If you have your bachelor's degree and are looking for a way to improve your earnings and your career potential, consider heading back to school for a master's degree. Only about 9% of Americans hold a master's degree. That makes them a major asset in the job market. People who hold master's degrees are very employable because they usually have a highly specialized knowledge within their field, making them an important asset to many companies. Master's degrees can be earned at graduate schools or online from accredited colleges and universities.
A master's degree shows potential employers that you have a great education and the dedication it takes to earn an advanced degree. Not many people take the time or put forth the energy to earn master's degrees, also known as graduate degrees. Not many jobs require a master's degree, but most jobs put a higher value on employees that do have their master's. People in America with master's degrees earn an average of $1,257 per week, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics median weekly earnings in 2010. According to the same study, that's over $200 more per week than people who only have a bachelor's degree and over $600 more than people with just a high school diploma. Americans with master's degrees also enjoyed an unemployment rate of just 3.9% in 2009. Those with only a high school diploma experienced an unemployment rate of 9.7%.
By far the most popular master's degree in America is an MBA, a master's of business administration. About one quarter of all master's degree awarded every year in America are MBAs. Other popular master's degrees include:
Professional degrees are also very popular. A professional degree is like a master's degree, but they are considered a separate diploma. The most common professional degrees are awarded in law (JD) and medicine (MD).

There are a number of master's degrees that lead to high-paying professions. Master's degrees in different fields can help you earn more at your current job and qualify you for more jobs.
Nursing and Medical Degrees: Many professions in the medical field require master's degrees rather than MDs. Some of the top paying health care professions that call for a master's degree include nurse practitioner ($82,590 per year), nurse-midwife ($89,337), and nurse anesthetist ($145,216).
Engineering Degrees: Master's of Engineering degrees are among the highest paying master's degrees. A wide variety of engineering fields look for people with master's degrees. Some of the higher paying engineering professions include aerospace engineers ($92,520), petroleum engineers ($108,020), and computer hardware engineers ($97,400).
Business Degrees: MBAs and other master's degrees in the field of business can be extremely lucrative. Professions that benefit from a business degree include marketing directors ($97,967), IT project managers ($90,957), operations managers of finance ($100,620).
In order to earn a master's degree you typically must first earn a bachelor's degree. Some schools offer programs in which you can earn your bachelor's and master's at the same time. Other schools offer programs in which you can earn your master's and doctorate at the same time. Many people earn their master's degrees from public or private graduate universities. The selection process for these schools can be quite competitive. You can also earn a wide variety of master's degrees online through schools that offer graduate level coursework over the internet. A master's degree can take anywhere from three years to six years to earn. It can take even longer if you do not have your full time to devote to your studies. But however long your master's takes you to earn, the effort will be well worth it.
Choose the Early Childhood Education specialization for your Master of Arts in Education earned online from Ashford University to become an expert in child development. In this specialization, you will strengthen your skills as an educator for young people. The Early Childhood Education specialization covers language acquisition, classroom management, and the impact of families and communities on schools. You will learn to design primary-school curricula, deliver differentiated instruction to children, and collaborate with parents and communities. If you are committed to a career involving education, this program from Ashford University is for you. Make an impact on our nation's schools with the expertise that derives from an advanced degree.
Foster your health care career goals by earning your Master of Arts in Health Care Administration online from Ashford University. Deepen the value of your services with the expertise that derives from an advanced degree. This graduate degree empowers you to assume leadership positions in health care organizations. You will study such areas as finance, biostatistics, and strategic planning. The program incorporates applied health care theories across the domains of organized health care. With your Master of Arts in Health Care Administration, you demonstrate your expertise in directing health care organizations, leading health professionals, and delivering invaluable services to people in need.
Earn your Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree online from Ashford University. Complete a standard program of study or personalize your program with one of several specializations.
Take your education to the next level with a specialization in Information Systems added to your MBA degree earned online from Ashford University Combine major course credits in Business Administration with nine credits in Information Systems for a more specialized degree with added value. The Information Systems specialization prepares you for the information technology industry while you explore such topics as database management, essential business software, information processing, and systems development. Your focused graduate courses combined with the in-depth professional competence you'll gain from the major coursework will earn you an enhanced MBA degree.
