The Top 15 Most Useful Master's Degrees

Most Useful Master’s Degrees

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Introduction
What Are the Most Useful Master’s Degrees?
What Universities Offer the Most Useful Master’s Degrees?
FAQs on the Most Useful Master’s Degrees
Most Useful Master’s Degrees
Universities That Offer Most Useful Master’s Degrees
Additional Resources on Most Useful Master’s Degrees

It is said that over 1,700 universities in the United States offer master’s degree programs in hundreds of subjects. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the number of master’s degrees awarded in 2019-20 was 843,400. But with over three-quarters of a million students having earned their master’s degree, the question is – how useful were or are they? If one sought graduate-level education only to be qualified and get a “good job,” then the chances are many would be disappointed. A master’s degree is undoubtedly an excellent choice to improve one’s career prospects and pay. Still, one must always check if the degree in question aligns with one’s interests and professional goals. A master’s degree should not end up being cast aside; it should be put to good use, after all that time, effort, and money spent on it. This guide picks out the top 15 most useful master’s degrees that promise excellent career options, high wages, potential growth, and an overall bright outlook.

What Are the Most Useful Master’s Degrees?

Here are the top 15 most useful master’s degrees (not listed by rank)

Computer Science
Nursing
MBAs
Marketing
Software Engineering
Public Health
Finance
Cyber Security
Accounting
Communication
Human Resources
Digital Strategy
Psychology
Supply Chain Management
Data Science

What Universities Offer the Most Useful Master’s Degrees?

Here are the top 15 universities that offer the most useful master’s degrees (not listed by rank):

Sam Houston State University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Colorado State University
Southern New Hampshire University
Lamar University
University of Florida
Syracuse University
Purdue University Global
Liberty University
Texas A&M University
Pepperdine University
Arizona State University
Trine University
University of Texas Permian Basin
Capella University

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FAQs on the Most Useful Master’s Degrees

Frequently Asked Questions

Which master’s degrees are the most versatile?

While almost all master’s degrees can be put to good use, some are more versatile than others. Going by popularity, expected salaries, growth opportunities, flexibility, etc., the few best and most versatile degrees that students might choose to build marketable abilities that will better equip them for various careers include Math, Computer Science, Finance, Engineering, Education, Communications, Computer Science, and Business Administration.

What are the most in-demand master’s in the future, and how much do they pay?

The list of most in-demand master’s programs alters with time and changing scenarios. Therefore, it is critical to thoroughly examine degrees with the highest-paying careers and wage and job growth projections. Having done so, it is safe to say that master’s programs in statistics, nursing, finance, petroleum engineering, and taxation are among those in demand and pay well. Graduates with advanced degrees earn up to 28% more than those with only a bachelor’s degree.

How fast can you do a master’s program?

Can you do more than one master’s degree?

Can you get a master’s in a different field?

What are the highest-paying jobs without a master’s degree?

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Most Useful Master’s Degrees: Details

Several significant factors play a role in determining why some master’s programs are useful to obtain. These factors include:

Availability: the popularity and availability of the program across numerous master’s colleges.
Affordability: the average cost of the master’s program.
Delivery: the option to learn online, on campus, or via the hybrid mode that blends both.
Curriculum: the choice of courses, electives, and concentrations and the flexibility to take synchronous or asynchronous classes.
Duration: the time it takes to complete the master’s program.
Statistics: the acceptance, retention, and graduation rates.
Employability: the availability of jobs after graduation and good job prospects.
Return on Investment: the possibility of earning back the money one has spent on their master’s degree.

Considering these primary variables and many more, these are the most useful master’s degrees (not listed by rank):

Computer Science A master’s degree in computer science offers students advanced, in-demand computer and information technology principles and teaches how to use programming languages for operating systems, practical applications, data mining, and more.

Courses* Computer programming, computer networking, cybersecurity, system architecture, distributed systems, and cloud computing.

