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 2023-2024 was 860,00[1]. But with over three-quarters of a million students having earned their master’s degree, the question is – how useful are they? A master’s degree is undoubtedly an excellent choice to improve career prospects and pay. Still, it is important to check if the degree in question aligns with interests and professional goals. This guide walks through the most useful master’s degrees that promise excellent career options, high wages, potential growth, and an overall bright outlook.
Here are the top 15 most useful master’s degrees (not listed by rank)
Here are the top 15 universities that offer the most useful master’s degrees (not listed by rank):
While almost all master’s degrees can be used well, 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.
Several significant factors play a role in determining why some master’s programs are useful to obtain. These factors include:
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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. |
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, all of which were baked into a proprietary formula we used. These elements included:
Here is the list of universities offering some useful master’s degrees (not listed by rank):
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 |
Popular Programs at SHSU