Should International Students Choose a Masters or PhD in the US?

So, you've decided to study in the U.S., but you're confused between pursuing a Master's degree or a Ph.D. You're not alone! It’s a big decision with factors like study duration, costs, job prospects, and the overall commitment level. This article will give an overview on this comparison.

Masters and PhD in the US

In the U.S., advanced degree holding has risen significantly, with 21 million holding master’s degrees and 4.5 million holding doctoral degrees, marking a 50.2% increase since 2000. As of 2023, 14.4% of Americans have a master’s or higher, with 10% of 25- to 29-year-olds achieving this by 2022. Women earned 62% of master’s degrees and 47% of doctorates. Employment trends show that nearly 50% of doctorate holders now work in industry, with master’s degree holders enjoying median lifetime earnings of $3.2 million, which is 16% more than bachelor’s degree holders. 

In 2020/21, most doctoral degrees were in life sciences (22.7%), engineering (18.9%), and psychology/social sciences (16.2%). The number of master’s degrees is projected to grow by 16.5% by 2030, and 83% of temporary visa holders in science and engineering fields will find jobs in the U.S. by 2022.

Let's break it down in a way that helps you make an informed choice, based on your career goals and lifestyle.

Purpose & Goals

Masters:

Gain specialized knowledge in a shorter time, opening doors to specific career fields and enhancing career prospects.

Often application-oriented, aiming to deepen your understanding of a particular discipline without requiring new, groundbreaking research.

Many students select a Master's if they want to quickly enter the job market with higher qualifications than a bachelor’s degree or if they want to explore advanced study without a long-term commitment.

• Employment Rate: 

Around 89% of Masters graduates secure jobs within 6 months of graduation, especially in high-demand fields like data science, engineering, and finance.

• Job Growth: 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that roles requiring a Master’s degree are projected to grow by 16% from 2020 to 2030—faster than the overall job market growth.

• Average Salary Bump: 

A Master’s degree can boost salaries by about $12,000 to $20,000 more annually compared to a bachelor’s degree in most fields, with higher increases seen in fields like computer science and healthcare.

You can check: How To Choose University For Masters In US

PhD:

Contribute original research to your field and become an academic expert, setting you up for a career in academia, research, or other highly specialized roles.

Primarily research-driven, involving developing new theories, methods, or products that add to the existing body of knowledge.

Students interested in making a long-term impact in their field, leading research teams, or teaching at the university level often opt for a PhD.

• Employment Rate: 

PhD graduates have a high employment rate, with over 90% employed within one year of graduation if they enter academic roles, and around 85% in other sectors.

• Career Longevity and Specialization: 

In academia and research, PhDs fill 98% of tenured positions. PhD holders also hold nearly all lead roles in advanced research across academia and industry, especially in scientific fields.

• Average Salary Increase: 

A PhD typically results in an additional $30,000 to $40,000 in annual earnings compared to a Master’s, especially in STEM fields. Engineering PhDs, for example, have a median starting salary of around $100,000 or more.

You can find PhD programs here: 8223 PhD programmes in United States - PhDportal

Time Commitment

Masters:

• Average Duration: 

Most programs in the US are completed within 1 to 2 years full-time. Accelerated one-year options are common in fields like business, public policy, and data science. Typically semester-based with a fixed curriculum and some flexibility for elective courses, internships, or independent projects. Some programs offer accelerated one-year tracks, which are especially popular in the fields of business and technology.

• Part-Time Option: Roughly 40% of Masters students in the US complete their degree part-time, often extending to 3 or 4 years to allow for concurrent work.

PhD:

• Average Duration: 

PhD programs range from 4 to 6 years in the US, though some students in highly experimental fields (like biology or physics) may take 7 years or more.Initial years include coursework and exams, but the majority of time is dedicated to self-directed research, data collection, and dissertation writing.

• Completion Rates: About 50% of PhD students in the US finish within 6 years, while 30% require more than 7 years, largely dependent on the field and nature of their research.

