subject: Which Degree is Right for You? [print this page] Of all the degrees, doctoral degrees are the most intense. They require the most time, research, and work, but can often result in a big payoff in your career. Before you invest in a PhD, however, make sure your career will benefit. Some fields, such as medicine, psychology, medical research, and teaching (at the university level), require a PhD. For others, it may not be necessary. Where a PhD pays off the most is in careers that require highly specialized skills or extensive amounts of research and analysis.
