For many students, going to college for a bachelor’s degree is just something that they feel they have to do to get a job, and the thought of going back after graduation can feel daunting. However, returning to school for a master’s degree greatly benefits future job prospects and allows students to further pursue their passions.
Unlike a bachelor’s program with general education classes, a master’s degree is deeper, specified learning towards something the students are passionate about. Students can focus on their careers and passions rather than just taking classes to fulfill a graduation requirement.
“I intend to pursue a master’s degree because it gives me the credentials I need to teach special education,” freshman early education major Jessica Davis said. She said that she intends to focus on her specific field of special education after getting a bachelor’s degree.
In these classes, students are exposed to different leaders in their specific field of study, either through professors or faculty members. There are also options to help progress research in certain areas of study. Assisting a professor with teaching or research may have the added benefit of putting a student assistant’s name on the research as well.
These connections made in graduate programs can be vital to attaining a job or promotion after graduation. In the unfortunate event that one loses their job, these connections provide options for other job opportunities as well.
Many master’s programs also require students to engage in leadership work. According to The Edvocate, the leadership skills students gain while obtaining their master’s can distinguish them for promotions, especially for managerial positions.
Along with promotions often come pay raises. These raises go to professionals that distinguish themselves from their peers and prove that they have what it takes to succeed in their given field. According to Study.com, depending on the degree, the salary difference between a bachelor’s and master’s degree can go up to $20,000.
Many students feel that getting a graduate degree is not worth the money spent to achieve that degree. Master’s degrees are indeed costly, just like any other college degree, but there are ways to help cut costs. Many online programs are making the cost of going back to school much more affordable.
Kennesaw State offers online graduate programs for students. According to KSU’s graduate website, the cost of an online degree is about $30,000 less than an in-person degree. Online master’s courses also cater to the working student as they can be worked around a busy, full-time work schedule.
These factors can be crucial to those considering going back to school for their master’s. The ability to work while going to school can help pay for tuition, and saving money by doing classes online makes getting a master’s degree more achievable for students who could not do so before online education.
Going back to school for a master’s degree is a great decision for students who wish to expand their career and their job possibilities. The positive outcomes of going to school outweigh the negative costs. It is a decision every student must make for themselves, but it is important to do what is best for their careers.
