{"id":32953,"date":"2026-06-04T09:58:24","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T07:58:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/?p=32953"},"modified":"2026-06-04T09:58:29","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T07:58:29","slug":"what-is-a-masters-degree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/orientation\/what-is-a-masters-degree\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Master\u2019s Degree? A guide to everything you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"<section id=\"hero-post\" class=\"hero-post\">\n  <picture class=\"hero-post__bg\">\n    <!-- tatamiento horizontal -->\n    <source media=\"(orientation: landscape) and (min-width: 1024px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5.jpg\">\n    <!-- tatamiento vertical -->\n    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"hero-post__img\" src=\"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5.jpg\" alt=\",\" title=\"\">\n    <noscript>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-5.jpg\" alt=\",\" title=\"\">\n    <\/noscript>\n  <\/picture>\n  <div id=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"breadcrumbs\">\n    <p class=\"container\">\n      <span>\n        <span>\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/\" data-gtm-container=\"breadcrumb\" data-gtm-action=\"navigation\">\n            Home          <\/a>\n        <\/span>\n        &gt;\n        <span class=\"breadcrumb_last\" aria-current=\"page\">\n          <strong>What is a Master\u2019s Degree? A guide to everything you need to know<\/strong>\n        <\/span>\n      <\/span>\n    <\/p>\n  <\/div>\n  <h1 class=\"hero-post__title\">\n    What is a Master\u2019s Degree? A guide to everything you need to know  <\/h1>\n      <div class=\"hero-post__wysiwyg\">\n      A master\u2019s degree is a graduate-level academic degree that allows you to gain specialized knowledge in a specific area after completing your bachelor\u2019s degree. It can improve your career opportunities by equipping you with the advanced skills to stay competitive in today\u2019s job market.    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n\n<p>There are plenty of flexible options to choose from, including <a href=\"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/academics\/masters\/\">Online Master\u2019s Degrees<\/a>, which make it possible to study while you work, raise a family, or enjoy the freedom of being a digital nomad. In the following paragraphs, we\u2019ll tell you more about <strong>what a master\u2019s degree is<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is a master\u2019s degree in the U.S.?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the U.S., a master\u2019s degree is part of <strong>higher education<\/strong> and follows a bachelor\u2019s degree. These programs usually focus on a specific professional field and can be research-oriented or practice-based.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most take between one and two years to complete, depending on the program format and whether you study full-time or part-time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is a master\u2019s degree used for?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s common for people to pursue a master\u2019s degree to move forward in their careers. It can help you qualify for promotions or take on more specialized roles. Some fields, like education, healthcare, and business leadership, require a master\u2019s for senior-level positions or roles that involve specialized expertise.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But getting a master\u2019s isn\u2019t always about moving up in your current career; it\u2019s also a way for professionals to update their skills and shift into new roles in a constantly evolving <strong>job market<\/strong>. Graduate studies can make that transition because they allow you to focus on a specific area, develop relevant skills, and reposition your experience for new opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What level is a master\u2019s degree in higher education?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A master\u2019s degree is a graduate-level <strong>academic degree<\/strong> that sits between a bachelor\u2019s degree and a doctorate. Students at this level are expected to work more independently and focus on a specific area within their field, often through research projects or applied coursework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why is it important to earn a master\u2019s degree?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Earning your master\u2019s can strengthen your position in the job market, especially in fields like education, healthcare, or business. It also helps you develop more specialized knowledge and <strong>digital skills<\/strong> that are directly connected to your professional field, supporting both career development and growth within your current organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Graduate studies can also improve your earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with a master\u2019s degree earn a median of $1,840 per week, compared to $1,543 for those with a bachelor\u2019s degree. Plus, people with more advanced degrees generally face lower unemployment rates.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What\u2019s the difference between a bachelor\u2019s degree, graduate studies, and a master\u2019s degree?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A bachelor\u2019s degree is typically the first <strong>university degree<\/strong> students earn, and it provides a broad foundation in a chosen subject. Graduate studies (known in some countries as postgraduate studies) refer to any education that comes after that, including master\u2019s and doctoral programs. A master\u2019s degree is one type of graduate program and comes with deeper knowledge and specialized training in a particular field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to study for a master\u2019s degree in the U.S.: admission requirements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re wondering <strong>how to get a master\u2019s degree<\/strong> in the U.S., you first need to check the admission requirements. They can vary by program, but most include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A bachelor\u2019s degree from an accredited institution<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Academic transcript of previous coursework<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Standardized test scores, such as a GRE and\/or exams related to the <strong>professional field<\/strong> of study<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Letters of recommendation from professors, employers or relevant contacts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A personal statement explaining your goals and motivation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A r\u00e9sum\u00e9 or CV, especially for professional programs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Additional