1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How to Become a Postsecondary Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Jan. 20, 2025.
2 Indeed Editorial Team. (2024, Aug. 15). What Is a PhD? (With Pros and Cons of Earning One). Indeed. Retrieved Jan. 20, 2025.
Approved and verified accurate by the dean of the College of Doctoral Studies on Feb. 13, 2025.
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A terminal degree is the highest possible degree that a student can earn in any given field. It represents academic mastery in a field as the highest level of academic achievement. A terminal degree could also be the highest level of achievement in a professional discipline.
Professionals from all sorts of disciplines — from health administration to marketing — may decide to work toward a terminal degree. Say you‘ve earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s and gained some work experience. Perhaps you feel like your education isn’t complete just yet. You could head back to school as an adult learner to earn a terminal degree!
There are different levels of academic achievement. After earning a bachelor’s degree, an individual might then pursue a master’s in graduate school. Following a master’s degree, they might then decide to earn a terminal degree.
In some cases, people pursue terminal degrees to potentially qualify for career advancement. In others, a terminal degree is a minimum requirement to pursue a particular type of employment. For example, it’s typical for four-year universities and colleges to require aspiring postsecondary professors to hold a doctoral degree in the field they plan to teach.1
There are many differences between terminal degrees and non-terminal degrees. Whereas terminal degrees are offered by either graduate or professional schools, non-terminal degrees may be offered at undergraduate or graduate levels (e.g., non-terminal master’s degrees).
Many, but not all, terminal degrees are research-focused and require the completion of a doctoral dissertation — a major research project that culminates in a lengthy paper. A non-terminal master’s degree may also require the completion of a master’s thesis, but there is a significant difference. A master’s thesis often does not require original research, whereas a doctoral dissertation does.
Read More: Dissertation vs. Thesis: A Comparison
A master’s degree can indeed be a terminal degree, but in most cases, it is not. This is typically because no doctoral-level programs are available or because pursuing a doctoral degree in that discipline is not standard practice.
There are various disciplines to consider when pursuing a terminal degree. Many terminal degrees are also doctorates — which can be pursued at a four-year university — and can emphasize a given specialty:
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Do note that some doctoral degrees, such as a Juris Doctor (JD) — a law degree — or a Doctor of Medicine (MD), can be obtained only at professional schools like law school and medical school, not through a typical four-year university.
As you consider whether earning a terminal degree is the right career move for you, it’s worth taking a closer look at the process. Do note that different degree programs will have varying requirements and processes. However, the following process applies to many types of doctoral degrees, such as PhDs.
Earning a terminal degree will require completing high-level coursework. Many terminal degree programs offer the option of completing classes online, which can be more convenient for busy professionals who plan to continue working while earning their degree. At this level, classes typically focus narrowly on the professional’s area of discipline.
Students will complete each class sequentially before proceeding to the doctoral dissertation. GCU integrates the dissertation process directly into coursework early on so that students are able to work on their research projects and more promptly receive the support they may need.
Many terminal degree programs include one or more on-campus residencies. If you plan on earning your degree online, you should check whether specific components require an in-person presence. If so, you’ll travel to the campus for in-person work to refine your research ideas, meet with your advisor and instructors, and engage in professional networking.
Many terminal degree programs, such as PhDs, require the completion of a dissertation. A doctoral dissertation requires conducting original research in a narrow area of focus within the discipline. Under the guidance of their doctoral advisors, the student will write a dissertation that dives into the research methodologies, results and interpretation of the results.
For students earning professional degrees, such as medical degrees and terminal master’s degrees, a dissertation is not necessary.
Returning to school to earn a terminal degree is a major investment of time and resources. It’s a good idea to spend some time reflecting upon what a terminal degree would mean for you, how it might affect your career and whether you have the wherewithal to navigate the process.
Terminal degrees may offer benefits, such as:2
When you’ve attained a terminal degree and achieved the highest level of academic status in your discipline, you may experience boosts of self-confidence.
Grand Canyon University, a private Christian school, welcomes those interested in reaching the highest level of academic achievement in their field. Discover the many doctoral degrees available from the College of Doctoral Studies, including business, education, psychology and more. Fill out the form on this page to request a consultation with a university counselor and prepare to take the next step in your career pathway.
