Students interested in earning a master's degree must first complete a bachelor's program, in most cases in a subject related to the intended master's program. For example, a master's degree in petroleum engineering requires a bachelor's in engineering or petroleum engineering. A student can apply for a master's degree in a different field, but there can be additional course requirements before becoming eligible. A minimum grade-point average is also required depending on the type of the master's program. Some master's programs can require a higher minimum GPA, but the usual requirement is an overall GPA of 3.0. A series of essays and interviews are also sometimes required before acceptance.
Aside from basic requirements, students who are interested in undertaking a master's program are usually required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), depending on field of study. The GRE is the most commonly used test requirement in many graduate schools and it has two versions; the GRE General Exam and the subject-specific GRE such as computer science or sociology. The GMAT is similar to the GRE, but is taken by students who want to enroll in master's programs in business. In some instances, GRE or GMAT requirements can be waived depending on the applicant's work experience and other qualifications. For example, an applicant for a master's degree in accounting who has been an accountant for five years may be allowed to apply for a graduate degree without the GRE or GMAT.
Almost all types of bachelor's degrees have master's programs. Master's programs offered in the U.S can be found in social sciences, humanities, science, information technology, business, education, finance and engineering. Fellowships and grants from colleges, private organizations and the government are also available for students who want to pursue graduate education. These grants usually require students to pursue specific graduate courses. A master's degree program also can offer more scheduling flexibility than undergraduate programs. Since some graduate students have jobs, universities and colleges schedule their courses in ways that enable students to work and study at the same time.
Today, many educational institutions are making use of the Internet, offering a variety of master's programs online. Programs offered are almost the same as those offered in traditional classrooms. However, there are issues to examine before applying for an online degree. The most important concern: making sure the online master's program is accredited by proper authorities. Some online schools offer master's programs that are not accredited.
A graduate degree holder can have better opportunities for future promotions and salary increases. Achieving a master's degree certifies that the individual has advanced knowledge in her chosen field and can be trusted with an important position. Individuals who work in academia also have better chances of obtaining research grants and other opportunities. Completing a master's program also enables a student to apply for a doctorate degree in the same field of study, if interested.