An online Master’s degree is an upper-level, post-Bachelor’s degree qualification awarded to students with advanced knowledge in a particular area of study or field of professional practice. Providing all of the benefits of the traditional Master’s degree, the online Master’s degree offers additional advantages, including a breadth and depth of course offerings, flexibility, convenience and cost savings.
From Business to Biology and from Energy to Engineering, there’s an online Master’s degree program that’s right for you -- whatever your academic discipline. The Arts, Natural Sciences, Law, and Professional Studies are just a few of the online Master’s degree categories comprising hundreds of programs and areas of specialization.
The variety of different Master’s degree programs can be overwhelming - don't let it stop you! Start your search by looking at the most popular Master’s degree programs listed below.
If you have completed your Bachelor’s degree but are looking to continue your studies in a specific academic discipline, an online Master’s degree program may offer precisely what you’re looking for. Today’s online Master’s degree programs offer all of the benefits of traditional Master’s degree programs in a practical online format -- just one of the reasons why so many students are choosing to pursue advanced studies through this innovative approach.
Popular online Master’s degree programs include the Master of Arts (M.A.) Master of Science (M.S. and MSc), and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.). While these may differ in terms of field of study, each offers a pathway to advanced knowledge along with an inside edge on today's competitive job search.
What are the benefits of taking an online Master’s degree?
Master’s degrees are an investment in your future. Not only do they offer advanced opportunities to acquire skills and expertise in your chosen field, but they also offer a number of other advantages beyond those accompanied by a Bachelor’s degree. From giving you the fast-track to a better job with higher pay to opening doors to more challenging work, a Master’s degree offers a winning combination of job security and career satisfaction.
Contemporary online Master’s degree programs emerged as a response to the constraints of traditional Master’s degree programs. Online Master’s degree students enjoy a variety of additional benefits to help them optimize their educational experiences. To begin with, online Master’s degree students aren’t limited by geography. No matter where you live, you can find an online program in your field of study. Not only that, but many online programs also come with less expensive price tags than traditional college fees. Lower tuition fees, no commuting costs, and less frequent need for high-priced textbooks all add up to a more affordable, accessible education.
Master’s degree programs also come with unparalleled convenience and flexibility. Instead of planning their schedule around the rigid course offerings of a “bricks and mortar” institution, online students can study how and when it best suit their needs. This also makes it easier to balance school, work and family commitments. Lastly, if you’re looking to improve your technical skills, there’s no better way to do so than in an online program. These skills carry over to the workplace, enhancing your marketability as a job candidate.
What do we study in an online Master’s degree program?
The options are almost endless! Online Master’s degree students pursue studies across a breadth and depth of disciplines, including Business, Economics and Administration; the Arts; Energy; Humanities and Social Sciences; Natural Sciences; Law and Regulations; Engineering and Technology; Biological and Life Sciences; and Professional Studies.
Within each of these categories, students can further choose from a variety of specializations designed to help them expand their knowledge, gain critical experience, and enjoy better career prospects.
What kind of career improvement can you expect with an online Master’s degree?
Research from the U.S. shows that Master’s degrees are more common now than ever before. In fact, the number of Americans with Master’s degrees has grown by a whopping 43 percent since 2002, and majority of entering college students now expect to go on to a Master’s degree.
However, this trend is far from isolated to the U.S. Students from all over the world are choosing to pursue Master’s degrees, and online Master’s degree programs are among the reasons why.
If you’re looking to distinguish yourself from the field of qualified candidates when applying for jobs, an online Master’s degree offers an invaluable way to do so -- both for new grads as well as for current members of the workforce. When today’s employers are screening candidates, an online Master’s degree can help your resume end up in the “yes” pile. And not only do people with Master’s degrees make more money, but they also enjoy enhanced job security and more fulfilling work opportunities.
How much does an online Master's degree cost?
The cost of an online Master’s degree varies from institution to institution. When evaluating cost, it's important to look beyond tuition. Don't forget to factor in money you’ll save on everything from commuting costs to textbooks. Additionally, the flexibility of today's online Master’s degree programs makes it easier than ever for students to work and attend school at the same time lowering the likelihood that you’ll have to go into debt to pay for your education.
Why enrol in an online Master's degree program?
The reasons to pursue an online Master’s degree are as manifold as the number of available online Master's degree programs. Regardless of your field of study, both the M.A. and the M.S. represent the “new Bachelor’s degree” for today’s discerning employers. An online Master’s degree not only demonstrates initiative, but also documented competency beyond the bare minimum.
However, while getting a good job is important, online Master’s degrees also offer the opportunity for something else: a sense of achievement that will stay with you throughout your life. Ultimately, whether you’re fresh out of college and pursuing a particular interest or a current member of the job force positioning yourself for growth and advancement, online Master’s degree programs can help you reach your personal and professional goals.