Are you thinking about taking your career to the next level, earning more money, or taking on more responsibilities at work?
Getting an advanced degree could help you achieve these goals. There are two main types of degrees: professional degrees and academic degrees. Both of these degrees have their own advantages and can help you in your career.
Many people don’t realize that there’s a difference between professional and academic degrees because the terms are often used interchangeably. That’s why in this article, we’re going to be focusing on the difference between professional degree vs. academic degree.
Let’s start by giving a definition for each of these types of degrees.
What Is a Professional Degree?
A professional degree, best known as the first professional degree, is a degree that you can obtain to work in particular fields like medicine, pharmacy, law, and many others. In the American educational system, a professional degree is considered to be a graduate-level program as they follow undergraduate studies.
This kind of degree is designed to prepare you for a particular profession by focusing on practical skills over theory and analysis. These professions are typically licensed or otherwise regulated by a governmental or government-approved body.
Even though several professional degrees take the term “doctor” in the title, you should be careful not to confuse them with Ph.D. degrees or other types of research doctorates. A professional degree doesn’t require a dissertation as a Ph.D. might demand.
A professional degree should meet the following criteria:
- Completion of the academic requirements to start the practice in the profession
- Two years of college before entering the program
- The program must last at least six years
What can you do with a professional degree?
A professional degree can open up a wide range of opportunities and career paths across various industries. Here are the potential career prospects and pathways that come with earning a professional degree:
1. Doctor of Veterinary
Doctor of Veterinary is a four-year professional program. This degree is preceded by three to four years of pre-professional study. Those that get a professional degree in veterinary medicine should expect to have the option to choose among many job opportunities and earn decent wages.
Let’s take a look at some of the jobs you can do once you obtain this professional degree.
- Veterinary Surgeon: The median salary of a veterinary surgeon is $119,100
- Nature Conservation Officer: The median salary of a nature conservation officer is $68,300
- Environmental Consultant: The median salary of an environmental consultant is $78,980
2. Doctor of Pharmacy
A Doctor of Pharmacy is a first professional degree that is required to practice the pharmaceutical profession. After this degree is earned and some licensure examinations are passed, the graduates can practice pharmacy anywhere in the country and earn good money.
- Pharmacists: The median salary of a pharmacist is $136,030
- Pharmacy Director: The median salary of a pharmacy director is $196,762
- Toxicologist: The median salary of a toxicologist is $100,890
3. Doctor of Medicine
A Doctor of Medicine is a first professional graduate degree that prepares students to perform the doctor’s role. Once you get this degree, you’ll be open to countless well-paying job opportunities.
- General Surgeon: The median salary of a general surgeon is $239,200
- Obstetricians and Gynecologist: The median salary of an obstetrician and gynecologist is $133.970
- Internist: The median salary of an internist is $245,450
4. Juris Doctor
A Juris Doctor, also known as the Doctor of Jurisprudence, is the first professional graduate degree that one takes to prepare for law-practicing jobs. Once this degree is obtained, you’re eligible to apply for countless jobs in the law field.
- Lawyer: The median salary of a lawyer is $176,470
- Judge: The median salary of a judge is $139,000
- Lobbyist: The median salary of a lobbyist is $96,758
What Is an Academic Degree?
An academic degree is a qualification presented to students upon successfully completing a course in a higher education institution like a university or a college. Unlike professional degrees, academic degrees are research-oriented and thus prepare students for research-oriented careers.
Courses build on the technical knowledge that is learned throughout the program, and students are usually required to plan, organize, and conduct research to complete their coursework. Additionally, students are often required to complete a thesis or capstone project in order to graduate.
Academic degrees cover several disciplines. Any major that involves a curriculum that focuses on theory, history, methodology, and research material is considered an academic degree.
How long does it take to get an academic degree?
As for the length of an academic degree, it depends on what academic degree you’re obtaining. Many educational institutions offer academic degrees at various levels, from the associate degree that takes 2 years to finish, the bachelor’s degree might take up to 4 years, the master’s degree might take up to 1.5-2 years, whereas a doctoral degree can take 4-6 years.
What can you do with an academic degree?
