Choosing the right program for you
The best program for you depends on your personal goals, interests and career path. Some students build on their undergraduate degree, while others branch into something completely new.
Should my master’s be the same subject as my bachelor’s degree?
According to Kryslen Holt, assistant director of student and social engagement at EdPlus at Arizona State University, continuing with a related master’s degree can strengthen your skills and credentials.
Holt recommends considering these questions:
- How are you feeling about your major after finishing your undergrad degree?
- Do you want to specialize deeper in your area of study or work on a longer pathway in a managerial type of role?
She added, “There are so many pathways with a master’s program, and you benefit from the deeper conversations, peer collaboration and research in them.”
Other benefits to pursuing a related master’s degree include meeting program prerequisites more easily and starting your graduate studies with a strong academic foundation.
You can also reach out to instructors in your bachelor’s program for help. Additionally, most master’s programs require letters of recommendation from a former professor. Holt recommends asking trusted faculty for advice if you're unsure what program to pursue.
“Attending office hours and engaging with faculty can help when you go to ask for a letter,” she noted. “It can also be a time to ask faculty about their graduate degree and what they liked or disliked. Would they choose differently now? It's a good way to get insights for what you might want to pursue.”
But if your goals have shifted, a master’s degree can be an opportunity to pivot. Some programs welcome students from various academic backgrounds, especially in interdisciplinary fields such as business, communication, health care and technology. Be sure to check admission requirements carefully. Some programs may expect specific coursework or experiences, while others offer bridge courses to assist with a smooth transition.
When deciding which master’s degree to pursue, take time to explore your options. Holt explained, “For some career areas, a master's degree is the minimum; in others, it’s not. You can take your time deciding; another degree is a big time and financial commitment. You should be excited about what you're going to study in graduate school, and the research has to be meaningful for you.”
Prepare for in-demand careers
Choosing a program aligned with growing industries can help futureproof your skills. According to the BLS, fields such as technology, health care, business analytics and cybersecurity are anticipating rapid growth. These programs can prepare you for roles that not only offer stability but also the opportunity to make a significant impact.
Master's degrees that prepare for high-demand careers include:
Master of Arts in global security with a concentration in cybersecurity
- Could lead to: Information security analyst
- The BLS projects 33% project job growth in this field from 2023-2033 and $124,910 median annual pay as of 2024.
Master of Computer Science with a concentration in big data systems
- Could lead to: Data scientist
- The BLS projects 36% project job growth in this field from 2023-2033 and $112,590 median annual pay as of 2024.
Master of Science in health care administration
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Could lead to: Financial manager
- The BLS projects 17% project job growth in this field from 2023-2033 and $161,700 median annual pay as of 2024.
