For many, learning is a lifelong endeavor, full of new areas to explore, skills to unlock and heights to achieve. Where associate and bachelor’s degrees lay the foundation for your career, there are even more benefits to having a master’s degree. People who want to continue their education usually have a few fundamental questions, like “what is a master’s degree?” and “are master’s degrees worth it?” A master’s degree is completed after earning a bachelor’s degree and demonstrates mastery of a particular subject. Read on to learn more about the benefits of having a master’s degree, the different types of master’s degrees you can earn and much more.
Duration
Depending on what you are studying and whether you’re attending school full-time or part-time, earning a master’s degree can take between one to three years. With on-campus and online learning opportunities, Tiffin University makes it simple to earn your degree at the pace that’s best for you.
Flexible Format
Many adult learners are concerned that they can’t balance school and their busy schedules, so looking for a school that accommodates their needs with format flexibility is important. One of the advantages of a master’s degree from Tiffin University is the ability to attend classes online.
In an online learning setting, you can attend courses and complete assignments and exams at a time that’s best for you. Online forums and chat functionality allow you to interact with your classmates and professors, and you have full access to TU’s Pfeiffer Library.
Types of Master’s Degrees
There are many types of master’s degrees, and Tiffin University offers a great variety to choose from. If you’re wondering, “which master’s degree is right for me?” here are some examples of the types of master’s degrees you can pursue:
MBA
You probably have heard these three letters, but don’t know the benefits of having a master’s degree in this field. A Master of Business Administration is the most common type of master’s degree, and covers a wide range of business applications like accounting, human resources, operations, management, marketing and more.
M.Ed.
What is a master’s degree that’s ideal for people who want to work in an educational setting? A Master of Education is typically the next step for anyone who’s interested in becoming an educator, administrator, instructional designer or more. This degree may cover the fundamentals of instruction, like curriculum development and school administration, as well as higher education administration, instructional design and other subject areas related to postsecondary and higher education.
MH
A Master of Humanities degree is for students interested in careers in the arts, philosophy, literature and more, and is tailored for those who are curious about the human condition. This degree prepares students for a variety of career opportunities such as community college teacher, public relations professional, screenwriter and more.
MS
A Master of Science degree covers specific areas of science like psychology, technology, mathematics and more. This broad degree program ensures that master’s degrees are worth it because you can apply your skills to a wide range of high-paying careers.
MSCJ
A Master of Science in criminal justice degree covers specific areas of criminal justice like crime analysis, criminal behavior, forensic psychology, homeland security, justice administration and more. This degree prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in the criminal justice field.
Aim Even Higher
What is a master’s degree if not a steppingstone to an even higher credential? One of the benefits of having a master’s is that it’s often the next step for you to earn a doctoral degree. If you have your eyes on a terminal degree, then you’ll definitely want to earn a master’s degree.
So, Is a Master’s Worth It?
“Are master’s degrees worth it?” is a very common question, and overwhelmingly the answer is yes, depending on what your career and life goals are. If you want to be a competitive job candidate and put yourself in a position to earn a top salary, then the value of a master’s degree can’t be undersold.
Benefits
Here are a few of the benefits of having a master’s degree:
- Develop new skills: As you earn your master’s degree, you build critical skills that will help you in the professional world, like leadership, communication and team building.
- Increase field-specific knowledge: Because your master’s program is highly specific to a field of study, you pave the way to becoming a valuable subject-matter expert.
- Be a more competitive candidate: In a fierce job market, employers are looking for candidates with skills and knowledge that set them apart from the crowd. Having a more competitive resume or portfolio is one of the advantages of a master’s degree.
- Get in position for promotions: Earning a graduate degree signals to employers that you’re dedicated to your craft and worth investing in. Being eligible for more senior leadership positions is one of the big benefits of earning a master’s degree.
- Have a chance to change careers: Because the types of master’s degrees are so versatile, you can apply your knowledge to a wider range of career opportunities or be well-prepared to make a career switch into a totally new field.
- Make way for higher pay: The value of a master’s degree is reflected in your ability to unlock a higher pay level. While many jobs require a bachelor’s degree, some employers prefer a master’s degree and will take that into consideration when making decisions on your compensation.
Reach Your Full Potential
Life experience also contributes to how valuable a master’s degree is. Here are a few examples of ways you may change for the better by earning your master’s degree:
- Completing research and capstone projects: Some master’s degrees include research assignments or capstone projects that are a culmination of the knowledge you’ve gained in your degree program. Completing these final projects is a proud moment that showcases your knowledge, perseverance and expertise in your field of study.
- Shadowing industry pros: When you work toward earning your master’s degree at Tiffin University, you have a chance to work alongside some of the industry’s best and gain wisdom that can be applied to your career when you graduate.
- Networking opportunities: When you enroll at Tiffin University, you’ll join a group of like-minded students who work for a variety of companies and organizations around the country, instantly increasing your network of professionals and putting you in front of potential employers who could hire you once you graduate.
Careers That Require a Master’s Degree
What is a master’s degree good for when it comes to your career? Plenty. Because there are so many types of master’s degrees, of course it would be difficult to list every single career opportunity available, but here are a few examples of the jobs that prove why a master’s degree is worth it.
Criminologist
Sociologists who specialize in crime may be called criminologists, and earning a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in criminal behavior is the first step in this fascinating career. In this role, you have to apply your sociological knowledge to research and analyze the cause and effects of crime. You’ll need at least a master’s degree for this field, which can place you in a wide range of settings, from a private clinic to a state institution. Depending on where you work, you could have a typical workday and workweek, or work long hours as well as nights and weekends. The median annual wage for criminologists was $92,910 in May 2021.
English Professor
If you want to continue your career in the classroom, earning a Master of Humanities in English is the first step to becoming a college professor. In this career, you can work at a public or private college or university or at a community college. Your workday can vary, depending on if you’re teaching full-time or part-time, but having time for summer and winter breaks are a perk of the job. In May 2021, the median average salary for English language and literature professors was $75,930.
human resources manager
As an HR manager, you are in charge of planning and leading your organization’s administrative duties. Some employers require an MBA in HR Management, particularly for senior-level roles. Depending on the size of the organization, HR managers may work more than 40 hours a week, though most people in this role work a typical nine to five schedule on weekdays. The median annual wage for human resource managers was $126,230 in May 2021.
instructional designer
Instructional designers invent, conceptualize or create educational products and materials. In recent years, instructional designers have played an integral role in the explosion of learning opportunities delivered online, and as a result, demand for instructional designers continues to increase with the field growing by more than 20 percent between 2004 and 2020. While most employers in both education and private companies expect applicants to have a bachelor’s degree, those with a master’s in instructional design typically earn more per year in salary and are better positioned for promotions. In 2021, the median annual wage for an instructional designer was over $63,000.
How Can You Earn a Master’s?
By now you should have a better idea of what a master’s degree is and the types of master’s degrees you can earn at Tiffin University. So, your next question is probably “how hard is it to get a master’s degree?” Luckily, TU makes taking the next step in your education flexible and fast.
The first step in earning your master’s degree is completing your bachelor’s degree, whether from TU or another accredited institution. Once your undergraduate degree is conferred, you’ll submit your graduate application for admission and begin the next steps toward choosing your financial option. More than 80 percent of TU students receive some form of financial aid. TU offers discounts to members of the military as well as many discounts with our corporate partnerships.
From once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunities to a chance to connect with peers and professionals, there’s a lot of value in earning a master’s degree. If you’ve been wanting to go back to school or are ready to take your degree to the next level, there’s no better time than the present to jumpstart your education.
Learn more about the master’s degree programs available at Tiffin University and contact our admissions team to set up an info session.