Getting a master’s degree is often not an academic goal for many, but others consider it imperative to land a good job and set out on a successful career trajectory. Earning a master’s degree can help you become more specialized within your field and secure a better job and a higher salary.
Apart from the monetary advantages of a master’s degree, many people pursue postgraduate studies to become accomplished in their fields and gain a sense of personal fulfillment. With that said, getting a master’s degree isn’t a piece of cake. Many people fail to do their due diligence when looking for the right master’s degree or choosing the program that suits their financial standing and interests.
If you plan to enroll in a master’s program, we will discuss some tips to help you get started.
Types of master’s degrees
Before we jump into the tips, know several types of programs for earning a postgraduate qualification. Of course, these master’s degrees vary depending on your professional and personal goals. Nonetheless, here are the common ones:
- Master’s of Science, or M.S., is a one- to a two-year-long degree program. M.S. programs benefit people looking for careers in applied behavior analysis, STEM, or social sciences. An M.S. degree typically ends with a research project like a thesis, dissertation, or internship.
- Master’s of Arts or the M.A. program takes a year or two to complete. M.A. programs are generally for subjects in the humanities field like philosophy, anthropology, or history. Some universities also offer an M.A. in subjects like management.
- A Master’s of Fine Arts or an MFA program is reserved for creative disciplines like writing, performing arts, theatre, and film. These programs are from anywhere from one to three years. In the U.S., MFA degrees are the highest level of education in fine arts.
- A Master’s of Education or an M.Ed. is a postgraduate degree for those who want to become teaching professionals. An M.Ed. program specializes in the theoretical and practical understanding of the education system.
How to choose a master’s degree
Now that we have discussed the common types of master’s programs. Here are ways to get started when looking for your desired degree program.
- Why do you want to enroll in a master’s degree?
Before you enroll in a master’s program, know your “why.” First, ask yourself why you want to get a postgraduate degree instead of working at a job or starting your own business. In most cases, people opt for postgraduate studies for better job prospects. For instance, someone with an undergraduate degree in computer science can only go so far in their career as an experienced programmer or developer. However, with a specialized degree like data science or a cybersecurity master’s, they can seek better job opportunities and pursue a more specialized career path.
Don’t seek a master’s degree just because it would look good on your LinkedIn profile. Instead, revisit your goals and see where a master’s degree fits into that.
- Do your research
Once you’ve understood your reasoning behind seeking postgraduate study, start looking for prospective programs. There are many online forums and websites exclusively for researching master’s programs. These sites collect data from university databases regarding entry requirements, scholarship details, and funding information. Some websites also have built-in quizzes to help you find your desired program based on your academic record and interests. However, don’t rely on these sites only. Look around for people with the same career paths or interests as you. Meet with them and ask any questions about coursework, job prospects, and whether going back to school is worth it in this day and age. For most jobs, getting an online certification or a short course is more feasible than dedicating two years to a master’s program. In the end, it’s all about what works for you.
- Is it worth your time and money?
Speaking of what works for you, you must decide whether a master’s degree is worth your time and money. You might not benefit from a master’s degree if you’re running your own business, with your future financially secure. Master’s programs are costly. Especially if you’re planning to enroll at a prestigious university or go abroad for your studies, you may have to work out the cost and budgeting before applying.
If getting a master’s degree is the final call, but you cannot afford one, look for funding opportunities. There are plenty of scholarship programs, and many universities give out aid to deserving students. However, be mindful that scholarship opportunities are more competitive since institutions find the best candidates worth their time and money. To secure funding for your master’s degree, you may have to put in extra time and effort to perfect your overall profile regarding academics, experience, and recommendations. Additionally, leveraging calculators for finance and accounting can be invaluable in planning and managing your educational expenses.
- Consider master’s requirements
If you want to pursue a master’s degree, consider its admission requirements. Every program has a set of academic and experience requisites that every candidate must fulfill. Maybe you want to switch careers and enroll in a postgraduate degree unrelated to your undergraduate studies. Or you don’t have relevant work experience for your master’s degree. Checking these requisites before you apply can save you the time and money of applying. Look for programs that fit your past academic record and work experience. Nonetheless, you can look for ways to justify the career switch you’re trying to make in your personal statement.
- The learning environment
Another critical aspect of choosing the right program is assessing the learning environment you will be signing up for. Since COVID-19, many universities and institutes have shifted to two forms of learning – hybrid and in-person. Opting for an online master’s program might be a better option if you’re comfortable with remote learning. Besides, online master’s programs are less expensive than in-person degrees.
- Job opportunities
The last and most important tip is to assess whether a master’s degree would land you a better job. You don’t want a master’s degree if it would just be a repetition of what you learned during your undergraduate. So be sure to research the course curriculum before applying to a program.
Conclusion
Choosing a master’s program is one of the most vital decisions in a student’s life. You have to weigh the pros and cons of leaving a job, returning to school, and spending your savings on education. Be careful not to make a hasty decision. Instead, take it slow, understand the process, research, and then advance.
