Master’s programs typically take between one and three years to complete. These programs are typically versatile and can be applied to many different careers or Ph.D programs. Master’s programs may feel more similar to Bachelor’s programs in that they typically involve lectures, labs, and small pieces of work leading up to a final thesis or project. Check out this blog post from North Eastern to learn more about the benefits of obtaining a master’s degree.

Why do people pursue master’s degrees? 

1. To start a career in a chosen profession. 

Some career choices are limited to people with master’s degrees. Having a master's may be about qualifying to participate in a career you want to pursue. Here are just a few careers that require a Master’s degree: 

• Social Worker

• Postsecondary Teacher

• Counselor

• Librarian

• Physician Assistant

• Speech-Language Pathologist

• Urban and Regional Planner

• Political Scientist

2. To prepare for graduate study at the doctoral level. 

For some, having a masters may be about wanting to invest in more education. For many Ph.D. programs, the completion of a Master’s degree is not a requirement. However, there are many reasons why people choose to do master’s programs prior to pursuing a Ph.D. Here are a couple:

• To gain a specific skill set related to their Ph.D. that they may be lacking. For example, a student may realize they want to pursue a Ph.D. in a field unrelated to their college major too late. A master’s program can bridge the gap of understanding needed to succeed in a Ph.D. program and the Ph.D. application process.

• It is an opportunity to gain research experience. Ph.D.s rely heavily on research and some undergraduate students may not have the experience necessary to feel prepared for a Ph.D. program or the application process. Choosing a master’s program that emphasizes research can be a great opportunity to showcase your research abilities both to yourself and to an application review team. 

3. To focus on a specialty or expand their knowledge.

A Master’s program may offer insight into a specific field or career path, allowing participants to have experience centralized around a specific goal or research subject. For some, this may mean supporting future research for a doctoral program. For others, it can give the necessary specialty for a career. 

Alternatively, a master's program can be a great way to expand one’s knowledge of their field. Some choose to go into a master's program to round out their undergraduate experience.