Choosing a college degree often starts with a career goal. For some students, that means earning a degree that provides broad knowledge in a particular subject. For others, the goal is more specific: becoming a nurse, physician, lawyer, architect, teacher, psychologist, or another professional who needs specialized education and, in some cases, a state-issued license to practice.
Professional degrees and career-focused degree programs are designed to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed for specific occupations or areas of practice. Depending on the field, students may complete clinical rotations, internships, practicums, laboratory courses, supervised fieldwork, or other hands-on training in addition to classroom instruction.
Professional education covers a wide range of fields. Healthcare and nursing offer multiple degree pathways, from nursing programs that prepare students for nursing careers to advanced degrees for nurse practitioners and other specialized roles. Other professional fields include medicine, law, education, psychology and counseling, architecture, engineering, and many other specialized occupations.
The education required to enter these professions varies significantly. Some careers require a specific professional degree followed by an examination and state licensure. Others may have several educational pathways, with a degree serving as one part of a broader set of requirements. Understanding these differences can help prospective students choose a program that matches their career goals and the requirements of the profession they want to enter.
What Is a Professional Degree?
A professional degree is a type of degree designed to prepare students for a specific profession or area of professional practice. These programs typically combine academic coursework with specialized knowledge and, depending on the field, practical or experiential learning.
Professional degrees are common in fields where specialized education is closely connected to a defined occupation or regulated profession. Examples include:
- Medicine: Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Dentistry: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
- Pharmacy: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Law: Juris Doctor (JD)
- Physical therapy: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Veterinary medicine: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Optometry: Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Architecture: Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) and Master of Architecture (MArch), depending on the educational pathway and professional requirements
- Education: Professional graduate degrees such as the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Nursing: Degree pathways such as the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), depending on the student’s intended role and career level
What Is the Purpose of a Professional Degree?
The primary purpose of a professional degree is to prepare graduates for professional practice. Programs generally focus on the knowledge, technical abilities, and professional skills needed to work in a particular field.
Depending on the profession, this preparation may include:
- Specialized coursework
- Laboratory instruction
- Clinical education
- Internships
- Practicums
- Supervised field experiences
- Professional simulations
- Hands-on technical training
- Research related to professional practice
Professional degrees may also be connected to professional licensure. In regulated fields, earning the appropriate degree is often only one step toward practicing independently. Graduates may also need to pass a licensing examination, complete supervised experience, or meet other requirements established by a state licensing board.
For example, an aspiring registered nurse generally needs to graduate from an approved nursing education program and meet the requirements to take the NCLEX-RN before becoming licensed. A person who wants to practice medicine typically completes a medical degree and must then meet additional requirements for medical licensure, which can include examinations and postgraduate training. Lawyers similarly earn a JD or qualifying law degree and must meet the requirements of the jurisdiction where they intend to practice.
Because requirements differ by profession and state, students should research the licensing rules that apply to their intended career before enrolling in a program. The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and accreditation databases can help students research institutions and programs, while state licensing boards and professional accrediting organizations are often the best sources for determining whether a particular educational program meets professional requirements.
Professional Degrees vs. Academic Degrees
Professional and academic degrees can both provide advanced knowledge and prepare graduates for successful careers, but they often have different educational goals.
Academic degrees generally emphasize broad knowledge, theory, critical thinking, and research within a particular discipline. They may prepare students for a wide range of careers or for further study at the graduate level. A bachelor’s degree in history, for example, may lead to careers in education, government, communications, museums, nonprofit organizations, or other fields. A PhD in history is typically designed to develop advanced research and scholarly expertise.
