what is a master degree and a phd
On the education path, a Masters degree might come before a PhD, but the PhD is a higher academic award. Students do not always have to follow the path, but typically the Bachelors degree is a 'first' degree, the Masters is a second degree, and a Doctorate degree such as the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a terminal degree. A graduate degree requires a significant investment of time.
by Tara Kuther, Ph.D. A master's degree is a type of graduate degree, degree earned after completion of an undergraduate degree (BA or BS). Typically the master's degree requires about 30 credits of coursework and takes 2 years of full time study beyond the bachelor's degree. In addition to coursework, the master's degree sometimes entails completing comprehensive exams and/or a thesis.