Second, the perspective, learning, and maturity acquired from practical experience can be applied to the theoretical concepts promoted in your studies and should increase your understanding of them. Finally, work experience can enhance your application credentials by offsetting mediocre grades or test scores. In the case of some competitive professional schools, admissions committees may be very interested in your work background in addition to your numbers. The way you describe this background in your application essay or interview will almost certainly affect your chances of acceptance. Master s degrees may take one to three years to earn, and doctorates generally take four more years to complete.
Some graduate degrees are academic and others are professional in orientation.
Academic degrees focus on original research, whereas professional degrees stress the practical application of knowledge and skills required for practicing in the profession. Master s degrees may take one to three years to earn, and doctorates generally take four more years to complete. Those who intend to pursue doctorates may elect to earn a master s degree first, then proceed to select a different university, or somewhat different program of study, for their doctoral work. Once you ve decided to pursue graduate study, begin to explore schools offering the type of program you want. Go to your local college or city library to find directories of graduate study.