Master's Degree Programs | Online & On-Campus

Table of Contents

What Is a Master’s Degree?

A master’s degree is a graduate-level credential typically pursued after earning a bachelor’s degree. It allows students to build advanced knowledge and skills in a specific academic, professional, or technical field.

Master’s programs vary widely in purpose and structure. Some are designed for career advancement or entry into a regulated profession, while others emphasize research, teaching, or preparation for doctoral study. Depending on the program, students may complete coursework, a thesis, a capstone project, a practicum, an internship, or a comprehensive exam.

A master’s degree is required for some occupations and may improve advancement opportunities in others, but it is not necessary for every career. It is also not always required before entering a doctoral program, since some doctoral programs admit students directly after a bachelor’s degree.

How to Get a Master’s Degree

To get a master’s degree, you typically need to identify the right field of study, compare programs, meet admission requirements, apply, and complete the required coursework or other academic components.

Program rankings can be a useful starting point, but they should not be the main basis for your decision. A highly ranked school may still be a poor fit if its curriculum, cost, format, faculty expertise, or career outcomes do not align with your goals.

Start by defining what you want the degree to help you accomplish. From there, identify suitable programs, confirm their admission requirements, compare their costs and curricula, and apply before the relevant deadlines.

The sections below explain how to compare programs and choose the option that best fits your goals.

Application timelines vary by program, so it is best to work backward from each school’s deadline. Allow enough time to gather transcripts, request recommendations, prepare a statement of purpose, complete any required entrance exam, and compare offers before enrolling.

How Do You Find and Compare Master’s Programs?

To find and compare master’s programs, begin with your career or academic goal, identify the appropriate degree, and build a shortlist of programs that meet your main requirements.

Step 1: Identify the Degree You Need

Determine which degree and concentration best match your goal. Options may include the Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Social Work (MSW), and Master of Education (M.Ed.).

Programs with similar names may have different curricula or intended outcomes, so review the course requirements rather than relying on the degree title alone.

Step 2: Search for Programs

You can search through university websites, professional associations, state higher education directories, education fairs, and general search engines. The National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator is another useful tool for filtering institutions by location, programs, degree level, cost, and other characteristics.

Do not limit the search to nearby schools. Online and hybrid programs may provide additional options, although they can still include campus visits, internships, clinical placements, or other location-based requirements.

Step 3: Confirm Admission Requirements

Review the requirements on each program’s official website. Depending on the program, applicants may need to submit:

Undergraduate transcripts
Letters of recommendation
A statement of purpose
A résumé or curriculum vitae
Prerequisite coursework
Work experience
A portfolio or writing sample
An interview
Standardized test scores

Entrance exams are not required by every master’s program, so confirm the policy before registering for one.

Step 4: Compare the Program Details

Compare programs based on the factors most relevant to your goals:

Curriculum and concentrations
Thesis, capstone, practicum, or internship requirements
Tuition, fees, funding, and employer assistance
Online, hybrid, or on-campus format
Full-time and part-time options
Accreditation
Faculty expertise
Career services and published student outcomes
Licensure or certification preparation

Faculty research may be especially important for thesis-based programs. In professionally focused programs, practical experience, industry connections, and licensure alignment may deserve greater weight.

Step 5: Verify Location and Authorization Requirements

Students considering an online program should confirm that the institution can enroll students in the state where they will be located. SARA provides a shared state-authorization framework for participating institutions offering interstate distance education, but it does not guarantee that every program is available in every state.

For programs leading to professional licensure, also verify whether the curriculum meets the requirements in the state where you intend to practice.

Step 6: Build a Shortlist

Select a manageable group of programs that meet your highest-priority criteria. Use official program information, virtual or in-person events, and conversations with admissions staff, faculty, students, or alumni to resolve any remaining questions.

Comparing the finalists side by side can help you identify meaningful differences and avoid choosing primarily on rankings, location, or name recognition.

How Do You Choose the Right Master’s Program?

Choose a master’s program by comparing how well each option fits your goals, budget, schedule, and expected outcomes. A simple decision matrix can help you evaluate programs consistently rather than relying on rankings or reputation alone.