materials may include writing samples, portfolios, interviews, or even auditions, depending on the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Benefits of earning an online master\u2019s degree from an international university<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a lot of advantages to studying a <strong>master\u2019s degree program online<\/strong> with an international university. To name a few:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cost effectiveness: Students can avoid the costs of commuting, relocation, on-campus housing, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flexibility: You can study from anywhere in the world. Many programs offer recorded class sessions and self-paced coursework, so it\u2019s easier to balance work and personal responsibilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Variety: Online master\u2019s degree programs let you access programs that may not be available locally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Networking opportunities: You can connect with classmates and professionals from different countries for a broader professional network.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, earning a degree from an international university can help you develop a broader perspective. As the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development notes, international education acts as \u201ca catalyst for academic excellence, cultural exchange, economic growth, and international understanding,\u201d all of which are increasingly valuable in today\u2019s job market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oecd.org\/en\/topics\/sub-issues\/international-student-mobility.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OECD<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to choose the right master\u2019s degree for you<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing the <strong>best online master\u2019s degree programs<\/strong> for you depends on your goals and where you want to grow professionally, whether that means advancing in your current role, specializing further, or moving into a new field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to consider your schedule, location, and commitments, as well as admission requirements, costs, <strong>college scholarships<\/strong>, program format, and duration. Finally, be sure to choose an accredited institution to guarantee <strong>educational quality<\/strong> and ensure your degree is recognized by employers and other institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently asked questions about master\u2019s degrees<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can you earn a master\u2019s degree while working?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Online master\u2019s degree programs are designed for working professionals, so you can continue to work while earning your degree. Flexible formats make it more manageable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What financing options are available for a master\u2019s degree?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Financing options include college scholarships, grants, student loans, and employer tuition assistance. MIU City University Miami also offers payment plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How long does it take to earn a master\u2019s degree?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most programs take between one and two years to complete. <strong>How long a master&#8217;s degree is <\/strong>varies depending on your field of study, credit requirements, and whether you enroll full-time or part-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How many credits are required for a master\u2019s degree?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How many credits a master&#8217;s degree is<\/strong> varies by program, but a U.S. master\u2019s degree usually requires between 30 and 60. Some professional programs may require more, especially if they include internships or practical components.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re ready for the next step, exploring accredited online master&#8217;s degree programs can help you find a program that matches your goals and your current situation. Flexible formats, such as online master\u2019s degrees from MIU, make it easier to balance work, life, and continued education.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bibliography<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). <em>Unemployment rates and earnings by educational attainment. <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/emp\/tables\/unemployment-earnings-education.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/emp\/tables\/unemployment-earnings-education.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2025). <em>Education at a glance 2025: How does educational attainment affect participation in the labour market? <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oecd.org\/en\/publications\/2025\/09\/education-at-a-glance-2025_c58fc9ae\/full-report\/how-does-educational-attainment-affect-participation-in-the-labour-market_ae451464.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.oecd.org\/en\/publications\/2025\/09\/education-at-a-glance-2025_c58fc9ae\/full-report\/how-does-educational-attainment-affect-participation-in-the-labour-market_ae451464.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>World Education Services. (2018). <em>Education in the United States of America. <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/wenr.wes.org\/2018\/06\/education-in-the-united-states-of-america\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/wenr.wes.org\/2018\/06\/education-in-the-united-states-of-america<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.). <em>Digest of education statistics: Definitions. <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/nces.ed.gov\/programs\/digest\/d22\/app_b.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/nces.ed.gov\/programs\/digest\/d22\/app_b.asp<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are plenty of flexible options to choose from, including Online Master\u2019s Degrees, which make it possible to study while [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":32938,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[2428,2431],"class_list":["post-32953","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-orientation","tag-master","tag-masterdegree"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32953"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32953"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32953\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32980,"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32953\/revisions\/32980"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32938"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32953"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32953"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32953"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}