When you think of graduate school, one question may rise to the top of your mind: “How long does it take to get a master’s degree?”
It’s a fair question. It can be difficult to devote so much time to a graduate degree, especially if you’ve already left school and are now in the workforce. However, you may be able to obtain a master’s much quicker than you think. Even more importantly, doing so can help you advance your career, or even change it completely.
Find out why it’s never too late to consider pursuing a master’s degree.
More people pursuing advanced degrees
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of people earning master’s degrees has risen steadily over the years, jumping from approximately 425,000 in the 1996 – 1997 school year to a projected 836,000 this school year. That number is expected to approach one million by the year 2022.
When you consider the career benefits of getting a master’s degree, it’s easy to see why.
For instance, individuals with a master of business administration, or MBA, earn between $15,000 and $18,000 more than people with bachelor’s degrees after 10 years. Meanwhile, on average, MBA holders earn in 20 years what it takes a bachelor’s holder 40 years to earn.
Standing out from the crowd
Snagging the career of your dreams means differentiating yourself from other job hunters. A master’s degree can help you do just that. Additionally, since a master’s degree distinguishes you as an expert in a specific field, it opens up the door to career opportunities that may not have been available to you previously.
For most people, the biggest barrier to obtaining a master’s degree is time. However, with full-time study, it’s possible to earn a master’s degree in only two years depending on how many credits are necessary for a specific field.
If going to school full time to earn a master’s degree isn’t a viable option, it’s possible to attend part time to work around your job and other responsibilities. Students who attend college on a half-time basis could earn their degrees within four years.
Consider how a master’s degree may give you the edge you need in your career.