A master's degree is the next level of education past a bachelor's degree. You usually pursue a master's degree related to the subject you earned your bachelor's in.
A master's degree in your hand proves that you have in-depth knowledge about a specific subject. This can increase the chances of you getting a job in a higher post right from the beginning of your career.
You can study for a master's degree using either the traditional on-campus method or by non-traditional methods such as a distance, part-time, or online education program.
A master's degree can be acquired in almost any subject, such as physics, marketing, finance, engineering, and psychology.
Some master's degrees don't require that you earn a bachelor's degree in the subject first. However, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree before starting the course of study. For example, to earn a Master in Business Administration (MBA), you can have a bachelor's degree in any subject.
Many master's degree programs let you specialize even further in a subject.
For example, a master's degree in physics has general concentrations like Computational Physics, General Physics, and Material Science. It provides research opportunities also in various areas of science.
A master's degree in marketing has specialized concentrations like International Business, Digital Marketing, Marketing Analytics, Marketing Management, etc.
A master's degree in engineering has specialized concentrations in Mechanical, Information Science, Electronics, Civil, etc.
There are many reasons to consider pursuing a master's degree.
A master's degree program will give you the opportunity to continue your studies or return to school for additional learning. You'll gain even more knowledge about a subject, and you can make use of that knowledge in the future.
A master's degree will also make you more competitive in the job market.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs that require a master's degree increased by 18% between 2012 and 2022. Even if you don't want a job that requires a degree beyond a bachelor's degree, more education won't hurt your chances.
Jobs that require higher levels of education also tend to pay more, so entering an online graduate program and earning a graduate degree can increase your income.
Earning a master's degree will also give you a valuable network.
Many programs, especially MBA programs, focus on helping you meet people and teaching you how to form connections. You can leverage your network down the road to find more job opportunities or to help your business grow.
While the precise requirements to earn a master's degree will depend on the program you choose, there are a few relatively consistent requirements across schools.
The primary requirement is that you must already have an undergraduate degree. You usually can't skip earning a bachelor's degree and go straight for a master's.
However, some schools offer combined programs that let you earn a bachelor's degree and a master's degree at the same time or work toward a master's while finishing your bachelor's degree.
Most schools will also make you take a standardized test like the GRE. You'll have to submit your GRE score with your application.
Once you get into a graduate program, you have to complete a certain number of credit hours to earn your degree.
For example, Northeastern University requires that students complete 30 credit hours of work and a thesis while maintaining a 3.0 GPA to earn a degree.
Harvard Extension School, Harvard University's online master's degree program, requires that students complete twelve classes (48 credit hours), including a thesis, to earn a degree.
Typically, a master's program only requires that you take courses related to your field of study. You usually don't have to take core courses as you did to earn an undergraduate degree.
One of the top reasons to enter a master's program is to improve your job prospects and increase your income.
Selecting an online degree program is particularly common for students who want to increase their income as they can keep their current job while pursuing a degree. Once an online student completes their online courses, they can start working toward a promotion or look for a new job.
Prospective students that want to increase their income through online learning might want to consider these degree programs:
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is one of the most popular and best-paying master's programs. An MBA program readies you for a management role in many different businesses.
Depending on your interests and previous education, you can use an MBA to find a role managing different aspects of a company, such as a computer science, IT, marketing, or sales team.
It may seem like you will miss out on networking and other things if you choose an online MBA program, but many schools find ways to offer a similar experience both online and in person.
The average median starting pay for a new MBA graduate is $115,000.
If you're working in healthcare but don't want the time and expense of becoming a doctor, earning a Master of Science in Nursing is another way to advance your career.
Students often work toward becoming nurse anesthetists, who can assist with anesthesiology, or nurse practitioners, who can take on some of the duties typically reserved for doctors.
Students can expect to earn over $115,800 per year, depending on the specialization they choose.
A Master of Engineering Management prepares you for more advanced and difficult engineering projects.
For example, students may graduate into a role as an architectural and engineering manager, running a team that's responsible for designing and erecting buildings.
Students can expect to earn $144,830 per year after graduating with this degree.
If you're working in the world of finance, higher education can help you land higher-paying roles and give you more credibility.
Depending on your interests, this degree can prepare you to work as a manager at an investment firm or to work directly with clients as a financial advisor. You may choose to earn additional certifications to help you draw more clients.
