Deciding what master’s degree to pursue can feel like a daunting task. With so many potential options, how do you narrow down what graduate program is the best fit?
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to choose the ideal master’s degree We’ll discuss
- The benefits of getting a master’s degree
- Popular master’s degree options
- Key factors to consider when selecting a graduate program
- Expert tips on choosing the right academic path
After reading, you’ll feel equipped to make an informed decision about what master’s program is right for your goals.
Why Get a Master’s Degree?
Earning a master’s degree can greatly impact your career opportunities and earning potential.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the median annual earnings for full-time workers aged 25-34 with a master’s degree was $70,000 in 2019, compared to $46,000 for those with only a bachelor’s degree.
Other benefits of getting a graduate degree include:
- Gaining specialized knowledge in your field
- Improving your qualifications for jobs and promotions
- Networking and making professional connections
- Developing advanced skills for your current role or to switch careers
- Growing intellectually and pursuing an area of interest
Basically, a master’s degree shows your dedication to lifelong learning and can help you reach the next level in your professional and personal development.
Popular Types of Master’s Degrees
There are a wide variety of master’s degrees to choose from across diverse fields. Some of the most popular options include:
Master of Business Administration (MBA): Prepares you for leadership roles in business through courses in areas like marketing, finance, management, accounting, and more. Both full-time and part-time MBA programs are available.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): For registered nurses looking to specialize as a nurse practitioner, administrator, researcher, or educator. Coursework covers advanced clinical practice, healthcare policy, nursing leadership, and evidence-based research.
Master of Education (MEd or MAT): Designed for current and prospective teachers focusing on education theory, instructional strategies, curriculum development, and research. Specializations are available in areas like special education, literacy, administration, and more.
Master of Social Work (MSW): Trains students for careers as social workers, clinicians, advocates, and community leaders. You’ll study theories of human behavior, social policy, counseling techniques, community organizing, program evaluation, and field work.
Master of Public Health (MPH): Prepares public health professionals to address health issues through data analysis, policy development, education, research, and community outreach. Electives allow you to specialize.
Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS): Broad degrees covering both arts and sciences fields, like English, history, biology, computer science, and more. Programs can be tailored through electives and independent studies.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Program
With so many potential master’s degrees to pursue, how do you select the right one? Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:
Your Career Goals
A major consideration is whether the degree aligns with your short and long-term career aspirations. Will the program provide the hard and soft skills needed to reach your professional objectives? Talk to people in your desired field to get insights.
Program Reputation and Quality
Look at rankings, accreditation, graduation rates, class sizes, student satisfaction, reputation among employers, and other indicators of program quality. Highly selective programs are more competitive but can open more doors.
Location
Is the program close enough to attend classes in person or will you need to relocate? Many accredited online master’s degrees are also available if location is an obstacle.
Time Commitment
Full-time master’s programs usually take 1-2 years to complete, while part-time programs designed for working professionals may take 2-3 years. Consider the time investment required for classes, studying, projects, internships, and commuting if applicable.
Cost and Financial Aid Options
Compare tuition rates across schools and find out what scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships, and other financial assistance is available. Employer reimbursement programs may also help offset costs.
Specializations, Electives, and Focus Areas
Some master’s degrees offer concentrations, elective courses, independent studies, or projects to customize your learning. This allows you to follow specific interests within a broader degree.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions criteria varies but often includes undergraduate GPA, test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and relevant experience. Make sure you’re a competitive applicant before applying.
Thesis or Capstone Project
Find out if the program requires a major research project or thesis paper for graduation. This involves working closely with faculty but results in valuable experience.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Master’s Program
To further simplify your decision of what master’s degree to get, keep these expert recommendations in mind:
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Get clarity on your “why.” Reflect on your motivations, desired outcomes, and career aspirations before choosing a program. This will reveal which degrees align with your purpose.
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Talk to grads. Reach out to alumni working in your prospective field to get their insights on how their degree impacted their career and what they gained from the program. Their experiences can be invaluable.
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Meet with admissions counselors. Have candid conversations with program advisors about requirements, curriculum details, teaching methods, schedules, and anything else that will affect your experience. Get all your questions answered.
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Sit in on a class. Many colleges allow prospective students to observe a real graduate course. This gives you a feel for the teaching styles, class format, content, and student interactions you’ll encounter.
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Consider a graduate certificate first. Earning a shorter specialized certificate before committing to a full master’s degree can help you determine if the field is right for you. Many certificate credits transfer to master’s programs.
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Apply to multiple schools. Increase your chances of getting accepted by applying to a few programs that meet your criteria. Compare financial aid offers and curriculum options before making your final graduate school choice.
Finding the Perfect Program for You
As you narrow down what master’s degree to pursue, stay focused on how each program aligns with your professional aspirations, interests, lifestyle, and budget.
Weigh all the factors covered in this guide to determine which option is the best investment in your future. The ideal graduate degree will stretch your knowledge and abilities to help you accomplish your goals.
With careful self-reflection and research, you can confidently decide what master’s program is the perfect fit. Then you can look forward to expanding your skills and opportunities through rewarding graduate studies.
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Written by SHU Graduate Admissions Team
We are the graduate admissions team at Sacred Heart University. We aspire to create a welcoming and supportive environment for students looking to continue their education while empowering them in mind, body and spirit. We hope you find our resources helpful and informative as you explore and pursue a graduate degree at Sacred Heart!
