Since I did my graduate work in physics, not ecology, I was hesitant to step
in here. However on looking at the various responses I would like to point
out that in physics, and possibly in other areas, the masters degree is what
you get if you try to get a PhD but drop out part way through. It is rare
for someone to enter graduate school with the intent of getting a masters in
physics, although there are some fields, such as optical physics, where it
is a meaningful degree.
In a sense the masters can be a terminal degree, although often this was not
the original intent of the student. It may signify that the student did
enough work in graduate student to merit some recognition, but was not
willing or able to proceed to the PhD.
However I should qualify this by pointing out that I know some schools that
are trying to establish a graduate program and start with a masters degree
before they are able to offer a PhD. This is fine, espeicially if they are
conscientious about finding suitable jobs for masters graduates or providing
help for those who want to go on to a graduate school that offers a PhD or
EdD program.
Bill Silvert
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sean McMahon" <sean...@duke.edu>
To: <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 11:05 PM
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] EdD vs PhD
Wait a second here. This has nothing to do with the debate over two
terminal degrees (can't get more than a Ph.D. or Ed.D). A Masters is not
a terminal degree.