Professional degrees, by comparison, are generally more closely connected to a specific profession or area of practice. The curriculum is often designed around the knowledge and competencies graduates need to work in that field. Depending on the profession, students may also complete practical training or other requirements connected to professional practice.
| Professional Degrees | Academic Degrees | |
| Primary purpose | Prepare students for a specific profession or area of professional practice | Develop broad or advanced knowledge in an academic discipline |
| Curriculum | Often emphasizes specialized knowledge and skills related to professional practice | Often emphasizes theory, concepts, critical thinking, and disciplinary knowledge |
| Practical training | May include clinicals, internships, practicums, fieldwork, or other hands-on experiences | May include research, laboratory work, internships, or other experiences depending on the field |
| Research | May include research, often with a focus on solving problems or improving professional practice | Often places greater emphasis on research methods, scholarship, and original academic inquiry, particularly at the doctoral level |
| Professional licensure | May be required as part of the pathway to licensure in regulated professions | Generally not directly tied to professional licensure, although exceptions exist |
| Career outcomes | Often leads to a defined profession or specialized area of practice | May lead to a broad range of careers or prepare students for additional academic study |
Types of Professional Degrees
Professional and career-focused degrees span a wide range of fields, from healthcare and law to education, business, architecture, and engineering. The type of degree you need depends largely on the career you want to pursue. Some professions require a specific professional degree before you can qualify for licensure, while others offer multiple educational pathways or do not require a professional license at all.
The following are some of the most common professional degree and career-focused education pathways.
Healthcare and Medical Professional Degrees
Healthcare is one of the largest areas of professional education. Many healthcare careers require extensive specialized education, clinical training, examinations, and state licensure before graduates can practice independently.
Examples of professional healthcare degrees include:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): Prepares students for careers as physicians and typically includes medical school coursework followed by clinical training and postgraduate residency.
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): Prepares students to practice medicine as physicians, with an educational approach that includes a focus on the body’s musculoskeletal system and a whole-person approach to care.
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS): Prepares graduates to practice dentistry.
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD): An equivalent professional degree to the DDS; the degree title varies by dental school.
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD): Prepares students for careers as pharmacists and includes classroom education and supervised pharmacy practice experiences.
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM): Prepares students to practice veterinary medicine.
- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM): Prepares physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures of the lower extremity.
- Doctor of Optometry (OD): Prepares graduates to provide eye and vision care.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): Prepares students for careers as physical therapists and includes extensive clinical education.
The educational pathway varies by profession, but many regulated healthcare careers follow a similar pattern: complete an approved professional degree, fulfill required clinical or supervised training, pass one or more licensing examinations, and meet the requirements of the state where you plan to practice.
For example, someone who wants to become a physician typically completes an MD or DO program, followed by residency training and the licensing requirements established by the state medical board. An aspiring pharmacist completes a PharmD program and must meet state-specific requirements for pharmacist licensure. Physical therapists generally complete a DPT program and must meet the licensing requirements of the state in which they intend to practice.
Nursing Degrees
Nursing is another major area of professional education, but unlike some healthcare professions, nursing does not have one single degree pathway. Students can enter the nursing profession at different educational levels and continue their education as their careers develop.
The right nursing degree depends on the role you want to pursue. Someone who wants to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) will follow a different pathway from someone who wants to become a registered nurse (RN), nurse practitioner (NP), nurse anesthetist, or nursing faculty member.
Common nursing education pathways include LPN/LVN programs, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral programs.
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) Programs
Licensed practical nurse programs, called licensed vocational nurse (LVN) programs in some states, are generally among the shortest educational pathways into licensed nursing practice.
These programs are commonly offered as certificate or diploma programs through community colleges, vocational schools, and other postsecondary institutions. Students learn foundational nursing skills and complete supervised clinical experiences before taking the NCLEX-PN, the licensing examination for practical and vocational nurses.
For students who want to begin working in nursing relatively quickly, an LPN/LVN program can be an entry point into the field. Some nurses later continue their education through an LPN-to-RN bridge program.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a common pathway for students who want to become registered nurses.
ADN programs are often designed to take about two years of full-time study, although the total time can vary depending on prerequisites, program structure, and the student’s enrollment status. Community colleges are a common place to find ADN programs.
The curriculum typically combines nursing theory with laboratory instruction and supervised clinical experiences. After completing an approved program, graduates who meet their state’s requirements can apply to take the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing examination used to determine eligibility for registered nurse licensure.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is typically a four-year undergraduate degree designed to prepare students for registered nursing practice while providing a broader education in nursing and healthcare.
