A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a postgraduate degree offering advanced, comprehensive training in business principles and leadership skills. Most major universities and colleges provide MBA programs, which last one to two years. MBA programs may include core courses in accounting, management, finance, marketing, business law, and management training. They typically focus on leadership, planning, business strategy, organizational behavior, and all aspects of business management. The specialized skills and knowledge gained from an MBA can significantly increase lucrative career advancement opportunities. Admission to an MBA program generally requires taking the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and meeting the specific selection criteria of the program, which is different from school to school.
A student going into nursing might assume they’ll only ever work as a nurse practitioner, registered nurse, or in a job serving patients in a hospital, doctor's office, or other care facility. Did you know there are also options to work in high-level administrative positions by earning a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in addition to a nursing degree and with it, earn a much higher salary? Nurses with an MBA have an advantage in that they have valuable experience working directly in patient care while working in business supporting patient care. If you’re a nursing student this is a great opportunity to use your medical expertise in business and administrative roles and find a lucrative opportunity and a long-lasting career.
A Master’s Degree in English is the study of English literature, language, and writing. According to the University of Texas at San Antonio, “Through this study, students understand the historical and cultural contexts in which these languages and literatures are produced; develop skills in critical and cultural analysis; and conduct literary, rhetorical, and linguistic research.” An English Degree prepares students for a wide variety of professional paths. Graduates typically find opportunities in education, writing, publishing, media, and other fields that value strong communication skills and critical analysis.
Through a Master's Degree in Theatre, students become skilled in theatrical arts. Coursework typically involves acting, directing, playwriting, and history and combines classroom learning and hands-on experience in productions and workshops. What can you expect from this degree path? While much depends on the school, one example, the University of Illinois graduate Theatre program, is described as "the academic study of theatre as a liberal art." Graduates with a Master's Degree in Theatre can pursue many career paths. They might work as actors, directors, playwrights, or teachers in theaters, film, television, and education. They can also work in arts administration and may even explore careers in digital media.
A Master’s Degree in Communications teaches students the theories and practices of communication. This graduate degree typically includes coursework in media studies, public relations, strategic communication, digital media, and interpersonal communication. Earning a Communications Master’s Degree prepares graduates for jobs for higher-level positions in journalism, advertising, public relations, mass media, higher education, and various other fields There is more than one type of Communications Master’s Degree. Students who earn a Master of Arts (MA) in Communication will work in the creative fields, whereas someone who earns a Master of Science (MS) will typically work in positions focused on theory and research. There are also Communications Degrees that focus on a particular industry.
According to Indiana University, getting a Master's degree in IT management is ideal "for working professionals in information technology (IT) who are looking to accelerate their careers" for students from both business and IT backgrounds "to meet current market needs for CIOs and other tech visionaries." A Master's in IT Management combines information technology and business management studies. It prepares students for leadership roles in IT departments and helps them gain the tech tools they'll need to successfully manage online processes and networks. IT managers play an important role in an organization's overall performance. They troubleshoot complex tech issues, train junior team members, and stay on top of trends in the ever-changing tech world. Two popular types of IT Management Master's Degree programs are:
Special Education Degree majors learn to work with disabled students, from those who have a mild learning disability to others who suffer more severe mental and physical disabilities. Most states require a certificate or license when teaching special ed. These Requirements vary from state to state and from school system to school system. Teachers who wish to work in elementary or secondary schools may complete a Bachelor’s Degree program and earn a special education license or certificate. More and more states also now require a Special Education Master’s Degree to teach students with disabilities, while students who pursue research or teaching at the college level will earn Doctorate Degrees.
Coursework in a Curriculum and Instruction Degree covers curriculum design, development, and learning strategies. It is a degree earned by educators who want to further their careers. There are no undergraduate degrees for this major—students can obtain it through a certificate, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree program. The University of San Diego states that a Curriculum and Instruction Degree will teach students “how to design, deliver and assess lessons, units, and programs. You will likely examine your own current practices and compare those to leading national and international exemplars. A strong advanced degree program will also focus on current issues, state and national standards affecting curriculum.”
A Physical Education Teaching/Coaching Degree prepares students to become educators and coaches. It includes coursework in teaching methods, curriculum development, and coaching strategies. This degree prepares graduates for various fitness, wellness, and health promotion roles rather than specifically for educational or coaching positions. However, those with a Physical Education Teaching/Coaching Degree may find work in roles outside of education. In comparison, a Physical Education Degree focuses more on the science and principles of physical activity and health without the same emphasis on teaching and coaching. All states require a certificate or license endorsing them as a public school teacher. Requirements vary from state to state and from school system to school system—what a public school requires, a private school may not. Coaches typically follow the same path and must meet education and certification credentials depending upon the state and school system.
