Obtaining a master’s degree used to be seen as a passage of the elite. It was out-of-reach and considered a pipe-dream for many. The way to getting a master’s degree once required many sacrifices — whether it be putting your career on hold, taking large loans, or choosing to stop after a bachelor’s degree.
But this doesn’t have to be the case anymore. The way of Grace has put an advanced degree back in your reach. Whether you’re an undergraduate student, a stay-at-home mom, or a full-time working professional, our online master’s degrees are designed with you in mind. There are a number of reasons why getting a graduate degree is a good idea — perhaps now more than ever — so read on for some points to take into consideration!
This is the main reason that we see people pursue advanced degrees. You’ve already earned one college degree and you know that it requires hard work and dedication. You’ve proven that you have what it takes to excel. So what’s a few more years of papers and assignments when it means a substantial salary increase for years to come? You probably could have assumed this without being told, but have you actually seen the numbers that support it? According to this article, those with an MBA degree make 36% more than those without one.
What would you do with a 36% salary increase?
Regardless of the pay increase, maybe you are just looking for upward mobility. Perhaps what you are seeking is more responsibility, people and resources to manage, and systems to improve. If this is so, an advanced degree is a good way to get there. MBA graduate Tyler Lemon can vouch that a graduate degree can take you places you never thought possible.
What position do you wish you were qualified to fill?
Maybe there is not a particular position you are looking to move into. Maybe it’s the exact opposite, and you are wanting to perform better in the role you are already in! If this is so, find a niche degree that will enhance your credibility. If you’re an executive director of a nonprofit organization, look for a master’s degree in nonprofit management. Or if you’re an athletic director, find a master’s in athletic administration degree. After you receive this training to supplement your every-day work on the job, you just might become a thought leader in your area.
What do you want to be an expert in?
This reason has proven its relevance recently. More than 33 million Americans have filed for unemployment since the global pandemic began, and the national unemployment rate has climbed to 14.7 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of those who lost jobs during this time, graduate degree holders are more likely to have started a new job in the past month. Read more about these statistics here.
If a crisis comes, are you marketable in the workforce?
One of the most valuable and powerful tools in your career is who you know. A master’s degree will open you up to an entirely new network of people who are in your industry. You will converse with peers on discussion boards — each student bringing their own complex network to the conversation and exposing you to new organizations and new people constantly. In addition, you’ll be taught by highly experienced professors with terminal degrees and CVs filled with past employers and connections that you can benefit from.
Do you have a professional mentor?
Besides the practical and pragmatic reasons, learning just to learn is one of the most fulfilling things a person can do. As they say, knowledge is power. If you really love a particular subject, or if you just love to learn in general, a master’s degree is a great way to tap into those passions and expand your mind — and if you love what you’re learning, that joy and curiosity will pour into your everyday conversations with friends and family as well.
What would you love to learn more about?
So maybe you’ve read through these reasons and you admit, there’s a position you hope to advance into with considerable pay benefits, and you could use some help getting there. But the cost upfront just doesn’t seem worth it. Here’s the good news — your master’s doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg! If you are an undergraduate student at Grace, you can use your undergraduate scholarships toward your master’s degree through our Blended Program. If you’ve already graduated with a bachelor’s degree, there is good news for you too! We have recently reduced our online master’s degrees by 20% across the board.
So, what’s holding you back?
An advanced Christian degree is in your reach! Learn more about the degrees we offer at online.grace.edu/programs/.