Cost and Financial Aid

Masters:

Financial aid is typically more limited. Some students receive merit-based scholarships or need-based grants, though these can be highly competitive. Some universities also offer Graduate Assistantships (GAs) that cover part of tuition costs in exchange for teaching or research work, though these positions are fewer and less common than for PhD students.

• Tuition Cost Range: A typical Master’s program in the US costs:
  • Public Universities: $20,000 to $30,000 per year.
  • Private Universities: $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
  • Total Investment: Between $40,000 and $100,000+, depending on duration and institution type.
• Return on Investment (ROI): Within 5 years post-graduation, Master’s graduates see a 40-50% increase in earnings, with strong returns, particularly in fields like computer science and engineering.

You can check: How To Get Scholarships and Funding In The US

PhD:

Funding is generally more accessible. Most PhD students receive full or partial funding that covers tuition and provides a living stipend. Assistantships are common, where students work as Teaching Assistants (TAs) or Research Assistants (RAs) in exchange for tuition remission and a stipend. Additionally, PhD students can apply for external fellowships, some of which are highly prestigious and cover both living expenses and research costs.

• Funding Statistics:  Around 60-70% of PhD students receive full or partial funding, which often includes tuition remission and stipends for living expenses.
• Average Stipend:  Funded PhD programs typically offer stipends between $20,000 and $30,000 per year. Certain high-cost cities or high-demand fields may offer stipends up to $35,000.
• Financial Burden Comparison:  On average, PhD students graduate with about $25,000 less debt than their self-funded Master’s counterparts, thanks to assistantships and fellowships.

Admission Requirements

Masters:

• Acceptance Rates: Master’s programs in popular fields have an average acceptance rate of around 30-50%, though elite programs may accept as few as 10-20% of applicants.
• Test Requirements: About 40% of Master’s programs in the US still require GRE or GMAT scores, but many have waived this requirement in recent years.
• Academic Background: Typically requires an undergraduate degree in a related field..
• Recommendation Letters and Statement of Purpose: Required, but focus is usually on professional aspirations, previous coursework, and skills rather than research plans.
• Prior Experience: Some programs, especially in business or technology, favor applicants with work experience.

PhD:

• Acceptance Rates: PhD programs are much more competitive, with acceptance rates hovering around 10-20% in STEM fields and as low as 5-10% in humanities and social sciences.
• Funding Dependency: Admission to PhD programs is often contingent on faculty research funding. Approximately 70% of PhD admissions are tied to projects with secured funding.
• Academic Background: Strong academic record, usually with a focus in the field of interest; some programs prefer candidates with a Masters degree.
• Standardized Tests: GRE is often required, though some fields (especially humanities) are starting to phase it out.
• Recommendation Letters and Research Proposal: Essential. Letters should ideally come from professionals or professors familiar with the applicant’s research potential.
• Prior Experience and Supervisor Contact: Many PhD programs require or strongly prefer applicants to have some research experience. Contacting potential supervisors in advance can be key, as PhD positions often depend on faculty who are seeking students to work on their research projects.

 Academic Structure and Lifestyle

Masters:

Class Structure will be similar to undergraduate programs, with scheduled classes, assignments, and exams. There will be frequent interaction with classmates in a structured environment; projects often involve group work or presentations. More course-based than research-intensive, so your schedule is largely dictated by the program. Some part-time or evening programs cater to working students.

• Workload: Masters students report an average weekly workload of 40 hours, split between classes, assignments, and projects.
• Student Satisfaction: About 85% of Master’s students express satisfaction with their curriculum and workload balance, particularly in applied fields like business and computer science.

PhD:

Initial years have some coursework, but the focus shifts to independent research by the second or third year, primarily with advisors and other PhD students. Many PhD students teach or mentor undergraduates, providing additional professional skills but requiring time management. Highly flexible but self-directed. You’ll spend much of your time managing your own research timeline, with occasional check-ins with your advisor. This autonomy can be a huge advantage but requires self-discipline.