Duration* ~ 2 Years	Potential Careers & Salaries • Software Developer \| $109,020 • Computer Network Architect \| $120,520 • Computer & Information Research Scientist \| $131,490**
Delivery Mode* Online & On-Campus	*typical \| **median annual pay, 2021

Nursing A master’s degree in nursing program can provide practicing nurses with a pathway to nursing administration, leadership, and management while also teaching them various topics such as adult-gerontology, primary care, health sciences, and more.

Courses* Health informatics, nursing leadership, health assessment, psychiatric mental health, and adult-gerontology primary care.

Duration* ~ 2 to 2.5 Years	Potential Careers & Salaries • Registered Nurse \| $77,600 • Physician Assistant \| $121,530 • Nurse Anesthetist, Midwife, and Practitioner \| $123,780**
Delivery Mode* Online & On-Campus	*typical \| **median annual pay, 2021

MBAs A master’s in business administration (MBA) provides business knowledge through teaching critical abilities such as leadership, communication, and management. An MBA not only leads to higher-level positions but can also quickly increase pay.

Courses* Marketing management, business analytics, financial-decision making, leading and managing, and business communication.

Duration* ~ 1 to 2 Years	Potential Careers & Salaries • Financial Manager \| $131,710 • Management Analyst \| $93,000 • Administrative Service and Facilities Manager \| $99,290**
Delivery Mode* Online & On-Campus	*typical \| **median annual pay, 2021

Marketing A master’s in marketing degree teaches students marketing management and marketing strategy and covers a wide range of topics such as consumer behavior, strategic internet marketing, social media marketing campaigns, global marketing, international marketing, etc.

Courses* Market strategies, social media marketing, market research, consumer behavior, marketing analytics, and marketing communications.

Duration* ~ 1.5 to 2 Years	Potential Careers & Salaries • Market Research Analyst \| $63,920 • Sales Manager \| $127,490 • Advertising, Promotion, and Marketing Manager \| $133,380**
Delivery Mode* Online & On-Campus	*typical \| **median annual pay, 2021

Software Engineering A master’s in software engineering prepares students for careers in various fields, including gaming, healthcare, finance, and research, among others. Students gain advanced knowledge in software development methodologies, tools, processes, and techniques to manage various software projects effectively.

Courses* Software architecture, web development, modern technologies, software development methodology, and software development in C++.

Duration* ~ 2 to 2.5 Years	Potential Careers & Salaries • Computer Programmer \| $93,000 • Software Developer and Tester \| $109,020 • Computer Systems Analyst \| $99,270**
Delivery Mode* Online & On-Campus	*typical \| **median annual pay, 2021

Public Health A master’s in public health helps students enter the health services, human services, and advocacy professions, including epidemiology, disease management, biostatistics, nutrition, environmental health, occupational health, etc.

Courses* Public health practice, public health biology, health management, epidemiology, biostatistics, and social behavioral sciences.

Duration* ~ 2 Years	Potential Careers & Salaries • Epidemiologist \| $78,830 • Medical and Health Services Manager \| $101,340 • Health Education Specialist \| $48,860**
Delivery Mode* Online & On-Campus	*typical \| **median annual pay, 2021

Finance A master’s in finance in finance focuses on the fundamentals of how markets work and is built around the most sophisticated financial theories, industry practices, and quantitative models.

Courses* Corporate finance, international finance, financial planning, investment analysis and portfolio management, and banking.

Duration* ~ 1 to 2 Years	Potential Careers & Salaries • Financial Analyst \| $95,570 • Financial Manager \| $131,710 • Personal Financial Advisor \| $94,170**
Delivery Mode* Online & On-Campus	*typical \| **median annual pay, 2021

Cyber Security A master’s in cyber security teaches a broad range of skills, including cloud security, data protection, and network analysis, to prospective and current IT professionals or those with a computer or data science background.

Courses* Foundations in algorithms, malware and attack reverse engineering, cryptology, information assurance analysis, and ethical hacking.

