Chapter 1

The Basics (Chapter 1)

Pursuing a master’s degree can be a great way either to advance your career or to help you enter an entirely new field. The 2010 U.S. Census determined that Americans who hold master’s degrees earn, on average, $12,000 more yearly than Americans who hold bachelor’s degrees. This information, however, does not differentiate between the many types of master’s degrees you can receive. Remember that simply earning a master’s degree does not guarantee an increase in pay.

Depending on a number of factors, including what you would like to study, the timeframe in which you would like to earn your degree, and your budget, pursuing a master’s degree online can sometimes be a viable option. As with any decision regarding continuing education, it is important to research the schools and programs you’re interested in, and to have a good grasp of what these can do for you and your career. When it comes to getting a master’s degree online, however, this is imperative. While online education has become more widespread and reputable in the past five years, the few cases of online institutions granting fraudulent degrees (sometimes to cats) continue to make some employers skeptical of online degrees. In other words, do your homework before making a decision.

A Master’s Degree:

A master’s degree is an advanced post-graduate degree that you can pursue once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree generally involves a specialization in a particular subject and mastery of the knowledge and skills that you will need to practice that discipline. Regardless of the subject area, most full-time master’s degree programs will take you between two and three years to complete. Part-time enrollment in a master’s program can take an additional one to two years to complete depending on how many credits you feasibly can take each term. In some cases a master’s degree is earned “en passant,” or on the way to obtaining the more advanced degree of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which is also known as a doctorate.

In the U.S., most master’s degrees carry the qualification of a Master of Science (MS, MSc) or a Master of Arts (MA), although some subject areas, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), or a Master of Social Work (MSW), carry degree titles particular to their program of study. Generally speaking, the “Arts” and “Science” qualifiers refer to the area in which you have specialized, with arts and humanities subjects falling under “Arts” and math, science, and social science subjects falling under “Science.”

Master’s Degree vs. PhD:

Although a master’s degree and a PhD are both advanced post-graduate degrees that require a specific area of study, there are several differences between the two. A PhD has a longer time commitment than a master’s degree, with a PhD taking anywhere from four to eight years to complete. Another difference is that there are more funding opportunities for PhD candidates in the form of financial aid, assistantships, and fellowships. The field or discipline you wish to enter may determine whether a master’s degree or a doctorate is the more appropriate degree for you. For example, teaching at the college or university level almost always requires a PhD. Look at your interests and your goals, and decide which level of education is more likely to allow you to reach these goals.

Details of a Master’s Degree:

Most master’s degree programs will require you to participate in seminar-style classes, where in-depth analysis and discussions of the material is expected. In an online master’s program, analyses and discussions may take place via conference/video calls and discussion boards, though written assignments are still the most likely method of assessment. Although you may not be physically seated in a classroom, you will not be excused from participating in discussions. To prove your mastery of a subject, most master’s degrees culminate with comprehensive exams, research projects, dissertations, practicums, or a combination of the above. Each school, program, and subject area will have its own graduation requirements, so check with each program when comparing your options.

Graduate School vs. Working:

If you have just received, or are in the process of completing, your bachelor’s degree, you might be wondering if it’s better to apply for graduate studies or to apply for jobs. This is a difficult choice to make, and one that very much depends on your personal situation and what you expect to get out of either decision. There are, however, several factor you should consider when deciding:

• Finances

  If you can fund your master’s degree right out of college, and still manage to pay for your living expenses, then attending graduate school without a break is possible. If paying for graduate school is a real concern for you, it’s okay to wait and to work for a few years before applying to graduate school. Some employers may help pay for your degree, so remember to take that into account when you are considering whether you should work before going back to school.

• Career

  Consider how a master’s degree will help your career or help you switch careers. Some master’s degrees will make you eligible for promotions in certain fields, while others may not help you advance at all.

• Experience

  Some master’s degree programs greatly value candidates who have a few years of experience outside of academia. Taking a break from school can also prevent burnout. If the discipline you’re interested in is more professional than academic, think about working for a few years and acquiring skills that you can only get from experience.

Graduate School and Working:

Is it possible to work while getting a master’s degree? Yes. Is it advisable? Sometimes. The nice thing about master’s degree programs in general, and online master’s degree programs in particular, is that many of them cater to students who have responsibilities and priorities other than school. The recognition of these responsibilities and priorities, however, will not preclude you from completing the same amount of work and meeting the same deadlines as other students. If you have the time and energy to pursue a master’s degree, and can manage both to work and to study, then it might work for you to work and study simultaneously. Before jumping into this kind of taxing situation, however, consider your current job and how physically and mentally tiring it is. Think about your study habits and how long it takes you to complete assignments. These will affect your ability to work and study at the same time, and should be factored into your decision.

Worth the Investment:

An online master’s degree will take a great deal of time, money, and energy to complete, but if you have considered how an online master’s degree can benefit you while fitting into your lifestyle, it may be worth the investment. Deciding whether or not an online master’s degree is worth the investment will depend on your individual situation. You should consider the field you are entering or hoping to advance in, what kind of education and degree level it takes to work in that field, how you can pay for tuition, the time commitment for finishing the degree, and what kind of return on investment you will get from this degree. If you do all of this and find a reputable program from an accredited online institution, pursuing an online master’s degree can be worth the investment.

Who an Online Master’s Degree is Right For:

In general, master’s degree programs are ideal for people who are sure about what they want to study and know what they will do with their degree once they are finished. Online master’s degree programs are best suited for people with that same kind conviction, but who may not be able to attend on-site classes regularly. To make the most of an online master’s degree, you must have outstanding organization and time management skills. Without the ability to manage your time and organize your workload, an online master’s degree program may not provide you with enough structure and support for you to succeed. Be honest with yourself when you are taking into account your strengths and weaknesses with regard to responsibilities and study habits. If you are not, you will only be hurting yourself and your chances of successfully completing a master’s degree.

Choosing to pursue an online master’s degree is an important decision that requires a lot of thought, research, and self-evaluation. If you can take the time to do these, you have a good chance of finding a program that is well suited to you and your career goals. The more research you do on the front end of this process, the better off you will be.