You can also find an accounting program that will prepare you for higher-level roles as an accountant.
Depending on the role you choose, you can expect to earn up to $129,890 per year after earning this degree.
An online program has many advantages over in-person master's degree programs, but you might worry about missing out on some essential aspects of in-person learning.
While it's true that it can be hard to replicate the classroom experience online, the flexibility and cost-savings offered by an online master's program are significant.
Harvard, one of the top universities in the world, is a great example of this.
The tuition for a single year of study at the Harvard Graduate School of Education is $51,904. This is before other costs such as room and board and transportation.
At the Harvard Extension School, online learners must complete twelve courses to earn their degree. Each course costs $2,900 for a total cost of $34,800. The entire degree from Harvard's online program costs less than a single year of study for the in-person program.
Students in an online program also can avoid costs such as room and board in a dormitory.
Often, they can keep their jobs and study part-time, which means they won't lose income, making the effective cost of an online degree program even lower.
Online programs have other advantages to consider.
Often, an online graduate student will have the flexibility to watch lectures when they have the time, rather than having to stick to a set schedule.
Because many people pursue a master's degree after they've already started a career, this additional flexibility can be a major benefit of online programs.
A master's degree is a great way to make yourself more marketable to employers and increase your income.
If you're thinking about working toward a master's degree, consider an online degree program. They're often cheaper and more flexible than in-person classes while providing the same benefits.
If you're considering an online degree program and want to know how to pay for it, check out The College Monk's list of the best student loans.
Waltham, Massachusetts
Design Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 30
Avg Tuition: $ 34,000
Avg Federal grant awarded: $6,508
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $31,604
Graduation Rate: 90%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Design (2)
Request InfoLos Angeles, California
Design Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 38
Avg Tuition: Request Info
Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,385
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $31,116
Graduation Rate: 92%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Design (1)
Request InfoMiami Gardens, Florida
Design Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 30
Avg Tuition: $ 12,325
Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,233
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $12,832
Graduation Rate: 43%
Specializations Offered: Technology Management
Total Programs in Design (1)
Request InfoSt. Louis, Missouri
Design Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 33
Avg Tuition: $ 28,050
Avg Federal grant awarded: $6,920
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $38,434
Graduation Rate: 94%
Specializations Offered: Architecture
Total Programs in Design (2)
Request InfoSan Francisco, California
Design Accreditation: NASAD
Avg Credits: 65
Avg Tuition: $ 63,679
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,752
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $10,889
Graduation Rate: 40%
Specializations Offered: Fashion , Game Design +4 more
Total Programs in Design (13)
Request InfoGainesville, Georgia
Design Accreditation: CIDA
Profit Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Avg Tuition: Request Info
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,916
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $16,802
Graduation Rate: 45%
Specializations Offered: Interior Design
Total Programs in Design (1)
Request InfoSan Marcos, Texas
Design Accreditation: Request Info
Profit Type: Public
Avg Tuition: Request Info
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,578
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $4,395
Graduation Rate: 54%
Specializations Offered: Communications
Total Programs in Design (1)
Request InfoMenomonie, Wisconsin
Design Accreditation: NASAD
Avg Credits: 60
Avg Tuition: Request Info
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,381
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,090
Graduation Rate: 54%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Design (1)
Request InfoSan Francisco, California
Design Accreditation: NASAD
Avg Credits: 36
Avg Tuition: $ 35,352
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,752
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $10,889
Graduation Rate: 40%
Specializations Offered: Fashion , Game Design +4 more
Total Programs in Design (11)
Request InfoDesign Accreditation: CIDA
Avg Credits: 45
Avg Tuition: $ 37,530
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,969
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $11,226
Graduation Rate: 67%
Specializations Offered: Fashion , Graphic Design +2 more
Total Programs in Design (6)
Request InfoSt. Louis, Missouri
Design Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 21
Avg Tuition: $ 17,850
Avg Federal grant awarded: $6,920
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $38,434
Graduation Rate: 94%
Specializations Offered: Architecture
Total Programs in Design (2)
Request InfoMuncie, Indiana
Design Accreditation: CIDA
Avg Credits: 24
Avg Tuition: $ 14,476
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,750
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $9,256
Graduation Rate: 58%
Specializations Offered: Architecture , Interior Design
Total Programs in Design (2)
Request InfoDesign Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 42
Avg Tuition: $ 19,337
Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,081
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $5,381
Graduation Rate: 44%
Specializations Offered: Architecture
Total Programs in Design (1)
Request InfoDesign Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 33
Avg Tuition: $ 39,600
Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,436
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $1,567
Graduation Rate: 17%
Specializations Offered: Sustainability Management
Total Programs in Design (2)
Request InfoState College, Pennsylvania
Design Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 34