Decision factor	Questions to ask	Why it matters
Career fit	Is the degree required, preferred, or useful for the role you want?	A degree should connect to a clear professional or academic goal.
Curriculum	Do the courses, concentrations, and practical requirements build the skills you need?	Programs with similar titles may prepare students for different careers.
Accreditation	Is the institution accredited? Does programmatic accreditation matter in this field?	Accreditation may affect financial aid, licensure, certification, credit transfer, and employer recognition.
Program format	Is the program online, hybrid, or on campus? Are courses synchronous or asynchronous?	The format should fit your schedule, location, and learning preferences.
Time to completion	Can you attend full time or part time? Are courses available year-round?	Program length affects cost, workload, and how soon you may benefit from the degree.
Total cost	What will you pay for tuition, fees, books, technology, travel, and other expenses?	The advertised tuition rate may not reflect the full cost of attendance.
Funding	Are scholarships, assistantships, employer benefits, or tuition discounts available?	Funding can substantially change the program’s return on investment.
Faculty and resources	Does the program offer relevant faculty expertise, facilities, research, or professional connections?	These factors may be especially important in research, clinical, technical, or creative fields.
Student outcomes	Does the school publish graduation, employment, salary, licensure, or alumni data?	Credible outcomes can help you judge whether the program delivers results.
Location and requirements	Will you need to commute, relocate, attend a residency, or complete a local internship or clinical placement?	Even online programs may include in-person or location-dependent requirements.

After gathering this information, assign each factor a level of importance and score the programs you are considering. The strongest choice is usually the one that performs well on your highest-priority criteria—not necessarily the program with the highest ranking or best-known name.

Is an Online or On-Campus Master’s Degree Better?

Neither format is automatically better. The right choice depends on your schedule, learning preferences, location, field of study, and need for in-person resources.

	Online master’s programs	On-campus master’s programs
Flexibility	May offer asynchronous, evening, or part-time options	Often follows a more fixed class schedule
Location	Can expand access beyond nearby schools	May require commuting or relocation
Interaction	Usually relies on video meetings, discussion boards, and online group work	Offers more face-to-face contact with faculty and classmates
Networking	Can connect students across regions and industries	May make local networking and campus involvement easier
Facilities	Access to labs, studios, and specialized equipment may be limited	Often provides direct access to campus facilities
Pace	May be full time, part time, or accelerated	May also offer full-time, part-time, or accelerated options
In-person requirements	Some programs require residencies, clinical work, internships, or exams	Courses and many program activities typically take place on campus, although internships, fieldwork, and clinical placements may occur elsewhere

Before enrolling in an online program, confirm whether it includes any required campus visits, internships, clinical placements, or other location-based components. Students pursuing a licensed profession should also verify that the program meets the educational requirements in the state where they plan to practice.

An online program may be a strong fit if flexibility and geographic access are priorities. An on-campus program may be a better fit if you value face-to-face instruction, campus resources, or local professional connections.

How Long Does a Master’s Degree Take?

A master’s degree often takes about one to three years to complete, but the timeline depends on the program, course load, field of study, and whether the student attends full time or part time.

Some programs offer accelerated formats that use shorter terms, year-round scheduling, heavier course loads, or overlapping undergraduate and graduate coursework. These options may reduce the completion time, but they can also require a more intensive schedule.

Thesis-based, clinical, or part-time programs may take longer. Online programs may offer more scheduling flexibility, but they are not necessarily faster than on-campus programs.

Completion time may also depend on requirements such as:

Total number of credits
Thesis or capstone work
Internships, practicums, or clinical hours
Course availability
Enrollment status
Transfer credits

Graduate coursework is usually more specialized than undergraduate study and may require substantial reading, research, writing, group work, or applied projects. Prospective students should review each program’s expected timeline and weekly workload before enrolling.

How Much More Can You Earn With a Master’s Degree?

Workers with master’s degrees earn more on average than workers whose highest credential is a bachelor’s or associate degree. However, these broad averages do not show whether a particular master’s program will produce a positive return on investment.

According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, median weekly earnings for full-time wage and salary workers age 25 and older were:

Highest level of education	Median weekly earnings	Difference from a bachelor’s degree
Associate degree	$1,099	$444 less
Bachelor’s degree	$1,543	—
Master’s degree	$1,840	$297 more

Workers with master’s degrees also had a 2.2% unemployment rate, compared with 2.5% for workers with bachelor’s degrees and 2.8% for those with associate degrees. These figures describe broad groups of workers and do not prove that earning another degree will cause an individual’s salary to increase.

The financial value of a master’s degree varies significantly by occupation, field, location, experience, and employer. A degree may offer a strong return when it is required for entry or advancement, but less value when employers prioritize experience, certification, or other forms of training.

When estimating the potential return, compare:

Tuition and required fees
Books, technology, travel, and other expenses
Interest paid on student loans
Income you may give up while studying
Employer tuition assistance or other funding
Your current earnings
Expected earnings in the target role
The likelihood that the degree will help you enter or advance in that occupation

Do not base the decision on national earnings figures alone. Research salary data and education requirements for the specific occupation you plan to pursue, then compare the likely benefit with the full cost of the program.

