What Master's Degree Should I Get? How To Decide

1. Evaluate Your Long-Term Career Goals

Students typically earn advanced degrees in a field they are interested in working in. While it is possible to study a topic for non-career reasons, it is important to consider the career advancement opportunities a master's degree will provide.

One way to evaluate the benefits of grad school in your desired area of employment is to look at the training and educational requirements for jobs you would be interested in. Speaking to recruiters and professionals in that field can also help you gauge the importance of earning a master's degree.

2. Assess Your Current Commitments

Graduate students are often mature adults with responsibilities such as full-time jobs and families to care for. Students with full-time jobs or other scheduling limitations may do well to study part-time. Overloading your schedule can lead to burnout and lead to a less positive student experience.

3. Consider Your Educational Background

Many master's programs have listed prerequisites so it is a good idea to consider the relationship between the topics you will cover in a graduate degree and those covered in your undergraduate degree. Many students select an entirely different field of study for their master's degree but it is important to make sure you are adequately prepared for the coursework.

4. Explore Online Programs

Online master's degrees can be an excellent option for students with full-time jobs or busy schedules. Students who already have hands-on work experience may find online study a more efficient way to complete a degree in their area of expertise.

5. Do What You Love

Completing any degree is a big commitment so selecting an area of study that you enjoy learning about is crucial to maintaining motivation. Students who undertake master's or doctoral degrees in fields they love may not feel like studying is a chore.

9 Best Master's Degrees To Obtain

While the needs of each student will differ, here are some of the best master's degree programs to explore.

1. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Nursing is a rapidly growing field of employment and nurses with advanced degrees are well-positioned to find in-demand leadership positions and increase their career options. Students in MSN degree programs will learn about:

• healthcare leadership
• ethics
• advanced topics in nursing

Some MSN programs also prepare graduates for board certification and advanced practice roles.

2. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Business Administration programs are consistently among the most popular graduate degrees for good reason. An MBA degree is a good idea for students who want a broadly applicable qualification that can be applied in many different sectors.

MBA degrees will typically cover topics such as:

• project management
• accounting
• finance
• economics
• logistics and supply chain management
• marketing
• human resources management

3. Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)

In the modern digital economy, a master's degree in computer science can be one of the most advantageous qualifications. Computer science programs require a degree of technical skill so students should consider the preparation offered by their bachelor's degree and consult the program's prerequisites.

Graduates of computer science master's programs often go on to become:

• information systems consultants
• software engineers
• software development managers
• information security analysts
• data scientists

4. Master of Human Resources Management (MHRM)

Human resources managers are a valued part of any organization. Earning a master's degree in human resources management will allow you to master employment law, ethics conflict resolution, hiring and acquisition, and management. Skilled human resources managers can enter the job market with confidence and target public, private, and nonprofit organizations.

5. Master of Accounting (MAcc)

Accountants keep the financial system running smoothly and ensure that organizations of every size are responsibly managed. A master's in accounting will prepare graduates to be certified public accountants (CPA) and enjoy career stability due to the high demand for qualified accountants.

6. Master of Finance (MFin)

Finance is a competitive area of employment so earning a master's degree in finance is a smart choice for professionals who want to gain a competitive advantage. A master's in finance will prepare graduates for roles such as:

• chief financial officer (CFO)
• financial analyst
• economist
• bank manager

7. Master of Science in Marketing (MSM)

Marketing is a dynamic field of employment that rewards skilled, creative professionals. Learning more about marketing in a graduate program can take your career to the next level and allow you to take advantage of the fast-moving employment landscape.

8. Master of Public Health Administration (MPHA)

Students with an interest in health and public administration will benefit greatly from a master's in public health administration. Public health administrators have responsibilities such as:

• analyzing health policies
• managing healthcare organizations
• consulting for government and nonprofit organizations

9. Master of Science in Information Technology (MsIT)

Information technology is a broad field that covers aspects of computer science, data management, and other important areas of study. Earning a master's degree in information technology can prepare you for the following roles:

• information technology manager
• cybersecurity analyst
• software engineer
• technical support specialist
• database administrator

FAQs About Choosing a Master's Degree

Find answers to these common questions about choosing a master's degree.

Which Master's Degree Offers the Best Job Prospects?

The graduate program that will create the most job opportunities does vary depending on the skills of each student but industry trends are also a major factor. The following fields of employment are experiencing growth and may offer strong job prospects to candidates with relevant master's degrees:

• nursing
• healthcare administration
• data analytics
• computer science
• information security
• accounting
• digital marketing

Which Master's Degree Is Best for a Career Change?

Changing careers can allow you to pursue a passion or enter a new career with higher wages. The best master's degree for a career switch depends heavily on the motivation of the specific student. Students pursuing a graduate degree purely for career reasons should select a master's degree related to a growing field of employment.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Master's Degree?

The length of master's programs varies but the majority take between one and three years to complete with two years being a common length. The duration of study also depends on the full-time or part-time status of the student.

Is a Master's Degree Worth the Money?

Yes, a master's degree is typically a strong educational investment. Candidates with advanced degrees are often preferred by employers and may also qualify for more leadership roles due to their extensive training. Students who select a master's program in a field they intend to work in will usually be rewarded in the long run.