What Master's Degree Should I Get? Your Guide

Key takeaways

When choosing a master’s degree program, consider your career goals, life circumstances, and degree requirements.

• Different types of master’s degrees you can get include a Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Fine Arts.

• Earning a master’s degree may increase your earning potential, help you advance in your current role, or allow you to explore new career paths.

• You can find high-paying roles, such as a software developer, nurse practitioner, or marketing manager, after earning your master’s degree.

Explore the reasons to consider a master’s degree, the types of master’s degrees available, what to consider when choosing one, and how to find a graduate program that best fits your needs. 

Reasons to get a master’s degree

It’s essential to consider your reasons for getting a master’s degree, such as earning potential or changing careers. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that while the median weekly income for someone with a bachelor’s degree is $1,543, a person with a master’s degree can earn $1,840 weekly [1].

Let’s review some common reasons to get a master’s degree. Here are some reasons to consider:

• Increase your earning potential.

• Advance in your current position

• Explore new career paths

• Gain academic experience to pursue a doctorate

• Meet new professionals and grow your network

If any of these reasons speak to you, it’s time to ask, “What master's degree should I get?”

What kind of master's degree should I get? Master’s degree types

Types of master’s degrees range from general degrees to highly specialized ones. If you are looking for a broad path, consider a general degree that gives you options. A specialist degree is best if you want to advance in your current position or deepen your knowledge to become more valuable. Let’s explore the basic kinds of master’s degrees offered:

• Master of Science (MS): Focuses on deepening your knowledge in subjects from a scientific viewpoint. Subjects like biology, engineering, computer science, and marketing fit this category. Many learners complete these degrees in one to two years. 

• Master of Arts (MA): Focuses on humanities subjects like literature, philosophy, and history to enrich your knowledge from a liberal arts perspective, unlike the scientific approach. Some subjects overlap between an MS and an MA, depending on the critical approach of the program. 

• Master of Business Administration (MBA): This is a generalist degree that gives you an overview of various aspects of business; however, these degrees become more specific if you choose to focus on a subject like finance, marketing, or analytics. 

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA): This terminal degree is in art-based disciplines like writing, theatre, and film. MFAs typically take up to three years to complete. 

• Master of Education (MEd): This option focuses on the theory and practice of education systems and how they function, whether from a psychological, policy, or special education perspective. 

• Master of Public Health (MPH): This degree focuses on the delivery and communication of public health issues and infrastructure at the population level. It can often lead you to a job in government or public health institutions. 

What master’s degree should I get? Things to consider

Choosing the right master’s degree can be challenging. It’s important to consider the factors in your life that determine the career you want, how much time you can afford to earn your degree, and the requirements of specific degrees. 

• Career goals: Knowing your career goals determines what kind of degree you should get. Consider the benefits of an MS or MA in specific programs or whether you should get an MBA for business and managerial skills versus an MS for science and technical skills. 

• Life circumstances: Research how long the program takes to complete, the cost, and whether it fits your current lifestyle. If you work full-time, you might consider an accredited online master’s degree. 

• Degree requirements: Examine the requirements of a degree, such as course load and any prerequisite courses, if you are changing degree fields 

High-paying jobs with master’s degrees

When considering what master’s degree to get, it’s important to examine the earning potential and job outlook associated with the degree to get the best return on your investment. Let’s explore some high-paying jobs with master’s degrees:

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of April 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

MBA

An MBA leads to various business jobs, such as consultant, business operations manager, and finance manager. It also gives you the knowledge to take on senior and C-level roles if you want to advance in your current organization. 

Read more: Is an MBA Worth It?

MS in nursing

A Master of Science in Nursing opens a range of positions for you, such as nurse anesthetist and nurse practitioner. These two roles gain you further responsibilities in the medical field without the lengthy process of medical school. You gain skills like assisting in anesthesiology or taking on a larger role in seeing patients and researching. 

MS in computer science

An MS in computer science gives you the skills to create complex software and in-depth knowledge of computer systems in all facets. A master’s in computer science allows you to move into managerial positions after gaining experience in the field. Advanced knowledge can lead you to research positions as well as some C-level positions. 

MS in marketing

An MS in marketing gives you high-level experience with techniques like SEO while teaching you to utilize digital marketing effectively. With a master’s in this field, you gain valuable marketing skills, which can increase your job prospects. Additionally, this degree can help you move into management positions. 

MPH

A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree gives you the skills to communicate and implement public health strategies at large organizations. It allows you to work in various industries, including government agencies, private consulting firms, and hospitals. 

What is the most employable master's degree?

The most employable master’s degrees, or those that deliver ample job growth and high earning potential, include those in business, nursing, computer science,  and engineering management. 

Choosing a graduate school

If you’ve narrowed your master’s degree options, it’s time to choose a grad school. When selecting a graduate school, you can follow the same guidelines as deciding what master’s degree to pursue by considering these factors:

• Career goals

• Life circumstances

• In-person versus online

• Program requirements and prerequisites

• Program duration and time commitment

• Cost of the program

• Your financial aid options

It's time to apply after you narrow down a list of schools that offer you the best flexibility, networking opportunities, and financial aid options. Gather everything the graduate school you’re applying to requires. This often includes transcripts, resumes, required essays or personal statements, letters of recommendation, required test scores, and application fees. 

Find free resources for grad school and beyond

Join us on Career Chat, where you can explore career tips and research industry trends. Then, check out these free resources as you consider your academic and career path:

• Hear from an insider: Meet the 18-Year-Old Getting His Master’s Degree in Data Science 

• Consider your options: What Should You Earn: A Certificate or a Degree? 

• Watch on YouTube: Can You Go to Grad School for a Different Major?

Explore flexible master’s degree programs available from esteemed college and university partners on Coursera.