Online Graduate ProgramsUltimate Source for Getting an Online Graduate Degree

In general, people pursue doctoral degrees because they wish to work as a research scholar or teach at a university. People enroll in master’s degree programs to advance in other sorts of careers. There are two main types of master’s degrees: academic and professional.

• Academic master’s degrees include the Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M.S.). These are usually awarded in the traditional arts and sciences, although the M.S. is also offered in certain technical fields such as agriculture and engineering. Original research (the thesis) is emphasized. Students are generally required to take a core set of classes but have a considerable number of electives. An academic master’s typically involves one or two years of postgraduate study, and many students continue studying to earn the Ph.D. Academic master’s programs that do not lead to a Ph.D. are referred to as "terminal master’s."

• Professional master’s degrees are designed with very specific career goals in mind. These degrees often have unique titles such as Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and Master of Education (M.Ed.). These training programs are less focused on research; they are more concerned with the direct application of knowledge. For example, instead of completing a thesis, students might intern with a business or complete a group project. These programs may offer electives, but a professional master’s program is generally more structured than an academic master’s program. A professional master’s degree typically involves one to three years of study.

Many bachelor’s degree programs may be combined with a master’s curriculum. In this way, the overall study time is decreased. The doctoral degree is designed to prepare college and university professors and expert research scholars. The most common doctoral degree is the Ph.D., which represents "Doctor of Philosophy." However, students also earn titles such as Doctor of Business (D.B.A.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). Completion of this degree requires contributing the dissertation, which is a paper that summarizes the existing research in a specific area and then documents and analyzes the student’s original research project. When the dissertation is completed, the student "defends" the paper by answering questions before a committee of advisers. Usually five to eight years are invested in the pursuit of a doctoral degree.

	Kaplan University - Master's Degrees. Students interested in getting their graduate degree from Kaplan University will be getting an excellent college education from the premiere university online. Kaplan University prepares students to have successful careers by providing all the skills they'll need.
	Ashford University - Master's Degrees. Ashford University is commited to its mission of creating excellent leaders in the workforce. Ashford University offers accredited Master's Degrees at affordable prices.
	Liberty University - Master's Degrees. Liberty University Master's Degree programs are available to working professionals from anywhere they are. Liberty University makes it convenient for working adults to go back to school to be able to further their career.
	Walden University - Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Walden University is the best fit for students seeking to obtain their Doctoral degree online. Walden University takes pride in offering students the very best online degrees available that are affordable to everyone.
	Capella University - Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Capella University uses a student-centric approach to educating those attending school there. Capella uses this approach to become one of the most respected online colleges in the nation for students seeking to get an upper level degree.
	Grand Canyon University - Master's Degrees. Students interested in finding a convenient way to go back to school will be interested in attending Grand Canyon University. Grand Canyon allows students to take all of their graduate level classes at home.
	American InterContinental University Online - Master's Degrees. American InterContinental University is a place where bright minds come together and work towards getting their Master's degrees. AIU prepares students at campus locations worldwide and online classes also available.
	Everest University - Master's Degrees. Everest University is a dynamic educational portal that offers affordable, accredited degrees to students. Everest University Master's degrees are designed for professionals working towards getting their secondary degree.
	South University - Master's Degrees. South University Master's graduates are immediately prepared to take the next step in their careers because of their new, respected education. South University offers their Master's degree at affordable prices so that numerous students are able to attend.
	University of Phoenix - Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Known as the largest online college, University of Phoenix has a variety of upper level degrees available. University of Phoenix offers their degrees online and at campus locations.