Master's Degree
by Sarah Durning, CourseAdvisor
What is a Master's Degree?
If you have a bachelor degree then you can pursue a master's degree. A master's degree program is awarded to those who complete an academic program in a specific subject, usually lasting between one and three years. Some universities offer joint bachelor/master programs that take 4 to 5 years to complete and end with both degrees awarded.
What are the benefits of having a Master's Degree?
- Paves the way for improved career opportunities with a greater chance at being hired for a high level position of significant responsibility plus excellent chances for advancement.
- If you have even higher education goals, a master's degree is a necessary and useful preparatory step leading to doctoral studies.
- A higher level of education often results in higher earnings. The median earnings for people with a master's degree in 2005 was $61,300 before taxes.
- Enjoy the luxury of health insurance and pension plans since jobs at a master's degree level will likely offer such outstanding benefit opportunities.
What is required for admission to a Master's Degree program?
In order to gain admission into a master's degree program, one must have a bachelor degree. For some master's degree programs, a bachelor degree in the same subject as the intended master's program is required, or at least a bachelor degree in a closely related subject. For other master's degree programs the subject of the bachelor degree is irrelevant.
Types of Master's Degrees
- Master of Arts
- Master of Science
- Master of Fine Arts
- Master of Education
There are master's degrees offered in most fields. Most programs consist of a mix of courses and research. Many master's degree programs require a dissertation or thesis in order to graduate. A dissertation is an academic research paper that presents an argument using the results of the research as support.
Master's Degrees...Bet you Didn't Know
The payoffs for getting a higher education, like a master's degree, include benefits for society as well as you. Here are some interesting findings about the positive impact higher education has on society as well as the individual:
- People who achieve a higher level of education often have lower smoking rates and live healthier lifestyles in general.
- People who achieve a higher level of education are often in the majority of those who volunteer, give blood, and vote.
- You are less likely to be unemployed if you have a higher level of education, like a master's degree.
- If you achieve a higher level of education you are less likely to live at the poverty level.
Not sure which master's degree program is right for you?
Let the CourseAdvisor Wizard match you to the accredited online or campus program best suited to your goals and schedule.
Feel free to browse the CourseAdvisor Directory for accredited online and campus master's degree programs in these subject areas:
Sources:
1) Wikipedia
2) quintcareers.com
3) "Education Pays - The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals & Society" by Sandy Baum and Jennifer Ma. College Board, 2004.
Sarah Durning is a Content Editor at CourseAdvisor.
