What is a Master's Degree?

A Master's degree is a graduate academic degree from a university or college. Depending on the area of study, Master's degree programs can last from one to six years and is typically entered after achieving a Bachelor's degree. Most programs require a Bachelor's degree (equal to four years of full time study) as a prerequisite for admission. The most recognizable types of Master's degrees are the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Science (MS).However, there are wide-variety of professional disciplines offered. Master's programs vary from being entirely course-based to entirely research based, but most programs are structured to include both approaches. Getting a Master's degree as a working professional will help you become a leader in your field or simply enhance your ability in your area of study. A Master's degree is required for licensing in many professions and is the necessary preparation for a doctorate.

Who Should Earn an Online Master's Degree?

Before you enroll in an online graduate program you have to ask yourself "why is it that you want to earn this degree and is earning the degree actually going to help achieve your goal"? Is it because you want to learn, find a new job, and make more money, or progress farther in your existing career? In most workplaces degrees are helpful, however, not everyone's career can benefit from a graduate degree. Some positions offer substantial monetary incentives for graduate degrees or a specific Master's degree and other positions do not consider graduate work important for granting promotions or increasing salaries. Earning an online Master's degree requires a considerable investment of time and money, you have to make sure that the benefit is worth it. You can comparison shop for the online Master's degree program that best suits your desires. Once in the program, you'll be able to study at the times that are best for you. Mid-career professionals are often successful in online Master's degree programs. If you are interesting in earning a Master's degree you should be able to read and understand advanced texts as well as be able to write at a college-level. You should also be aware that most online graduate programs award grades based on writing assignments, online reading discussions, as well as written exams.

Types of Master's Degrees

There are many different types of Master's degrees. The most common are the Master of Arts (MA) and the Master of Science (MS).

Master of Arts (MA), degree is awarded to students completing studies in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, or in Theology. Some MA programs are also designed for students intending to do additional graduate work after graduation (i.e., earning a doctorate degree). Typically, the degree takes two years of full-time study and requires a thesis or a comprehensive exam or both.

Master of Science (MS) degree is granted to students completing studies Social Sciences, Business, in the Natural Sciences, and Technology. Many (but not all) MS programs are designed to be professional degrees for students entering the workforce instead of pursuing additional studies. Generally the degree takes two years of full-time study and requires a comprehensive exam and a thesis.

Other Master's degrees include: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master of Library Science (MLS), Master of Music (MMus), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Education (MEd), and additional specialized degrees.

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