“Should I get a master's degree?”
It’s a question many professionals explore at some point. While a master’s degree can be a significant time and financial commitment, it may be worth considering as it can change the trajectory of your future by enabling you to develop specialized skills, secure a leadership position, or successfully pivot into a new industry.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—the right choice for you depends on your personal career goals, current season of life, and where you’d like to go next.
A master’s degree is an advanced academic credential awarded by an accredited university that signifies that you have advanced knowledge and expertise in a specific field of study. Typically, you need to have earned a bachelor's degree before you can pursue a master's degree.
Master’s programs typically take between one and five years, depending on the field of study and whether you choose to attend full-time or part-time.
Master’s degrees are intended to deepen your knowledge in a specific field to enhance your career prospects and earning potential. So, begin by reflecting on where you’d like to be professionally in the next 5-10 years.
For example, do you aspire to hold a leadership or C-suite position at your organization? Are you feeling stuck in your career and want to break into a new industry? Do you currently identify as a generalist and want to become a subject matter expert?
Your career vision doesn’t have to be set in stone, but having a general direction can help you decide if grad school is worth it.
Once you have a clearer idea of where you’d like your career to go, the next step is to assess what it might take to make your vision a reality. What skills or credentials do you need to move forward?
If you can accomplish your objectives without a master’s degree, it may be worth exploring alternatives first, such as certifications or additional work experience. At the same time, a master’s can help you meet preferred qualifications or stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
As for leadership and C-suite roles in other industries, many employers do require a master’s degree. Depending on which graduate program you pursue, a master’s degree would signal to potential employers that you have the strengths they’re seeking for supervisory or management positions, such as strategic thinking and leadership skills.
Master’s programs are designed to help you grow, whether that means deepening expertise, building confidence, or preparing for new responsibilities. They often involve a combination of coursework, research, and applied learning experiences. Take a moment to reflect on what’s drawing you to graduate school and what you hope the experience will provide.
Some motivations are internal, driven by curiosity, a desire to grow, or passion about a specific topic. Others are external, such as the need for an advanced credential to pursue certain roles, increase earning potential, or qualify for leadership opportunities.
Reflecting on your motivations can help you determine whether grad school is the right path for you or if other avenues, such as certifications or on-the-job training, might be a better fit.
Reflect on whether you have the time, energy, and financial bandwidth to attend grad school in this season of life. Here are some key factors to consider as you make your decision:
Time commitment: Some people step away from the workforce to focus full-time on their studies. On the other hand, some people may need to study part-time to balance their education with work, family, or other obligations.
Program format: Would you prefer an in-person, online, or hybrid format? While some people prefer in-person programs for a more structured environment, others may prefer the flexibility of online and hybrid programs that allow them to complete coursework at night or on weekends.
Financial resources: Do you have the financial means to cover tuition, or could scholarships, financial aid, or employer sponsorship programs help?
Some people choose to attend graduate school right after undergrad, while others prefer to wait until they have more work experience. There isn’t a single “right time,” so choose what works best for you.
Because a master’s degree is a meaningful investment of both time and money, it can help to think in terms of return on investment
While master's degree salaries vary by field, on average, workers with a master’s degree earn 12–20% more annually than those with a bachelor’s degree. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for master’s degree holders is lower, indicating greater job security.
In addition to higher earning potential, consider the professional and personal benefits of a master’s degree:
An expanded network: Graduate programs often connect you with like-minded professionals and industry leaders through opportunities like speaking engagements and internship experiences.
Increased confidence: Gaining specialized knowledge and credibility can empower you to take on leadership roles.
Job satisfaction: Moving into roles with more influence or impact can be deeply fulfilling, especially if it aligns with your values.
Whether or not to pursue a master’s degree is a deeply personal decision—one best made after reflecting on your long-term career goals, current life circumstances, and what kind of impact you’d like your work to have.
If you’re ready to explore your options, Calvin offers several faith-informed master’s programs that encourage students to connect their work, values, and sense of calling: