How Hard Is It to Get a Master's Degree?
Many career paths either require or prefer candidates with a master’s degree. People in business, education, and psychology can earn higher salaries. They can achieve this by obtaining a graduate degree. This degree can help them get jobs in management, administration, and clinical roles.
Earning a master’s degree can pay off in several ways. People with a master’s degree earn more money and have lower unemployment than those with a bachelor’s degree.
How hard is it to earn a master’s degree, though? While graduate school challenges students intellectually, finding the right program can make it easier to advance your education.
Graduate School: What to Consider
A master’s degree is a major investment. It’s important to do your research before applying to graduate programs. Here are some factors to consider:
- Career Goals: Many professionals pursue a master’s degree to advance their careers. Research the degree requirements in your field and make sure to choose programs that align with your goals.
- Academic Interests: You do not have to get a graduate degree in the same field as your bachelor’s. Review prerequisite courses and graduate course requirements to find a program that matches your academic interests.
- Cost: Research the cost of a master’s degree. Make sure to consider financial aid, grants, and scholarships. Reach out to the Office of Financial Aid to learn more about financing your master’s degree.
- Delivery Format: Do you want to study online, in person, or in a hybrid format? Master’s programs offer diverse delivery formats, so consider your schedule and learning style when researching your options.
After researching these factors, you can identify colleges and universities that match your goals, budget, and schedule.
How to Apply for Graduate School
Applying for graduate school is the first step toward getting a master’s degree. Review the program requirements and application procedure.
Common admissions materials include the following:
- Official transcripts (showing a bachelor’s degree)
- Standardized test scores (not required by some universities)
- Letter of recommendation (typically one to three letters)
- Statement of interest (your reason for pursuing a master’s degree)
Some graduate schools will require an interview with the program dean and/or director.
Once accepted, stay in touch with the admissions team and your assigned advisor. They’re there to help you and support you every step of the way. Make sure to network with your peers and professors, as you’ll be surrounded by other working professionals in your field of interest.
How Hard Is It to Earn a Master's Degree While Working?
Earning a master’s degree can help you advance in your current field, increase your earning potential, and move into new career paths. You can also launch a new business or prepare for doctoral programs with a master’s degree.
Grad students who work while pursuing a master’s degree benefit from a stable income source while avoiding a gap in their work history. Is it hard to get a master’s degree while working, though?
Many master’s programs prioritize flexibility to appeal to working graduate students. In addition to finding the right program, prospective students should consider their schedule, time management skills, and the benefits of their professional experience.
Scheduling and Time Management
Working students can set themselves up for success by planning ahead and applying time management skills. Consider any potential conflicts between balancing your work and school schedules before enrolling. If possible, start your program in one of the slower months in your field to avoid adding graduate classes to hectic times at work.
Block off time for your classes and plan out your schedule at the beginning of each term. Developing organizational and task management skills in graduate school can also benefit you in your career.
Apply Professional Experience
Working while in graduate school helps you apply what you learn. It also brings real-world examples and challenges to class discussions. Use your professional expertise to inform your writing and research.
Graduate school can also strengthen your professional credentials. Consider using assignments to create policies or initiatives to address at work. Coursework can help you learn about a position you could be aiming for in the future or research a subject that interests you.
Choose a Program Wisely
Choosing the right program will shape your graduate school experience and your career after graduation. Working students in particular need to find the right fit. For example, some working students benefit from an online delivery format. Keep in mind that online classes still have due dates and mandatory sessions, just like in-person courses.
Online master’s degree programs provide start dates throughout the year, letting you select the one that works best for you. You can also think about enrolling in a college that offers accelerated study choices, which may help you save time and money.
Earn a Master’s Degree at Notre Dame de Namur University
Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) offers master’s programs in Business, Education, and Psychology from its Silicon Valley, California, campus. Programs are offered in-person, hybrid, and fully online.
By integrating applied learning and industry-relevant knowledge, the master’s programs at NDNU prepare graduates to take the next step in their careers. The accredited institution provides flexible enrollment options for working graduate students. Learn more about the master’s programs at NDNU by visiting its admissions website or filling out the form below.
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