Three general levels of degrees can be categorized in some general sense: the bachelor's program emphasizes the simple ideas about social systems in the social sciences and the basic ideas about the development of value systems and the appreciation of values in the humanities; master's degrees, at least in the major institutions, are often job-oriented, professionally-oriented types of degrees, such as the Master's in Business Administration. These degrees do not generally lead to a doctorate. Other master's degrees are waystations to the doctorate, or are consolation prizes for those who should not go on for a Ph.D. A master's doesn't mean mastery of the subject, however, which is more the criterion of the Ph.D. Those institutions that offer the master's degree as the highest degree could use it as a means of broadening the understanding of the field rather than duplicating what major institutions tend to do. Economic incentives have been overemphasized not only for baccalaureate education, but also for advanced education, especially at the master's level. Particularly in the humanities and social sciences, the master's degree could be used to help the student appreciate the applicability and relevance of the tools they were taught about as sophomores. (AF)