What is a Master’s Degree?

Students in humanities and arts disciplines, such as English, communication, performance, and geography can earn an MA. These programs may also focus on social science topics, like psychology and sociology. MA programs typically use research, writing, and lecturing as primary instruction methods. These degrees may include a thesis and are often completed in two years. Graduates can pursue a variety of careers depending on their field of study. For instance, an MA in communication can lead to public relations and journalism careers, while an MA in geography positions graduates for careers in areas like urban and regional planning.

MS degrees focus more on scientific and technical topics, such as chemistry, computer science, and engineering. MS degrees may take two or more years to complete. Depending on their field of study, graduates can pursue jobs such as political scientist, speech-language pathologist, economist, and computer and information research scientist. However, some of these professions may require additional licensure, certification, or experience. Graduates can also pursue doctoral study.

MBA programs focus on developing business knowledge and skills in areas such as organization, management, finance, and leadership. These degrees often include concentrations in areas such as healthcare, human resources, project management, and supply chain management. Most MBA programs take about two years to complete. Graduates can work in roles such as human resource manager, top executive, market research analyst, and computer and information systems manager. Certain careers, though, may require additional certification or experience. MBA-holders can also open their own businesses or pursue a doctor of business administration.

M.Ed. programs explore curriculum and teaching strategies for education careers inside and outside of classrooms. These programs usually require teaching licensure or certification for admission. They often offer specializations that allow students to tailor the degree to their interests and goals. Learners can typically earn an M.Ed. in under three years. Graduates can work as reading specialists or literacy coaches. They may also teach, design curricula for school districts, or pursue doctoral study.

An MFA is a terminal degree that focuses on an artform, such as creative writing, fashion design, or photography. Learners may develop their artistic skills through studios, writing projects, or performances, depending on the discipline. For instance, learners may finish creative writing programs by completing a compilation of original short stories, while dance students may culminate the degree with a choreographed performance. These programs prepare graduates to pursue careers in the arts or as teachers, and they typically take two years to complete.

MPA programs prepare students for policy and administration careers in nonprofit and government settings. Learners examine concepts in areas like business, policy, finance, and psychology. These programs typically take around two years to complete. Graduates can pursue positions in areas like policy analysis, program coordination, public relations, and economics, often working for government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Graduates can also pursue doctoral study.

MPH programs examine health concepts and trends that pertain to public health and community needs. Learners study topics like healthcare policies, community health practices, infectious diseases, and crisis prevention and reaction. These programs typically take around two years to complete and prepare graduates for careers as epidemiologists, dieticians, healthcare administrators, and social and community services managers. Graduates can also pursue doctoral study.

MSW programs focus on social work research and practice. They often offer specializations in areas like gerontology, mental health, healthcare, family services, and school social work. These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete, depending on whether a student possesses a bachelor's degree in social work. Graduates can pursue jobs like school social worker, substance abuse counselor, and marriage and family therapist. However, many states require some types of social workers to hold a license, which often includes passing an exam offered by the Association of Social Work Boards.

The curricula for master's programs are challenging because they explore advanced concepts and push students to think more critically about issues in their field. Despite these challenges, pursuing a master's degree is rewarding because it leads to more career opportunities and offers higher earning potential.

Program length varies by factors like degree type, enrollment status, and delivery format, but most master's degrees take around 2-3 years to complete.

According to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, graduates with a master's degree earned a median of $2.671 million in a lifetime as of 2009, surpassing the bachelor's median by nearly half a million dollars.

Many schools offer master's degrees online. Some of these programs may include on-campus requirements, while others feature fully online formats.

Online master's degrees allow students to advance their careers and increase their earning potential, making these programs a worthwhile investment. Depending on the field of work, sometimes employers will even pay for students to pursue their master's degree.

Postsecondary educators, survey researchers, mathematicians, and rehabilitation counselors all typically need master's degrees to practice. Master's degrees also position graduates to pursue leadership and managerial roles in most industries.