According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of master’s degrees held by people age 25 and older has doubled to 21 million since 2000.
Growing competition in the job field and a desire for higher salaries were certainly factors in the rising number of individuals seeking advanced degrees. But there’s another big trend that’s driving the increase: the availability of online master’s degree programs.
Earning an online master’s degree is becoming more common, meaning there is a wider variety of master’s programs available to students, depending on their interests. Keep reading to learn about three surprising master’s degrees you can get online.
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1. Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering
Civil engineering is a hands-on career. Earning a bachelor’s degree in the field often requires a lot of hands-on learning, as well as internships or cooperative learning opportunities before graduation. So it may be surprising to learn that you can earn a master’s degree in civil engineering on the web.
A master’s degree isn’t a necessity in this field. However, it can help you to increase your earnings potential and even acquire higher-tier positions, such as being a civil engineer on infrastructure projects.
2. MBA with a Specialization in Project Management
There are a number of reasons why you might choose to pursue a master’s degree in business. For starters, it’s a great leveraging tool to help you earn a raise or a promotion. It can also help you to develop new skills, particularly if you don’t come from a background in business.
But while there are plenty of business-focused online master’s degree programs available, one unique option can open all kinds of doors for new careers or advancing your current one: an MBA with a specialization in project management. This degree is designed to teach valuable skills for leaders in a business setting. You’ll hone your communication skills, learn the keys to corporate team building, and develop a better understanding of business analysis.
3. Master’s of End-of-Life Studies
Another unique master’s degree you may never have heard of before is a master’s of end-of-life studies. This degree is designed to prepare students to advance their careers in hospice care, allowing those working in hospitals, nursing homes, and other spaces to better serve their patients’ needs as they prepare for the end of their lives.
While this degree may be unique, it’s an important one, and one that’s likely to be in high demand in the next couple of decades. By 2030, the Baby Boomer population will all be over the age of 65, and many may be living in nursing homes and retirement communities.
Choosing the Right Online Master’s Degree
Earning an online master’s degree is a great way to advance your career outlook while working full time, taking care of a family, or handling other everyday responsibilities. Now that you’re familiar with a few different master’s degrees of which you may not been aware, it’s time to start searching for the right one for you.
Much like earning a bachelor’s degree, it’s important to consider both your interests and career goals when choosing a degree. And when deciding on a program, consider costs, time requirements, and the diversity of studies and opportunities the program has to offer.
