More Opportunities, Better Pay.
A Masters degree is an academic degree granted to those who have demonstrated advanced mastery of a specific area of study or practice. A Masters degree is generally given after a Bachelor’s degree has been awarded, and usually takes about two or three years to earn.
There are many different types of traditional and online Masters degree programs. The most common include the Master of Arts (MA) and the Master of Science (MS). The difference between them depends on the school; in some cases, all Masters degrees are given a Master of Arts designation or there is no significant difference between the two. In others, Master of Arts designations are reserved for degrees in the humanities, while Master of Science degrees are given in science and math subjects. In still others, a few liberal arts requirements, such as a foreign language class, will be waived for Master of Science degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I earn my Masters degree? Masters degrees are required for some careers and highly suggested for others. In some states, you must earn a Masters degree in Education to teach in public schools—either prior to hiring, or within a certain number of years after. Engineering and scientific research positions typically require at least a Masters degree, if not a PhD. Some advanced nursing positions require a Masters degree in Nursing. Other positions, including physical therapist, require a Masters as well. Even in careers where traditional and online Masters degrees are not required, holding one can help with career advancement and qualify you for better pay.
Some doctoral degree programs will take students who have earned only a Bachelor’s degree, but others require a Masters. If you want to earn a doctorate and don’t have the grades or test scores to gain admission, earning your Masters degree online or at a traditional school can be a good strategy—it demonstrates your commitment to the field and allows you to show schools a stronger GPA record in graduate school. Many students who don’t gain admission to PhD programs with a Bachelor’s degree can earn it after successfully completing a Masters program.
How much can I earn with a Masters degree? Of course, your earnings can vary widely depending on your situation, your industry, and your job. But in general, Masters degree holders earn $400,000 more in their lifetimes than those with a Bachelor’s degree alone.
What is entailed in earning a Masters? Most traditional and online Masters degree programs take about two years to complete. During your program, you’ll take seminars and classes, and may be required to complete a Master’s thesis at the end. Professors generally expect a higher level of critical thinking and analysis of Masters degree students than undergraduates, both in writing and in class discussions. Some Masters degree programs include comprehensive written and oral exams. Others may require a period of applied clinical practice.
How much does a Masters degree cost? Masters degrees can be quite expensive—as much as $50,000 per year at some top schools. There is federal grant and loan aid available to graduate students, although not as wide a range as there is for undergraduate students. Graduate students are also assessed based on need—but in graduate school, the financial status of your parents generally won’t be considered.
Some traditional and online Masters degree programs offer research and work-study grants that can subsidize a significant amount of your tuition—as much as 100%. Working professionals who wish to earn a Masters degree in a work-related field may be able to get tuition assistance from their employers.
Can I earn my Masters degree online? There are many different online Masters degree programs available, some from traditional schools with an online component. And it can be an excellent decision to earn your Masters degree online. Online Masters degree programs are often ideal for working students who need to fit their studies around a full-time job.
A traditional online Masters degree can be a great investment—whether you’re looking to advance in your career, earn more money, or get into a top doctoral program. Traditional and online Masters degree holders tend to earn more and have more opportunities open to them than those with a Bachelor’s degree alone. While tuition can be expensive, it’s sometimes possible to get your tuition funded—either by the school itself or by your employer. With some research, you should be able to find a traditional or online Masters degree program that works for you.
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