Should I Earn My Masters Degree in Business

A masters degree is awarded to students who have completed a graduate-level degree program with a focus on a particular topic, such as business, finance, economics, etc. Before you can enroll in a masters degree program, you must first earn a bachelors degree. Most masters degree programs take at least two full years of study to complete. However, there are accelerated degree programs that can be completed in as little as one year. Students who attend a masters degree program part-time often take between three and six years to earn their degree. What Will I Study in a Masters Degree Program? Studies will vary depending on the program and your specialization. Students who specialize in a business field often take seminar-style classes that involve a great deal of discussion in addition to case study analysis. Some of the masters degrees that a business student can earn include: Master of AccountancyMaster of Arts in ManagementMaster of Business AdministrationMaster of Business, Entrepreneurship and TechnologyMaster of Business StudiesMaster of Business and EngineeringMaster of Business InformaticsMaster of City PlanningMaster of CommerceMaster of Computational FinanceMaster of Construction ManagementMaster of EnterpriseMaster of FinanceMaster of Financial EconomicsMaster of Financial EngineeringMaster of Health AdministrationMaster of Human RelationsMaster of Industrial and Labor RelationsMaster of International BusinessMaster of Information TechnologyMaster of ManagementMaster of Public AdministrationMaster of Public HealthMaster of Public PolicyMaster of Real Estate DevelopmentMaster of Science in ManagementMaster of Science in Project ManagementMaster of Science in Taxation Masters Degrees vs. MBA Degrees Many business students have a hard time choosing between a specialized masters degree program and an MBA (masters in business administration) degree program. The choice is a personal one and should be based on your individual background and future career plans. For example, if you want to work as a finance manager and already have a great deal of management training, you may be better off with a traditional masters program with a focus on finance. If, on the other hand, you havent had any management training prior to attending graduate school, an MBA program with a focus on finance may be the right choice for you. Reasons to Earn a Masters Degree There are many different reasons to consider earning a masters degree in a business specialization. To start, this education track can open the door to better jobs and more earning potential. Individuals who hold a masters degree are eligible for different and more advanced employment opportunities than individuals with a bachelors degree. They also tend to earn more on an annual basis. Earning a masters degree also allows you to immerse yourself in the study of a topic that interests you. Masters degree programs encourage research and hands-on experience so that students are prepared to apply newly acquired knowledge in the field. Where to Earn a Masters Degree Masters degrees are awarded by many different colleges and universities. The degree can typically be earned online or through an on-campus program. The number of classes or credit hours required to earn a masters degree can vary depending on the program of study. Choosing a Masters Degree Program Finding the right masters degree program can be a difficult. There are hundreds of schools and degree programs to choose from in the U.S. alone. Some of the things that should be considered when choosing a masters degree program include: Accreditation: Is the school accredited. If so, by whom?Career services/career placement: Does the school help you get an internship while you are in school or a job after graduation. Does the school offer on-campus recruiting events?Cost and/or financial aid packages: How much is tuition? How much financial aid can you get from the school (if any)?Curriculum: What will you learn? How will it prepare you to achieve your academic and career goals?Faculty reputation: Who teaches the classes? Are they leaders in their field?Program reputation: What do employers and recruiters think of this school Is it a respected institution?Selectivity: How many students are accepted each year? Do you meet the admissions requirements? What are your chances of getting accepted?