In addition to clinical nursing education, BSN programs may include coursework in:
- Community and public health
- Nursing research
- Leadership and management
- Health assessment
- Evidence-based practice
- Healthcare systems
- Patient education
Like ADN graduates, students who complete an approved BSN nursing program must meet applicable state requirements and pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed registered nurses.
RN-to-BSN programs provide another option for registered nurses who already have an associate degree or nursing diploma. These programs allow working RNs to complete the additional coursework needed to earn a bachelor’s degree without starting a traditional four-year BSN program from the beginning.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate-level nursing degree that allows registered nurses to develop advanced knowledge and specialize in a particular area of practice, leadership, education, or healthcare administration.
MSN programs vary considerably based on the student’s career goals. Possible areas of specialization include:
- Nurse Practitioner: Prepares nurses for advanced practice roles, although additional certification and state-specific requirements apply.
- Nurse Educator: Prepares experienced nurses to teach in nursing schools, healthcare organizations, or professional development programs.
- Nurse Administrator: Focuses on healthcare leadership, operations, and management.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist: Prepares nurses for advanced clinical practice within a specialized area.
- Nursing Informatics: Combines nursing knowledge with information systems, data, and technology to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
Some MSN programs are designed for nurses who already hold a BSN, while others offer pathways for registered nurses with an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in another field. Students should carefully review admission requirements because program structures vary.
For nurses pursuing advanced practice roles, an MSN may be part of the educational pathway to becoming a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist. However, the degree itself does not automatically grant authority to practice in an advanced role. Graduates must meet the certification and licensure requirements established by their state and profession.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice-focused doctoral degree designed for nurses who want to advance their clinical expertise, leadership skills, or ability to apply evidence to healthcare practice.
Depending on the program, DNP graduates may pursue roles such as:
- Nurse practitioner
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Nurse anesthetist
- Nurse midwife
- Healthcare executive
- Nursing or clinical leader
- Quality improvement specialist
The DNP is different from a PhD in Nursing in its primary purpose. A DNP generally focuses on applying existing research and evidence to improve clinical practice and healthcare systems. A PhD is typically designed for nurses interested in conducting original research and contributing to the academic body of knowledge.
PhD in Nursing
A PhD in Nursing is generally a research-focused doctoral degree. Rather than primarily preparing students for advanced clinical practice, PhD programs develop expertise in research methods, theory development, and the creation of new knowledge in nursing and healthcare.
Graduates may pursue careers as:
- Nursing researchers
- University faculty
- Research scientists
- Healthcare research leaders
- Policy researchers
- Academic scholars
The distinction between the DNP and PhD illustrates the broader difference between professional and academic doctoral education. A DNP generally prepares nurses to apply evidence and lead improvements in clinical practice, while a PhD prepares graduates to conduct research and expand the knowledge base of the profession.
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Law Degrees
Law is another field where professional education is closely tied to entry into a regulated profession.
The Juris Doctor (JD) is the primary professional law degree in the United States for students who want to become practicing attorneys. JD programs typically cover subjects such as contracts, constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, property law, and legal writing. Students may also participate in clinics, externships, moot court, or other experiential learning opportunities.
The Master of Laws (LLM) is generally an advanced law degree designed for individuals who already have a law degree or legal education. LLM programs often allow students to specialize in areas such as tax law, international law, intellectual property, or environmental law. An LLM is not typically the standard entry-level professional degree for someone seeking to become a lawyer in the United States.
Education Professional Degrees
Professional education degrees prepare students for careers in teaching, school leadership, administration, and other education-related roles. The appropriate degree depends on the student’s career goals and the licensing requirements of the state where they plan to work.
Examples include:
- Master of Education (MEd): Often designed for current educators and professionals seeking advanced knowledge in areas such as curriculum, educational leadership, special education, or administration.
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Often designed for individuals who want to enter the teaching profession and may include a teacher preparation component leading toward initial licensure.
- Doctor of Education (EdD): A practice-focused doctoral degree commonly pursued by education professionals interested in leadership, administration, policy, or improving educational practice.