Duration* ~ 2 Years	Potential Careers & Salaries • Computer Network Architect \| $120,520 • Information Security Analyst \| $102,600 • Computer Systems Analyst \| $99,270**
Delivery Mode* Online & On-Campus	*typical \| **median annual pay, 2021

Accounting A master’s in accounting provides in-depth knowledge of financial analysis, tax research, financial accounting, managerial accounting, federal taxation, etc., and is a sure path to obtaining a CPA or CMA certification.

Courses* Governmental accounting and not-for-profit accounting, federal tax research, advanced cost accounting, and situational ethics in accounting.

Duration* ~ 2 Years	Potential Careers & Salaries • Accountant or Auditor \| $77,250 • Financial Analyst \| $95,570 • Budget Analyst \| $79,940**
Delivery Mode* Online & On-Campus	*typical \| **median annual pay, 2021

Communication A master’s in communication prepares students for leadership roles in the diverse communications field by learning communication theory and communication research methods and developing excellent communication skills to work in various settings.

Courses* Leadership in communication, intercultural communication, communication skills & professional writing, political communication, and ethics in communication.

Duration* ~ 1.5 to 2 Years	Potential Careers & Salaries • Public Relations Specialist \| $62,800 • News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist \| $48,370 • Technical Writer \| $78,060**
Delivery Mode* Online & On-Campus	*typical \| **median annual pay, 2021

Human Resources A master’s in human resources is tailored for students and professionals who desire to understand how humans think and act and capitalize on human behavior in the workplace and beyond.

Courses* Financial and human capital, organization development, HR analytics, strategic workforce planning, employment law, and foundations of strategic human resources.

Duration* ~ 1.5 to 2 Years	Potential Careers & Salaries • Human Resources Manager \| $126,230 • Training and Development Manager \| $120,130 • Labor Relations Specialist \| $77,010**
Delivery Mode* Online & On-Campus	*typical \| **median annual pay, 2021

Digital Strategy A master’s in digital strategy teaches students how to acquire, use, and evaluate data and information to address organizational issues. Digital Strategy is sometimes termed and is interchangeable with Digital Marketing or Online Marketing.

Courses* Lead generation and management, inbound strategy, digital audience management, marketing concepts in the digital age, strategic communication campaigns, and search engine optimization.

Duration* ~ 2 Years	Potential Careers & Salaries • Advertising, Promotion, and Marketing Manager \| $133,380 • Advertising Sales Agent \| $52,340 • Art Director \| $100,890**
Delivery Mode* Online & On-Campus	*typical \| **median annual pay, 2021

Psychology A master’s in psychology deals with the study of psychological theory and human behavior and provides students with an opportunity to move into entry-level work in the field, usually under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.

Courses* Contemporary issues in psychology, biological basis of behavior, psychology of death and dying, and advanced psychological assessment

Duration* ~ 2 to 3 Years	Potential Careers & Salaries • Psychologist \| $81,040 • Marriage and Family Therapist \| $49,880 • Social and Community Service Manager \| $74,000**
Delivery Mode* Online & On-Campus	*typical \| **median annual pay, 2021

Supply Chain Management A master’s in supply chain management deals with sourcing raw materials and components required by companies to manufacture their products or aggregating goods from suppliers at their warehouses and selling them to customers.

Courses* Supply chain management, supply chain analytics, operations management, strategic sourcing and procurement, and global supply chain management

Duration* ~ 1.5 to 2 Years	Potential Careers & Salaries • Logistician \| $77,030 • Purchasing Manager or Purchasing Agent \| $75,410 • Operations Research Analyst \| $82,360**
Delivery Mode* Online & On-Campus	*typical \| **median annual pay, 2021

Data Science A master’s in data science teaches students to communicate computer science concepts and information, create and manage new strategies, compile analytics at an advanced level, and lead teams to meet organizational goals.

Courses* Database systems and data preparation, statistics for data science, computer vision, and practical machine learning.

