Online Master’s Degree Programs

Students wanting to earn an online master’s degree program must select a specific subject to study for a period of 1-3 years. Earning a master’s degree can improve one’s chances of being promoted and obtaining a high paying entry-level job. It’s also a great achievement since under 5 percent of people living in the United States ever acquire a master’s degree.

The curriculum in a master’s degree program is usually more difficult than a bachelor’s program. Graduate school is often very competitive since students earning master’s and doctorate degrees are usually very driven. Undisciplined students often struggle in graduate school. Aside from obtaining more skills and knowledge, students earning master’s degrees usually have excellent networking opportunities while they complete their graduate study. These opportunities are also available to students earning master’s degrees online.

Many students earning master’s degrees are required to conduct original research and present their findings in a thesis. Depending on the program, there are usually numerous internship opportunities available for graduate students.

Many people immediately qualify for jobs after graduating from a master’s program. However, depending on the profession, some graduates are required to complete additional schooling, pass a test, or complete an internship. For example, a person graduating with an M.A. in Sociology is often required to earn a PhD before he or she can teach at a university.

Degrees where no further education or training is required to practice professionally are known as terminal degrees. For example, graduates of master’s of fine arts (MFA) programs do not need to earn additional degrees or certificates to work as writers or artists.

Online Master’s Degree Programs ~ Traditional master’s programs where students attend classes on a campus are usually 30 credits long. Depending on how quickly a student wants to graduate, this can take between 3-4 semesters. Certain programs, especially ones preparing students to enter their selected professions immediately after graduation, are 60 credits long.