Bachelor’s vs. Master’s

While an associate degree is the initial level of higher education that can be earned after high school, a bachelor’s degree is considered the second level. However, one does not need to complete an associate’s degree to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Most programs leading to a bachelor’s degree require students to complete about 120 credit hours, roughly equivalent to 40 classes, and usually takes four years. A bachelor’s degree is also commonly referred to as an undergraduate degree.

Types of Bachelor’s Degrees

There are several types of bachelor’s degrees, the most common being:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) – based on the humanities
• Bachelor of Science (BS) – based on science and math
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) – focusing on fine arts such as creative writing, drama, music, studio art, etc.
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – focusing on business, economics, and commerce

The number of young Americans earning a bachelor’s degree is steadily rising. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the percentage of people age 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree or higher jumped from 30.4% to 37.9% from 2011 to 2021^[1].

Completing a bachelor’s degree makes one eligible for a master’s degree program. The most common reasons for pursuing a master’s degree are a desire for increased pay, a change in careers, or the desire to pursue a passion or personal interest. Unlike a bachelor’s degree, which is broad-based, a master’s degree focuses on a single subject and usually requires 33 to 60 credits, taking about two years to complete in most cases. A master’s degree is also commonly referred to as a graduate degree.

Types of Master’s Degrees

Like bachelor’s degrees, there are many different types of master’s degrees available, depending on the field of study. Some common types of master’s degrees include:

• Master of Arts (MA) 
• Master of Science (MS) 
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) 
• Master of Education (MEd) 
• Master of Social Work (MSW) 
• Master of Public Administration (MPA) 
• Master of Engineering (ME) 
• Master of Library Science (MLS) 
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil) 
• Master of Theology (MTh) 
• Master of Law (LLM) 
• Master of Health Science (MHS) 
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) 
• Master of Psychology (MPsych) 

The academic backgrounds of pupils mainly determine the credit range of a master’s degree program. A student might be able to complete their master’s degree with fewer credits if they completed undergraduate courses in the same discipline, translating to a shorter time to graduate.

A report published by the U.S. Census Bureau states that young Americans aged 25 and over whose highest degree was a master’s has doubled to 24.1 million in 2021 compared to 16.05 million in 2011^[1].

Choosing a degree program is a major decision. Which of the two suits an individual better largely depends on their educational background.  

Those who meet the following criteria might be good candidates for a bachelor’s degree program:

• You do not have any post-secondary education.
• You finished certain college courses but did not receive a diploma.
• You obtained an associate’s degree or a certificate.
• You have a bachelor’s degree but wish to pursue a job or a master’s degree in an entirely different area.

Those who wish to get a master’s degree should check the following points:

• You want to change careers and boost your work prospects.
• You wish to move up to executive positions or other occupations that require a master’s degree.
• You wish to strengthen your job security by updating your industry expertise.
• You want to learn more about your field and improve your knowledge in specific areas.

These are just a few factors that may influence one’s decision to pursue one degree over another. For those with a bachelor’s degree, pursuing a master’s degree may be the most advantageous next step in compensation and job progression. Therefore, when selecting a program, it is essential to think about the complete worth of the degree and how it will improve one’s professional opportunities both now and in the future.

Be it students or working professionals who do not want to quit their jobs to go back to school, there are some crucial features to look for in programs that will not only make getting the desired degree easier but will also provide excellent educational value. Here are some of the important ones to look for:

1. Online Degree Programs – that allow the individual to work around their schedule while completing their degree.  
2. Selectable & Interactive Coursework – that provides the opportunity to pick and choose courses and tailor-make the program to get the best value.
3. Institutions Accepting Transfer Credits – that will ensure that credits for all the prior experience or courses will be factored in to help get the degree faster and for less money.
4. Accreditation – that ensures the institution’s credibility and recognition of the degree by other institutions and the job market.
5. Well-experienced faculty – with real-world knowledge and experience and are familiar with the chosen field of study.
6. Networking – that allows students to connect with each other, industry experts, and professionals in the field who can provide support, advice, and guidance.

A bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree each have the potential to pave the way for gratifying educational and professional prospects. For bachelor’s degree holders, the good news is that they can start a master’s degree at any time after they acquire their bachelor’s degree. This is true regardless of whether they want to take a few months off or resume classes again after more than ten years have passed since they last attended school.

On the other hand, if obtaining a master’s degree is consistent with one’s goals and is expected in one’s chosen line of work, serious consideration should be given to opting for one. In the end, either one does not necessarily best the other – it boils down to one’s preferences, interests, and goals.