The document discusses whether to pursue a master's degree after completing a bachelor's degree. It notes that a master's program is typically 2-3 years long, while a bachelor's is usually 4 years. Coursework in a master's program delves deeper into the field of study and has higher expectations than a bachelor's. It also mentions that master's degree holders typically earn 20% more salary than those with just a bachelor's degree. The document advises weighing factors like career goals, financial situation, and available time and effort before deciding whether to pursue a graduate degree.

1. Should You Pursue Your Master’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for a master’s degree, which means that you cannot enroll in a
graduate program until you earn your bachelor’s degree. But should you pursue a graduate degree once
you’ve earned your bachelor’s? The following article aims to explain what a student should expect when
pursuing a master’s degree, as well as the differences between graduate degrees and undergraduate
degrees, in order to help prospective students make this important decision.
 Duration
A bachelor’s degree usually takes longer to complete than a master’s degree; the usual duration
of a bachelor’s degree is four years, while a master’s program takes about two to three years. But
several college programs at both the graduate and undergraduate level can be completed in less
than traditional completion time.
 Coursework
The coursework for graduate degree programs tends to be at a much higher level than bachelor’s
degrees; graduate degrees delve deeper into the chosen field of study, have a more extensive
and advanced course load, and tend to have higher expectations from instructors than bachelor’s
degree programs.
 Salary
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (2010), 1master’s degree holders earn
a median 20% more than bachelor’s degree holders, and bachelor’s degree holders earn a
median of 53% more than those with no higher education. Hence, while getting a bachelor’s
degree can considerably improve your chances for financial success, a master’s degree is more
likely to bring you the potential of an even brighter financial future.
To pursue or not to pursue?
So you’re done with your bachelor’s degree, and now you have to decide whether you should stop right
here and start looking for work, or if you should continue with your education and pursue a graduate
degree. While a master’s degree can open up employment options and can put you in a higher pay scale
range, in the end the absolute necessity of getting one depends on your career goals.
For example, if your eventual goal is to become a registered nurse, you would need (among other criteria)
at least a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. However, if your eventual professional goal is to become a
physical therapist, you will be required to get a master’s or doctorate degree before you are allowed to
practice.
Higher education can lead to greater job stability, more opportunities for growth, and the potential for
higher wages. However, the decision to continue studying past the undergraduate level should be made
after careful consideration of a number of key factors: your ultimate career goal and whether you need
another degree to achieve it, your financial situation, and whether you can spare the time and effort
required by graduate degrees.
1
http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=77