Earning a Master's Degree
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why you should get a master’s degree, it’s not an uncommon question. Graduate studies require a greater commitment of your time and resources than pursuing a bachelor’s degree, and if you’re already a full-time professional, balancing work and school can seem like a daunting task. However, earning a master’s degree comes with many benefits that can have a significant impact on your life, both personally and professionally!
4 Reasons to Pursue a Master’s Degree
Are you in the process of obtaining your bachelor’s degree or have you already earned one? Have you thought about continuing your education in a master’s program and what that could mean for your professional and educational goals? If you’ve found yourself wondering if you should build on your undergraduate degree with a master’s program, we’ve put together a few highlights that can help you decide if taking that next step is right for you!
Stand Out & Move Up
Earning a master’s degree will increase your value to your current and/or future employer and will show employers that you’ve taken on more rigorous studies to further your expertise in your field!
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, nearly four-in-ten Americans ages 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, a share that has grown over the last decade. Those who held a bachelor’s degree earned a median annual wage of $52,000 compared to $30,000 for those with a high school diploma and no degree.
With the positive effects that a bachelor’s degree has on earning potential and career trajectory, more and more people are entering the workforce with this credential. However, according to the US Census Bureau, as of 2021, only a little over 14% of adults held an advanced degree.
Kickstart a New Career
If you’ve found that your career growth has slowed or you’ve hit a wall in your current role, a master’s degree can help you prepare for the next step or open doors to new job opportunities!
If you’re looking to rise to more senior-level roles or leadership positions at an organization, a master’s degree is a great credential to have. Not to mention, some careers require a master’s degree to even qualify for the role!
Be an Expert or Pioneer
If you have aspirations of being an industry leader, a master’s program can afford you the opportunity to make an impact in your field or society as a whole through cutting-edge research.
Additionally, graduate studies can provide you with the means for continuous learning, allowing you to keep up with new advancements and have access to the latest and greatest tools and technology to become the best, most knowledgable and respected expert in your field!
Get Paid to Go to School
Did you know that many graduate programs offer stipends that cover a portion or all of your tuition costs? There’s even potential to earn additional income for working as a teaching or research assistant!
Every graduate program is unique, so be sure to check with your program of interest for all the details. If you work full-time, don’t be afraid to also ask your employer about potential education benefits!