The opportunities one might have to find a decent job that pays well are countless after earning an academic degree. The higher up the academic ladder, the better the chances and salaries.
1. Computer Science
A degree in computer science, be it at a bachelor’s or master’s level, will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform in the jobs related to this field. Here are some of them:
- Data Scientist: The median salary of a data scientist is $108,020
- Web Developer: The median salary of a web developer is $92,750
- Product Manager: The median salary of a product manager is $116,970
2. Information Systems
A degree in information systems can help students to apply technology in the commercial setting. Information systems graduates can find a job in many fields and industries. Here are some of the jobs you could land.
- IT Consultant: The median salary of an IT consultant is $102,194
- Software Engineer: The median salary of a software engineer is $130,160
- Systems Analyst: The median salary of a systems analyst is $103,800
3. History
A degree in history prepares students with the skills and knowledge that could help them fill in roles in a wider range of careers than holders of many other degrees. By conducting original research, they learn to identify relevant and reputable sources, find relevant information, and give answers based on their analysis. With a degree in history, you can land some of the jobs we listed below.
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- Historian: The median salary of a historian is $72,890
- Librarian: The median salary of a librarian is $64,370
- Researcher: The median salary of a researcher is $60,960
Professional Degree vs. Academic Degree
When it comes to distinguishing these two degrees, that distinction isn’t always crystal clear. More often than not, these two degrees complement each other. There are instances when a structural engineering student will need a knowledge of physics to grasp the loads and compression forces and have a foundation in geology to know the condition of the soil.
However, the main difference between the two can be exerted in the fact that an academic degree prepares students for research-oriented careers. In contrast, a professional degree prepares students for careers in specific fields.
At the bachelor level, the distinction between the two is less obvious. However, they become more apparent at the master’s and doctoral levels.
Here are some critical points to remember when comparing professional and academic degrees:
- Professional degrees are academic qualifications.
- Professional degrees are required to enter certain professions.
- Academic degrees are not oriented to specialized professional careers or roles and can be used in different fields and career settings.
- Professional degrees usually take longer to complete than academic degrees.
- Professional degrees may have additional qualification requirements such as bar exams, licensing tests, and trainee programs attached.
- A professional bachelor’s degree is not the same as a bachelor’s degree.
The Bottom Line
Whether to pursue a professional degree or an academic degree depends on your career goals and personal interests. Professional degrees often lead to specific career paths and practical skills, while academic degrees focus more on theory and research.
Both types of degrees have their own merits, and the choice ultimately depends on your aspirations and the industry requirements. It’s important to carefully consider your options and choose the path that aligns with your long-term career objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do professional degrees differ from academic degrees in terms of curriculum?
Professional degrees typically have a curriculum focused on practical skills and knowledge needed for a specific profession. The coursework often includes hands-on training, internships, and practical experience.
In contrast, academic degrees emphasize theoretical concepts, research, and intellectual exploration, focusing on developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
Which type of degree is required for certain careers?
Certain professions require specific professional degrees for entry and practice. For example, one must obtain a JD to become a licensed attorney. An MD or DO is required to practice medicine. On the other hand, academic degrees are required for roles in academia, research, and other fields that emphasize scholarly expertise.
Can you switch from a professional to an academic degree or vice versa?
It is possible to transition between professional and academic degrees, but it often requires additional study or training. For example, someone with a professional degree in engineering might pursue a PhD in a related field to engage in research or academic teaching. Conversely, an academic degree holder might seek a professional degree to gain practical skills and enter a specific career.
What are the typical duration and structure of professional degrees compared to academic degrees?
Professional degrees like JD and MD typically take several years to complete and include both coursework and practical training. Academic degrees like BA or BS usually require around four years of study, while graduate degrees like MS or PhD may take additional years based on the field and research requirements.
Are professional degrees more focused on earning potential compared to academic degrees?
Professional degrees are tied to specific careers and earning potential, while academic degrees may lead to various career paths and interests.
How do professional and academic degrees impact career advancement?
Professional degrees are often required for career progression in certain fields, while academic degrees can impact advancement, particularly in research-focused or specialized industries. The influence on career progression can vary based on the specific field and level of the degree.
