How long will it take to get a masters degree

A master's degree can help experienced professionals switch careers. A teacher with a bachelor's can earn a master's in education to work as a principal, superintendent, or curriculum designer. Many employers prefer master's degree-holders for management-level jobs.

Potential degree-seekers may not need 2-3 years to graduate. Some master's programs award transfer credit for experience. Incoming students can take a test or submit a work portfolio to qualify.

Earning a master's degree may lead to higher pay. Workers with a master's in the biology, communication disorders sciences, or business administration field earn 51-87% more than their peers with only a bachelor's. Master's degree-holders also earn more in the education administration and communication fields.

Economic conditions change, so students should research the job market before selecting a program. Career advisors can help learners explore different options.

Applicants in a tight job market need every advantage. A master's degree shows mastery of specific skills and a passion for the field. Employers respect both because new employees may need less training and might remain in the profession their entire career.

Job interviews let applicants discuss their master's degree and how it applies to a potential job. Candidates can also promote their educational experience in a cover letter or resume.

Many college-educated professionals take professional development or continuing education classes to learn new skills. A master's degree provides students with an in-depth education in their field's latest best practices. The degree also helps professionals in some fields meet their state's licensure renewal requirement.

Many online programs run asynchronously. Learners can apply their new skills on the job and continue working while earning a master's.

Professionals can use their skills and expertise to perform their job well. This value may protect them from layoffs and other negative economic trends. Developing skills may feature additional benefits. For example, professionals may discover new interests. Some students feel personal satisfaction after mastering new skills.

Many doctoral programs consider applicants with only a bachelor's degree. However, prospective students with a master's have an advantage. Most master's programs feature coursework in original research. Learners develop their research, writing, and analytical skills in small projects before completing a thesis or capstone.

These skills help doctoral students since many programs require a dissertation. Degree-seekers can apply the same research skills they learned during a master's program to write their dissertation.

Degree-seekers do more than study while in a master's program. Learners earning a master's degree online network with peers and professors. This lets them make new professional contacts. Graduates can use these contacts to explore career opportunities or find the right doctoral program.

Online students use many tools to network, such as classes' online discussion boards. Many schools offer Handshake to help degree-seekers network and search for new jobs.

In addition to Handshake, institutions offer enrollees access to many university resources. Learners can use their student account to access libraries' databases and virtual books.

Degree-seekers living close to campus may use on-campus resources. For example, they can participate in networking events, professional development workshops, and speaker panels. Graduates with an online degree receive the same alumni benefits as those who studied on campus.

Earning an online master's degree can boost credibility, which benefits job applicants and employees. Workers with a master's hold specialized knowledge, making them industry experts. Their peers may turn to them for advice, which can increase respect in the workplace.

Prospective degree-seekers wanting to boost their credibility can work with an admissions advisor to find a program that aligns with their career goals. Current students can consult academic and career advisors to select the best classes.

Earning a master's degree can help learners see the world. Many master's programs offer study abroad programs. Degree-seekers may complete internships or classes at top foreign institutions. Study abroad may occur during the academic year or during an extended break. This flexibility helps learners with a career or family.

Studying abroad exposes learners to new cultures. The experience also lets degree-seekers network with international students in the same field. These connections may make graduates more employable.