Open up education to all students by earning your Master of Arts in Education online with a specialization in Special Education (non-licensure) from Ashford University. Focus your education degree with the Special Education specialization that will support the needs of exceptional students in school programs. The Special Education specialization allows you to respond to students' diverse abilities and styles as you provide equitable learning. You will learn classroom management, as well as how to identify disabilities and special abilities. If you are committed to a career involving education, then the Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Special Education (non-licensure) from Ashford University is for you. Make an impact on our nation's schools with the expertise that derives from an advanced degree.
Through a mix of research, practical application, and coursework, Walden's newly CACREP-accredited M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program can prepare you to integrate knowledge and skills into a career as a successful professional counselor. Developed by leading experts in the field, the CACREP-accredited M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program is designed to meet the high standards set by CACREP and to provide continuity throughout your learning experience, with each course building upon key experiences.
Specializations
The M.S. in Education online degree program is designed to enhance your skills, help improve your students' achievement and increase your earning potential. As an online degree program, it allows busy teachers to learn on their own time. And Walden University's learning model encourages you to apply new strategies in your classroom.
Specializations
The objective of Kaplan University's online Master of Business Administration program is to help students pursue leadership positions in competitive business environments, wherever they exist*. Study how to manage relationships across cultures and grow businesses in emerging world markets. The curriculum was developed by a select panel of global business professionals and features international business case studies and examples. Beyond practical skills, the program is also designed to foster thought leadership, innovation, and corporate social responsibility on a global scale. This degree can be further specialized by focusing on one of seven specializations: entrepreneurship, finance, health care management, human resources, information technology, marketing, or project management. *Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for career advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional training or certification may be required.
The Kaplan University online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed to help prepare working law enforcement, other criminal justice professionals, and active military personnel to pursue career advancement. A master's degree may improve your chances for promotion, open doors to leadership positions, and qualify you to teach criminal justice in a variety of academic settings.* Personalize your degree by choosing one of the following specializations: corrections, global issues in criminal justice, law, leadership and executive management, or policing. *Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for job advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional police academy training may be required for law enforcement jobs.
Pursuing a Master of Science in Psychology from Kaplan University offers you a unique opportunity to blend the rich, academic tradition of psychology with exciting, contemporary applications of the science. You will focus on the processes that underlie the individual human experience and behavior, as well as core knowledge, theories, and research in the field. In addition to helping you develop a broad foundation in psychology, the master's degree program is designed to enhance your knowledge in the area of emphasis that best fits your career and educational goals. You may select from one of three areas of specialization – general psychology, addictions, or applied behavioral analysis. Further specialize your degree by choosing to complete a thesis or pass a comprehensive exam as the program's culminating experience.
Answer The Call. This next-level degree program helps refine current pastors and equip aspiring pastors for an effective and impactful ministry. The program focuses on the preparation of leaders in biblical and theological knowledge, practical application of that knowledge in pastoral settings, and the development of character and integrity in all aspects of life. With the Pastoral Ministry emphasis, the program helps students develop a deeper understanding of pastoral styles and the types of situations that leaders face in today's culture. The curriculum offers a study of the daily practice of pastoral ministry and the ethical issues that arise in the context of leadership. Also examined are the techniques involved in preaching, including techniques for appropriate contextualization of the Christian message and preparation and delivery of sermons.Graduates are equipped with the understanding and skills needed to inspire faith and effectively shepherd a contemporary Christian congregation.Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.
The Master of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in General Psychology is a program designed for individuals who desire promotion and/or continued academic exposure in the field of psychology. The program focuses on the development of critical thinking and leadership qualities. Graduates with these attributes impact those around them through leadership, action research, and introduction of programmatic community changes whether they are acting from the perspective of teachers, practitioners or researchers.Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.
