A master's degree is sometimes referred to as a post-graduate degree. Master's degrees are advanced collegiate degrees whose courses of study are centered on a specific field. A master's degree is conferred after a student has successfully completed one to two years of study beyond the bachelor's degree in a defined program.
The primary requirement for pursuing a master's degree is the successful completion of an undergraduate program resulting in the obtainment of a bachelor's degree. Other requirements vary with the program, and may include completion of certain undergraduate studies.
In general, a master's degree takes approximately 18 months to two years to complete. Additionally, 30 to 40 credits are undertaken by graduate students; 36 credits being the average. However, the length of time spent in school and the number of credits can differ for the education and nursing fields, as well as for accelerated programs and online programs. While all master's degree programs traditionally required a thesis, some now include the "non-thesis" option, which can include an academic report or capstone project.
Students in graduate programs conduct higher-level research and receive more interdisciplinary experience than in their undergraduate studies. This prepares students for higher-level work within their chosen career fields. Graduate programs for master's degrees may also include active involvement in the employment sector, with more internships and apprenticeships available to students. Master's degree programs are also more accessible to working students, as they can involve more flexible scheduling. Networking with professors and other students within the same field can prove beneficial in future employment opportunities.
Recently, more and more employers are looking for candidates who possess a graduate degree. The master's degree is slowly replacing the bachelor's degree as a requirement for employment in some sectors. In corporate environments, for example, an MBA (Master of Business Administration) is often necessary for advancement or the attainment of more lucrative positions. However, business is not the only sector where candidates benefit from possessing a master's degree; from engineering to education, many fields look for candidates with graduate degrees to fill higher-level positions.