When you decide to study for a higher education, you may consider an online program for your master’s degree. Online master’s degree programs offer greater flexibility and more options when you have limitations on your time, making them ideal for working adults and career changing professionals. If you’re wondering why you should earn a master’s degree, increased salary is at the top of the list. A master’s degree can open up new career paths or advancements that offer a greater salary. The key is focusing on the right education for your goals.
How Credible Are Online Degrees?
Credibility is an important part of finding a job when you finish your degree. That brings a clear concern to mind. How credible are online degrees? It depends on the college or university giving the degree. An online program at an accredited university is a credible degree. If the university or college is not accredited, then it is not a credible degree, and employers will not trust it.
An accredited university must go through an evaluation from a third-party agency, which are designated by the federal Department of Education. The agency sets a clear standard that gives potential employers peace of mind that you have the training and education to handle the job. So how credible are online degrees? As credible as the online school’s accreditation.
Are Online Master’s Degrees Accepted by Employers?
Is an online master’s worth it? Are online master’s degrees accepted by employers? It depends on the university and degree. An employer will consider an online degree from an accredited university in the same way employers view a degree at a traditional university. You will have the same opportunities and options for your career.
If the university is not accredited, then an employer may determine that it is not credible. That means they will not accept the degree or may consider it a mark against hiring you as a new professional. An online master’s degree is worth the time and effort as long as you go through an accredited program and ensure that it meets the standards of potential employers. If the program seems suspicious or you notice that the university does not have a third-party accreditation, then opt for a different online program.
Is an Online Master’s Worth It?
The salary potential for a master’s degree varies significantly between majors and careers. Although a master’s degree average salary differs based on your field of study, you will make more for a position in a company or firm when you have a higher education. In many cases, you can expect your salary to increase by roughly 35%. The average salary for an individual with an undergraduate degree across all fields of study is slightly more than $50,000 per year. When you have a master’s degree, the average salary increases to roughly $68,000 per year.
You should expect some variation based on your field of study and career path. An online degree in a STEM field will usually result in a higher average salary when compared to a degree in education or gender studies. You will want to evaluate specific details for your major and your career aspirations to clarify the exact impact on your salary, but the online master’s degrees have to be accepted by employers.
When you obtain an online master’s degree, you have the opportunity to earn a higher salary. The key is making sure that you complete your courses at an accredited school. It will make your degree credible to potential employers and help you move forward with your career aspirations.
FAQs
It depends on the university and degree. An employer will consider an online degree from an accredited university in the same way employers view a degree at a traditional university. You will have the same opportunities and options for your career.
Is an online master's degree worth the money? ›
Online graduate degrees offer flexibility and affordability.
Typically, online graduate degrees are more flexible than a traditional on-campus program. This factor also can make these master's programs more affordable while still providing access to a career-advancing curriculum.
Do you get paid more if you have a master's degree? ›
Earning a master's degree won't automatically increase your salary, but with a master's degree, you may qualify for higher paying positions or career advancement opportunities.
What type of master's degree makes the most money? ›
The Top 8 Highest-Paying Master's Degrees
- Architectural and Engineering Manager.
- Petroleum Engineer.
- Financial Manager.
- Actuary.
- Financial Advisor.
- Political Scientist.
- Software Developer.
- Health Manager.
If you're pursuing a master's or Ph. D. in a science-based field, you may want to be on campus because these are primarily research-based and require lab work. However, if you're pursuing a humanities degree, an online program may be conducive to that type of work.
Is an online Masters the same as a regular Masters? ›
The major difference between an online master's degree and an in-person master's degree is the way you earn it. Your online master's program should provide the same curriculum and skills development as a master's degree earned by attending a person in program.
What is the difference between Masters and online Masters? ›
On-campus courses require regular attendance whereas most online courses are asynchronous. Online students can plan access around other daily responsibilities and can respond to communications at their own pace. However, this freedom requires them to be highly motivated and organized in the absence of peer support.
What is the average salary increase after a masters degree? ›
For example, master's graduates from the Class of 2021 saw their average starting salary nudge up 1.1%. However, the average salary for bachelor's grads jumped 4.0%.
Is a master's degree financially worth it? ›
Increased earning potential
Often, these advanced skills come with the perk of a higher salary. Plus, the degree can open doors to new opportunities, like getting promotions or bonuses, which means even more money. Earning your master's degree is a smart move because it helps provide long-term financial stability.
Is having a master's degree impressive? ›
Those with a master's degree often possess specialized knowledge that those without a degree may not know. As a result, a master's degree program can help make you an industry expert, resulting in increased credibility and respect in your area.
The worst master's degree for job prospects was found to be counseling with a median mid-career salary of 50,676 U.S. dollars in 2021. Master's in social work and music were also though to have low job prospects.
What is the easiest master's program? ›
15 Easiest Master's Degree Programs
- Human Resources.
- Information Technology.
- Marketing.
- Management.
- Nursing.
- Political Science.
- Psychology.
- Social Work.
List of Quick Degrees That Pay Well
- Software Development. Median Annual Salary: $127,260. ...
- Nuclear Science Technology. Median Annual Salary: $122,480. ...
- Air Traffic Control. ...
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography. ...
- Aerospace Engineering Technology. ...
- Real Estate. ...
- Electrical Engineering Technology. ...
- Construction Project Management.
An online master's degree usually takes two to three years to complete, depending on the credit requirements and the pace of the coursework. The average master's degree program will require 36 to 48 credits, but they can range anywhere from 30 to 72 credits.
Why are online master's programs so expensive? ›
The development of digital course materials and significant technological investments are the main factors that could lead to why some online degrees are more expensive. Universities spend a lot of money developing and managing complex web platforms in addition to delivering interesting and high-quality material.
Can online Masters lead to PhD? ›
Yes, many PhD programs do accept online master's degrees, but the acceptance depends on several factors. This includes the accreditation of the institution awarding the online master's program and the specific PhD program's admission policies.
How do you know if a masters degree is worth it? ›
Before making a decision, consider:
- Projected earnings of your desired career field.
- Total cost of each school you're applying to.
- Scholarship, fellowship and grant opportunities.
- Federal, then private graduate school loans that will offer the best interest rates.
Many students worry whether an online degree holds the same prestige as a traditional degree. The truth is, they're equal in terms of academic quality, job preparation and career opportunity. Online degrees and traditional degrees only differ in the format they're delivered.
