You might have just entered the workplace after graduating from college with a bachelor’s degree. You might have even landed a phenomenal job compared to your peers. But as you progress, you’ll realize a  bachelor’s degree can only take you so far. 

Everyone wants to advance as quickly as possible in their chosen profession. A bachelor’s degree is a fantastic way to get a good position and kickstart your career. But as you begin vying for managerial and C-suite positions, you’ll realize your educational credentials might be holding you back.

Such a tale is not unheard of in the corporate world. It’s also why many professionals often return to school in their 30s and 40s. 

To build your credibility and reputation in the corporate world, getting a master’s degree is an investment you should consider. Most people attend night school or weekend classes to get their master’s degree as they try to manage the rigorous and hectic work life with their studies. But, such situations are challenging, and many people often drop out, giving up on their educational and professional aspirations, which begs the thought: surely, an easier way must exist.

Obtaining a master’s degree online might be the best option for you if you’re looking to advance in your career without having to worry about exorbitant tuition fees or scheduling issues. If you’re still unconvinced by the idea of pursuing a master’s degree online, this article will make you reconsider. 

Reasons to Consider Pursuing a Master’s Degree Online

Here are some reasons to consider pursuing a master’s degree online. They include:

Become Well-Versed and More Knowledgeable in Your Chosen Field

One of the biggest perks of getting an online master’s degree is it makes you more well-versed and knowledgeable in your chosen field. Possessing a master’s degree validates your credibility, expertise, and knowledge in your chosen field, making you a more appealing hire for many companies. 

Career Advancement 

Every working professional wants to climb up the corporate ladder as soon as possible. Unfortunately, all good things in life take time. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t accelerate this process. You can’t become a C-suite executive immediately after graduating from college with an undergraduate degree. 

Getting a master’s degree can also give you a leg up over other applicants in your field. Research shows only eight percent of the US population has a master’s degree. A higher level of education can help you progress quicker in your career, resulting in more frequent promotions and a higher starting job role. 

It’s worth noting that many companies often require employees to have a master’s degree or higher if they wish to proceed into managerial or C-suite executive roles. 

Higher Salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with higher levels of education have considerably higher salaries and earnings than their counterparts. Research corroborates this, with individuals holding a master’s degree earning twenty percent more than people with bachelor’s degrees. 

Thus, a master’s degree is an investment for your career. Moreover, obtaining a master’s also means investing in your financial security and well-being. 

Furthermore, some higher-paying professions or jobs require candidates to have a master’s degree. Obtaining a master’s degree online opens these doors for you. 

A Sense of Personal Accomplishment

Your education doesn’t define you as an individual. However, obtaining a master’s degree can give you a sense of accomplishment, and rightfully so, because you’re now one of the leading figures in your field. A master’s degree gives you more value and credibility, inviting a greater level of respect. 

Furthermore, obtaining a master’s degree online will also give you greater confidence in your academic prowess and drive your ability to apply more advanced theoretical concepts in the workplace. 

Online Master’s Degrees are Cheaper

Master’s degrees can cost a fortune. According to research, the average cost of a Master’s degree in the United States is approximately $65,134. However, this figure varies based on your major, the school, and program length. 

Even as working professionals, many people often find it difficult to pay for their master’s degree out-of-pocket. As a result, they apply for financial aid and student loans. The student loan epidemic in the United States is well-documented. Ideally, you’ll want to incur as little debt as possible when pursuing your graduate degree. That’s where an online master’s degree benefits you. 

Let’s assume you want to pursue an MBA degree at Harvard, but you live in Los Angeles. You would have to consider traveling and moving costs for your degree. In addition, you would also need a place to live in Boston, meaning you would rack up considerable accommodation expenses over your study period. Sometimes, these other expenses can cost as much as your tuition fee itself. 

The good news is that most colleges and universities offer online master’s programs for a considerably lower price than their in-person programs. Colleges charge less for online degrees because students don’t take up campus space. In addition, fewer in-person students also allow these educational establishments to save on utility expenses. 

Furthermore, many colleges and schools are actively trying to get more students to sign up for online programs. As a result, students can find plenty of discounts and scholarships if they enroll in an online master’s program instead of a traditional one. 

Finally, an online master’s program will also save you the hassle of finding and paying for accommodation. You’ll also save on travel costs since you don’t have to attend college physically.

More Free Time

Obtaining a master’s degree online compared to an in-person master’s degree also gives you more free time. For starters, you don’t have to commute to and from your college. In addition, online education programs also facilitate you since they’re easily personalizable and can be adjusted for your learning pace.

Flexible Schedules

Let’s assume you’re currently working as a manager at a Fortune 500 company. You want to advance to a C-suite executive position, but your company’s policy requires every C-suite executive to at least have a master’s degree. Meanwhile, you only have an undergraduate degree but have the foresight to prepare for your eventual promotion. So, you decide to enroll in a master’s program. 

An online master’s degree might be more suitable for you since online programs generally offer greater flexibility and accessibility. Let’s assume you signed up for a traditional, in-person master’s program. You would have to attend school on the weekends or evenings after work hours. Weekend programs generally have fewer classes, meaning your two-year degree might take three years instead. 

An online master’s degree helps you avoid this conundrum. Most online programs have pre-recorded lectures, classes, and seminars, which are uploaded to a Learning Management System (LMS). LMS portals also generally have other accompanying material to assist you in your learning, such as PDF files, slideshows, etc. 

You can access this material and learn at your own pace. You could use your break time during work to catch up on the latest course material or go home, unwind, and study late at night. 

Assists with Career Change

A master’s degree can also help if you’re considering a career change. For instance, let’s assume you were working as a business analyst, but you want to transition to a career in data science. Obtaining a master’s degree in data science will make the transition smoother. 

Conclusion

Pursuing a master’s degree online can significantly boost your career, leading to greater prospects, a higher salary, and other benefits. An online master’s degree also gives you flexibility and accessibility to complete your education without the shortcomings of a traditional, in-person degree.