Choosing the Right Master’s Degree: Factors to Consider When Researching Advanced Degrees

You’ve put in the work, earning your bachelor’s degree. Perhaps you have also gained valuable experience in your field. Now, you’re thinking about what’s next. 

Earning an advanced degree is a logical next step for career growth in today’s competitive job market. Many industries and career paths favor or require a master’s degree for leadership and specialized roles, making it a powerful tool for unlocking professional advancement and higher salaries.  

However, selecting the right program is crucial to achieving your career goals. This article examines the key factors to consider when researching advanced degree programs—including career alignment, curriculum and program options, financial support and program flexibility—so you can make a confident and informed decision about your future.

Your Personal and Professional Goals

The first step in choosing a graduate degree program is to consider your personal and professional goals, as these will influence all your decisions. Identify your ultimate goal in earning a graduate degree or certificate. What do you want to achieve? 

Typical reasons for pursuing a master’s degree include: 

• Career advancement: Many leadership and specialized roles require or prioritize candidates with a master’s degree.
• Greater earning potential: Advanced degrees often lead to higher salaries and greater long-term financial stability.
• Specialization: A master’s degree enables professionals to develop expertise in a niche area, making them more competitive in their industry.
• Career change: A master’s program can provide the necessary skills and credentials for those looking to transition to a new field.
• Increased job security: In a competitive job market, an advanced degree can provide an edge and reduce vulnerability to layoffs.
• Personal fulfillment and lifelong learning: Some individuals pursue a master’s degree out of a passion for a subject and a desire to continue their intellectual growth.

Academics: Curriculum and Program Options

Once you have identified your purpose in earning an advanced degree or certificate, you can explore academic programs and schools that will allow you to reach your goal. In addition to your personal motivations, consider what your industry requires or prefers (master’s degree or graduate certificate). 

After identifying the degree or certificate you want to pursue, start digging into the specifics of suitable programs’ curricula. Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether a program curriculum can help you achieve your career goals: 

• Are the courses relevant to the skills and knowledge I need for my desired career path?
• Are the courses aligned with current industry needs and standards? 
• Are there opportunities to specialize through concentrations or emphasis areas?
• Does the program offer practical, real-world learning opportunities? 

Structure: Format, Schedule, and Duration

The delivery format of a master’s degree or graduate certificate program can significantly impact your learning experience, work-life-study balance and overall success. If you plan on earning your degree while working full-time, an online program might be a good option. 

When researching degree programs, consider the following aspects to determine if the program suits your schedule and lifestyle: 

• Can you study part-time, or are you required to be enrolled full-time? 
• What is the expected time commitment each week for coursework and assignments? 
• What is the balance of asynchronous vs. synchronous coursework? 
• Are there live class sessions you must attend? If yes, are these held at a time that can work for you? 

Faculty: Expertise and Mentorship 

Who you learn from can make a significant difference in your graduate education experience. As you research programs, take the time to evaluate the faculty members who will lead and teach your courses. 

Should you choose to study online, your courses will likely be taught by a combination of full-time faculty members/scholars and industry practitioners. This blend can be quite beneficial to students. Full-time faculty members and scholars bring deep research insights and foundational theories to their classes, and they are often also involved in the latest cutting-edge research and innovations in their field. Industry practitioners offer real-world experience, insight into current industry trends, and practical skills, helping students apply their learning to real scenarios, build professional networks and prepare for career advancement. Having up-to-date professional knowledge is particularly important if you plan to specialize in a high-tech or highly regulated field.

Reputation: School Distinctions and Outcomes

Your research shouldn’t end at the program level. You also need to examine the school you’re considering. A school’s academic reputation can significantly impact its ability to recruit and retain top faculty members, as well as maintain industry connections that lead to solid employment opportunities for graduates.

Aspects to look into include: 

• School and program distinctions and rankings
• Accreditation (depending on your degree and career path) 
• Alumni career outcomes

Resources: Career and Academic Support

Many students value a sense of support throughout an academic program. When researching schools, consider how they support students academically, personally and professionally. Student support services may include academic advising, career coaching and access to networking events. If you plan to study online, also examine whether online students can access the same resources and technical support services as their on-campus peers.

Financial Support: Tuition and Aid 

Attending graduate school can be costly, so the potential return on investment (ROI) of earning an advanced degree is likely a significant factor in your decision-making process. The cost of earning a master’s degree should be seen as an investment, as graduates often benefit from higher earning potential and overall lifetime earnings. 

Moreover, you may not have to carry the cost of earning your degree alone. When researching degree programs, find out what graduate financial aid options (including employer assistance and partnership discounts) are available. 

Get Answers to Your Questions

Online research can only take you so far, especially since everyone has unique needs and circumstances. If you have unanswered questions or need more information on a specific topic, connect with the admissions team of the school you’re considering. Merrimack College, for example, has a team of enrollment advisors available to help prospective students with their questions.  

Exploring Graduate Programs at Merrimack College

Pursuing a master’s degree is a powerful step toward achieving your personal and professional aspirations, whether you’re looking to advance in your current field, specialize in a niche area or pivot to a new career. Use the guidance in this article to carefully research your options to set yourself up for long-term success and growth.

Merrimack College offers a range of flexible and personalized degree programs in fields including science and engineering, education and business. Connect with a Merrimack enrollment advisor to learn more and discuss how Merrimack’s graduate programs can help you achieve your goals.