What Master's Degree Should I Get? Your Guide

The decision to earn a master’s degree is a big one, as it can afford you a higher earning potential but requires more time commitment. You might also be interested in growing and advancing in your current job or want to make a career change. It’s important for you to know about the different types of master’s degrees and the disciplines that each one uses. 

Ultimately, the type of master’s degree you choose depends on your interests, career goals, and if you prefer to take online or in-person classes. That said, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that while the median weekly income for someone with a bachelor’s degree is $1,493, a person with a master’s degree can earn $1,737 weekly [1].

This article explores the reasons to consider a master’s degree, the types of master’s degrees available, what to consider when choosing one, and how to find a graduate program that best fits your needs. 

Reasons to get a master’s degree

It’s important to consider your reasons for getting a master’s degree, such as earning potential or changing careers. Let’s review some common reasons to get a master’s degree. Here are some reasons to consider:

• Increase your earning potential

• Advance in your current position

• Explore new career paths

• Gain academic experience to pursue a doctorate

• Meet new professionals and grow your network

If any of these reasons speak to you, it’s time to ask, “What master's degree should I get?”.

Types of master's degrees

Types of master’s degrees range from general degrees to highly specialized ones. If you are looking for a broad path, consider a general degree that gives you options. A specialist degree is best if you want to advance in your current position or deepen your knowledge to become more valuable. Let’s explore the basic kinds of master’s degrees offered:

• Master of Science (MS): Focuses on deepening your knowledge in subjects from a scientific viewpoint. Subjects like biology, engineering, computer science, and marketing fit this category. Many learners complete these degrees in one to two years. 

• Master of Arts (MA): Focuses on humanities subjects like literature, philosophy, and history to enrich your knowledge from a liberal arts perspective, unlike the scientific approach. Some subjects overlap between an MS and an MA, depending on the critical approach of the program. 

• Master of Business Administration (MBA): This is a generalist degree that gives you an overview of various aspects of business; however, these degrees become more specific if you choose to focus on a subject like finance, marketing, or analytics. 

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA): This terminal degree is in art-based disciplines like writing, theatre, and film. MFAs typically take up to three years to complete. 

• Master of Education (MEd): This option focuses on the theory and practice of education systems and how they function, whether from a psychological, policy, or special education perspective. 

• Master of Public Health (MPH): Focuses on the delivery and communication of public health issues and infrastructure at the population level. It can often lead you to a job in government or public health institutions. 

Things to consider

Choosing the right master’s degree can be challenging.It’s important to consider the factors in your life that determine the career you want, how much time you can afford to earn your degree, and the requirements of specific degrees. 

• Career goals: Knowing your career goals determines what kind of degree you should get. Consider the benefits of an MS or MA in certain programs or whether you should get an MBA for business and managerial skills versus an MS for science and technical skills. 

• Life circumstances: Research how long the program takes to complete, the cost, and whether it fits your current lifestyle. If you work full-time, you might consider an accredited online master’s degree. 

• Degree requirements: Examine the requirements of a degree, such as course load and any prerequisite courses if you are changing degree fields 

High-paying jobs with master’s degrees

When considering what master’s degree to get, it’s important to examine the earning potential and job outlook associated with the degree to get the best return on your investment. Let’s examine some high-paying jobs with master’s degrees:

*All annual salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of February 2025 and does not include additional pay such as profit sharing, bonuses, or commissions.

MBA

An MBA leads to various business jobs, such as consultants, business operations managers, and finance managers. It also gives you the knowledge to take on senior and C-level roles if you want to move up in your current organization. 

MS in nursing

A Master of Science in Nursing opens a range of positions for you, such as nurse anesthetist and nurse practitioner. These two roles gain you further responsibilities in the medical field without the lengthy process of medical school. You gain skills like assisting in anesthesiology or taking a larger role in seeing patients and researching. 

MS in computer science

An MS in computer science gives you the skills to create complex software and in-depth knowledge of computer systems in all facets. A master’s in computer science allows you to move into managerial positions after gaining experience in the field. Advanced knowledge can lead you to research positions as well as some C-level positions. 

MS in marketing

An MS in marketing gives you high-level experience with techniques like SEO while teaching you to utilize digital marketing effectively. With a master’s in this field, you gain valuable marketing skill sets, which can increase your job prospects. Additionally, this degree can help you move into management positions. 

MPH

A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree gives you skills to communicate and implement public health strategies at large organizations. It allows you to work in various industries, including government agencies, private consulting firms, and hospitals. 

Choosing a graduate school

If you’ve narrowed your master’s degree options, it’s time to choose a grad school. When selecting a graduate school, you can follow the same guidelines as deciding what master’s degree to pursue by considering these factors:

• Career goals

• Life circumstances

• In-person versus online

• Program requirements and prerequisites

• The program’s duration and time commitment

• Cost of the program

• Your financial aid options

It's time to apply after you narrow down a list of schools that offer you the best flexibility, networking opportunities, and financial aid options. Gather everything the graduate school you’re applying to requires. This often includes transcripts, resumes, required essays or personal statements, letters of recommendation, required test scores, and application fees. 

Getting started with Coursera

Choosing to get a master’s degree is the first step in your graduate-level education journey. Your next step is to decide what master’s degree is best for your career, lifestyle, and financial goals. Consider an online master’s degree program like the Master of Business Administration (iMBA) from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business, the Master of Public Health from the 

University of Michigan, or the Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Colorado Boulder, all found on Coursera.