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How Long Does it Take to Get a Master’s Degree?

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Students considering graduate school often ask one question: “How long does it take to get a master’s degree?” Spending more time learning after four or more years of undergrad studies may seem unpleasant. However, getting a master’s degree usually takes considerably less time than a bachelor’s. Career benefits from a master’s degree are often much greater. Attending grad school places you ahead of most competition. In 2019, the Census Bureau found that only 10.4 percent of Americans have a master’s degree. Extra education lets you stand out when many job candidates have a bachelor’s. Master’s holders earn 3.7 times more than high school graduates on average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median master’s weekly earnings of $1,434. That’s a big jump from the bachelor’s level of $1,198 per week. Unemployment for master’s graduates is also lower at 2.1 percent. Advanced schooling can help you specialize your skills, climb the career ladder faster, and achieve job security.  

Earning a master’s degree is imperative for success in several fields. Career Builder states that 33 percent of employers are hiring master’s graduates for jobs once requiring a baccalaureate. Many fast-growing careers, such as computer scientist, genetic counselor, I/O psychologist, family therapist, mathematician, and urban planner, mandate master’s education. Economists, epidemiologists, archivists, and sociologists likely won’t even land an interview without a master’s. Putting in the effort to finish graduate school opens numerous doors. In general, most master’s programs last one to two years full-time. Accelerated master’s degree options could take as little as nine months with quicker course lengths. Professional, part-time master’s have a slower pace and less classes per term to span three to four years. Let’s explore the length of time it takes to get a master’s degree in various disciplines.  

Master of Arts

The Master of Arts is a course-based graduate degree mostly awarded to liberal arts and social science majors. Master of Arts programs typically require 30-36 credits for completion. These credits include advanced lectures and applied field projects or comprehensive exams. Most M.A. majors are ready for graduation in 12-18 months. 

Examples:
• Master of Arts in Professional Communication
• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Master of Arts in Community Development
• Master of Arts in Sociology
• Master of Arts in English
• Master of Arts in History 
• Master of Arts in Religion
• Master of Arts in Philosophy 
• Master of Arts in International Relations
• Master of Arts in Anthropology 

Master of Science

The Master of Science is a more research-based graduate degree provided in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) areas. Completing a Master of Science can entail 30-60 scientific credits based on the profession. The master’s usually requires seminars, laboratory work, and an original thesis presentation. Intensive M.S. programs can last 12-36 months full-time. 

Examples:
• Master of Science in Nursing
• Master of Science in Computer Information Systems 
• Master of Science in Data Science 
• Master of Science in Chemistry 
• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies 
• Master of Science in Vertebrate Biology 
• Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
• Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
• Master of Science in Zoology 
• Master of Science in Technology Management

Master of Professional Studies

The Master of Professional Studies is an industry-specific graduate degree that builds workplace skills. This can be one of the shortest master’s degree options online. That’s because the 30-39 credits are individualized for your interests and relevant experiences. Finishing the M.P.S. courses and applied projects generally takes 9-18 months.  

Examples:
• Master of Professional Studies in Mass Communications
• Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity
• Master of Professional Studies in Emergency Management
• Master of Professional Studies in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Master of Professional Studies in Addictions Counseling
• Master of Professional Studies in Disability Studies 
• Master of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership
• Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources 
• Master of Professional Studies in Horticulture 
• Master of Professional Studies in Sport Management

Master of Education

The Master of Education is a teachers-only graduate degree that prepares certified K-12 staff for advanced state endorsements. Most M.Ed. programs require 30-48 credits in specific teaching areas. Coursework is often combined with teaching practicum and portfolio projects. Earning a Master of Education will take roughly 12-26 months total.

