Types of Graduate Degrees

Whether you want to advance in your career or start on a new career path, advanced education is key. So what are the graduate degrees that could help you reach your goals? It depends on what you hope to achieve.

With programs in arts, business or sciences, there are many different types of graduate degrees that can help you prepare for a variety of careers.

If you’re interested in furthering your education, it’s important to understand the kinds of degrees available and explore which one might be best for you.

What is Considered a Graduate Degree?

A graduate degree is an advanced educational program designed to focus deeply on one subject area or discipline. One of the most common types of graduate degrees is a master's degree. While most master’s degree programs take about two years to complete, some may be completed in as little as a year.

A four-year bachelor's degree is typically required for admission to a master’s degree program. After earning a master’s degree, some students also pursue another type of graduate degree known as a doctoral degree.

There are many differences between bachelor's and master's degree programs, including different credit requirements and a focus on more specific areas of learning.

According to Nicole Lounder, an admissions counselor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) with 17 years of experience working in education, graduate degrees offer a more advanced and hyper focused education on a subject compared to a bachelor's degree.

"You really dive deep," she said. "I always tell my students — give yourself grace, especially when you're transitioning from a bachelor's to a grad degree. It is different. There's more content that you're learning."

If you’re ready to advance your career, it’s time to explore the different types of graduate degrees and discover which one is right for you.

What Are the Different Types of Graduate Degrees?

No matter what career you hope to pursue, there is likely a graduate degree program that can help you reach your goals.

Some of the most common types of graduate degrees include:

• Master of Science (MS)
• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Other specialized master’s degree programs
• Doctorate degrees

Deciding which program is right for you comes down to your career goals.

Master of Science (MS)

A Master of Science degree typically focuses on scientific or technical expertise, according to Lounder. In an MS program, you’ll likely gain key technical skills that you can apply to your field right away.

Some options include:

• MS in Accounting: Gain key accounting skills and experience in areas like auditing, financial analysis and accounts payable. This degree could help you move into high-level banking, taxation or insurance positions.
• MS in Data Analytics: Take a deep dive into understanding data and build in-demand statistical techniques to collect and analyze large data sets.
• MS in Information Technology (IT): Gain advanced IT skills and serve as a bridge between IT departments and organizational management.

Learn more about what an MS degree is.

Master of Arts (MA)

A Master of Arts degree focuses on humanities and the theoretical understanding of the subject at hand, said Lounder. "You dive deeper into the different aspects of people's thinking so that you can see things from a more holistic point," she said.

Some of your MA degree options include:

• MA in Communication: Gain hands-on experience using current communications practices to address real-world situations, so you can apply your learning to your daily work right away.
• MA in English and Creative Writing: Learn to effectively tell your story and share ideas with the world by studying literature and building creative writing skills.
• MA in History: Dig deep into advanced research, analysis, presentation, writing and critical-thinking techniques – skills you can use for a career in history, education or many other fields.

Learn more about what an MA degree is.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

An MBA is one of the most in-demand graduate degree programs out there. MBA programs typically focus on a specific area of concentration and leverage real-world learning. MBA programs also build in-demand soft skills such as leadership, communication and collaboration.

Some of your MBA options include:

• MBA in Business Analytics: Learn to use data to help an organization implement change and achieve business goals.
• MBA in Project Management: Discover the processes that can help you plan and complete a project on time and on budget. You may also complete coursework that can help you prepare to take the Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification.
• MBA in Finance: Explore topics like short-term financial management, portfolio management and capital budgeting. Prepare for advanced finance roles such as financial analyst, security analyst and investment broker.

Learn more about what an MBA degree is.

Other Specialized Master’s Degrees

Beyond these common types of graduate degrees, there are additional master’s degree programs that may be available depending on the field you’re studying.

Some of these graduate programs include:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): An MSN degree can help you prepare for advanced nursing careers and focus on a specific area of the medical field. Available concentrations include population health, nursing education, nurse leadership and healthcare quality and safety.
• Master of Public Health (MPH): With an MPH degree you can learn how to act quickly to help control outbreaks of illness and disease. You may also explore how to develop community wellness programs and champion public policy changes with global implications.
• Master of Education (MEd): An MEd degree prepares educators to be leaders in their field. You can learn to apply local, state and national standards to classroom education and may design learning experiences for various ages and learning environments.

Explore other master's degree options:

Doctorate Degrees

Doctorate degrees, including the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), are terminal degrees — meaning the highest possible degree level you can achieve. These degrees can take anywhere between 5 and 12 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), but if you already have a master's degree, your doctorate might take less time.

There are also certain roles that may require a doctorate degree. For example, BLS reports that you may need a PhD or other doctorate to work as a professor or postsecondary teacher at some universities.

At SNHU, you could consider earning a PhD in International Business or a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership.

Learn whether a doctorate degree will be worth it for you.

So, Is a Graduate Degree Worth It?

The specialized skills learned in a graduate degree program can help you land leadership positions in your field and potentially earn more money.* According to BLS, master’s degree holders earned an average of 16.3% more in their weekly earnings than bachelor’s degree holders in 2023.*

Jobs for graduate degree holders are also on the rise — they are projected to grow 12% by 2033, BLS reports.* In comparison, jobs for bachelor's degree holders are projected to grow 7.2% in that time, according to BLS data.*

Lounder said a graduate degree can help you stand out in the job search. "Career wise, I think that it's very beneficial," she said.

She also noted that a graduate degree can offer you more opportunities for professional networking and building valuable connections in your field.

How to Choose a Graduate Degree

The most important factor to consider when choosing a graduate degree is how the program will prepare you to meet your career goals.

Does the coursework align with the skills you need to land the job you want? Will the program help you prepare for any professional certifications you may need? Will you be prepared to move on to a more advanced graduate degree like a PhD or EdD?

"It really depends on the student, but what I tend to ask them is: What is your long-term goal?" Lounder said. "Where do you see yourself?"

No matter what type of graduate degree program you choose, you’ll be building skills and knowledge to help you advance your career — or start a brand new one.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Danielle Gagnon is a freelance writer focused on higher education. She started her career working as an education reporter for a daily newspaper in New Hampshire, where she reported on local schools and education policy. Gagnon served as the communications manager for a private school in Boston, MA before later starting her freelance writing career. Today, she continues to share her passion for education as a writer for Southern New Hampshire University. Connect with her on LinkedIn.