Get the Facts on Earning a Master’s Degree
If you already hold an undergraduate degree and wish to advance your education, a master’s degree is the obvious place to start. As the first level of graduate study, earning a master’s will put you in position to advance your career through an enhanced knowledge base.
Completing a master’s program typically takes two years, although some can be finished in a year and a half. You’ll need 36 to 54 semester credits to finish the typical master’s degree, which equates to 12 to 18 college classes. Many programs provide flexible coursework that allows you to keep your job as you work toward your degree.
Master’s degrees are becoming more and more common in the professional world. From 1996 to 2010, the National Council for Education Statistics reported a 63 percent increase in the number of professionals with master’s-level educations. The number is expected to increase by another 34 percent by 2022. Technology has made it even easier for people to advance their educations, which is a key driver of these increases.
One of the best things about pursuing a master’s degree is the fact that you can focus on a single specialty area. This means you can build your credentials to thrive in a high-demand niche of an industry. Not only does this benefit your career, it helps you stay engaged in your studies because you’re indulging a true passion.
There are a few key instances in which earning a master’s degree is an especially worthwhile pursuit:
- Your Career Goals Demand It: Some careers require a master’s degree even for entry-level positions. Social workers, high school principals, and psychologists are just a few of the professional roles that require master’s-level education from the beginning.
- A Higher Salary Is Possible: Earning a master’s degree can often result in a significant raise. If your job prospects are strong, it’s certainly worth the investment to attain a higher level of education.
- You Already Hold a Bachelor’s Degree: If you already have a degree in your chosen field, pursuing a master’s is a great idea. This is especially true for online programs, because you can keep building professional experience as you bolster your education.
When it comes to paying for your master’s degree program, you have a wealth of options. State grants, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursements might be available to you, along with financial aid programs of various types. Keep in mind that most online programs charge the same rate for both in- and out-of-state students. This is another way in which online degree programs are great options for continuing your education.
Before you choose a master’s program, make sure you understand how much of a workload you can handle. You may want to start with one or two courses before diving into a full-time schedule, or simply earn your degree on a part-time basis. Hybrid programs that include on-campus and online courses might also be good options for your schedule.
