On This Page

1. Undergraduate vs. Graduate Degrees: an overview

2. Master of Business Administration

3. Master of Arts

4. Master of Science

5. Master of Education

6. How to choose a master's degree

Undergraduate vs. Graduate Degrees: an overview

There are numerous distinctions between undergraduate and graduate degrees. Graduate programs typically have smaller class sizes than undergraduate programs. This improves both the quality of specialist group discussions and general attendance.

Additionally, graduate degrees frequently have an emphasis on areas outside than the classroom. While undergraduate courses are structured around exams and class participation, graduate programs place a greater emphasis on the development of research and communication skills and less on planned lectures and exams.

Having said that, your experience will vary based on the type of MS degree you seek. This is also true if you opt for an online master's degree, which is perfectly possible.

Master of Business Administration

Master of Business Administration degrees are designed for individuals who are already fairly established in their careers and want a boost in their professional development. Nonetheless, some students may choose to enroll in an MBA degree prior to beginning their careers, which frequently leads to careers in finance, economics, or management.

Increased employment rates: MBA graduates benefit from increased job security as a result of developing a skill set that is long-term marketable to companies. According to a research conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), 90% of respondents indicated that their graduate business education provided a positive return on investment, and 87 percent indicated that earning an MBA improved their employability.

Along with increased employability, an MBA can help you make more money. Additionally, GMAC reported that the median wage of an MBA graduate is around 75% higher than that of a bachelor's degree holder. Earning a master's degree in business will demonstrate to companies your dedication to professionalism and successful management.

While MBA programs are frequently wide in scope, specializations are available. Courses focused on a certain industry or concentration enable students to explore potential career pathways prior to entering the profession. For example, students can concentrate on marketing, innovation, business analytics, or management while pursuing their graduate degrees.

Expanded professional network: Business school peers will familiarize you with a variety of industries, business processes, and cultures. Expansion of your professional network may result in unexpected career chances later in your career.

Master of Arts

The M.A., which typically lasts between two and four years, is one of the most accessible degrees for students. Master of Arts degrees frequently focus on social sciences subjects such as sociology, political science, psychology, and anthropology. They might be research- or academic-based.

While business degrees and more specialized master's degrees frequently focus on certain job paths, master's degrees in the humanities foster a diverse mix of social and professional skills.

MA degrees are socially oriented, which means that students evaluate complicated theories and their long- and short-term ramifications from a sociological or anthropological perspective.

So, how might this theoretical understanding help you advance in your actual career?

Employers want to know how your M.A. degree distinguishes you from the competition. Mention transferable talents, courses related to the role or firm, final projects, and group tasks during your interview. In your future role, emphasize your desire to learn and grow, as well as how that motivation will translate.

Master of Science

M.Sc. degrees are philosophically similar to M.A. degrees, but are often more technical in nature. A computer science degree, for example, provides specialized expertise in the field of technology and can help you expand your career and earning prospects.

For individuals currently employed in the technology field, an M.Sc. can help you develop new specialized abilities, such as those in artificial intelligence, network security, or software development.

An M.Sc. provides a foundation for research and development, exposing students to a variety of new sectors.

Master of Education

For a variety of reasons, many current and future educators choose to get a Master of Education degree. For the most part, graduate education students want to get a degree in order to either advance in their current field or to change careers and specialize.

People who are passionate about education and want to have an impact on the world are often drawn to advanced teaching degrees.

The Master of Education program is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in education through a multidisciplinary approach that includes human development, teaching and learning theory, behavior management, and assessment of learning.

Both elementary and secondary education are available as specialities in this program. There are five nine-week terms during the academic year that can be completed either full or part time. Students may be given the option of taking their classes at a faster pace in some instances.

This program's goal is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective classroom teachers, including the ability to set classroom learning goals and objectives, identify the instructional needs of individual students, create and maintain an effective learning environment, implement instructional strategies, and pursue on-the-the-job growth.

How to choose a master's degree

Make certain that the graduate degree you choose aligns with your prior professional accomplishments and positions you for future success. Bear in mind that whether you have recently completed your undergraduate degree or have excelled in your profession, this is not a decision to be taken lightly.

Consider the duration of the degree and the financial commitment required. Though it may appear daunting, proper study into the many programs accessible to you will help you make an informed decision. Examine the program's entrance requirements, evaluate your personal strengths and limitations, and compare your qualifications practically to each program.

You can choose between online, in-person, or hybrid master's degrees, depending on your taste. Following that, you can continue on your journey to success!