Master's Degree
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.
Find a Master's degree program that works for you
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.