Duration* ~ 2 Years	Potential Careers & Salaries • Information Security Analyst \| $102,600 • Computer and Information Systems Manager \| $159,010 • Database Administrators and Architect \| $101,000**
Delivery Mode* Online & On-Campus	*typical \| **median annual pay, 2021

Universities That Offer Most Useful Master’s Degrees: Details

Several universities provide useful master’s degree programs. Various teams at OMC collaborated to research and draw up a list of the best ones providing degrees that we think are excellent options for students. Numerous elements were included in our methodology to curate the list, and all of them were baked into a proprietary formula we used. These elements included:

Affordable Tuition
Program Flexibility
Shorter Durations
Expert Instructors
Multiple Intakes in a Year
No GRE or GMAT Requirements
Excellent Student Support Services
Accredited (College and/or Programs)
Availability of Accelerated Programs
Online & On-Campus Programs
Synchronous & Asynchronous Learning
Availability of Financial Aid
Respectable Graduation Rate
Excellent Infrastructure
Variable Curriculum & Coursework
Specialization Options
Selection of Programs
Reputation (College & Programs)
Excellent Student-Teacher Ratio
Availability of Extra & Co-curricular Activity

Here is the list of universities offering some useful master’s degrees (not listed by rank):

1. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University is a public university established in 1879 in Huntsville, Texas. The third-oldest university in Texas, its academic departments and programs are organized into 8 colleges offering about 80 undergraduate, 59 master’s, and 10 doctoral degree programs.

Common Title	Established	Type	Student Enrollment
SHSU or Sam	1879	Public, Research	21,650+
Accreditations	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) + Programmatic Accreditations

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2. Georgia Institute of Technology

Common Title	Established	Type	Student Enrollment
Georgia Tech	1885	Public, Research	39,700+
Accreditations	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) + Programmatic Accreditations

3. Colorado State University

Common Title	Established	Type	Student Enrollment
Colorado State or CSU	1870	Public Land-Grant, Research	34,150+
Accreditations	Higher Learning Commission (HLC) + Programmatic Accreditations

4. Southern New Hampshire University

Common Title	Established	Type	Student Enrollment
SNHU	1932	Private, Nonprofit	138,500+
Accreditations	New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) + Programmatic Accreditations

5. Lamar University

Common Title	Established	Type	Student Enrollment
Lamar or LU	1923	Public	16,100+
Accreditations	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) + Programmatic Accreditations

6. University of Florida

Common Title	Established	Type	Student Enrollment
UF	1853	Public Land-Grant, Research	56,500+
Accreditations	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) + Programmatic Accreditations

7. Syracuse University

Common Title	Established	Type	Student Enrollment
‘Cuse or SU	1870	Private, Research	21,750+
Accreditations	Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) + Programmatic Accreditations

8. Purdue University Global

Common Title	Established	Type	Student Enrollment
Purdue Global, PG	2018	Public (Benefit), Online	43,900+
Accreditations	Higher Learning Commission (HLC) + Programmatic Accreditations

9. Liberty University

Common Title	Established	Type	Student Enrollment
LU	1971	Private, Evangelical	94,700+
Accreditations	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) + Programmatic Accreditations

10. Texas A&M University

Common Title	Established	Type	Student Enrollment
A&M or TAMU	1876	Public Land-Grant, Research	72,950+
Accreditations	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) + Programmatic Accreditations

11. Pepperdine University

Common Title	Established	Type	Student Enrollment
Pepperdine	1937	Private, Research	10,400+
Accreditations	Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) + Programmatic Accreditations

12. Arizona State University

Common Title	Established	Type	Student Enrollment
Arizona State, ASU	1885	Public, Research	52,350+
Accreditations	Higher Learning Commission (HLC) + Programmatic Accreditations

13. Trine University

Common Title	Established	Type	Student Enrollment
Trine	1884	Private	5,000+
Accreditations	Higher Learning Commission (HLC) + Programmatic Accreditations

14. University of Texas Permian Basin

Common Title	Established	Type	Student Enrollment
UTPB	1969	Public	7,600+
Accreditations	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) + Programmatic Accreditations

15. Capella University

Common Title	Established	Type	Student Enrollment
Capella	1993	Private, For-Profit, Online	38,350+
Accreditations	Higher Learning Commission (HLC) + Programmatic Accreditations

Additional Resources on Most Useful Master’s Degrees

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