- Education Specialist (EdS): An advanced degree or credential that falls between the master’s and doctoral levels in some education systems and may focus on specialized areas such as educational leadership or school psychology.
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Psychology and Mental Health Professional Degrees
Psychology and mental health careers include a range of educational pathways, and the degree required depends heavily on the specific profession and scope of practice.
Examples include:
- Doctor of Psychology (PsyD): A practice-oriented doctoral degree that generally emphasizes the application of psychological knowledge and preparation for professional practice.
- PhD in Psychology: A research-intensive doctoral degree that may prepare graduates for careers in research, academia, or professional psychological practice, depending on the program and specialization.
- Master of Social Work (MSW): A graduate degree that can prepare students for social work practice and, depending on the state and career path, may lead toward social work licensure.
- Master’s degrees in counseling: Graduate programs that can prepare students for counseling careers, subject to state-specific educational, supervised experience, examination, and licensure requirements.
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Architecture and Design Degrees
Architecture is a professional field that combines creative design with technical knowledge, building science, project management, and an understanding of construction standards and regulations.
Examples of professional architecture degrees include:
- Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)
- Master of Architecture (MArch)
- Doctor of Architecture (DArch)
The educational pathway for becoming a licensed architect varies depending on the jurisdiction and the student’s previous education. In the United States, aspiring architects typically complete a professional architecture degree from an accredited program, gain required professional experience, and pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), although specific requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Accreditation is an important consideration. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredits professional degree programs in architecture in the United States. Students who intend to pursue architectural licensure should confirm that the program they are considering aligns with the educational requirements in the jurisdiction where they plan to practice.
Professional Doctorate Degrees
A professional doctorate is an advanced degree designed primarily to prepare graduates for professional practice, leadership, or the application of specialized knowledge in a particular field. These degrees are generally different from research doctorates, which focus more heavily on conducting original research and contributing new knowledge to an academic discipline.
Professional doctorates are common in fields where advanced education is closely connected to professional practice. Examples include:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): Prepares students for careers as physicians.
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): Prepares students for careers as physicians through an osteopathic medical education pathway.
- Juris Doctor (JD): The primary professional law degree for aspiring attorneys in the United States.
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD): Prepares students for professional pharmacy practice.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): Prepares students for careers as physical therapists.
- Doctor of Psychology (PsyD): Generally emphasizes the practical application of psychological knowledge and preparation for professional practice.
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM): Prepares graduates to practice veterinary medicine.
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD): Professional degrees that prepare graduates for careers in dentistry.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): A practice-focused doctoral degree for nurses seeking advanced clinical, leadership, or healthcare roles.
- Doctor of Education (EdD): Generally focuses on applying research and advanced knowledge to problems in education and organizational leadership.
Professional Doctorate vs. PhD
The distinction between a professional doctorate and a PhD is primarily related to the intended purpose of the degree, although there is some overlap. Here’s a breakdown of the difference between these degrees:
| Professional Doctorate | PhD or Research Doctorate | |
| Primary focus | Applying advanced knowledge to professional practice, leadership, or complex real-world problems | Conducting original research and contributing new knowledge |
| Typical learning approach | Professional practice, applied research, clinical education, case studies, or practice-based projects, depending on the field | Research methods, scholarly inquiry, literature analysis, and original research |
| Dissertation or final project | May involve an applied research project, capstone, dissertation, or practice improvement project | Typically involves original research presented in a dissertation |
| Career paths | Professional practice, clinical leadership, administration, consulting, or other specialized roles | Research, academia, university teaching, policy, industry research, or specialized professional roles |
| Licensure connection | Some professional doctorates are closely connected to licensed professions, but the degree itself may not be sufficient for licensure | Generally not designed primarily as a pathway to professional licensure |
| Examples | MD, DO, JD, PharmD, DPT, PsyD, DNP, EdD | PhD in Nursing, PhD in Psychology, PhD in Education, PhD in Biology |
Students deciding between the two should consider the work they ultimately want to do. Someone who wants to lead clinical practice, improve healthcare delivery, or advance in a professional role may prefer a practice-focused doctorate. Someone interested in becoming a researcher, university professor, or academic scholar may be better suited to a PhD.
