Is It Easier to Earn a Master’s and Doctorate Degree After Obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree?

Indeed, pursuing a master’s and then a doctorate degree after obtaining a bachelor’s degree is significantly easier compared to going straight into a doctorate program.

Adapting to the Doctorate Program

In regions outside the United States (ROW), obtaining a PhD can be a daunting experience, much different from previous academic pursuits where everything was verifiable through books, papers, or professors.

When you start a PhD, you are put into a situation where you are largely on your own. You must develop the ability to understand complex information on your own and piece it together in a meaningful way. Eventually, you will discover that much of what you've been taught or referred to may be incorrect. This realization can be quite disheartening.

Strengthening Your Foundations

By earning a master’s degree first, you can gradually adapt to this new academic environment. It's like watching tigers behind a zoo fence—you know they are dangerous, but you are safe because there are barriers in place to prevent harm.

Avoiding the Most Challenging Path

While some might choose the rare BSc to PhD path without a master’s degree, this route is typically reserved for masochists or those who are extremely confident in their abilities. Most people find the BSc to PhD transition more manageable with the intermediate step of a master’s degree.

Personal Experience and Expertise

My academic journey aligns with the experiences of many others. Although I don't have a master’s degree, my qualifications reflect the journey I've taken, and I can speak from personal experience about the process.

Requirements and Easier Access

Logically, you must have a bachelor’s degree to proceed to a master’s or doctorate degree. Therefore, obtaining those higher degrees is indeed easier when you have the necessary educational foundation.

Conclusion: Earning a master’s degree before advancing to a doctorate program provides a smoother transition and a more gradual adaptation to independent research and scholarly work. This approach helps you build the necessary skills and confidence to tackle the challenges of a PhD with greater ease.