How to Get a Master's Degree

Attending graduate school can be a worthwhile endeavor that deepens your subject knowledge, adds a valued credential to your resume, shows your commitment to advancing your career, and potentially leads to higher salaries. In fact, more students are enrolling in master’s and doctoral programs. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) anticipates that graduate enrollment will increase by six percent between 2021 and 2031 [1]. 

As more students earn their bachelor’s degrees, a master’s degree can be one way to distinguish yourself. It’s also in demand across industries. Jobs requiring a master’s degree are expected to grow by 11.3 percent by 2032 [2]. 

Although a master’s degree typically doesn’t take as long to earn as a bachelor’s degree, it still requires significant time, commitment, and dedication. The average graduate student is in their 30s, meaning they likely have other responsibilities to navigate as they embark on a new degree [3]. In this article, we’ll go over what it takes to earn your master’s degree, ways you may be able to speed it up, and what you’ll need to apply.  

How do you get a master’s degree?

To earn a master's degree, you will need to complete several semesters of coursework, among other requirements. Let’s go over the general expectations. 

• Complete around 30 to 60 credit hours depending on the program. Some programs may require up to 72 hours. 

• Earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) as established by the college or university.

• Complete a final project, such as a thesis or research report. 

• Finish all coursework within a certain number of years, likely ranging from five to ten years, depending on your program and school.

Some institutions may also require: 

• Residency: Complete a set number of courses while registered at your institution. 

• Written or oral exams: Take a comprehensive exam showing knowledge of your field. 

• Foreign language: Pass a foreign language proficiency test, showing an ability to understand a foreign language. Many schools offer classes to help students fulfill this requirement. 

Master’s degree coursework

At the graduate level, you will take more challenging coursework that introduces advanced concepts and ideas. The majority of these will be in your area of concentration. Like a bachelor’s degree, you will choose to major in a subject, though you will likely be expected to focus on a specialization within that subject. For example, a student interested in earning their master’s in English may choose to study 19th-century poetry, or a student interested in earning their master’s in chemistry may choose to study forensic chemistry. 

Not every school or program offers the same majors or specializations, so consider what you’re interested in learning before you begin researching programs. This can help narrow your options. 

Thesis

Many master's degree programs require students to complete a research project, clinical project, or original thesis to demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter. The type of project you complete will depend on what you study, the degree you’re earning, and your program. If you are learning a natural sciences subject and wish to work in a lab, then a research or clinical project might make more sense. If, however, you’re studying a humanities subject, a thesis might make more sense. Once you are enrolled in a program, an advisor or director should help guide you toward the best option for your goals. 

How long does it take to get a master’s degree?  

Each master’s program is different, but on average, it takes between eighteen months and two years to complete the more common Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees when you can attend full-time. 

Depending on what you choose to study, some programs may offer an accelerated master’s program, which takes around one year, while other graduate degrees, such as the Master of Fine Arts (MFA), tend to take three years. If you need to attend part-time, it may take longer to complete your degree. 

As of 2024, a master’s degree costs an average of $62,820 [4]. Some programs, such as the MBA, may be more expensive. For example, the Harvard Business School MBA tuition is $78,700 for the 2024-2025 school year, meaning the total program tuition is likely above $150,000 for the two years [5].

How to get a master’s degree at a faster pace

While a master’s degree typically takes one to three years to earn, earning yours in less time may be possible. 

Accelerated master’s degrees

Some colleges and universities offer a dual degree, often called a “four plus one” option, that allows you to earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years rather than six.  

You may also find that some programs offer an accelerated or one-year master’s. In that case, if you can dedicate more time to your studies, either by taking more courses per semester or enrolling in summer semesters, you may be able to complete your degree faster. 

Online master’s degrees

More students are leaning toward obtaining their degrees online, thanks to the flexibility it offers. It can be especially beneficial for students who still want or need to work while earning their degree. Let’s review some of the benefits of an online master’s degree. 

• Time: Some online master’s programs are designed to take less time because they’re self-paced. For example, you can earn your Master’s in Computer Science on Coursera from leading universities, each offering unique coursework and specialties. 

• Flexibility: Because most online learning occurs asynchronously, you can often determine when you sit down to work on your courses—either working faster or slower, as needed. That flexibility can be helpful if you continue working or have other responsibilities. 

• Cost: Tuition for online courses can often be lower because they require less overhead to operate. You may also save by not commuting to or living on campus.

Are all affordable master's programs online?

While many online master’s programs offer affordable prices, several institutions also offer affordable in-person options. If you’d like to complete an in-person program, consider options that combine in-person and distance learning. Many hybrid programs may be more affordable than fully in-person programs while offering classroom learning options.

How to apply for a master’s program

Applying to a graduate program is similar to applying to an undergraduate program. Let’s go over the most common requirements:

• University or program application 

• Transcripts showing proof of bachelor’s degree

• Personal statement

• CV or resume

• Entrance exam scores, such as GRE or GMAT

• Letters of recommendation

Applying to a new subject area

There may be an instance when you’ve become interested in a subject other than what you studied for your bachelor’s degree. You do not need to apply to a master’s program in the same subject as your bachelor’s—but you will have to explain your interest in the new subject, what you want to get out of a master’s program, and why you’re interested in studying at each particular school you apply to. 

Benefits of getting a master’s degree

There are numerous benefits associated with earning your master’s degree. 

Salary

Master's degree holders earn a median weekly salary of $1,737 compared to $1,493 for bachelor’s degree holders [6]. Some master’s programs, such as MBAs, tend to see higher returns for graduating students, especially from top programs. The median starting salary for a graduate from Harvard Business School is $175,000 [7]. 

Career opportunity

Some career tracks require advanced education. For example, if you want to work as an education administrator, public health consultant, political scientist, data scientist, or nurse practitioner, you may benefit from having a master’s degree. 

Development

More than the career possibilities you may be able to explore after earning your master’s degree, you may develop deeper subject knowledge, area expertise, and skill set as a result of your time in a graduate program. Plus, there’s the accomplishment of having completed a rigorous degree to strengthen your education.  

Continue exploring how to get a master’s degree on Coursera

Connect with leading universities in the US and around the world on Coursera, where you’ll find master's degree programs in computer science, health administration, business, and more. Explore the Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois or the Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan. Many programs allow you to enroll in a course or certificate, which can stack into the degree if you’re accepted into the program.