Masters Degree

Find masters degree programs and find out how a masters degree can help you pursue your career goals.

What Is a Masters Degree?

A masters degree is a graduate school program you can pursue after your bachelors degree. Masters degree classes allow you the opportunity to delve deeper into a specific field of study than you do before graduate school. Some careers require a masters degree, while others require the masters degree as part of a doctorate degree.

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Find a Masters Degree Program

Schools Offering Masters Degrees by State
Masters Degree Programs at Campus Schools
Campus Schools Offering Masters Degrees
Online Masters Degree Programs
Online Schools Offering Masters Degrees

Schools Offering Masters Degrees by State

Masters Degree Programs at Campus Schools

Campus Schools Offering Masters Degrees

Not all colleges and universities offer masters degree programs, and the areas of study for masters degrees may differ from degree programs at the undergraduate level. Pursuing a masters degree at a campus graduate school allows you to engage with professors and students in person in classes and study groups.

Masters Degree Programs at Online Schools

Online colleges offer masters degrees in a broad variety of academic areas. If you're eager to specialize in your field or master a new area to expand your career opportunities, an online program may provide you with benefits you may not find on a traditional campus. Among them: autonomy and an increased ability to manage how quickly you complete your degree. Learn more about online masters degrees.

Online Schools Offering Masters Degrees

Masters Degree Time Requirements

A masters degree is typically completed in two years of full-time graduate school coursework. Unlike a bachelors degree, which combines general studies and elective courses with classes in a student's major, at the graduate school level, students focus specifically on courses in their majors or areas of study.

While some students complete their masters degree full-time, others choose to work and attend school part-time either at night or through online classes.

Is a masters degree right for you?

Completing a masters degree allows you to pursue certain careers and lets you delve more deeply into your field of study. Here are some of the top reasons why students chose to attend graduate school and earn a masters degree:

For career advancement.
Even if a graduate school degree isn't required to get a job in your industry, you may find that you can advance farther in your career with a masters degree. For some positions, a masters degree is mandatory for consideration.
To earn more money.
Students with graduate school degrees may be more likely to be considered for higher-paying jobs and can have an increased ability to move higher in their positions.
To change career fields.
A masters degree can help professionals gain expertise in a new area and make switching careers easier.
To become an authority in your field.
Pursuing your area of study at the graduate school level can help make you an expert on that subject matter. Most masters degrees require that students complete a thesis or research paper on a chosen subject.
To get a doctorate degree.
A masters degree is required to pursue a doctorate degree. You can either apply to a doctoral program and get your masters degree as part of your studies or you can apply to a terminal masters degree program and then pursue a doctorate degree when you've completed your masters degree.

What types of students pursue masters degrees?

Students choose masters degrees for many reasons. Some begin their graduate school studies right after completing their bachelors degrees, while others go back to graduate school after working. They may choose to complete their masters degree in order to advance in their current careers or to change career paths.

Should you pursue a masters degree at an online school?

It is becoming increasingly possible and more convenient to pursue your online masters degree. Taking an online program allows you more flexibility in scheduling classes, because you can tailor them to your work schedule and other obligations, and while you may not have in-person interactions with professors and other students, live conferencing allows you to interact with them in real time.

Be aware that at the graduate school level, some online masters degree programs may require you to spend some time on campus, either attending specific courses or taking exams. Review the attendance requirements at any online schools you're considering that are located far from where you live.

How do you narrow down my choice of schools that offer masters degrees?

If you're choosing a campus school rather than an online school for your masters degree, location may be a major factor. For online schools and campus schools, cost and the areas of study offered by the graduate school will also help you choose the school that's best for you.