.D program. Or a person will finish their Bachelor's and then enter in a Master's program. Work several years and then enter into a Ph.D program.

And usually that is because of their particular profession. For example, if the person is wanting to move up through the ranks, that particular position may require a Ph.D. And that position would still require knowledge that is gained only from having the knowledge and experience equivalent of a Master's degree. This is very common in the PreK-12 Education field. Also, if you consider the Allied Health professions, there are some that have Masters-Doctorate programs as well.

So, I think there can be more discussion because it's not so clearcut.

Rayghost (talk) 19:03, 4 April 2008 (UTC)Rayghost