• Research Hours: PhD students spend around 50-60 hours per week on research, often with flexible schedules that depend heavily on the demands of their projects.
• Completion Satisfaction: Despite the long timeline, 75% of PhD graduates report high satisfaction with their research experience, though roughly 25% consider the length of the program a barrier to overall satisfaction.

Career Opportunities and Salary Data

Masters:

• Top-Earning Fields: Median starting salaries by field:
  • Computer Science: $90,000+
  • Engineering: $85,000
  • Business and Finance: $75,000
• Employment Growth Projections: STEM and tech-related fields show the highest growth rates, with software engineering expected to grow by 22% through 2030.
• Popular Industries: Data Science, Engineering, Social Sciences, Business, and Healthcare.
• Roles: Graduates often qualify for mid-level or senior positions in industry or government.

PhD:

• Top-Earning Fields: Median starting salaries by field:
  • Engineering PhD: $100,000+
  • Biological Sciences PhD: $80,000+
  • Business PhD: $110,000 (especially in academia or consulting roles)
• Academic vs Industry Split: While 70% of STEM PhDs pursue industry roles for higher earnings, 80% of humanities and social science PhDs tend toward academia, despite lower average salaries.
• Popular Industries: Academia, Research Labs, Advanced Industry Roles, Government Think Tanks, and Policy Institutes.
• Roles: University Professor, Principal Research Scientist, Chief Data Scientist, Advanced R&D.
• Advantages: PhD holders command higher salaries in research and academia, though industry roles may require a niche specialization.

Here is a table focusing on the comparison between Maaster's and PhD Salary in different fields:

You can check: Unlocking Career Success as an International Student

Networking and Professional Development: Quantified Benefits

Masters:

• Industry Placement Rates: Nearly 90% of Master’s programs in the US have strong industry ties, with programs offering career fairs, networking events, and internship placements.
• Internships: Around 60% of Master’s students complete internships, which boost post-graduation employment rates significantly, especially in technology and finance.

PhD:

• Conference Attendance: 80% of PhD students attend at least one major conference per year, which helps build an academic and research network.
• Industry-Academia Connections: Around 30% of PhDs in applied fields (like engineering and biomedical sciences) engage with industry representatives through conferences and joint research, which aids in post-PhD job transitions.

FAQs

What is the main difference between a Master’s degree and a PhD?

• A Master’s degree focuses on expanding knowledge in a specific field, typically involving coursework and a capstone project or thesis. In contrast, a PhD emphasizes original research and contributes new knowledge to a field, culminating in a dissertation that must be defended.

How long does it take to complete a Master’s degree versus a PhD in the U.S.?

• A Master’s degree usually takes 1-2 years of full-time study, while a PhD can take 4-6 years, depending on the field and the individual's pace in completing their research and dissertation.

What are the typical admission requirements for Master’s and PhD programs?

• Both programs generally require a completed application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. However, PhD applications often require a research proposal and may necessitate contacting potential supervisors before applying.

Can international students work while studying for a Master’s or PhD in the U.S.?

• Yes, international students can work part-time on campus while studying for both degrees. Master’s students may also find internships or practical training opportunities. PhD candidates often work as teaching or research assistants, which can provide valuable experience and funding.

How do funding and financial aid differ between Master’s and PhD programs?

• Funding options for Master’s programs are often limited, with some scholarships and assistantships available. In contrast, many PhD programs offer full funding packages that cover tuition and provide a stipend, especially in fields like STEM and humanities.

What are the career prospects after earning a Master’s vs. a PhD?

• Graduates with a Master’s degree typically enter the workforce more quickly and can expect higher salaries in their respective fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a Master’s earn an average of 18% more than those with only a Bachelor’s. PhD graduates often pursue academic careers or high-level research positions, with salaries that can vary widely based on the field and role.

Is it possible to transition from a Master’s program to a PhD program?

• Yes, many students begin with a Master’s degree and later transition to a PhD program. Some universities even offer a combined Master’s-PhD track. Transitioning may involve completing additional coursework and research requirements and gaining the approval of the PhD program’s faculty.