An award that requires the completion of a program of study of at least one but not more than two of years of full-time academic work beyond the bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree, like most of the degrees we’ve covered thus far, can be split into a few different sub-categories depending on your chosen field of study: Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). The requirements for master’s degree programs can vary with each school and each chosen subject, but they all do require a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite. Most master’s degree programs are flexible, offering both full and part time student schedules, as well as the option of night and weekend classes to fit around weekly work schedules. That said, these degrees can take anywhere from nine months to four years to complete, considering variables like course requirements and the volume of coursework the student chooses to assume. Some in-demand careers that require a master’s degree include physical therapists, medical scientists, mental health counselors and veterinarians. Master’s degree programs are graduate programs that let students specialize in an area of study. They typically take 1-2 years to complete. Along with an undergraduate degree, enrolling in a master’s degree program usually requires a minimum GPA and an acceptance score on a graduate entrance exam, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Many master’s degree programs require a thesis or capstone project for graduation. Earning a master’s degree may qualify graduates to work in advanced or executive-level positions. A master’s degree is also required for entrance into some doctoral programs. Different degree programs available at the master’s degree level include the following: Master of Arts (M.A.) Master of Science (M.S.) Master of Business Administration (MBA) Master of Fine Arts (MFA)