An online master’s degree will provide you with the next step you need to get ahead in your career. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only about 9.3% of Americans hold a master’s degree. By getting this degree, you’ll have a better advantage compared to other candidates in your job market who may only have a bachelor’s degree.

Not only will obtaining an online master’s degree give the flexibility you’ll need to enhance your knowledge and skills in a particular subject area, but it can also improve your earnings and career potential. In fact, average median salaries for master’s degree holders ($71,760) is 19% higher than bachelor’s degree holders ($60,112) and 68% higher than associate degree holders ($42,588).

Benefits of Getting Masters Degree Online

• Access your class from anywhere: Since your class is online, you have access to all your class content from anywhere, as long as you have a good internet connection.
• Flexibility in working on your class: Your classes can be completed when it’s convenient for you. If you work during the day, you can work on your assignments in the evening on your own time.
• No need to relocate: An online program prevents you from having to move to another city. You can complete your master’s degree from home.
• Network with a diverse group of students: Chances are your fellow classmates will be from different parts of the country. This experience enables you to learn from their points of view and potentially network with them on career opportunities in the future.

Popular Online Masters Degrees

There are a wide variety of online master’s degree programs available at colleges and universities across the United States, both on-campus and online. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, some of the most popular online master’s degrees include:

• • Business

• • Education

• • Health professions

• • Legal professions and studies

• • Engineering

• • Biological and biomedical sciences

• • Psychology

• Physical sciences and science

There are a number of master’s degree programs that lead to high-paying professions. Master’s degrees in different fields can help you earn more at your current job and qualify you for more jobs.

Nursing and Medical Degrees: Many professions in the medical field require master’s degrees rather than MDs. Some of the top paying healthcare professions that call for a master’s degree include nurse practitioner ($107,480 per year), nurse-midwife ($103,650), and nurse anesthetist ($169,450).

Engineering Degrees: Master of Engineering degrees are among the highest paying master’s degrees. A wide variety of engineering fields look for people with master’s degrees. Some of the higher paying engineering professions include aerospace engineers ($113,030), petroleum engineers ($132,280), and computer hardware engineers ($115,120).

Business Degrees: MBAs and other master’s degrees in the field of business can be lucrative. Professions that benefit from a business degree include marketing directors ($145,620), IT project managers ($139,220), and operations managers of finance ($123,460).

How to Earn An Online Master’s Degree

If you’re ready to take the next step in your education after earning your bachelor’s degree, consider getting a master’s degree online. Not only will it allow you to have flexibility with work and family, but you’ll also get to complete it at your own pace. Getting your master’s degree online also enables you to study at the university of your choice, whether near or far from your home.

For some people, a master’s degree can take up to two years. For others, it may take them three to four years, depending on the length of the program, or there are breaks in-between semesters. But however long your master’s degree takes you to earn, the effort will definitely be well worth it. You’ll qualify for higher paying jobs and develop the knowledge and skills you’ll need to specialize in a particular field and get that promotion youâve always wanted.