A Master’s degree is a type of advanced degree requiring more education and
training. Students who receive a Bachelor’s degree can choose to continue their
education by attending graduate school. It usually takes two years to finish
this degree, although it can take four years or longer, depending on the student
and the courses taken. There are a few reasons why students should pursue a
graduate degree.
The first reason why students finish their graduate
degree is because it means more money when it comes to jobs. These workers
typically earn an average of $10,000 to $20,000 a year more than their peers.
Within a few years, that amount of money can significantly add up and make the
extra years in school more than worthwhile.
Students with a graduate college
diploma also have more job opportunities available to them. There are even
some positions that require a Master’s degree or advanced degree. History is one
area where this is especially important. Those who hope to work in the public
history field or the historic preservation field have a difficult time finding
employment without an advanced degree.
There are some students that
pursue a graduate degree because they want to work as a professor. Most states
require a Master’s degree for teaching at the Associate’s level. In other words,
unless the individual has a graduate degree, they can’t work as a teacher at a
two-year college. In terms of four-year colleges and universities, a Doctor of
Philosophy (PhD) is required for teaching. The only way to gain entrance into a
PhD program is by first obtaining a Master’s degree.
Another reason why
students should pursue an advanced diploma is to gain more experience
in their chosen field. At the graduate level they have more advanced internships
available to them. They also have the option of working in the field while
completing their studies, making them a more attractive prospect to future
employers.
Students who want to learn more about their area of study
should also consider pursuing an advanced graduate degree. In their
undergraduate years, they spend a significant amount of time taking courses
outside their major, sometimes known as electives. At the next level, they focus
their attention more on their course of study. The classes are more advanced and
in depth, covering more information relating to the topic.
A graduate
degree also helps the student to set themselves apart from their peer group.
Once upon a time, having a Bachelor’s degree did this, but as more and more
students went to college, it no longer holds true anymore. Today, the same job
opening might bring about dozens of applicants with a Bachelor’s degree and only
a small pool of applicant’s with an advanced degree. These students show they
have a dedication to the field and they’re willing to put in the time and effort
needed to learn more. This also shows that the student has specialization in
their field since they select this area of study while in graduate school.
Employers looking for students with experience in one area are more interested
in these students, which is yet another reason to pursue a graduate
degree.