The Advantages of a Master's Degree

Earning a Bachelor's degree is a great achievement that is sufficient for a multitude of jobs and careers in different professions; however, some people simply aren't satisfied with ending their education at that level so they choose to pursue a Master's degree. While they are both excellent degrees to possess, they each entail their own unique characteristics and benefits.
Why earn a Master's degree? There are many reasons that could serve as a good answer to this question, and each person may have different reasons as to why they choose this educational path. First off, people want to have more advanced credentials than those with a four year degree. They want to be distinguished and revered as highly educated employees. Some people may even enjoy school so much that they don't see the point in stopping after 4 years of post secondary education.
An individual with a Master's degree obviously has more advantages over someone with a Bachelor's because this higher degree is more advanced in that it requires additional schooling, dedication, and costs. In the long run, these sacrifices are expected to pay off. According to EarnMyDegree.com, people with a Master's earn around $10,000 a year more than those with a Bachelor's. This loftier degree usually will give someone precedence in career options and advancement within a business or company. CareerBuilder.com notes, "The higher the degree the better the chance of a higher starting salary."
Both degree programs can either be focused on the sciences or arts, given a BA or a BS and a MA or a MS. A Master's degree has a third program option known as a MBA (Master of Business Administration) for those interested in business management and such. On the average, MA/MS/MBA programs take about two years, but it all depends on a university's particular program and credit hours taken per semester. While a Master's takes less time to acquire than a Bachelor's, you need the latter in order to obtain the first.
The economy affects a Master's degree is many ways, some which may even appear contradictory. Firstly, this degree can create more opportunities for those in terms of employment and higher salaries. Perhaps having this degree on your resume will make you stand out from the crowd. The downfall is due to the poor economy, many people don't have the funds for and time to set aside to earn this degree; they need to be working now. Also, some fields require work experience right after getting a four year degree so putting off a MA/MS/MBA might be the only option.
As in most situations, the money factor plays a great role in the decision to earn a Master's. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the weekly earnings in 2009 for a Bachelor's were $1,025 while that of a Master's were $1,257; it adds up over time. Salary range within a field can be quite large depending on the degree. CBSalary.com notes that a person in Computer Programming can make $50,985 a year with a BA/BS and $72,515 a year with a MA/MS.
For those that have a goal to go to the top of the educational ladder and earn a PhD or Professional degree than Master's is just a stepping stone for them. The highest degrees require the most amount of education and usually take the most time and cost the most money.
BA/BS and MA/MS/MBA are both profound degrees to attain and will bring forth many employment opportunities. Students who prefer online college can earn an online masters by taking pretty much the same courses as they would on campus.Those with more advanced degrees will likely have a head start and find themselves in more privileged circumstances.
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