Which Careers Require a Professional Degree?
Some careers, such as medicine and law, require specialized professional education because practitioners are responsible for providing regulated services, making complex decisions, or working directly with the health, safety, legal rights, or well-being of others. In these fields, a professional degree is often one part of a larger pathway that may also include clinical training, supervised experience, licensing examinations, and state or federal requirements.
The table below provides examples of careers commonly associated with professional degrees or specialized professional education.
| Career | Common Degree or Educational Path |
| Physician | Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), followed by residency and applicable licensing requirements |
| Dentist | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), followed by applicable licensing requirements |
| Pharmacist | Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), followed by required examinations and state licensure |
| Lawyer | Juris Doctor (JD), followed by bar admission and other requirements in the jurisdiction where the attorney intends to practice |
| Veterinarian | Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), followed by applicable licensing requirements |
| Physical Therapist | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), followed by applicable examinations and state licensure |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), followed by the NCLEX-RN and state licensure |
| Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) | Graduate nursing education, often an MSN or DNP, depending on the role and state requirements, along with national certification and state licensure |
| Psychologist | PsyD or PhD in Psychology, depending on the career path, followed by required supervised experience, examinations, and state licensure for licensed practice |
| Architect | Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), Master of Architecture (MArch), or another qualifying educational pathway, followed by required professional experience, examinations, and licensure |
| Teacher | Education degree or approved teacher preparation pathway, with requirements varying by state, grade level, and type of teaching license |
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Professional Degree?
The time required to earn a professional degree varies considerably depending on the profession, degree level, and educational pathway. Some career-focused programs can be completed in less than two years, while others require several years of undergraduate education followed by professional school and additional supervised training.
Here is a general look at common educational pathways:
| Educational Pathway | Typical Time to Complete | Examples |
| Certificate or diploma | Several months to about 1–2 years | LPN/LVN programs, some healthcare and technical careers |
| Associate degree | About 2 years | ADN nursing programs, some allied health careers |
| Bachelor’s degree | About 4 years | BSN, BArch, and many career-focused bachelor’s degrees |
| Master’s degree | Often 1–3 years after a bachelor’s degree | MSN, MArch, MEd |
| Professional doctorate | Often 3–4+ years after prerequisite education, depending on the field | DPT, PharmD, PsyD, and other professional doctorates |
| Undergraduate degree plus professional school | Often 7+ years of postsecondary education, followed by additional training in some professions | Medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine |
| Additional clinical or supervised training | Varies from months to several years | Medical residency, supervised practice, clinical training, internships |
These are general estimates rather than guarantees. Program length can change based on prerequisites, transfer credits, part-time enrollment, accelerated formats, and the requirements of the profession.
Are Professional Degrees Worth It?
Whether a professional degree is worth the investment depends on the career you want, the requirements for entering that profession, and the cost of the program. For some careers, a professional degree is a required step toward licensure and professional practice. For others, a bachelor’s degree, certification, or work experience may provide a more direct route into the field.
Before enrolling, consider both the potential benefits and the costs of earning the degree.
Potential Benefits of a Professional Degree
Career Preparation
Professional degree programs are designed around the knowledge and skills needed for a specific profession or area of practice. Depending on the field, students may learn through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, clinical experiences, internships, practicums, and other hands-on training.
This focused approach can help students enter a career with a stronger understanding of the responsibilities and skills associated with the profession.
Professional Licensure
In some careers, a professional degree is a required part of the pathway to licensure.
Physicians, dentists, pharmacists, physical therapists, and many other healthcare professionals must complete specific educational requirements before they can take required licensing examinations or apply for professional licensure. Lawyers, architects, psychologists, and teachers also face education and licensing requirements that vary by profession and jurisdiction.
Career Advancement
A professional degree can also support career advancement, particularly when moving into a specialized or advanced role requires additional education.
For example, a registered nurse with an ADN or BSN may later pursue an MSN to move into an advanced practice, education, administrative, or specialty position. Some nurses continue their education through a DNP to develop advanced practice or healthcare leadership expertise.
