Is a Master’s Degree Program for You?

MastersDegreeProgram.org can help you choose the right master’s degree program for your needs whether your goal is to specialize in one particular area, receive instruction on how to become a better manager, get a head start on doctoral degree work, change careers with an advanced degree, or simply fulfill personal aspirations and ambitions.

Online master degree programs, also called graduate or post baccalaureate programs are available in various disciplines, but in general they take between one to three years to complete. The material covered in master’s level courses is, of course, more advanced and specialized than what is usually offered at the bachelor degree level; you will likely also find that your fellow students are more engaged and involved with courses at this advanced level.

By enrolling in an online master’s degree program, you will have the opportunity join just 3% of Americans who attain this advanced degree and even potentially earn a higher salary: the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in the first quarter of 2009, full-time workers with master’s degrees or beyond earned about $300 per week than those with bachelor’s degrees.

Are you ready to find the right online master’s degree program for you? Read on.

What types of online master’s degree programs are available?

Earning a master’s degree is possible in many areas of study, but most master’s degrees are generally:

• Master of Arts (MA): graduate degree in social sciences or humanities that may be earned after the completion of a bachelor’s degree, usually in the same subject or one that is closely related. Often requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and sometimes also a research-heavy thesis.
• Master of Science (MS): graduate degree in sciences that may be earned after the completion of a bachelor’s degree, usually in the same subject or one that is closely related. Often requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and nearly always a research-heavy thesis.
  

Some of the most common online master’s degree programs in specific disciplines include:

MBA (Master of Business Administration): America’s most popular online master degree program. In addition to general MBA programs, you may also pursue specialties such as those in e-business, finance, entrepreneurship, human resources, health care management, real estate, marketing and marketing research, investment banking, management, consulting, supply chain management, project management, and more.

• MEd (Master in Education): A master in education degree can train students for careers in education administration, educational psychology, education theory, or may allow them to specialize in teaching areas such as special education, early childhood education, secondary education, adult education, higher education, or English as a Second Language (ESL).

MSN (Master of Science in Nursing): The online master’s in nursing is becoming an increasingly popular degree as registered nurses look to move up the career ladder into management positions. Along with special RN to MSN online programs for current RNs, there are also “direct entry” or “graduate entry” programs for those who have never studied or practiced nursing; these do require a bachelor’s degree in another discipline, however. In addition to helping RNs become qualified for managerial positions, MSN degrees also give nurses the opportunity to specialize in areas such pediatrics, oncology, cardiovascular, geriatrics, hospice, forensic nursing, emergency, critical care, and more. The option to pursue careers as advanced practical nurses (APN) is also available through an MSN, i.e., nurses can become clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or nurse midwives.

Other common online master degree programs include:

• MAE (Master of Architecture Engineering)
• MAG (Master of Agriculture)
  
• MAR (Master of Architecture)
• MEN (Master of Engineering)
• MFA (Master of Fine Arts)
• MJA (Master of Justice Administration)
• MLS (Master of Library Science)
• MM (Master of Music)
  
• MPA (Master of Public Administration)
• MPH (Master of Public Health)
• MSCIS (Master of Science in Computer Information Systems)
• MSIA (Master of Science in Information Assurance)
  

• MSW (Master of Social Work)

What do online master’s degree programs involve?

Within the 30 or so credit hours required for the completion of a master’s degree program, students often participate in a mixture of coursework and research. You may also be required to prepare, submit, and defend a thesis on your research and be proficient in a foreign language. Specific requirements vary by discipline and also by school, so read descriptions carefully.

Why should I pursue an online master’s degree program?

There are many reasons why you might choose to pursue an online master degree program, including:

• Move up the career ladder and/or into management.
• Specialize in a particular area of your current job and/or become qualified to teach.
• Increased income potential.
• Work full-time while earning your degree.
• Study and take courses on your own time.
• Save money as online master’s degree programs are less expensive than traditional programs.
• Possibly earn your degree in less time than it would take in a traditional program.