Examples:
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction 
• Master of Education in Reading Specialist 
• Master of Education in Special Education
• Master of Education in School Counseling 
• Master of Education in Educational Administration
• Master of Education in Instructional Technology 
• Master of Education in Secondary Education 
• Master of Education in Teaching and Learning 
• Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
• Master of Education in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration is a mid-career graduate degree that trains managers for the corporate world. Many MBA programs require years of experience before taking the 36-52 required credits. Business school curricula integrates courses, internships, trips abroad, and capstone projects. Getting an MBA normally takes 12-36 months. 

Examples:
• Master of Business Administration in Marketing
• Master of Business Administration in Project Management 
• Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics
• Master of Business Administration in Accounting
• Master of Business Administration in Real Estate 
• Master of Business Administration in Operations Management
• Master of Business Administration in Finance 
• Master of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management
• Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship 
• Master of Business Administration in Agribusiness

Master of Library Science

The Master of Library Science is a book-based graduate degree that fulfills the requirements to become a librarian. The majority of MLS programs involve 36-48 semester credits. These majors build atop information retrieval courses with practicum and independent study projects in libraries. Expect the usual MLS timeline of 12-28 months. 

Examples:
• Master of Library Science in Information Studies
• Master of Library Science in School Library Media
• Master of Library Science in Curation 
• Master of Library Science in Archival Studies
• Master of Library Science in Youth Services
• Master of Library Science in Law Librarianship 
• Master of Library Science in Health Information

Master of Public Health

The Master of Public Health is a population-based professional degree that focuses on preventing diseases. Most accredited MPH programs require a minimum of 38-58 credits. The curriculum promotes community well-being with lectures, fieldwork, global service, and thesis research. MPH majors can graduate in 12-32 months or even faster. 

Examples:
• Master of Public Health in Biostatistics
• Master of Public Health in Epidemiology 
• Master of Public Health in Health Policy 
• Master of Public Health in Health Administration
• Master of Public Health in Global Public Health
• Master of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health
• Master of Public Health in Community Health Education
• Master of Public Health in Environmental Health 
• Master of Public Health in Population Sciences
• Master of Public Health in Nutrition 

Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work is a service-oriented graduate degree that leads to LMSW certification for community advocacy. Most CSWE-accredited (Council on Social Work Education) paths require 60-72 credits of seminars and field practicum. Advanced Standing tracks are shorter for Bachelor of Social Work holders. Completing the MSW will take 18-36 months or longer. 

Examples:
• Master of Social Work in Gerontology 
• Master of Social Work in School Social Work
• Master of Social Work in Substance Abuse
• Master of Social Work in Military Social Work
• Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work
• Master of Social Work in Child and Family Services
• Master of Social Work in Mental Health 
• Master of Social Work in Community Development
• Master of Social Work in International Social Work
• Master of Social Work in Administration 

Master of Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration is a government-centered graduate degree to teach civil servant leaders. Many MPA programs mandate 30-48 credits for future legislators, policy analysts, and diplomats. These credits marry classroom learning and real-world experience in fellowships. Finishing an MPA typically takes 12-24 months.  

Examples:
• Master of Public Administration in Public Policy 
• Master of Public Administration in Justice Administration
• Master of Public Administration in Homeland Security
• Master of Public Administration in Government Affairs
• Master of Public Administration in Non-Profit Management
• Master of Public Administration in Public Finance 
• Master of Public Administration in Economic Development
• Master of Public Administration in Conflict Resolution 

Master of Laws

The Master of Laws is an add-on graduate degree for licensed attorneys to specialize their skills after a Juris Doctor. Most LL.M. programs require only 30-36 credits for people who’ve passed the Bar Exam. Busy lawyers simply take courses in their concentration without clinics or externships. The timeline for LL.M. completion is 9-24 months. 

Examples:
• Master of Laws in Constitutional Law 
• Master of Laws in Health Law and Policy 
• Master of Laws in Taxation 
• Master of Laws in International Law
• Master of Laws in Human Rights 
• Master of Laws in Intellectual Property
• Master of Laws in Estate Planning
• Master of Laws in Environmental Law
• Master of Laws in National Security 
• Master of Laws in Trial Advocacy 

Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity is a faith-based graduate degree that prepares religious leaders for pastoral ministry. Most seminaries require 72-106 credits for M.Div. majors to become ordained. These credits include theology courses, Church residencies, community service, and thesis research. Master of Divinity cohorts last at least 24-48 months. 

