It can be intimidating to consider pursuing a master's degree. While it is a huge commitment, a master's degree can open the door to many exciting career opportunities. Here's what you need to know about getting a master's degree, information about the types of degrees offered, and some of the benefits of earning your master's.
What Is a Master's Degree?
A master's degree typically requires two years of full-time study after completing an undergraduate or bachelor's degree, which is why it is often referred to as post-graduate study. It is an academic program designed to give students in-depth knowledge in their chosen field of study and help them develop advanced skills. To earn a master's degree, students typically must complete coursework and pass comprehensive exams. Some programs may also require a thesis, final project, or another type of research project as a culmination of their studies, depending on their college or university's requirements.
What Types of Degrees Are Available?
The majority of graduate degrees are either academic, like a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or a Master of Education (M.Ed.), or professional, like a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Academic degrees require more independent research, while professional degrees focus on practical training and may include internships as part of their course requirements.
For many graduate degree programs, students can continue their studies to earn a doctorate. However, there are also terminal degrees. In other words, no additional studies are available in that field after a master's degree has been earned.
Do You Need One? Does It Mean Higher Pay?
Whether you need a master's degree or not depends on your goals and your field of study. For example, while most states do not typically require teachers to earn a master's degree, it is common practice throughout the country to earn one after you start teaching professionally. Earning a master's can help teachers reach the top of their pay scale.
Can You Earn a Master's Degree Online?
While it was once a requirement to attend in-person classes, the times have changed. Many post-graduate classes are now offered on campus in the evenings and on the weekends as well as online, both synchronously and asynchronously, making it easier than ever to find time in your schedule to work on a degree.
A master's degree can be beneficial for those looking to further their career opportunities and increase their salary potential. From accelerated courses online to traditional programs in universities across the country, there are many options available for those looking for further education beyond their bachelor's degree.
Reach out to a university near you to learn more about master's degrees.
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