{"id":19234,"date":"2020-10-26T19:32:12","date_gmt":"2020-10-27T02:32:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=19234"},"modified":"2020-10-26T19:33:06","modified_gmt":"2020-10-27T02:33:06","slug":"is-a-masters-degree-worth-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/is-a-masters-degree-worth-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Is a Master\u2019s Degree Worth it?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

To obtain a master\u2019s degree or not to obtain a master\u2019s degree, that is the question. A master\u2019s degree is an enormous investment of both your time and money. With these two on the line, a question worth considering abounds. Is a master\u2019s degree worth it in the tech industry<\/a>? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tech industry<\/a> relies heavily on hands-on experience. In the past, traditional schooling was necessary to establish one’s competence in any industry, including tech. The requirement has since been lifted in recent years. This comes in response to the entry of non-traditional learning paths to tech. At the top of the list are coding bootcamps that advance short yet intensive training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nevertheless, formal education still holds some competitive advantage. A master\u2019s program gives professionals the chance to study a specific area of interest in greater depth. It also gives them solid credibility in an industry. Furthermore, a master\u2019s degree can accelerate promotions and advancement in a company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what are some master\u2019s degrees worth earning? Moreover, what does the industry have to say about the pursuit of higher education? Read on for a review of several worthwhile master\u2019s programs for the tech industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Master\u2019s Degree Costs and Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Start adding up the benefits of a master\u2019s degree today.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are four levels<\/a> of higher education that can be divided into two categories. There are undergraduate degrees and advanced degrees. Under the former category are associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees. Advanced degrees, meanwhile, refer to master’s degrees and doctoral degrees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To apply for a master\u2019s degree program, you must have an undergraduate degree. Most universities require at least two years of prior study. Once accepted into a master\u2019s program, you will have to complete 36 to 56 credits to graduate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means if you commit to a full-time master\u2019s program, it will take about two years to complete. If you decide to enroll for a part-time program, it will take four to six years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Graduate school pricing can vary drastically from one university to another, so naming an exact value is not possible. Suffice to say, the cost of a master\u2019s degree<\/a> is estimated to range from $30,000 to $100,000 for higher-end programs. This may result in students having to take out hefty student loans depending on their financial situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before committing to any financing option, it would be best to check for any aid that may be provided by the school. This may come in the form of other payment methods, such as deferred tuition. Other financial aids such as scholarships and sponsorships are great options as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that a master’s degree is an investment. As such, you must always weigh the financial pros and cons. Determine your career prospects after graduating from a prospective program. How much will you be earning? Compare that against the cost of attendance. The returns must offset the costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Factors to Consider Before Enrolling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many factors to review when adding up the final costs of a program. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n