what does terminal degree for discipline mean
Depending on the field, a terminal degree can be at any level from an associate degree to a Ph.D. The opportunity to pursue a research degree, whereby you explore original ideas and develop new knowledge, is determined by the field of study and level of degree offered therein.
In many cases, the first professional degree is also the terminal degree because usually no further advanced degree is required for practice in that field even though more advanced professional degrees may exist. Examples of terminal degrees in research are: 1  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). 2  Doctor of Education (Ed.D.).