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What is meant by the expression 'terminal degree' in American universities and colleges?
Question
#69002. Asked by bloomsby. (Jul 29 06 7:02 PM)
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Brainyblonde
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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.
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminal_degree
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lanfranco
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In the U.S., this generally refers to the highest degree one can earn in a given field of study. For example, an M.D. -- Doctor of Medicine -- is as far as you can go in Medicine here, though some doctors also acquire M.S. degrees in certain research fields. university level).
In my field of Art History (and in most Humanities, Science, and Social Science subjects), a Ph.D. is the "terminal degree;" but in Studio Art, the terminal degree is a Master of Fine Arts (MFA).
In some fields, there is a difference between a "terminal degree" that allows you to obtain a professional job and one that is required for a university teaching appointment. A J.D. (Juris Doctor degree) in Law can get you a good job with a law firm; but you may need an additional Master's degree in a specialized field to obtain a teaching position at a major university law school:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminal_degree
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zbeckabee
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That is correct. I graduated with my M.D. and then went on to take three years of specialized classes and I am still "just" an M.D.
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bloomsby
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Many thanks to you all. In Britain the expression isn't used.
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