Ideal for busy professionals, an online graduate degree program can position you for a more lucrative career—now and in the future. If you find yourself wondering about the value of a master’s degree or asking yourself, “Is a PhD worth it?” the answer, according to recent statistics, is a resounding yes. Studies repeatedly prove that earning a PhD or master’s degree—online or from an on-campus institution—can have significant advantages.
Master’s Degrees and PhDs: Degrees Worth Getting
In terms of degrees that are worth it, graduate programs pay off. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2020, doctoral degree holders earned a median weekly salary over 20% higher than those with a bachelor's degree. Master’s degree salaries were also significantly higher—over 18% greater than those who stopped their higher education at the bachelor’s level.1
Master’s degrees and PhD degrees deliver over the course of a lifetime as well. According to the latest statistics on median lifetime earnings by the U.S. Social Security Administration, men with graduate degrees make $1.5 million more than high school graduates. Women who earn graduate degrees make $1.1 million more than high school graduates.2 With those kinds of numbers, the value of a master’s and/or doctoral degree becomes perfectly clear.
Master’s and PhDs: Unlocking Top Employment Opportunities
Certain fields and professions require that candidates hold a master’s, doctoral, and/or professional degree. According to data collected by the BLS on occupations projected to have the most openings each year, on average, through 2029, 36 occupations typically require a master’s degree for entry; 63 occupations typically require a doctoral or professional degree for entry. Additionally, wages for each occupation listed at these education levels were higher than the median for all occupations.3
Online Graduate Programs: Ideal for Busy Professionals
Reports and statistics show a strong correlation between education level and earning potential, but how do you pursue a master’s or doctoral degree while balancing work and family commitments? Many working professionals pursuing master’s and PhD degrees find that online education can provide the flexibility they need without sacrificing the rigor and quality of traditional master’s and doctoral degree programs at brick-and-mortar institutions.
Backed by cutting-edge educational technologies, online graduate programs give students the opportunity to get their PhD degree or master’s degree using a convenient, flexible platform that fits their life and schedule.
Earn Your Advanced College Degree at Walden University
If you want to boost your career and position yourself for better employment opportunities, it may be time to pursue your master’s degree and/or doctoral degree. Walden—an accredited university—offers high-quality programs as well as an array of student and academic support services to help you stay on track. And thanks to online education, you can earn a degree while you continue to work full time. Complete coursework at whatever time of day works best for you as you further your education and career.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering high-quality online degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, as well as online certificate programs. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.
1Source: www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2021/data-on-display/education-pays.htm
2Source: www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/research-summaries/education-earnings.html
3Source: www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2020/article/education-level-and-openings.htm
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.