Definition
The highest degree available in a field, usually a PhD or professional doctorate. Called 'terminal' because it's the end of the formal education line, though cynics note it often feels terminal in other ways.
Example Usage
The job posting requires a terminal degree and five years of teaching experience for a position paying $45,000 a year.
Origin
Academic credentialing terminology from early 20th century
Fun Fact
In some fields like fine arts, an MFA is considered the terminal degree, which occasionally leads to awkward hierarchies when MFA holders outrank PhDs in their own departments
Source: Academic credentialing terminology
Related Terms
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See “terminal degree” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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