The best master’s degrees for career changers often allows you to complete your studies full-time or part-time. If you’re not sure about making a change, consider the top five reasons to change careers:
- You no longer have to fear stress at work and bring it home at the end of the day.
- Changing careers can significantly raise your annual salary and help you get better benefits
- A new job may give you the recognition that your current employer does not offer.
- You can choose a more flexible job that gives you more free time
- A new position often has a better chance of moving up the career ladder
Table of Contents
Here are Some of the Master’s Degree for Career Changers
Master’s in Computer Science
Some master’s programs in computer science are open to prospective students who have little to no work experience. These programs enable students to build technological skills valuable to practically any industry. While some programs require applicants to have an undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering, or other quantitative areas, others provide applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field with a direct path to a master’s degree. Students in the latter group typically must complete pre-graduate-level foundation courses before starting master’s-level work.
Master’s degree In Information Technology
It’s possible to gain entry to information technology (IT) jobs with limited relevant experience and a bachelor’s degree or more minor. However, the IT employment market is competitive, so differentiating yourself is essential, even in your quest for entry-level IT work. In addition, having an advanced degree lets employers know you’re well-qualified and prepared to translate their organizational problems into technology solutions.
Master’s in Cybersecurity
According to the Agency of Labor Statistics, the information security analyst job market is projected to grow 31 percent by 2029. Making it one of the fastest-growing professions in the country. Combine the occupation’s strong job growth with a median salary of $103,590. And it’s no wonder that anyone interested in targeting cyber-criminals would be eager to break into the field.
Master’s In-Network Engineering
Graduate programs in network engineering prepare students for careers in computer network development and design through coursework that explores advanced topics in computer architecture, network architecture, information systems analysis and modeling, and IT-based software development. Common specializations include network and IT security, data mining, and warehousing.
Master’s in Marketing
Marketing programs typically explore demand, supply, global trade, marketing theory and practice, brand management, and consumer behavior. In addition, some programs may provide graduate students with the opportunity to complete a master’s. Thesis while working directly with a company in their desired industry.
Switching careers to marketing opens doors to opportunities for entrepreneurial work, freelance or consulting work, or in-house employment in organizations of all sizes, and roles that span from marketing director to media planner to account coordinator, consumer insight analyst, or social media content strategist.
Master’s of Data Analytics
Like the broader field of data science, career changers may pursue data analytics roles through upskilling options. However, the area is highly competitive, making a graduate degree a must-have even for entry-level positions and a crucial component of holding your own in the applicant pool. For example, in a 2020 Burtch Works study, 89 percent of data analytics professionals with less than three years of experience reported having a master’s degree.
A master’s in data analytics will allow you to build portfolios of real-world projects demonstrating. Competency with critical technologies, visualization, and communication techniques. It will also help you grow the ability to translate information into recommended actions.
Master’s in Business Analytics
Business analytics focuses on analyzing data to make practical business decisions. Master’s programs in business analytics generally include courses in business data analytics, operations research, project management, database analytics, and predictive analytics.
Many on-campus and hybrid programs facilitate experiential learning through internships or co-ops, significantly benefiting career changers looking to gain industry experience. Full and part-time programs can typically be completed nine months to two years.
Master’s degree of Accounting
For those aiming to jump to a new career in accounting, finance, or business at large, a master’s degree provides the deep technical knowledge you need. Many accounting master’s programs are open to candidates who hold undergraduate degrees in various majors. Coursework covers financial accounting and reporting, assurance services, strategic cost management, and taxation. Students also strengthen their communication and leadership skills.
Master’s in Human Resource Management
Professionals come to HR careers from diverse professional backgrounds. Undergraduate studies in sociology, business, and psychology, for instance, traditionally transition very well. In addition, employers will sometimes hire professionals with experience in industry or corporate operations which are willing to start in administration and then focus on HR tasks.
A master’s in human resource management can also be helpful, not only for transitioning into HR from an outside field and advancing more quickly from entry-level positions to roles that include more authority and responsibility.
Master’s in Finance
Master’s programs in finance are ideal for professionals with previous quantitative experience in fields like engineering or business analytics. The advantages of master’s in finance programs lie in their exploration of contemporary financial and risk management. And in-depth training in economic theory and practice. Finance master’s degrees lead to career opportunities in commercial banking, corporate finance, financial planning, risk management and insurance, real estate, and other industries.
Master of Health Administration
Many prospective career changers interested in shifting into the non-clinical side of healthcare enroll in Master of Health Administration (MHA) programs because of the varied opportunities available with the degree. In addition, many experienced professionals find that their business experience. Whether in finance, technology, or process improvement prepares them well for this degree.
MHA curricula focus on business related to healthcare, with coursework in leadership and ethics, invention, data analytics, operations, and financial and also strategic management.
Conclusion
The best graduate degrees for you depend on your career goals. Only you know what fields are best suitable for your aptitudes and work preferences; some common areas in which getting a graduate degree might be a game-changer for career changers.