What Is a Master’s Degree?

Key takeaways

• A master’s degree is an advanced degree that enables you to advance your knowledge of an area of study and potentially advance your career options, and can include many types, including common master’s degrees such as Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Business Administration (MBA), among others.

• The length of time it takes to get a master’s degree averages one to three years, depending on the program, and typically requires you to complete 30 to 60 hours of coursework and complete a thesis, capstone project, or internship to graduate.

• A master’s degree is an option to build your skills, explore subjects you’re passionate about, and potentially gain a competitive edge with access to more professional opportunities and a higher salary.

Another advanced degree option, a PhD, is higher than a master’s, and requires you to complete a master’s first before embarking on this three- to seven-year research-focused degree program. Learn more about master’s degrees, how many years it takes to earn one, common requirements, and some of the benefits you can experience after obtaining one.

What is a master’s degree?

A master’s degree is a graduate degree that allows you to build advanced knowledge of a specialized body of theoretical and applied knowledge, forge a deeper understanding of your area of study, and develop a range of skills applicable to your trade. With a master’s degree, you can typically have more opportunities to advance your career as a valuable, knowledgeable employee or pursue further postgraduate education, such as a doctoral degree.

How long does it take to get a master's degree?

Earning your master’s degree typically takes anywhere from one to three years, depending on several factors, such as your field of study and the time you wish to dedicate to your program. If you're currently on a career path, you might find that taking one or two classes a semester is more manageable and, therefore, may need three or more years to complete your program. If you're in a position to dedicate more of your time to being a full-time learner, you could finish within a year or two.

Typical requirements to earn a master’s degree

While different universities and programs have varied requirements for earning a master’s degree, the general guidelines tend to be similar.

Common admission requirements

Whether you’re pursuing an MBA, online master’s degree programs, or another type of master’s, you’ll likely need a bachelor’s degree and passing scores from entrance exams. Many master’s degrees follow common admission requirements, including:

• A bachelor’s degree in your subject area (some institutions are flexible about specializations)

• Minimum GPA from your bachelor’s program

• Prerequisite undergraduate courses in the subject area

• Entrance exams like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE),Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

• Letters of recommendation

Common graduation requirements

Each master’s degree program will also outline what you need to complete it. Common graduation requirements include:

• 30 to 60 hours of coursework

• Minimum GPA

• Master’s thesis, capstone project, or internship

What is higher, a PhD or master’s?

Although both advanced degree options can help give your career and earning power a boost, a PhD is a research-focused degree, whereas a master's typically helps you gain broader skills and knowledge for your chosen career field. A PhD requires you to complete a master's for entry, while a master's is the next step up from a bachelor's. A PhD, or doctorate, typically takes three to seven years compared to the one to three years learners usually take to complete a master's.

Read more: Getting a PhD in Data Science: What You Need to Know

Types of master’s degrees

Master’s degrees fall under an array of categories, the most common being Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) degrees. MA degrees typically focus on humanities subjects, while MS degrees usually prepare you for technical fields. However, an overlap exists between the two. For instance, you can receive an MA or an MS in special education.

Additional types of master's degrees include:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

• Master of Education (MEd)

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

• Master of Research (MRes)

• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

• Master of Social Work (MSW)

• Master of Studies (MSt)

• Master of Technology (MTech)

• Master of Laws (LLM)

• Master of Library Sciences (MLS)

Whether you are looking to integrate a master’s degree into your long-term learning journey, focus on ongoing research, or simply obtain more specialized knowledge of your field, you have many degree options to pursue as a professional.

What are the benefits of getting a master’s degree?

The benefits of continuing your education can be pretty similar across different career fields, such as increased earning potential and the ability to take on leadership roles. Some of these benefits include:

• Increased salary

• More advanced job opportunities

• Competitive edge within your career field

• Access to new opportunities through networking activities in your field, like conferences available to graduate students

• Focused understanding of the components of your subject

• Chance to build skills you can utilize throughout your career, such as honing your critical thinking abilities

• Opportunities to fully explore your passions in a practical way

How much can you expect to earn with a master’s degree?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a professional with a bachelor’s degree in the United States made an average income of approximately $1,543 a week in 2024, while the weekly average income for a master’s degree holder stood at $1,840 [1]. How much you make can vary based on many factors, including your industry, location, and previous experience.

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