Terminal degree
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A terminal degree is the generally accepted highest earned academic degree or professional degree in a field of study. While an academic (or research) doctorate is considered the terminal degree in most fields of study, other disciplines may consider different degrees as terminal degrees.
In some fields, especially those linked to a profession (e.g., medicine, dentistry, law, architecture, pharmacy), a distinction is to be drawn between a terminal professional degree and a terminal academic degree. A terminal professional degree is generally required by law or custom to practice the profession. One or more degrees beyond the terminal professional degree are sometimes required for advancement or (in the case of academic institutions) employment or tenure.
Depending on the professional field, the terminal professional degree can be a bachelor's or master's degree, a professional doctorate, or a research doctorate.
For example,
- in medicine, the terminal professional degree is a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (B.M., Ch.B.) or Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree depending on the country, while the terminal academic degree can be a Master of Science (e.g., Surgery), or a Ph.D. in a medical science (e.g., Anatomy).
- the American Library Association indicates that "The master's degree in library science from a library school program accredited by the American Library Association is the appropriate terminal professional degree for academic librarians." [link]
- in law, the terminal professional degree is a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree, depending on the country, whereas the J.S.D., LL.D. or Ph.D., depending on the university, may be the terminal academic degree.
- in engineering, the terminal professional degree is a Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Applied Science degree, while the terminal academic degree is a Ph.D.
Typical Terminal Degrees
- Doctor of Arts (D.A.)
- Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.)
- Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.D.M.)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.)
- Doctor of Divinity (D.D.)
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.)
- Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.)
- Doctor of Laws (LL.D) (outside the U.S.)
- Doctor of Management (D.M.)
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
- Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
- Doctor of Music (D.Mus.)
- Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.)
- Doctor of Pedagogy (Ped.D.)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Doctor of Professional Studies (D.P.S.)
- Doctor of Science (D.Sc.)
- Doctor of Theology (Th.D.)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)
- Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
- Master of Library Science, or Master of Library and Information Sciences (M.L.S. or M.L.I.S.)
- Master of Information Science, or Master of Information Systems (M.S.I.S.)
- Master of Information System Management (M.I.S.M.)
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