However, additional education is not always necessary for advancement. In some careers, professional experience, certifications, performance, or demonstrated leadership may be more important than earning another degree.
Potential Drawbacks of a Professional Degree
Tuition Costs
Professional degree programs can be expensive, particularly in fields that require several years of education and extensive clinical or hands-on training.
Students should consider tuition as well as fees, books, equipment, transportation, housing, and other expenses. Programs that require students to reduce their work hours or stop working altogether can also have an indirect financial cost.
Before enrolling, compare the total cost of attendance rather than looking only at the advertised tuition rate.
Length of Study
Some professional careers require a long educational pathway.
A physician, for example, typically completes undergraduate education, medical school, and residency training before practicing independently. Other professions may require a shorter pathway.
Nursing demonstrates the range of possibilities. A student may enter licensed nursing through an LPN/LVN program, pursue an ADN or BSN to become an RN, or continue into graduate education through an MSN or DNP. These pathways allow students to enter the profession at different points rather than requiring everyone to complete the same sequence of degrees.
Student Debt
The cost of professional education can lead to significant student debt, particularly when students borrow to cover tuition and living expenses.
Before taking on substantial debt, compare the expected cost of the program with realistic career earnings and consider how long it may take to repay the loans. Look at median or typical earnings for the occupation rather than assuming that every graduate will earn the highest reported salary.
Students should also explore scholarships, grants, employer tuition assistance, federal financial aid, and lower-cost educational pathways before borrowing.
Competitive Admissions
Some professional programs have competitive admissions processes. Medical, dental, veterinary, and other professional schools may require strong academic records, prerequisite coursework, entrance examinations, interviews, or relevant experience.
Competition can also exist within undergraduate professional programs. Nursing programs, for example, may have limited enrollment and specific prerequisite requirements.
Students should research admission requirements early and identify alternative programs or pathways in case their first-choice school is not an option.
How to Choose the Right Professional Degree
Choosing a professional degree is a significant decision because the program you select can affect your career options, educational timeline, and financial obligations. Instead of starting with a specific degree title, start with the career you want and work backward to determine the education and credentials required.
1. Identify Your Career Goal
Start by identifying the specific occupation or role you want to pursue.
For example, “I want to work in healthcare” is a broad goal. “I want to become a registered nurse,” “I want to become a nurse practitioner,” or “I want to manage a hospital department” are more specific goals that make it easier to determine which degree you need.
Consider the type of work you want to perform, the population you want to serve, and whether you want to work in direct practice, leadership, education, research, or another area.
2. Determine the Required Education
Once you identify your career goal, find out what level of education is actually required.
Some careers require a specific professional degree. Others may require a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or professional certification. Some occupations have multiple educational pathways.
Do not assume that the highest available degree is automatically the best choice. Start with the minimum education required to enter your intended career and then determine whether additional education would support your long-term goals.
3. Compare Degree Pathways
Some careers offer multiple ways to reach the same professional goal.
Compare each pathway based on:
- Length of study
- Total cost
- Admission requirements
- Clinical or fieldwork requirements
- Flexibility
- Career opportunities
- Opportunities for further education
A shorter pathway may be the best option for someone who wants to enter the workforce quickly, while another student may prefer a longer program that provides broader education or more opportunities for advancement.
4. Consider Program Accreditation
Accreditation can be an important factor when choosing a professional degree, particularly in fields where employers, licensing boards, or professional organizations recognize specific accrediting standards.
Depending on the profession, you may need to consider both institutional accreditation and programmatic accreditation.
Before enrolling, verify the program’s current accreditation or approval status and determine whether it meets the educational requirements for your intended career.
5. Evaluate Online and Hybrid Options
Online and hybrid programs can make professional education more accessible to working adults and students who need greater scheduling flexibility.
However, the online format is not appropriate for every professional degree. Programs that require laboratory work, clinical education, internships, student teaching, or supervised practice may include in-person requirements.
6. Calculate the Total Cost
Compare the full cost of each program rather than focusing only on tuition.
