Your Guide to Master's Programs

A master’s program is the course of study you enroll in when working on your master’s degree—the graduate degree you can typically pursue after earning your bachelor’s. Obtaining a master’s degree offers professional, personal, and academic benefits and can be a lucrative step in terms of your education and career goals. You can find a variety of graduate degree programs available from colleges and universities throughout Canada.

Discover the degrees associated with different master's programs, the entry requirements for applying to a master’s, and how to determine the best program for you. 

Types of master’s degrees

You have numerous options for earning your master’s degree, and the type you earn can depend on what you want to study. For instance, the Master of Arts (MA) and the Master of Science (MSc) are two common types of master’s that house an array of majors in the humanities, arts, social sciences, and natural sciences. 

However, if you’re interested in business, library science, health, or a more specialized area of study, you may want to pursue a more specific master’s degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Public Health (MPH). 

Examine some of the master’s degrees you can earn and the common subjects or concentrations you can study in more detail: 

• Master of Arts (MA): English, history, social sciences, geography, fine arts, and foreign languages, such as Spanish, Mandarin, and French

• Master of Science (MSc): Computer science, data science, biology, chemistry, economics, marketing, and statistics 

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA): Visual arts, performing arts, filmmaking, design

• Master of Business Administration (MBA): Management, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, accounting 

• Master of Engineering (MEng): Chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, biomechanics

• Master of Education (MEd): Special education, education leadership, early childhood education, literacy and learning, technology and learning

• Master of Architecture (MArch): Building design, interior design, urban design

• Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS): Library and information services, information technology, archival studies, public library studies, school library studies

• Master of Health Care Administration (MHA): Operations management, health care data analytics, education, health policy

• Master of Public Health (MPH): Biostatistics and informatics, community health, disaster management and emergency preparedness, environmental health science, epidemiology, global health, maternal and child health 

• Master of Social Work (MSW): Clinical work, health, mental health, community administration, children and families

• Master of Public Administration (MPA): Ethical leadership, nonprofit management, public management

Master’s program factors: Costs and time 

Master’s program costs vary depending on school, program, residency status, and whether you attend an in-person program or choose to earn your degree online. 

Master’s programs typically provide information about the average price of tuition and fees, alongside estimates about housing, materials, and other costs associated with earning your degree. Research each program you’re interested in attending and compare costs. 

Average program length 

Earning a master's degree generally takes one to two years, depending on what you want to study. You may find certain options, like accelerated master’s or dual degrees, that may speed up your time to completion. 

If you want to get your degree while you continue working, you may benefit from an online master’s program. These programs are typically designed to be asynchronous and self-paced, so you can schedule your learning to suit your needs best. 

Applying to a master's degree program

The requirements for entry into a master’s program vary from school to school, but most will require a bachelor’s degree before starting an advanced course. The following are some other common application requirements: 

• Transcripts

• Entrance exam scores, such as GRE or GMAT 

• Letters of recommendation

• Personal statement

• Writing sample

• English or French proficiency test 

• CV or resume

Graduate entrance exams

There are several entrance exams for graduate and professional degree programs, but the two most common for master’s degree programs are the GRE and the GMAT. Take a look at the differences between these exams. 

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that measures your knowledge of three general areas: analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. You may also take the GRE subject test in one of four areas, including mathematics, physics, and psychology. 

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is a standardized test for entry into a graduate business program that measures your knowledge in three areas: quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights.

Choosing the best master’s program for you

The master’s program that’s best for you is the one that helps you meet your goals, whatever they may be. Spend time thinking about why you want to earn your master’s in the first place and what you’d like to do with the degree. Those two factors can help narrow your options. Other possibilities include: 

Building on your bachelor’s 

You can pursue a master’s degree in the same subject, a similar subject, or an entirely different one than your bachelor’s degree. However, if you enjoyed your college major, advancing your knowledge in that subject may make sense. 

Exploring something new 

Since you’ve graduated with your bachelor’s, perhaps you’ve developed an interest in a new area, or you’re curious about exploring something unrelated to your undergraduate degree. In that case, you can gain the necessary subject knowledge and skills through a master’s program.

Career goals

Whether you want to advance your knowledge through an MA or MSc, or a specialized master’s degree like an MBA, it may make sense to think about your career goals and how a master’s may help you achieve them. While not every career path requires a graduate degree, earning one can show employers your advanced subject knowledge and help you qualify for more senior roles. 

Continue exploring master’s programs on Coursera

Explore online master's degrees from leading universities on Coursera. Earn your MBA, MPH, or MS in Computer Science and much more. There is an array of options often designed to be more flexible and self-paced than an in-person master’s degree program while still being taught by the same faculty.