There are a range of different reasons to pursue a master’s degree. A master’s degree can be an opportunity to advance your knowledge of a subject or gain the necessary knowledge and skills to pivot to a new career.

It may be helpful to think about your interests, career goals, and resources while exploring potential master’s degree programs. Take time to review the curriculum you’ll study, the way you’ll learn (the modality), the program’s cost, and how flexible it is. These factors can help you determine which online master’s program is best for you.

Each master’s program on Coursera sets different application requirements and may expect materials like a bachelor’s degree, GRE scores, a graduate school resume, or a letter of intent. It’s a good idea to visit the degree page for the program you’re interested in to get more information. Click “Apply Now” if you’re ready to begin the process.

On Coursera, certain institutions do not require an application, like the University of Colorado Boulder's Master's of Science in Data Science. You can qualify for performance-based admission by passing three courses in either its Statistics or Computer Science pathway.

A master’s degree can be a valuable education unto itself—and a respected credential to feature on your resume. An online degree only describes how you earned your master’s degree, and often that qualifier is not part of the official degree you receive upon graduation.

Earning your master’s degree and including that detail on your resume tells employers about the advanced knowledge and skills you’ve developed. It can also be a signal about your dedication to building on your education.

Yes, a master’s degree can be worth it—depending on your goals. A master’s degree can lead to higher salaries, more senior-level opportunities, advanced knowledge and skill sets, and exciting networking opportunities, among other benefits. Learn more about whether going back to school is the best option for you and whether a master’s degree is worth it.