Overview
A master's degree is also known as a postgraduate degree, which can be earned by attending an academic program at a graduate school. There are various master's degree programs that are offered to students who have completed their bachelor's degree. Master's degree programs offered in the United States are basically of two types which include Master of Arts and Master of Science. There are master's degree programs in specific fields such as accountancy, finance, science, design, engineering, criminal justice, management, geography, and sports. Walden University and Ashford University offer master's degree programs.
Benefits
The main advantage of getting a master's degree is an increase in your average earning. It has been statistically proven that a people holding a master's degree can increase their salary by as much as 30 percent when compare to those without it. Master's degree allows a person to work in his or her own field of interest. Many top notch jobs such as professors, doctors, and lawyers require a person with at least a master's degree.
Costs
The cost of getting a master's degree varies from school to school. Approximately, it can cost as much as $100,000 for completion of a program from an accredited college. It also makes a difference if you are attending a school that is within the borders of the student's state of residence. Most states sharply discount tuition for students who attend an in-state school. Overall costs include cost of stationary, books, housing, and food expenses. Most of the colleges prefer students to have a laptop which could add to your expense.
Schools
There are hundreds of accredited schools that offer graduate programs. Some notable schools include USC Marshall, Walden University, Strayer University, Princeton University, Harvard University, and Ashford University. You also have the option of choosing between traditional brick and motor schools or online programs.
Testing & Preparation
Colleges that offer master's degree programs require student to take specialized tests. These tests may include the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for students seeking admission in a MBA school and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) for admission into law schools of United States. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score is needed for admission in humanities, sciences, and engineering programs. International applicants should have a good score in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for admission to graduate schools.
Financial Aid
Financial aids usually come in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans.
Byron Hanke Fellowship is the well-known funding that assist students taking up their master's degree. Ashford University helps students in funding for the master's degree program in the form of federal grants, private loans, Perkins loans, and scholarships. Cranfield University offers scholarship for deserving students pursuing MBA in their university. You can also avail scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Program which is based on SAT scores.
