Professional degree

Professional degree is a type of degree that is conferred upon individuals who have completed a specific professional education program. These degrees are designed to prepare individuals for a particular profession, often meeting the academic requirements for licensure or accreditation.

Overview

A professional degree, also known as a first professional degree, is a degree that prepares the holder for a particular profession by emphasizing practical skills over theory and analysis. These degrees are often required in fields where licensure is needed to practice, such as medicine, law, and architecture.

Types of Professional Degrees

There are many types of professional degrees across various fields. Some of the most common include:

• Juris Doctor (JD): This is the professional degree for lawyers and is required to practice law in most jurisdictions.
• Doctor of Medicine (MD): This degree is required to practice medicine in many countries, including the United States.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA): While not required for most business professions, an MBA can enhance career opportunities and earning potential.
• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD): This degree is required to practice as a pharmacist in many countries.
• Master of Architecture (MArch): This degree is often required to practice as an architect.

Professional Degree vs. Academic Degree

A professional degree differs from an academic degree in that it prepares graduates for a specific profession, while an academic degree is more focused on research and scholarly study. For example, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an academic degree, while a Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a professional degree.

See Also

• Postgraduate education
• Undergraduate education
• Vocational education