Is a Master’s Degree Right for You?

A master’s degree may be worthwhile when it is required for your target career, supports a realistic advancement goal, or provides specialized training you cannot gain as efficiently through work experience or a shorter credential.

Common reasons to pursue a master’s degree include:

To Qualify for a Specific Career

Some occupations require a master’s degree for entry, licensure, or advancement. Before enrolling, confirm the education requirements for the role and state where you plan to work.

To Advance in Your Current Field

A master’s degree may help you qualify for leadership, technical, or specialized positions. The value depends on how employers in your field view the credential and whether the program builds relevant skills.

To Change Careers

Graduate study can provide structured training, professional connections, and experience in a new field. Some programs are designed for career changers, while others require prior coursework or experience.

To Build Specialized Knowledge

A master’s program can help you develop deeper expertise in a focused area. Depending on the program, this may involve advanced coursework, research, a capstone, a practicum, or a thesis.

To Prepare for Doctoral Study

A master’s degree can strengthen research skills and prepare students for a doctorate, but it is not required for every doctoral program. Some programs admit students directly after a bachelor’s degree.

Before deciding, compare the program’s total cost and time commitment with the likely career benefit. A master’s degree is most useful when it connects clearly to a specific professional or academic goal.

When Should You Pursue a Master’s Degree?

The right time to pursue a master’s degree depends on your career goal, finances, experience level, and the expectations of your field. Some students benefit from enrolling soon after a bachelor’s degree, while others gain more from working first.

Going directly to graduate school may make sense when:

The degree is required for entry into your target profession
You already know the field and specialization you want to pursue
The program builds directly on your undergraduate coursework
You have a clear funding plan
Delaying the degree would slow progress toward a specific career goal

Working before enrolling may be more useful when:

Employers in your field value professional experience
You are still deciding between specializations
Work experience could strengthen your application
An employer may help pay for the degree
You want a clearer sense of which skills or credentials will support advancement

Before applying, make sure you understand why you need the degree and what you expect it to help you accomplish. A master’s program is usually most valuable when it supports a specific career, academic, or licensure goal rather than serving as a default next step.

Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s Degrees

Should I Get a Master’s Degree?

A master’s degree may be worth pursuing if it is required for your target career, supports a realistic advancement goal, or provides specialized training that is difficult to gain another way. It may be less useful if the likely benefit does not justify the cost, time, or debt.

Is a Master’s Degree Worth the Cost?

It depends on the program, field, total cost, and expected career outcome. Compare tuition and other expenses with likely earnings, advancement opportunities, employer support, and the value of alternatives such as certificates, licenses, or work experience.

Do I Need Work Experience Before Starting a Master’s Degree?

Not always. Some programs are designed for students entering directly after a bachelor’s degree, while others prefer or require professional experience.

Work experience can be especially helpful in fields where students are expected to apply workplace knowledge, choose a specialization, or move into management.

Can I Earn a Master’s Degree Online?

Yes. Many accredited institutions offer online master’s programs, but availability, format, and in-person requirements vary.

Before enrolling, confirm whether the program includes residencies, internships, clinical placements, exams, or other location-based requirements.

Do All Master’s Programs Require a Thesis?

No. Some programs require a thesis, while others use a capstone project, practicum, comprehensive exam, portfolio, or coursework-only format.

Research-focused programs are more likely to require a thesis than professionally oriented programs, but requirements differ by school.

Do I Need a Master’s Degree Before a Doctorate?

Not always. Some doctoral programs require a master’s degree, while others admit students directly after a bachelor’s degree.

Check the admission requirements for the specific doctoral programs you are considering.

Can a Master’s Degree Help Me Change Careers?

It can. A master’s program may provide the coursework, practical experience, and professional connections needed to enter a new field.

However, some programs require prior coursework or experience, so career changers should review prerequisites carefully.

How Many Master’s Programs Should I Apply To?

There is no universal number. Apply to a manageable group of programs that fit your goals, budget, qualifications, and preferred format.

A balanced list may include programs with different levels of selectivity, but every program should be one you would seriously consider attending.

Explore Master’s Degree Program Guides

Explore the guides below to compare online master’s degree options across fields such as business, counseling, social work, technology, healthcare, education, and public service. The collection includes program rankings, affordability guides, accelerated options, no-GRE and no-GMAT pathways, and comparisons between related degrees.

Use these resources as a starting point, then review each school’s curriculum, admission requirements, accreditation, cost, delivery format, and student outcomes before deciding which option best fits your goals.

Master’s Degree Programs