Consider:
- Tuition and fees
- Books and supplies
- Technology requirements
- Transportation
- Housing
- Clinical or laboratory expenses
- Lost income if you need to reduce your work hours
- Interest on student loans
A program with a higher tuition rate may not necessarily cost more overall if it can be completed faster or provides more financial aid. Looking at the total cost can give you a more realistic picture of the investment.
8. Consider Your Long-Term Career Goals
Finally, think beyond your first job after graduation.
Ask yourself where you would like your career to be in five or ten years. Do you want to move into management? Work in an advanced clinical role? Teach? Conduct research? Open your own practice? Change specialties? Your long-term goals can influence which degree pathway makes the most sense.
The best professional degree is ultimately the one that aligns with your career requirements, professional goals, budget, timeline, and preferred learning format. By starting with the occupation you want and researching the education and licensing requirements before selecting a program, you can make a more informed decision about where to invest your time and money.
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Professional Degree Accreditation
When choosing a professional degree program, accreditation deserve careful attention. Accreditation can help students evaluate the quality and legitimacy of a college or program, while licensure determines whether a graduate is legally eligible to practice a regulated profession.
Institutional accreditation applies to the college or university as a whole. Programmatic accreditation applies to a specific program, department, or professional school. The U.S. Department of Education explains that accreditation is intended to ensure that institutions and programs meet established quality standards. Students can use the Department’s accreditation resources to verify the accreditation status of a school or program.
For professional programs, programmatic accreditation can be especially important. Depending on the field, a professional accrediting organization may establish educational standards that programs must meet. In some professions, graduating from an appropriately accredited or approved program may also be part of the pathway to professional licensure.
FAQs About Professional Degrees
Is a master’s degree a professional degree?
Some master’s degrees are considered professional or career-focused degrees, but not all master’s degrees are professional degrees. Examples include an MEd and some MSN programs. Other master’s degrees may be more academically or research-oriented. Whether a degree is classified as “professional” can vary by field and institution.
Is a PhD a professional degree?
A PhD is generally considered a research doctorate rather than a professional degree. PhD programs typically emphasize original research and the creation of new knowledge. However, a PhD can prepare graduates for professional careers, including careers in academia, research, government, and industry.
Is nursing a professional degree?
Nursing is a professional field with multiple educational pathways. Depending on the career goal, students may pursue an LPN/LVN certificate or diploma, ADN, BSN, MSN, or DNP. Some nursing degrees prepare students for initial licensure, while others support advanced practice, leadership, education, or specialization.
What careers require a professional degree?
Some careers that typically require specialized professional education include physicians, dentists, pharmacists, physical therapists, veterinarians, attorneys, and certain psychologists and healthcare professionals. Other careers may require a bachelor’s or master’s degree rather than a professional degree. Education and licensing requirements vary by occupation and state.
Which professional degrees can you earn online?
Many professional degrees and career-focused programs can be completed fully online or through hybrid formats. Examples include nursing, education, psychology, counseling, social work, public administration, and some healthcare and technology programs. Programs that require hands-on clinical training, such as nursing and medicine, typically include in-person clinical or practical requirements.
How long does it take to earn a professional degree?
The timeline varies widely. Some career-focused certificate programs can take less than a year, while associate and bachelor’s degrees may take approximately two and four years, respectively. Professional doctorates and careers requiring undergraduate education followed by professional school can take substantially longer. Clinical training, internships, residencies, and supervised experience may add additional time.
Do all professional degrees lead to licensure?
No. Some professional degrees are closely connected to licensed professions, but earning a professional or career-focused degree does not automatically lead to a professional license. For example, an MBA is a professional graduate degree but does not typically lead to state licensure. In regulated fields, students should verify the education, examination, supervised experience, and other requirements needed for licensure in the state where they plan to work.
Find the Right Professional Degree Program
The right professional degree depends on your career goals, educational background, budget, and the requirements of the profession you want to enter. Whether you’re exploring nursing, healthcare, law, education, psychology, architecture, or another specialized field, understanding your options can help you choose a program that fits your plans.
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