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The Master of Science (MS) Degree: A Guide

Written by 糖心vlog官网观看 Staff 鈥 Updated on

Earning your MS degree can advance your knowledge in a number of in-demand subjects. Explore reasons to consider pursuing this degree to plan your learning path forward.

[Feature Image] A group of learners gathers together to study for one of the courses in their Master of Science degree program.

The Master of Science (MS) degree is a graduate degree that typically pertains to subjects in tech, mathematics, medicine, business, administration, and the natural sciences. In an MS degree program, you鈥檒l advance your knowledge in a more technical, analytical, and, at times, practical way, gaining specific skills you can apply to further your career in a number of in-demand industries.听听

Explore the Master of Science in more detail to determine if it's the right path for you.听

What is an MS degree?

The Master of Science abbreviation is an MS degree, a credential that builds on a bachelor鈥檚 education. While a bachelor鈥檚 program typically requires that you complete general education courses before concentrating on a major, a master鈥檚 program will focus on one area and deliver a more specialized education.

You can earn your MS degree in a range of subjects, including:

Master鈥檚 degrees in general (not just Master of Science degrees) are growing more specific. That means, instead of earning a Master of Science in Management, you may have more options, such as a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management or a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management. Each program should provide a foundational education in management while allowing you to take special courses that prepare you for a career in the sector of your choice.

Read more: What Is an MSc Degree, and Should You Get One?

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What can you do with an MS degree?

Because of the lucrative fields in which you can earn a Master of Science, you may be able to achieve more senior-level roles and higher salaries with the degree. To give you an example, two occupations that typically require an advanced degree and their median annual salaries include:

  • Computer research scientist: $121,100 []

  • Economist: $123,355 []

Even when employers don鈥檛 require an MS degree, you can develop and strengthen the high-level skills you鈥檒l need to succeed in managerial and executive-level roles through a master's program. It鈥檚 worth noting that employers continue looking for professionals with a master鈥檚 degree. Demand may be among the driving factors behind the National Center for Education Statistics' prediction that the number of master's degrees will increase by 17 percent through the 2030鈥2031 school year [].听听

In general, earning your master鈥檚 degree has been shown to increase earning potential. Master鈥檚 degree holders earn a median weekly salary of $1,737, while bachelor鈥檚 degree holders earn $1,493, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) []. Salaries in industries such as data analytics, computer and information science, health care management, and finance all tend to pay well and often prefer candidates with advanced degrees.

MS degree costs

Although you may have any number of compelling reasons to earn your MS degree, understand what it may cost鈥攂oth in terms of money and time鈥攂efore making your decision. The average Master of Science degree program costs a total of $57,770, though that may not account for additional fees, materials, and housing []. It takes, on average, two years to complete an MS degree when you attend full-time, but many programs offer part-time options to help returning or professional students who work.

Some online programs, such as the University of Illinois鈥 Master of Science in Management (available on 糖心vlog官网观看), may take less time. You can complete your degree in one year and gain fundamental leadership and business training.

Affordable online MS degrees听

An online MS degree may be a more affordable option than attending an in-person program. For example, theUniversity of Colorado Boulder鈥檚 online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering costs $20,010 [], and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign鈥檚 Master of Science in Management (iMSM) costs under $13,000 [7]. Both degree programs are available on 糖心vlog官网观看. As with in-person colleges and universities, tuition for online master鈥檚 degree programs varies between public and private institutions鈥攁nd even by program.听

What does it take to get a Master of Science degree?听

Before you pursue an MS degree, you鈥檒l need to have earned your bachelor鈥檚 degree. Fortunately, you don鈥檛 need to earn your master鈥檚 in the same subject area as your bachelor鈥檚. You can use the MS degree to further your education in a subject that interests you or switch paths entirely and forge a new direction.听听

Read more: How to Prepare for a Career Change

Once enrolled in your MS degree program, you can expect to take graduate-level coursework and complete a thesis or capstone research project, depending on your program. Learn more about what you鈥檒l need to graduate.

Which MS program is right for me?听

Given the cost and time commitment associated with a Master of Science program, you should assess your individual situation, weighing the degree鈥檚 more immediate expenses against the outcomes you鈥檇 like to achieve. The categories outlined below should also be important factors in your decision-making.听听

Accreditation听

Look for MS programs from accredited colleges or universities. An accredited institution has been verified by an independent agency (approved by the US Department of Education), which ensures that your school meets minimum standards and likely provides a quality education.听听

You should also make sure your school is accredited if you intend to apply for US federal financial aid. Learn more about why accreditation is important when deciding on your Master of Science program.

Curriculum听

As you research different MS programs, take a close look at the kind of coursework you鈥檒l complete. Pay close attention to the kind of subject knowledge or training you鈥檒l receive and how it fits into your larger goals. Is it too broad for the kind of specific skill set you鈥檙e looking to develop, or is it too niche? It's also helpful to take a look at the faculty who will be teaching your classes, especially their experience. Reviewing each program鈥檚 course offerings can indicate what you鈥檒l learn and help you identify whether it鈥檚 a good fit.听

Scheduling听

Whether you attend an in-person or online MS program, you may find that you have some options when it comes to the way you take classes. To ascertain which program makes sense for you, consider your larger needs. Do you need greater flexibility because you鈥檒l be working while attending school? Would you prefer more face-to-face interactions rather than video lectures and Zoom meetings? If possible, consult each program鈥檚 graduate advisor to find out what type of classes they offer so you can ensure they fit your scheduling needs.听听

  • In-person: Classes take place in person and are held at set times.听听

  • Hybrid: Classes take place both in person and online synchronously.听

  • Synchronous online: Classes take place online and are held at a set time.听

  • Asynchronous online: Classes take place online and aren鈥檛 held at a set time. Instead, they can be completed according to your needs, though generally, work may need to be done by a certain time (each week or month).听

Additional resources

If funding is an important consideration for you, look into what kind of financial assistance each program offers. Beyond federal grants or loans, you have several options to consider. Many MS programs offer scholarships, stipends, or teaching assistantships that can help balance out the cost of the program. It also may be worth looking into a program鈥檚 career placement resources as you consider the potential long-term impact of earning your master鈥檚 degree.听

Federal financial aid is just one option when it comes to paying for grad school. Learn more about other ways to finance your education.

Terminal degree plans听

Some students earn a Master of Science degree knowing they plan on pursuing a terminal degree (or the highest degree possible) in their field, such as a PhD. If you know that you鈥檇 like to pursue a research or academic career and therefore intend to get your PhD, you should think about your master's plans in light of those future educational goals. Some PhD programs include the opportunity to earn your master鈥檚 while working toward your PhD, which can save you time from reapplying for PhD programs.听

Explore online Master of Science options on 糖心vlog官网观看

Pursuing an MS degree is an investment in your career and education, potentially opening the door to more professional opportunities. If you鈥檙e looking for more affordable and flexible options than an in-person experience, explore this collection of online MS degree programs from leading universities on 糖心vlog官网观看. You can earn your MS degree in in-demand and high-paying fields, such as public health, computer science and engineering, and data science.听

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Article sources

1.听

Glassdoor. ", https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/computer-and-information-research-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,43.htm." Accessed November 17, 2024.

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.