There are many different types of master’s degrees. The most common are the Master of Arts (MA) and the Master of Science (MS).
Master of Arts (MA) – This degree is awarded to students completing studies in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, or in Theology. Some MA programs are also designed for students intending to do additional graduate work after graduation (i.e. earning a doctorate degree). Typically, the degree takes two-years of full-time study and requires a thesis or a comprehensive exam (or both).
Master of Science (MS) – This degree is granted to students completing studies in the Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Business, and Technology. Many (but not all) MS programs are designed to be professional degrees for students entering the workforce instead of pursuing additional studies. Typically, the degree takes two-years of full-time study and requires a thesis or a comprehensive exam.
Other master’s degrees include: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Education (MEd), Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Library Science (MLS), Master of Music (MMus), Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and additional specialized degrees.
Online Master’s Degree Residency Requirements
Many online graduate programs require students to clock a specified number of “residency hours” attending lectures on school grounds.
No residency – Some online master’s programs can be completed without setting foot on campus. Exams are typically taken under the care of a proctor in your area.
Limited residency – Other master’s program require students to attend weekend or week-long seminars at a physical campus. The limited-time seminars are generally held during weekends or in the summer months.
Substantial residency – Some master’s online master’s programs require students to spend an extended residency at the college campus. If you enroll in one of these programs, you may be expected to spend a semester or two in on-campus courses, even though your degree is technically being earned online.
Paying for an Online Master’s Degree Program
Online master’s programs can be expensive. Paid teaching fellowships, which are a staple of many traditional master’s programs, are not an option for students who choose to learn online. However, many students qualify for government subsidized grants and loans. You may also want to search the web for private scholarships.
If your master’s degree will help you in your current job, you may be able to convince your employer to pay for part or all of your education. Ask your employer if there are any educational funding programs in place. If not, ask for a meeting to explain how funding your degree will benefit the company.
Earning a graduate degree through the internet can be a challenge. But, carefully choosing your school and master’s degree program can help you make the most of your experience.
Master of Arts (MA) – This degree is awarded to students completing studies in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, or in Theology. Some MA programs are also designed for students intending to do additional graduate work after graduation (i.e. earning a doctorate degree). Typically, the degree takes two-years of full-time study and requires a thesis or a comprehensive exam (or both).
Master of Science (MS) – This degree is granted to students completing studies in the Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Business, and Technology. Many (but not all) MS programs are designed to be professional degrees for students entering the workforce instead of pursuing additional studies. Typically, the degree takes two-years of full-time study and requires a thesis or a comprehensive exam.
Other master’s degrees include: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Education (MEd), Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Library Science (MLS), Master of Music (MMus), Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and additional specialized degrees.
Online Master’s Degree Residency Requirements
Many online graduate programs require students to clock a specified number of “residency hours” attending lectures on school grounds.
No residency – Some online master’s programs can be completed without setting foot on campus. Exams are typically taken under the care of a proctor in your area.
Limited residency – Other master’s program require students to attend weekend or week-long seminars at a physical campus. The limited-time seminars are generally held during weekends or in the summer months.
Substantial residency – Some master’s online master’s programs require students to spend an extended residency at the college campus. If you enroll in one of these programs, you may be expected to spend a semester or two in on-campus courses, even though your degree is technically being earned online.
Paying for an Online Master’s Degree Program
Online master’s programs can be expensive. Paid teaching fellowships, which are a staple of many traditional master’s programs, are not an option for students who choose to learn online. However, many students qualify for government subsidized grants and loans. You may also want to search the web for private scholarships.
If your master’s degree will help you in your current job, you may be able to convince your employer to pay for part or all of your education. Ask your employer if there are any educational funding programs in place. If not, ask for a meeting to explain how funding your degree will benefit the company.
Earning a graduate degree through the internet can be a challenge. But, carefully choosing your school and master’s degree program can help you make the most of your experience.
