Master's Degrees Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Key takeaways

Learn more about the requirements, duration, and types of master’s degrees through frequently asked questions.

• Graduates of master's programs earned a median of $95,680 a year in 2024 in the US, compared to graduates of bachelor’s programs, who earned a median of $80,236 a year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [1].

• Graduate degrees are necessary for certain careers, but can also lead to salary increases and potentially open new opportunities.

• You can decide if graduate school is right for you by determining what type of master’s degree your desired career may require.

Learn the requirements for different types of master’s degrees. Afterward, explore master’s options from esteemed university partners on Coursera. 

Master's degree basics

Master's degrees are designed to provide advanced instruction in specific areas of study.

Can I transfer previously earned college credits?‎

That depends on the degree you’re interested in earning. Many of the bachelor’s degrees on Coursera from US-based institutions, such as Georgetown University’s Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, allow students to transfer some previously earned college credits. Some, like the University of North Texas’ Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences and Bachelor of Science in General Business, are degree completion programs and require transfer credits in order to enroll.

Each university determines the number of pre-approved transfer credits that may count towards the degree requirements according to institutional policies. Check with each degree program for more information.

You can also build credit toward an online degree program by first enrolling in university pre-approved courses, specializations, and certificates on Coursera. If you decide to apply and are admitted, the courses you’ve completed may count toward your degree requirements. ‎

What is a graduate certificate vs a master’s degree?

A graduate certificate is a short, focused program designed to provide you with specialized knowledge and skills regarding a specific subject. Typically, this program is quicker than a master’s degree, while still allowing you to take courses at the graduate level.

A master’s degree is a type of graduate degree that builds on prior academic knowledge, allowing students to study a discipline in greater depth and with increased specialization. These programs typically require the completion of a bachelor’s degree, ensuring students have a strong foundational understanding to engage with more advanced and focused coursework.

Do you need a bachelor’s degree to get a master’s? ‎

In most cases, yes, though there are some exceptions. Some programs also allow you to begin your master’s coursework while still earning your bachelor’s degree. ‎

Can I get a master’s degree if my bachelor’s degree is in a different field? ‎

Yes. Many master’s programs accept degrees from other fields so long as they’re from an accredited school. ‎

What is the cost of a graduate degree?‎

The cost of a graduate degree depends on the program and where you study. On average, a master’s degree costs $62,820, but typically ranges from $44,640 to $71,140 [2]. The average PhD program costs $80,210 [3].

How long do degrees take to finish?‎

Degree programs on Coursera are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to study part-time or full-time based on your schedule.

Undergraduate degrees typically take between two and six years to complete. Your timeline depends on factors like how many transfer credits you bring and the program’s structure. For example, Utah State University suggests about 20 to 25 hours of study per week, while California State Polytechnic Institute recommends up to 50 hours a week, depending on the difficulty of your classes [4, 5]. 

Graduate degrees generally require one to three years, depending on your pace and program requirements.‎

Is a master’s degree hard? ‎

In general, master’s degree coursework is more challenging than that of a bachelor’s degree. But it also builds upon your previous academic and career experience. ‎

What’s the difference between a master’s and a PhD?‎

Master’s programs tend to be career-oriented, while PhDs tend to be more research-based. Some PhD programs require you to have a master’s degree. ‎

Should I work first before getting my master’s? ‎

This is a personal decision, but having previous professional experience might enhance the value of your learning. ‎

Are there any prerequisites for an MA or MS?‎

Application requirements vary by program, but generally, you will need to have earned a bachelor’s degree before beginning a master's program. ‎

Read more: What Is a Graduate Degree?

What is an MPH / public health master's degree? ‎

A Master of Public Health, or MPH, is an interdisciplinary graduate degree focused on the science and practical application of building good community health by learning to work designing good community education, working within the legal and political system to promote public health initiatives and policies. Master's in Public Health degrees can focus students looking to make the world a healthier place in many areas, including epidemiology, health education, environmental health, population science, biostatistics, and health services administration.‎

What is a data science master's degree? ‎

A data science master's degree is a relatively new graduate program that combines core concepts from mathematics, computer science, statistics, and information science to leverage insights and help data scientists improve operational and business processes. A data science master's is best positioned for someone who is interested in furthering their data science career or is interested in building or expanding skills in machine learning, cluster analysis, databases, data visualization, statistics, data mining, and more. ‎

What is a computer science master's degree? ‎

A master's degree in computer science is a graduate degree focused on advanced computer programming, generally to prepare the student for a variety of professional technical challenges. A computer science master's degree is a good fit for someone with a computer science undergraduate degree or a strong foundation in computer science, looking to formalize their experience. ‎

How long does an online master’s program take?‎

Flexibility is a priority on Coursera, given the competing responsibilities many learners may have as they embark on their graduate education. Some master's programs, such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Master of Science in Management, can be completed in as little as one year. Other master’s degree programs may take two years or more to complete. 

You can find more information about the program duration by visiting the degree page for the program you’re interested in. ‎

Is a postbacc program the same as a master’s degree?‎

No, the postbacc program is not the same as or a substitute for a master’s degree. It is not considered grad school, though it can help prepare students who have earned a bachelor’s degree for a research or professional degree program. ‎

What are typical careers that require a master's degree?‎

Many professional careers require a master’s degree as a minimum qualification. These include roles like physical therapists, nurse practitioners, architects, clinical psychologists, and certified public accountants.

Other fields that often require a master’s degree are audiology, school administration, genetic counseling, postsecondary education, social work, marriage counseling, librarianship, and archaeology.‎

Do I need to go to graduate school?‎

Graduate degrees are necessary for certain careers. Becoming a nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or high school guidance counselor, for example, all typically require a master’s degree. Becoming a lawyer will require a law degree, and you'll need to go to medical school to be a doctor. Going to grad school can also lead to salary increases and open doors to a new career.

You might not want to go to graduate school if you think you can learn the skills needed to make a career switch on your own. Switching into a new career like UX design, IT, or data analysis, for example, is generally possible so long as you have the skill set required. Enrolling in online courses or getting a Professional Certificate might make more sense for you.‎

What's the financial benefit of going to graduate school?‎

Graduate school has its rewards. Graduates of master's programs earned a median of $95,680 a year in 2024 in the US, compared to graduates of bachelor’s programs, who earned a median of $80,236 a year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [1]. ‎

What opportunities come with a master's degree?

Earning a master's degree can make you a more desirable job candidate when applying for a job, especially in a competitive field, but the opportunities don't end there. Earning your master's can help you switch to a new career path, work your way up in your current field or company, earn a promotion, improve your job security, and provide you with the credentials to ask for a bigger salary. It can also help you meet the requirements for specific jobs.

Types of master's degrees

As you're researching graduate degrees, you'll find that there are multiple options to pursue.

Careers and salary

Any degree you are seeking will require some level of investment, whether that’s measured in money, time, or energy. On the other end of that investment should be a payoff—increased earning potential, new skills, or movement toward your career goals, to name a few.

Explore our free resources for aspiring graduate students

Subscribe to our weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat, for industry updates, tips, and trends. Then, explore degree resources to optimize your academic growth:

• Watch on YouTube: Master of Data Science Course Sneak Peek

• Take a quiz: Career Test: What Career is Right for Me Quiz? [Free] | Coursera

• Read success stories: How One Software Developer’s Leadership Aspirations Led Her to Graduate School

Earn your master’s degree on a schedule that works for you by exploring degree programs available from esteemed college and university partners on Coursera.