As society understands more about addiction, more people are seeking treatment and more drug offenders are being sent to treatment programs rather than prison. As a result, demand for substance abuse counselors is expected to increase much faster than demand for most other occupations through 2018.This next-level degree program is designed to meet the needs of learners who wish to pursue a career as an addiction counseling professional. The program prepares students to treat substance abuse and dependency disorders. Courses provide a comprehensive survey of counseling theories, group counseling, social and cultural issues, psychopharmacology, family issues, and more. In addition, a supervised internship provides 150 contact hours of opportunity for student to develop their counseling skills.In many states, a master's degree is required for the highest level of licensing or certification. Graduates of this program are prepared to meet the academic requirements for licensure in Arizona as a both a Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC) and a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC).Additionally, program graduates from most other states will be academically prepared to begin the process of seeking certification and licensure in their home state.Licensing and certification requirements may vary from state to state. It is the student's responsibility to check the requirements in their state.Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.
Master of Education in Elementary Education (Eligible for Institutional Recommendation).This current and comprehensive degree program is designed for any individual interested in the education of children in Grades K-8, and who is seeking teacher certification.Participants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. In addition, participants should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and an academic advisor to obtain current information about teacher credentialing programs.Courses in this state and regionally accredited program are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of educational psychology, reading strategies, teaching methods, and curriculum development.The program covers a range of relevant subjects, including classroom engagement and management, learners with diverse needs, and curriculum planning and assessment for the fundamental K-8 areas of learning. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within many of the courses guide students through over 130 hours of observational experiences, and the final semester of the program includes a full-time, 16-week student teaching component.All courses are directly aligned with the Arizona Professional Teacher Standards and the Interstate New Teacher Support and Assessment Consortium Standards.Graduates of this program are prepared to become informed and effective K-8 educators in public and private schools and other settings requiring a teaching credential.
This post-graduate degree program is designed to help provide students with solid leadership and management skills that can be applicable to the many disciplines of the criminal justice field. Students can broaden their skills and marketability by obtaining job-related knowledge and expertise in the specialized areas of criminal justice administration, corrections, juvenile justice, drug abuse and abuse counseling.
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is not available in Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon, Wisconsin or Wyoming.
Prospective students should currently have a bachelor's degree or higher.
The Master of Business Administration program focuses on the development of critical thinking, initiative and responsibility necessary to achieve the heightened self-discipline, skill and reasoning to become business leaders.
Prospective students should currently have a bachelor's degree or higher.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting program is designed for people who already have a Bachelor's in Accounting and wish to take their career to the next level. The MBA in Accounting program may be a step toward becoming a Certified Public Accountant, or toward assuming a leadership position in a large business organization. Highly qualified instructors combine advanced accounting concepts with an in-depth study of quantitative methods, policy and strategy, economics, human resources, marketing and organizational behaviors to give students a broad and marketable mastery of the world of finance and management.
Prospective students should currently have a bachelor's degree or higher.
If you want to learn how to craft the compelling stories behind film, television, games, and other entertainment media — and gain the skills to effectively market your work — Full Sail University's online Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts Degree Program can give you the tools you need. You'll explore concepts including visual storytelling, character development, screenwriting and storyboarding for a variety of media — building a diverse portfolio and the business know-how to pursue your dream career.
Course Highlights Include:
The changing world of journalism requires professionals to have an updated skill set to keep up with today's media consumers. Full Sail University's Online New Media Journalism Master's Degree Program teaches the skills needed to report and distribute the news for new media audiences by blending traditional methods with emerging technology. You'll learn how to produce multimedia content, use social media to engage audiences and promote your work, and publish and distribute content across digital delivery platforms.
Course Highlights:
Our Master of Business Administration degree program has been designed to prepare future business leaders to understand and apply best practices in the workplace that meet organizational and societal goals for economic success. Individuals who have earned an undergraduate degree and are committed to advancing their knowledge and mastery of managerial techniques in our global business world have a unique opportunity to enhance their credentials through our program. Candidates can also apply current professional experience to fulfill up to half of the program requirements through documentation of tasks, challenges, and solutions implemented and other related experiential learning processes that have impacted the individual. Courses will emphasize strategic management planning, the regulations and ethical responsibilities business leaders must address, and how to interpret, understand, and create persuasive proposals and business plans to support organizational goals and motivate others to participate and follow through to success.
The online Master of Science in Health Fitness Management (MS:HFM) degree program combines graduate-level business management studies with advanced fitness technique courses. This 18-month* program will prepare you for business ownership or leadership opportunities in your current organization.
Receive advanced technical training
The MS:HFM program includes preparation for Muscle Activation Techniques™ (MAT) certification. MAT™ coursework provides a comprehensive understanding of the muscular system and related skills for working with the body. You will learn to evaluate range of motion, identify potential biomechanical imbalances, and understand the importance of muscle function as it relates to overall health, stability and mobility.
Globe University/Minnesota School of Business is the only institution in the U.S. to incorporate MAT™ certification preparation in a degree program. If you already have this certification, you may qualify for credit toward your MS-HFM degree.**
Business management coursework covers topics including managerial communications, fiscal resources, group management tools, marketing and the politics of leadership. These courses begin every six weeks—you can begin the program at any of eight points in the year.
*Availability of seminars may affect overall program length.
**Information about the process of applying for credit for this experience can be provided.
The Master of Science in Management (MSM) program couples graduate studies in general leadership principles with focused studies in a specific field. Every health-care related organization recognizes the need for professional managers with industry-specific skills. The Master of Science in Management: Health Care Management (MSM:HCM) program fulfills that demand, providing health care professionals with leadership training that addresses local, national and international issues in health care.
Program highlights
The Master of Science in Management (MSM) program couples graduate studies in general leadership principles with focused studies in a specific field. The Master of Science in Management: Information Technology (MSM:IT) program prepares students for management within an IT department or company.
MSM: IT Management courses
The Master of Science in Management program is 18 months long. A full-time student will take two consecutive courses each quarter for the first year, completing the program with a 25-week practicum/business project. In addition to general leadership courses, the information technology emphasis addresses the following topics:
Post University offers a completely Online MBA Degree Program designed for working professionals. You can make a real difference in your career with a Post University MBA. Our program develops your ability to lead organizations to create new business and new wealth. The MBA program will help you gain confidence in your ability to lead your organization to growth and prosperity.
Programs are designed for busy professionals who can choose a concentration in:
Post University's Master of Science in Human Services is designed to meet the educational needs of individuals who seek to advance their skills and career options or seek employment in a wide variety of human service positions.
The program allows these prospective students to acquire the conceptual, analytical, and operational knowledge to assume new or more advanced positions in the field of human services. The curricular content is focused around an essential core of learning experiences and skill sets and provides two specializations in either human service program administration or clinical counseling within organizational settings.
The objectives of the Master's Degree Program in Human Services are to provide an:
With Post University Online, you can earn your Master of Science in Human Services part-time in as little as 18 months. MS in Human Services courses are offered six times per year in accelerated eight-week modules conveniently online or during evenings and weekends at one of four locations in Connecticut. Post University's Master of Science in Human Services with a specialization in Clinical Counseling is designed to meet the educational needs of individuals who seek to advance their skills and career options or seek employment in this growing field. The program allows students to acquire the conceptual, analytical, and operational knowledge to assume new or more advanced positions in Clinical Counseling within Organizational Settings.The objectives of the program are to help students to:
The Post University Master of Education (M.Ed.) online degree program meets the growing need for creative, innovative educators who can rise to the challenges and opportunities of today's and tomorrow's education environments. The program provides a flexible, convenient way for working adults to earn their M.Ed. in as little as 12 months.
Post University's M.Ed. Online Degree Program is a non-licensure program.
Candidates may choose to specialize in:
Demand for human resources professionals is expected to grow 17% by 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As the competition for human resource jobs continues to grow, HR professionals with career-building credentials, such as a Master's in HR Development, are more likely to distinguish themselves from the other candidates. Villanova's MS in Human Resource Development is designed for those who aspire to work or advance within a corporate human resource department or human resource consulting firm. Established human resource professionals are provided with the latest tools, proven processes, and best practices in a range of topics, including: organizational change, human resource planning, compensation, internal human resources, organizational training, and project management.
* General Area of Study
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