What Comes After a Master’s Degree? 8 Paths to Consider

Key takeaways

• After a master’s degree, you can choose from various paths forward, including finding a job in your chosen field, pursuing a doctorate or certifications, traveling, or becoming a professor or an entrepreneur.

• If you are interested in more advanced college degrees beyond a master’s, you could enroll in a doctoral or PhD program, which can help you gain deeper knowledge in your field and help you prepare for research-based careers and other opportunities.

• When evaluating types of degrees and the level you want to pursue, consider whether the increased qualifications will benefit you in your chosen career path and long-term goals.

Beyond the traditional levels of education, you can also pursue certifications to demonstrate to employers the exact skills you are able to perform. It’s one of several options you have to continue your education and professional development after completing your master's. Learn about what comes after a master's degree with these eight options, and get tips on whether a master’s is worth it for you.

What comes after a master’s degree?

After graduating with a master’s degree, you have many options regarding what to do next. A master’s degree is the completion of higher education in a specific field of study after you have completed a bachelor’s degree. You can take your completed education and apply it to a job or career, or you can continue learning and seeking out opportunities that allow you to build experience and gain the skills you need to begin your career in the field you studied.

What are the four types of degrees?

The four primary types of degrees include associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Each has its own unique strengths.

• Associate degree: Typically takes two years, or 60 credit hours, to complete and helps you prepare to enter career fields such as web developer, veterinary technician, or paralegal.

• Bachelor’s degree: Typically takes four years, or 120 credit hours, to complete and allows you to build a broader knowledge base while preparing for jobs in fields like health care management, software development, or finance.

• Master’s degree: Typically takes one to two years, or 30 course hours, after completing a bachelor's, and offers opportunities to develop in-depth knowledge and skills to enter or advance careers in fields like business, political science, criminal justice, or information technology management.

• Doctoral degree: The highest degree level, typically takes several years to complete after earning a master's, with requirements varying depending on the program. Popular in research- and academic-based fields.

8 paths to consider with a master’s degree.

As you read about the following options for post-graduate life, consider your personal and professional goals, resources, and interests to decide the right path for you. These eight ideas could inspire you to come up with additional options.

1. Find a job in your field

Now that you’ve completed a master’s degree in your field of study, you may begin the process of finding a job that you’re now qualified for and passionate about. To find an open position that you want, check job posting websites regularly and update your resume to reflect your completed education status, highlighting the new skills you obtained from your time spent learning. You may also want to work directly with a staffing agency to get help finding a role that is well-suited for you.

2. Get your doctoral degree

If you want to continue your education after completing a master’s degree, consider getting a professional (or applied)doctorate or PhD, both of which are doctoral degrees. In a doctoral program, you'll focus on studying research conducted by others and applying results to solving problems within your field. In a PhD program, you'll spend time conducting your own research and coming up with new theories or knowledge in your field.

Whether your specific area of study is education, mathematics, or psychology, a doctoral degree allows you to learn and research the subject more directly and extensively. A doctoral degree is beneficial if you want to expand your knowledge in your field of study and potentially gain more career opportunities. Your resume will stand out to employers once you obtain a master’s and doctoral degree in your area of expertise.

How many years is a PhD after a master’s?

You can get a PhD directly after completing a bachelor's degree or master’s degree, with no time in between, if you play while in your final year. APhD typically takes 4 to 7 years to complete since it involves original research (your dissertation), while a master’s degree takes 1 to 2 years. Depending on your course of study, you may need to complete a master’s degree before entering a PhD program. However, if you enter a program directly after a bachelor's you may be able to earn a master’s degree while going through the PhD program.

3. Earn certifications

Another way to continue your education after a master's degree without pursuing a degree is to earn certifications. Many employers look for completed certifications in your career field on your resume to indicate that you want to continue learning and growing in your area of study long after graduation.

Certifications may help you earn more in your role and become more skilled at what you do. You can earn certifications at any time in your career, so if you want to become certified in a subject, specific job role, or program, explore your options online to determine if a certification is right for you and your goals.

Read more: Are IT Certifications Worth It? When to Get Certified in Your IT Career

4. Pursue an internship

Internships allow you to get experience in your career before applying for a job in your field. Some jobs list experience in the field as a prerequisite, which you can accomplish through an internship. While your bachelor's or master’s degree may have required the completion of an internship to graduate, internships are not just for students but also for those who have just graduated with their degree. Internships serve as a stepping stone from continuing education to building a career. If you want to start your career slowly, get to know people in the industry, and build your skills to gain experience, then applying for an internship after completing your degree is the right path for you.

5. Travel

If you just completed your master’s degree but aren’t sure what you want from a career, consider taking some time off to travel and explore places you’ve never been. Immersing yourself in other cultures and geographical areas after schooling can be beneficial to reset and prepare for your future career, and allows you time to grow and gain experience navigating the world.

6. Network

Networking is a way to connect with other people who work or study the same subject. Building connections may help you find your next job, allow you to grow through learning from more experienced individuals, and allow you to ask questions and get to know more people in your field.

If you’re unsure where you want to go with your career, start networking and connecting with people who have established their careers. They can offer advice, refer you to companies, and help you set professional goals.

7. Become a professor

If you enjoy continuing education and want to spread your knowledge after completing your master’s degree, consider becoming a professor. Becoming a professor allows you to connect with more people in your field who express interest in your field, and you get to share your love of learning with college students who are figuring out what they want to study.

A prerequisite to becoming a professor is to have a PhD, professional doctorate, or master's degree in your area of study, and you may need to gain some teaching experience before applying for a role as a college professor.

8. Become an entrepreneur

If you want to take control of your career and have an idea you’re passionate about, consider starting your own business as an entrepreneur. Becoming self-employed through your own business is a great route if you want to change your career path and become your own boss.

To become an entrepreneur, you must decide on a product or service you want to create and sell. Then, you’ll need to learn about the market for your business and begin figuring out how to make it a reality.

Is getting a master’s degree worth it?

A master’s degree allows you to grow within your field and expand your job prospects. If you have a master’s degree listed on your resume, you may stand out from others vying for the same role. With a master’s degree, you may also qualify to earn more due to your increased qualifications and experience.

If you’re considering pursuing a master’s degree, you need to decide if having the credential will benefit you and your career in the long term. Ultimately, getting a master’s degree is up to you, but it has many benefits that can allow you to grow and expand your career with more knowledge, skills, and experience.

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