Examples:
• Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling 
• Master of Divinity in Biblical Archaeology
• Master of Divinity in Church Administration
• Master of Divinity in Children’s Ministry 
• Master of Divinity in Worship Music 
• Master of Divinity in New Testament 
• Master of Divinity in Church Planting 
• Master of Divinity in Chaplaincy  

Master of Music

The Master of Music is an audition-based graduate degree at conservatories for advancing musical talents. Most M.M. programs require 30-50 credits in specializations like piano, jazz, education, and composition. Post-grads take instrumental or vocal lessons, perform in ensembles, and research. Master of Music plans span 12-24 months. 

Examples:
• Master of Music in Vocal Performance 
• Master of Music in Music Education 
• Master of Music in Community Music
• Master of Music in Composition 
• Master of Music in Chamber Music 
• Master of Music in Jazz Studies 
• Master of Music in Conducting 
• Master of Music in Percussion 
• Master of Music in Collaborative Piano  

Master of Architecture

The Master of Architecture is a design-based professional degree that focuses on building aesthetic structures. There are 80+ NAAB-accredited (National Architectural Accrediting Board) schools offering master’s degrees of 100-120 credits. Intensive training includes courses, internships, consulting projects, and portfolio presentations. Most M.Arch. majors study for two to six years.

Examples:
• Master of Architecture in Urban Planning 
• Master of Architecture in High Performance Buildings
• Master of Architecture in Sustainability Studies
• Master of Architecture in Design Computation 
• Master of Architecture in Construction Management
• Master of Architecture in Historic Preservation
• Master of Architecture in Resilient Design  

Master of Engineering

The Master of Engineering is technical-oriented graduate degree for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) students to invent innovative solutions. Most ABET-accredited (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) schools provide a master’s degree for 30-60 credits. These credits go beyond coursework with industry co-ops, lab practice, and capstone projects. Pursuing an M.Eng. degree usually requires 12-24 months. 

Examples:
• Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering 
• Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Engineering Management
• Master of Engineering in Operations Research 
• Master of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering 
• Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Robotics Engineering 

Master of Fine Arts

The Master of Fine Arts is a terminal portfolio-based graduate degree for creative people to sharpen their skills. The majority of MFA degrees include 60-90 credits beyond the bachelor’s. Art school students engage in studio sessions, gallery exhibitions, teaching practicum, and thesis work. Completing an MFA will take 24-36 months full-time. 

Examples:
• Master of Fine Arts in Theatre 
• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
• Master of Fine Arts in Film Production
• Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture 
• Master of Fine Arts in Dance 
• Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics 
• Master of Fine Arts in Digital Photography 
• Master of Fine Arts in Arts Administration
• Master of Fine Arts in Painting 

Overall, the length of time it takes to get a master’s degree depends on several factors. The academic rigor of your chosen major is one big time indicator. Another is the extent of the research, internships, co-ops, and other hands-on learning that’s required. Thesis-optional tracks with only coursework are naturally much faster than science-based master’s. Actual course length also plays a pivotal role. Online accelerated master’s degree programs often shrink the 16-week semester into shorter sessions of five to 10 weeks. Packing content into briefer courses lets cohorts race through the curriculum. Online degrees are especially designed for speed and convenience. Some grad schools waive certain credits based on your life experiences. Most master’s programs accept up to nine transfer credits from other graduate schools to save time too. So, graduating before the standard 24-month timeframe is possible. That means you can move from the classroom to upper-level, well-paid jobs with a master’s degree fast. 

AS Staff
December 2019

This concludes our article answering “How Long Does it Take to Get a Master’s Degree?”

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