Is a Master's Degree Worth It?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), people who hold a graduate degree, such as a master's degree, typically make more money and experience lower unemployment rates than those with a lower level of education.

While these statistics do not guarantee that if you hold a master's degree you will always earn more than someone with a lower level of education or will never lose your job, the data does suggest a positive relationship between your level of education and your potential salary.

According to the BLS, the median weekly earnings of someone with a master's degree is about 18.4% higher than the wages of someone with only a bachelor's degree.

It's important to note that earning a master's degree is not a guarantee that you will earn a certain amount of money. Higher education can increase the chance of earning a better wage, but there are countless other contributing factors that can influence your wages such as where you live, the industry in which you work, your previous job experience and more.

How long it takes to earn a master's degree can vary greatly from program to program and even from school to school.

Typically, each master's degree program has its own minimum credit requirements that you need to meet in order to graduate. At DeVry, the credit requirement for a master's degree program can vary, but typically hover around 13 courses usually 3 credit hours per course.

In terms of time, master’s programs can take about two years to finish if you attend on a full-time schedule*. Though if you choose to earn your master's degree on a part-time schedule, it may take more time to earn your degree.

It’s important to remember that finding a job comes down to more than just your education. While having a master’s degree may help you meet the job requirements, there are lots of other factors that employers take into account when making hiring decisions. Here are just a few questions they might consider:

How long it takes to earn a master's degree can vary greatly from program to program and even from school to school.

Typically, each master's degree program has its own minimum credit requirements that you need to meet in order to graduate. At DeVry, the credit requirement for a master's degree program can vary, but typically hover around 13 courses usually 3 credit hours per course.

In terms of time, master’s programs can take about two years to finish if you attend on a full-time schedule*. Though if you choose to earn your master's degree on a part-time schedule, it may take more time to earn your degree.

It’s important to remember that finding a job comes down to more than just your education. While having a master’s degree may help you meet the job requirements, there are lots of other factors that employers take into account when making hiring decisions. Here are just a few questions they might consider:

We believe that it's always worth it to expand your knowledge and build your skills, and that a master's degree is a great way to do that. To determine whether a specific master's degree program is a great idea for you, take a look at your goals.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to if you’re thinking about earning your master's degree: