Accredited Master’s Degrees
Earning a master’s degree is a great way to further your career. Many high-ranking positions demand a master’s-level education because of the complexity of the responsibilities that employees in those positions tackle. Such positions include those in intensive research, management, and teaching in nearly any field. If your career goals include any of those responsibilities, consider earning a master’s degree in the field you wish to join.
In addition to a more rewarding career, a master’s degree also offers financial benefits as well. Those with a master’s degree typically earn more than those with a lower-level degree. For example, in 2009, master’s degree holders earned an average weekly salary of $1,257, which is $232 more than bachelor’s degree salaries and $497 more than average associate’s degree salaries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that in the span of one year, or roughly 50 work weeks, master’s degree holders earn approximately $11,600 more than bachelor’s degree holders and $24,800 more than associate’s degree holders. Those with master’s degrees are also less likely to be faced with unemployment. Master’s degree holders faced a 3.9 percent unemployment rate, as opposed to the national 7.9 percent unemployment rate in 2009, the Bureau reports.
To earn a master’s degree, students must have already earned a four-year bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree will typically take an additional two to three years of schooling, depending on the specific degree program and school. Master’s degree programs also usually require students to complete a thesis or final project at the end of the program before the degree can be conferred. Students should be ready to buckle down and work hard in order to earn their master’s degree.
Here are some of the most popular accredited master’s degrees:
