Choosing Your Master's Program

This article will give you information on continuing your education beyond an undergraduate degree.

By Dr. Gwendolyn Maria Parrish — August 31, 2022

Tags: college life, continuing ed, general info, graduate school, life after college, major, masters

Continuing your education beyond high school is a great way to increase your likelihood of getting the attention of hiring managers in your field of interest. You're ready to take the next step if you have completed your high school requirements and maintained a great GPA. Now, you have completed your undergrad degree and find yourself wanting to focus on a more specialized field by earning a master's degree. You are reviewing course catalogs to determine the best program to apply.

Returning to school as a graduate student can be rewarding; however, it may also be stressful if not well planned. There are several reasons for pursuing a graduate degree, such as changing careers, advancing your current job, acquiring credibility in your field, or earning more money. Many students also choose a graduate program to get closer to a doctoral program, such as a Ph.D., however, knowing which program to choose can be difficult. It is important to understand that your master's degree does not need to duplicate your bachelor's to be relevant. For example, if you have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, you would not need to get a Masters in Elementary Education since the primary purpose is to earn a teaching certification. That will be accomplished with the bachelor's degree; therefore, your master's should focus more on the next direction you want your career to go.

How to Choose a Program

If you are interested in changing careers, you will want to focus your degree on the current job market to gain the necessary skills to compete in that field. Before signing up for the program, do extensive research to determine the availability of the position you will be seeking and the average compensation paid to employees in your area. Remember, the program you select may not be exactly what you need for your career advancement but may get you on the path to achieving your career goals. Depending on the field of interest, you may need an additional degree to meet the requirements. You can check the salary comparisons the United States Department of Labor reported for those with graduate degrees vs. those without.

Employees with a degree higher than a bachelor's degree reportedly earned more on average than those with only a high school diploma. The top ten highest-paying fields for advanced degrees can be found here. Understanding the job market in your area will determine the most beneficial program for your personal career goals. It is important to remember that it may be necessary to consider relocating if your specific goals are not obtainable in your location. If so, you may want to research the average salaries for that position in the state or city of interest.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Master of Science

This degree focuses on Earth Science, Applied Science, Engineering or Information Technology, and others. It generally can be completed in two years and will help you gain the skills needed to advance in this field and may also require some internship for in-depth learning outside of the classroom setting.

Master of Arts

This degree focuses on the fine arts, humanities, philosophy, etc. You may choose this program if you work at a non-profit organization in your community since it applies to human services.

Master of Business Administration

Suppose you plan to pursue a career in business, such as a human resources (HR) representative, business administrator, financial adviser, or any facet of marketing. In that case, this is the program for you. It is also helpful for entrepreneurs who wish to start their businesses.

Master of Education

This degree is designed strategically for teachers looking to advance their teaching careers or update their educator credentials. It is recommended you earn a teaching certificate before enrolling in a master's program. You will not be eligible to teach without a valid certificate, regardless of the degree earned. An advanced degree in education will open up various opportunities for teachers and allow them to pursue a role as school counselors, principals, curriculum developers, and much more.

Additional Program Considerations

Once you have determined the focus of your master's program, you will need to decide which universities best fit your academic needs. The first thing to consider is whether you wish to attend classes online or on campus.

In-Person vs. Web-Based Courses

Universities that offer in-person classes will likely have policies about missed class times and tardiness. For example, if you are late for in-person classes three times or more, some universities will count this as a missed class session. If you plan to attend classes after work, consider the timing of your commute to your school or vice versa. You will want to consider your commute timing when scheduling your courses each semester to avoid extra stress trying to get to classes.

Similarly, if you select web-based courses, you will not need to commute; however, you may not have the support of an in-person professor. While they are still available via email or phone, some learners require more guidance. Other things to consider include admission requirements, the amount of time your program will need before completion, cost per course, prerequisite requirements for the program, and job placement after graduation. Now you are ready to apply to the schools of your choosing. It would help to meet with a school representative to make an informed decision

Regardless of the program you select, you can get help with financing your educational journey by completing your FAFSA and applying for the financial aid opportunity that is right for you. Click here to learn more about completing your FAFSA. For more information about funding options, please click here.

Dr. Gwendolyn Maria Parrish

Dr. Gwendolyn M. Parrish is a graduate of MSU, where she received a BA in Elementary Education and an MS in Educational Leadership. Maria has more than ten years of experience in the classroom and two years as a high school vice-principal. She is a graduate of Capella University, where she completed a Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction and Administration. Maria has also been a writing consultant for Capella for the past three years and enjoy working with learners of all ages.

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