A School Counseling and Guidance Degree is a graduate degree that allows students to work in education as guidance counselors or pursue other avenues in counseling, psychology, social work, or related fields. Student coursework focuses on mental health and educational systems. According to Alliant University, some states allow students to hold Bachelor’s Degrees with additional graduate-level credits to work in school counseling, but most states require a Master’s Degree specifically for school counseling and guidance. Counselors must be licensed to practice in their specific state and school. Because requirements can vary, check with the school of your choice for more information.
When seeking a School Counseling and Guidance Degree, military spouse tuition assistance programs help military spouses (and sometimes dependent children) pay for their education, whether they are in the U.S. or stationed elsewhere in the world.
All military branches once offered programs following Spouse Tuition Assistance (STAP) guidelines or created something similar. Today, individuals and organizations use the term STAP interchangeably to describe various offerings by military relief organizations, but the programs can differ.
STAP now refers to the education benefits offered by military aid societies, many of which the U.S. military branches and the federal government do not run. Instead, they are private, nonprofit organizations, and what they provide varies.
These organizations include:
The workforce development program MyCAA, formally known as the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship, provides financial assistance of up to $4,000 ($2,000 over two years) to eligible military spouses pursuing or maintaining a Science Teacher Degree, certification, or license.
As long as an individual meets the requirements, MyCAA will pay for spouses pursuing any occupation or career.
Neuroscience is the scientific study of nervous systems. A Degree in Neuroscience is interdisciplinary and includes studies in fields including:
A Degree in Urban Studies is an interdisciplinary education that focuses on understanding cities, towns, urban life, economics, and all the related social complexities.
If you’re interested in becoming an art teacher, you’ll need to attain a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education, a Bachelor’s in Art, or a Bachelor’s in Education with a major in art appreciation or history, drawing, ceramics, graphic, or visual arts. Different states have different requirements for Art Teacher Degrees, but they all require that graduates take certification or licensing exams to teach in public schools. Private schools have no such requirements but may prefer their teachers to have certification regardless. Master's and PhD Degree holders may teach at the university level or work in other high-level art-related careers.
A student earning a Financial Crime Degree learns about the various aspects of financial wrongdoing. This program usually covers fraud examination, forensic accounting, and regulatory compliance through data analysis and investigative research. Financial crime (“white collar crime”) involves fraudulent or dishonest behavior for personal financial gain. Crimes that fall under this category include:
According to Florida State University, a Management Information Systems (MIS) Degree gives students an education in business and technology, allowing them to find jobs where they manage the design and development of systems for various organizations. While Information Science Degrees also blend business and technology, they place emphasis on technology. MIS coursework is also a mix of these topics but with more of a business focus. Students learn business processes and functions relating to information systems and how to use technology to create solutions and growth for organizations.
An IT Management Degree allows students to bridge the gap between business and tech, blending core IT subjects like networking and cybersecurity with business administration elements like project management and finance. IT professionals of all kinds are in demand as businesses rely more and more on technology for everyday operations and strategic growth. An IT management degree prepares students with the know-how to manage complex IT systems and meet an organization's needs and challenges.
A speech and communication degree is obtained by studying verbal and written communication. Depending on the university, rhetoric and speech are often paired as majors, as are communications and speech and speech and writing. Rhetoric adds the study of visuals, such as images and film, to this major. According to Duquesne University, students majoring in speech learn argumentation and persuasion and their effect on areas like free speech, pop culture, religion, and politics, among others. Speech programs attempt to entertain, inform, motivate, and/or persuade the listener. Students who graduate with this degree can find jobs in many industries, such as law, advertising, public policy, business, and corporate affairs.
The academic field of statistics focuses on the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data collection. Students seeking a Statistics Degree learn to design experiments, gather data, and apply various techniques to draw conclusions on their collected data. According to the University of Michigan, coursework typically covers topics like applied statistics, statistical theory, and computational statistics. Students also have the choice of elective courses that cover certain statistical techniques or focus on research areas where statistical analysis is frequently used. Statistics majors then apply the skills they’ve learned for careers in many industries, including finance, government, public policy, and healthcare. They may also go on to earn Master’s or Doctoral Degrees.
A degree in veterinary technology can open doors to a career helping animals and their people. Job opportunities in both the public and private sectors can be found across all 50 states and overseas in organizations such as:
