How Long Does it Take to Get a Masters Degree? See Program Duration

So, how long does it take to get a masters degree? The length of a master’s degree can vary based on your desire to enroll with full-time or part-time status. The kind of program you register in also determines the length of the degree path.

For more info on how long does it take to get a masters degree, kindly continue reading this insightful article.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Masters Degree?

Interested in “how long does it take to get a masters degree?” Here’s a look at the anticipated duration for various degree paths:

Part-time program

How long does it take to get a masters degree in a part-time program? Enrolling part-time in a masters program may take you up to 1.5 times longer to finish your degree than a full-time student. As a part-time student, you should expect to be enrolled for three to five years.

Full-time program

On how long does it take to get a masters degree in a full-time program, most masters programs allow full-time students to graduate in two years.

Dual-degree program

A dual or combined program can take double the amount of time to finish than a single-focus program. So if you are wondering how long does it take to get a masters degree in a dual-degree program, expect to be enrolled for about three to four years. However, a dual-degree path is usually faster than pursuing two separate degrees.

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Online program

The length for an online masters program typically follows a similar pattern as an on-campus option. That means if you are wondering how long does it take to get a masters degree for an online program, you can expect to have your masters degree in two years.

Nevertheless, most online masters programs take less than two years due to this option’s accelerated, self-paced nature.

Campus program

How long does it take to get a masters degree for a campus program? A standard on-campus masters program can be done in two years.

Accelerated program

Most accelerated programs allow you to complete your degree in one year. This kind of program is usually only offered for majors and specialties that don’t demand clinical or hands-on work. Your completion depends on your ability to keep up with a program that compresses a two-year program into a one-year program.

Basically, a student pursuing a masters degree in an accelerated program can expect to encounter programs ranging from one year to five years. Also, note that graduation depends on your ability to complete and pass all required courses.

Finishing a Masters Degree Faster

Now that you have an idea of how long does it take to get a masters degree, what if you are interested in finishing your masters degree faster? Modern degree programs provide some flexibility for speeding through your credits.

Opt for an Accelerated Master’s Programs

You may be able to complete a masters degree in one year if you enroll in an accelerated program. If you are interested in liberal arts areas like business, education, or communications, an accelerated masters program is excellent for you.

However, this approach may not be suitable if you’re pursuing a degree in engineer, science, or some other field demanding clinical work or multi-semester research.

Note that getting it done faster does not mean cutting corners or doing less work. Accelerated degree programs are often more grueling than more extended programs because you cover the same amount of ground in half the time. However, it is worth the effort if you want to progress to the next level for career advancement or doctorate purposes.

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Manage time properly

Becoming a master at time management is crucial in speeding through a masters degree program. It is essential to be realistic about your bandwidth for coursework when enrolling in a full-time or accelerated program. However, orienting your life to accommodate an accelerated study load temporarily could pay off immensely if you want to jump to the next level in your career.

Some people decide to “hunker down” to concentrate on schooling to get their masters degrees as speedily as possible. For some, this means pausing their career to focus all efforts on school. Others reorient their personal lives to have more time for studying.

Consider taking Extra Credits

Most colleges and universities make offer opportunities to take extra credits. Beyond having two semesters, some schools offer winter and summer sessions that allow you to finish up credit requirements between semesters.

Masters courses offered during winter and summer sessions are usually accelerated. Note that some “core” courses are only provided during the traditional fall and spring semesters.

You have to communicate your desire to level up with extra courses with your adviser to ensure that you plan everything correctly.

You may obtain financial aid through FAFSA, scholarships, or work-study programs, making it easier to pay for credits.

Transfer Credits

You might be able to leverage transfer credits to speed up your degree path if you finished some masters courses a few years ago before abandoning a program owing to personal, scheduling, or financial issues. Ensure you’re choosing a transfer-friendly school if you’re planning to start again.

It’s essential to ensure the school you’re applying to in the present day has easily transferable credits in case you need to pause your education for some reason.

Picking a school with regional accreditation via a CHEA-approved organization may increase your chances of transferring your course credits to a new school.

Benefits of a Masters Degree

Since you already asked; “how long does it take to get a masters degree“, next should be; “what are the benefits?” A masters degree provides certain benefits for professionals interested in being respected in their fields. Some of the benefits are identified below:

More Job Opportunities

More professional doors will likely open once you have a masters degree. Some highly specialized jobs or management positions prefer applicants with masters-level educations. With such job roles or positions, you can get higher earnings.

Anyone interested in getting a management-level position should strongly consider boosting their resume with a masters degree. and getting certified with the Top 16 Quick Certifications That Pay Well In 2021

Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with masters degrees make on average around $78,210 each year. This means a significant increase in earning potential. Employment in masters-level occupations is estimated to expand by nearly 15 percent for the next 10 years.

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More Credibility

A masters degree will likely establish you as an expert in your field. It likely suggests that you can handle high-level courses and tough research requirements. Additionally, it can give you credibility because you are educated in the principles and practices within your specific industry or career field.

More Research Options

Many people wishing to rise within the scientific or research communities pursue masters degrees to gain research opportunities. This is particularly true for those seeking to be published or interested in doctorate programs. A masters degree would likely bolster your chances of being welcomed at a research university or institution.

FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions on how long does it take to get a masters degree:

Can You Acquire a Masters in 4 Years?

Yes, you can extend your post-graduate career to four years if you take a part-time course load. However, usually, it is completed in two years. You can easily discuss this with your academic adviser.

Is it Difficult to Get a Master’s Degree?

It is not as difficult as some people make it look. The main reason why a masters degree may hold so much weight is that it demands work and dedication. So, it may feel challenging. Nevertheless, whether or not a person finds a program challenging is subjective.

What is the Easiest Masters Degree to Acquire?

Degree paths cannot be compared based on “easiness.” Every student will have a unique experience about difficulty and satisfaction levels based on their interests, bachelor’s backgrounds, skills, and talents. It is advisable to find a degree option that suits your academic objective.

What Can Make a Master’s Program become Longer?

Several factors can cause a masters degree to become longer than expected. You may have to pause your studies or lessen the course load owing to scheduling conflicts with your home life or work life.

Specific programs take longer to complete. For example, a masters degree in a scientific field may demand you write a research paper or participate in clinics requiring multi-semester commitments.

Are there Longer Masters Programs?

Yes, some master’s programs take longer, even if you do enroll on a full-time basis. Going for a dual-discipline master’s degree can demand double the amount of time due to a much bigger requirement for credits. Most colleges and universities usually construct their master’s programs for all majors to take two years or less for full-time students studying under regular circumstances.

Are there Master’s Degree Credit Requirements?

Yes, there are. You will need to meet-up the credit requirements established by the institution you want to attend. You have to calculate how many credits you can achieve in a semester against the total course requirement for a program to ascertain how long it will take you to acquire your master’s degree.

How many Credit Hours are required for a Master’s Degree?

The number of college credit hours required varies by college and university. Nevertheless, a typical master’s program demands students to complete between 30 and 60 credit hours to graduate.

Should I Select a Master Degree Specialization?

A masters degree can distinguish you as an expert in your field. It can be highly beneficial to pick a specialty aligning with your career goals. Nevertheless, you may pick a specialized degree or a general one, depending on what you want to achieve with the degree.