Getting your bachelor’s degree is a great milestone in your life, but maybe you want to take the next step toward getting your master’s degree. Getting your master’s degree opens up a new set of opportunities, as this higher degree is a requirement in many careers.
As you move closer to graduate school, you may be wondering: “How long does it take to get a master’s degree?” In this guide, we will tell you how long it will take and the options that are available to you for further learning.
How Many Years Is a Master’s Program?
It takes two years to complete a master’s program as a full-time student. But it can take longer than two years if you are completing an online program at your own pace.
Online Master’s Degree Programs
An online graduate program is great for any prospective student who is unable to attend classes on campus or does not want to give up their daily schedule. By getting your degree online, you will have flexibility with your schedule and will be able to complete courses on your own time. Some students choose to earn a master’s degree online because they are already in the workforce and cannot attend classes in person at a university.
While part-time studying may be too drawn-out for those who want to get their degree in a timely fashion, some may find that is a good way to avoid becoming overworked due to a heavy course load. In an online master’s degree program, you will be able to choose the number of credit hours you take so it fits your schedule.
Furthermore, all of the resources students have on campus will also be available to online students. These resources generally include the following.
- Professor office hours: If you need to speak with your professor about course work, you can email him or her and set up a time to speak.
- Career resource centers: All universities have a career resource center that is available to students for networking and job searching. Online students are also encouraged to use these centers to hunt for jobs or to speak to an adviser who can search for positions that they are interested in. These resource centers are also open to helping students with their resumes and cover letters.
- Ability to speak with your classmates: While you cannot look over your shoulder and speak with a classmate, you can still connect with them remotely. Some online programs may even have team projects that you will complete with classmates.
- Online library: As an online student, you may not be able to go to the university library to use resources. But, universities also set up online libraries in which students can look up and read articles and check out eBooks.
Dual Degree Programs
If you are looking to complete your master’s in less than two years, most universities offer a dual degree program. In this program, students will complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously by taking graduate classes while at the undergraduate level.
Dual degree courses usually take five years to complete. These programs will save you money and time.
Popular Master’s Programs
If you are looking to get your master’s degree, you may want to consider one of these majors which are popular with grad students.
Master of Business Administration
MBA programs are designed for students who want to take their business degree to the next level. Students learn about leadership, business management, finance, and other areas of business.
They can then specialize in any area of business. A student who graduates with an MBA may go on to become a chief technology officer, marketing manager, or marketing analyst.
Master of Education
A master of education is for students who are looking to become educators. To enter a master’s degree education program, you must have a teaching license. The course will take about three years to complete. In this field, students will learn teaching techniques and will choose their teaching specialty.
Master of Computer Science
Master of computer science students explore the computer science field in depth. If you take this program, you will move on to a career in computer science, software development, information technology, and other related fields.
Master of Engineering
Master of engineering programs expand further on students’ undergraduate years. Students will learn about specialties within their engineering field. Possible master’s tracks are civil engineering, electrical, mechanical, bio-medical, and more.
Master of Public Administration
In a master of public administration program, students will learn about administrative duties and policies, to be applied either in a government agency or private company. Students will learn about project management, economics, public relations, business, psychology, and policy.
Is a Master’s Degree in Your Future?
If you are considering getting your master’s degree, keep in mind that it is a two-year time commitment. Having this higher degree will make you more marketable and will broaden your opportunities within any career field.
Employers prefer candidates with master’s degrees as they have shown their dedication to extra education and will have the experience to perform well in their job. If you are passionate about a certain subject and want to learn more, then studying for an additional two years may be the right choice to further your career.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