Avg Tuition: $ 29,019
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,137
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $1,942
Graduation Rate: 25%
Specializations Offered: Architecture
Total Programs in Design (2)
Request InfoDesign Accreditation: NASAD
Avg Credits: 30
Avg Tuition: $ 36,220
Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,044
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $15,540
Graduation Rate: 73%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Design (1)
Request InfoDesign Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 36
Avg Tuition: $ 41,324
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,475
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $7,464
Graduation Rate: 77%
Specializations Offered: Teaching
Total Programs in Design (1)
Request InfoSanta Barbara, California
Paralegal Studies Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 30
Avg Tuition: Request Info
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Paralegal Studies (1)
Request InfoWashington, District of Columbia
Paralegal Studies Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 32
Avg Tuition: $ 33,920
Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,673
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $24,653
Graduation Rate: 84%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Paralegal Studies (1)
Request InfoColorado Springs, Colorado
Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 52
Avg Tuition: $ 30,420
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,324
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $1,236
Graduation Rate: 20%
Specializations Offered: Cyber Security , Public Health
Total Programs in Homeland Security (3)
Request InfoHomeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 39
Avg Tuition: $ 15,210
Graduation Rate: 67%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)
Request InfoGarden City, New York
Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 39
Avg Tuition: $ 26,910
Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,236
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $16,833
Graduation Rate: 68%
Specializations Offered: Emergency Management
Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)
Request InfoHomeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 40
Avg Tuition: $ 20,400
Avg Federal grant awarded: $3,777
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,542
Graduation Rate: 33%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)
Request InfoCharles Town, West Virginia
Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 41
Avg Tuition: $ 14,280
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,546
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $825
Graduation Rate: 36%
Specializations Offered: Emergency Management , Biblical Studies +1 more
Total Programs in Homeland Security (5)
Request InfoHomeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 30
Avg Tuition: $ 17,250
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,834
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $7,797
Graduation Rate: 76%
Specializations Offered: Security Management
Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)
Request InfoPittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 30
Avg Tuition: $ 17,850
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,607
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $15,272
Graduation Rate: 58%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)
Request InfoVirginia Beach, Virginia
Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 36
Avg Tuition: $ 23,400
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,629
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $7,209
Graduation Rate: 30%
Specializations Offered: Cyber Security , Security Management
Total Programs in Homeland Security (4)
Request InfoWashington, District of Columbia
Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 36
Avg Tuition: $ 37,260
Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,673
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $24,653
Graduation Rate: 84%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)
Request InfoSan Angelo, Texas
Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 36
Avg Tuition: $ 16,488
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,275
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $3,272
Graduation Rate: 36%
Specializations Offered: Security Management
Total Programs in Homeland Security (2)
Request InfoHomeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 36
Avg Tuition: $ 16,200
Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,074
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,782
Graduation Rate: 39%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)
Request InfoHomeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Profit Type: Public
Avg Tuition: Request Info
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,934
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,886
Graduation Rate: 16%
Specializations Offered: Security Management
Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)
Request InfoWashington, District of Columbia
Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 33
Avg Tuition: $ 41,679
Avg Federal grant awarded: $7,155
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $38,784
Graduation Rate: 94%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)
Request InfoState College, Pennsylvania
Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 33
Avg Tuition: $ 28,446
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,137
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $1,942
Graduation Rate: 25%
Specializations Offered: Cyber Security , Public Health
Total Programs in Homeland Security (3)
Request InfoSpringfield, Missouri
Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 33
Avg Tuition: $ 9,405
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,351
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $3,422
Graduation Rate: 55%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)
Request InfoNew Orleans, Louisiana
Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 30
Avg Tuition: Request Info
Avg Federal grant awarded: $6,224
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $30,973
Graduation Rate: 83%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)
Request InfoWilmington, Ohio
Homeland Security Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 36
Avg Tuition: $ 17,741
Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,062
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $10,244
