So you're thinking about going to graduate school? Maybe you're thinking about pursuing your graduate studies abroad. Well, there are a variety of graduate programs that you can enroll into. Especially in liberal arts and science, there are some very real differences between pursuing a masters or doctoral degree (and it's not just the program length).

你是否在考虑研究生深造？或者是希望能出国留学？面对如此众多的海外研究生项目，你知道如何选择适合自己的项目吗？根据文科和理科不同的特性，美国master和doctoral项目之间有非常大的不同，你了解吗？

Watch this quick video from our Admissions Expert Ms. Kimberly Johnson from Oregon State University, explaining to our students about what you can expect when choosing between a master's or doctoral program.

下面这个视频中，来自俄勒冈州立大学（Oregon State University）招生官Ms. Kimberly Johnson，详细介绍了美国Master和Doctoral项目的不同，以及国际生应该如何从中选择适合自己的项目。请点击查看原始视频（英音中字）：

Here is a quick recap of what the video is talking about. 

下面是视频内容简介：

Master's:
1. Provides skills, knowledge, & abilities
2. Solid foundation in specialized field
3. Required coursework
4. More versatile–variety of courses in shorter time period
5. Breadth not necessarily depth
6. Possibility of thesis or non-thesis
Master's: 硕士

1.  培养技能，知识和能力

6. 不是每个项目都要求有毕业论文

Doctoral:
1. Very focused & specialized 
2. Intensive research training 
3. Relevant for careers in a highly competitive field 
4. Careers that need highest level of training possible 
5. Required to pass field specific major exams 
6. Complete dissertation

5. 需要通过专业领域的主要考试

6. 毕业时需完成毕业论文和答辩

最后，也不要因为博士的声望高而贸然选择就读。有时候，基于你的专业领域和所在国家的不同情况，硕士是你值得深造的最高学历。就读博士项目需要你投资大量的时间和精力。而有时候，学习一些就业所需的通用技能可能帮你快速增加实践经验，提高你的就业竞争力。所以选择就读学历的时候，要根据自己的情况，量体裁衣。

Build a pros and cons list for yourself and weigh the outcomes. Also, ask people about their experience in both a masters and doctoral program. Lastly, make the decision yourself. It may sound obvious but be comfortable with what you plan to do and be confident! 
你可以为自己建立一个优势劣势表，比较就读不同学历的优缺点。同样，你也可以咨询已经就读这两个专业的学长学姐，问问他们的经验和建议。最后，还是要根据自己的想法和目标来做出选择。毕竟适合自己的才是最好的。

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