What Is a Terminal Degree? Areas of Study, Benefits, and More

Key takeaways

A terminal degree is the most advanced education you can earn in a given area and is often a requirement for certain professions.

• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median weekly wage is $2,278 for someone with a doctoral degree and $2,363 for someone with a professional degree [1].

• Terminal degrees commonly include a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or professional doctorates like a Medical Doctor (MD), Juris Doctor (JD), and Doctor of Education (EdD).

• You can begin preparing for a terminal degree by completing a bachelor's or master's degree, asking for a letter of recommendation, and building experience.

Learn more about terminal degrees, including what it takes to earn them and reasons you would want to do so, as well as whether it's the right choice for your career goals. 

What is a terminal degree?

A terminal degree is the highest degree you can earn in an academic field or professional discipline. Most commonly, this refers to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or professional doctorates like a Medical Doctor (MD), Juris Doctor (JD), and Doctor of Education (EdD).

Terminal degrees are often required to pursue certain careers, especially those in medicine, law, academia, and research. While they typically require a significant amount of time and effort to earn, they often lead to higher salaries, subject matter expertise, and other benefits.

Which degrees are terminal?

Although there are many degrees considered terminal around the world, the following are typically considered the major terminal degrees in the United States: 

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

• Doctor of Education (EdD)

• Doctor of Medicine (MD)

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

• Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM)

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

• Juris Doctor (JD)

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

• Master of Architecture (MArch)

What is a terminal master's degree?

In some areas, a master's degree is considered a terminal degree if it is the highest degree available in the field. If you're interested in studying a particular subject or in pursuing a specific career, it's best to research the educational requirements for that field.

Requirements can change over time. For instance, it's now possible to earn doctorates in the fine arts and architecture. That being said, many universities and professional employers still consider the Master of Architecture (MArch) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) to be terminal degrees unless otherwise stated.

Learn more: MA vs. MS Degrees: A Guide.

Is an MBA a terminal degree?

Many organizations consider the Master of Business Administration (MBA) a terminal degree, but it is not the highest degree available in the field. Although you can pursue a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) or PhD, the MBA is a more common terminal credential for those pursuing a career outside of academia and research.  

Requirements to earn a terminal degree

As with other types of advanced education, you'll need to possess certain degrees and, in some cases, experience before pursuing a terminal degree. These will often be program-specific, and it's a good idea to research what it takes to apply to the terminal degree program you're considering.

However, generally speaking, for admission to a terminal degree program, you often need the following:

• Bachelor's degree

• Master's degree (for specific areas)

• Strong academic record

• GRE scores

• Letters of recommendation

• Research or teaching experience (sometimes)

As with prerequisites, the requirements to earn a terminal degree will depend on what you intend to study and the institution where you intend to study it. But, generally, terminal degree programs will involve the following components:

• Coursework (2-3 years)

• Comprehensive exams

• Dissertation or research

• Teaching requirements

• Original research

• Defense of work

How long does it take to earn a terminal degree?

The time to complete a terminal degree varies between different fields of study. While law and medicine tend to have standard times to completion, doctoral degrees often vary by area.

For instance, according to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics [2], the median time it took 2024 recipients of doctorate degrees to obtain their degrees by subject was as follows: 

• Physical science: 6.0 years

• Engineering: 6.5 years

• Computer and information science: 7.0 years

• Biological sciences: 6.4 years

• Mathematics and statistics: 6.1 years

• Psychology: 6.9 years

• Social sciences: 8.8 years

• Humanities and arts: 9.7 years

• Education: 12.3 years

If you’re thinking about pursuing a terminal degree, then it’s a good idea to factor in the time it takes to obtain your doctorate before committing. 

[Entity card: Degree recommendations > Master's degrees]

Is a terminal degree right for me?

Whether or not you should earn a terminal degree will depend on your career goals. If you want to pursue a career that requires a terminal degree, then the answer is likely that this level of education will be right for you because you'll need the degree to apply for relevant positions.

However, if you don't need this degree and have other reasons for pursuing it, such as becoming an expert in your field, then you may want to consider factors like cost and time commitment versus the benefits of career advancement before deciding.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether a terminal degree is right for you or not will depend on your own unique life circumstances, personal aspirations, and resources. 

Income and educational level 

Obtaining a terminal degree has a wide range of potential benefits. In addition to demonstrating the holder’s expertise, knowledge, and dedication to their field, terminal degree holders often command a higher earning power than others.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median earnings of full-time wage and salary workers in 2024 increased with their education level [1].

As the above table illustrates, individuals with higher educational levels tend to command a higher income than those with lower educational levels, and they experience fewer periods of unemployment. If you are motivated by increasing your earning power, then obtaining a terminal degree may be worth considering. 

Alternatives to terminal degrees

A terminal degree isn't necessary for every individual or career. As you consider whether a terminal degree might be a worthwhile investment, consider some alternative ways to build job-ready skills:

• Bachelor's degree: A bachelor's degree is the most common entry-level educational requirement for many roles, according to the BLS [3].

• Certifications or certificates: Earning an industry credential, such as a certification or Professional Certificate, can expand your skill set while enhancing your resume.

• Online courses: Focus on a particular skill with a flexible online course. Learning online often means learning at your own pace.

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