Graduation Rate: 56%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Homeland Security (1)
Request InfoCharles Town, West Virginia
Political Science Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 36
Avg Tuition: $ 12,600
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,546
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $825
Graduation Rate: 36%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Political Science (2)
Request InfoNorthfield, Vermont
Political Science Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 35
Avg Tuition: $ 25,910
Avg Federal grant awarded: $6,191
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $22,268
Graduation Rate: 58%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Political Science (2)
Request InfoPolitical Science Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 36
Avg Tuition: $ 28,200
Avg Federal grant awarded: $6,354
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,998
Graduation Rate: 13%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Political Science (1)
Request InfoVirginia Beach, Virginia
Political Science Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 30
Avg Tuition: $ 19,500
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,629
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $7,209
Graduation Rate: 30%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Political Science (3)
Request InfoPolitical Science Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 39
Avg Tuition: $ 24,453
Avg Federal grant awarded: $3,159
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $15,429
Graduation Rate: 58%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Political Science (1)
Request InfoKennesaw, Georgia
Political Science Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 33
Avg Tuition: $ 12,639
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,564
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $3,422
Graduation Rate: 42%
Specializations Offered: Public Policy
Total Programs in Political Science (1)
Request InfoMarquette, Michigan
Political Science Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 36
Avg Tuition: $ 18,648
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,766
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $4,234
Graduation Rate: 46%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Political Science (1)
Request InfoBoston, Massachusetts
Political Science Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 46
Avg Tuition: $ 31,786
Avg Federal grant awarded: $6,700
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $31,383
Graduation Rate: 86%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Political Science (1)
Request InfoPolitical Science Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 31
Avg Tuition: $ 8,703
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,289
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,505
Graduation Rate: 37%
Specializations Offered: Liberal Arts
Total Programs in Political Science (2)
Request InfoPolitical Science Accreditation: Request Info
Profit Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Avg Tuition: Request Info
Graduation Rate: 33%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Political Science (1)
Request InfoWashington, District of Columbia
Political Science Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 36
Avg Tuition: Request Info
Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,673
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $24,653
Graduation Rate: 84%
Specializations Offered: Public Policy
Total Programs in Political Science (1)
Request InfoMinneapolis, Minnesota
Safety Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 48
Avg Tuition: $ 25,440
Avg Federal grant awarded: $1,227
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,594
Specializations Offered: Emergency Management
Total Programs in Safety (1)
Request InfoMinneapolis, Minnesota
Safety Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 48
Avg Tuition: $ 23,760
Graduation Rate: 11%
Specializations Offered: Emergency Management
Total Programs in Safety (1)
Request InfoOrange Beach, Alabama
Safety Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 36
Avg Tuition: $ 10,800
Avg Federal grant awarded: $5,235
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $473
Graduation Rate: 31%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Safety (2)
Request InfoMorgantown, West Virginia
Safety Accreditation: ABET
Avg Credits: 36
Avg Tuition: $ 21,636
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,712
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $4,843
Graduation Rate: 57%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Safety (1)
Request InfoWashington, District of Columbia
Safety Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 30
Avg Tuition: $ 59,850
Avg Federal grant awarded: $7,155
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $38,784
Graduation Rate: 94%
Specializations Offered: Emergency Management
Total Programs in Safety (1)
Request InfoSafety Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 36
Avg Tuition: $ 11,784
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,646
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,797
Graduation Rate: 69%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Safety (1)
Request InfoClinton, Mississippi
Safety Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 36
Avg Tuition: $ 21,168
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,649
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $10,752
Graduation Rate: 59%
Also See: Programs & Tuitions
Total Programs in Safety (1)
Request InfoMillersville, Pennsylvania
Safety Accreditation: Request Info
Profit Type: Public
Avg Tuition: Request Info
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,200
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $2,802
Graduation Rate: 61%
Specializations Offered: Emergency Management
Total Programs in Safety (1)
Request InfoWashington, District of Columbia
Safety Accreditation: Request Info
Avg Credits: 33
Avg Tuition: $ 41,679
Avg Federal grant awarded: $7,155
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $38,784
Graduation Rate: 94%
Specializations Offered: Emergency Management
Total Programs in Safety (1)
Request InfoClarksville, Tennessee
Safety Accreditation: Request Info
Profit Type: Public
Avg Tuition: Request Info
Avg Federal grant awarded: $4,822
Avg Institutional grant awarded: $7,074
Graduation Rate: 38%
Specializations Offered: Emergency Management
Total Programs in Safety (1)
Request Info