Best Master's Degree for a Career Change

A master's can give you a greater depth of knowledge and help prepare you for a high-level role. But what if you decide to take your career in a different direction after you get your bachelor's degree?

Can You Do a Master’s in a Different Subject Than Your Bachelor’s?

In many cases, you can earn a master's in a different subject than your bachelor's degree. But, you may need to complete some additional coursework before moving forward to the advanced material.

"There may be some undergraduate courses or graduate foundation courses required as prerequisites to be completed ahead of acceptance to the graduate program or required to be completed as part of a conditional acceptance to the program," said Dr. Carole Beauchemin, executive director of online liberal arts programs at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

According to Beauchemin, getting a master's degree in a different subject than your bachelor's can expand your opportunities, but first you'll need to choose the right program for you and your future.

"Spend time determining what your end goal is. What are you looking to accomplish — career, personal passion, growth, etc.," she said. "This will help to determine if and what graduate program would be the right fit to meet that goal."

Which’s Degree Has the Most Job Opportunities?

Here are 4 master's degrees that could lead to fast-growing opportunities in the coming decade, according to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

If you're looking to change careers, an MBA is one of the most versatile master's degrees, as you can apply it in almost any field. With a specialization, an MBA could help you pursue a top role, like:

• Operations Research Analyst: An MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics could prepare you to become an operations research analyst. This role is expected to grow 23% by 2033, according to BLS — much faster than the 4% average for all occupations — and operations research analysts earned a median annual salary of $91,290 in 2024.*
  
  
• Logistician: An MBA with a concentration in Operations & Supply Chain Management could lead you to a career as a logistician. BLS reports that the role is projected to grow 19% by 2033, and in 2024 logisticians earned a median annual salary of $80,880.*

Discover the different types of MBA concentrations.

Master’s in Computer Science

If you're looking to change careers, a master's in computer science could get you into the fast-moving world of tech. Some jobs you could pursue after graduating might include:

• Computer and Information Research Scientist: Roles for computer and information research scientists are expected to grow 26% by 2033 — much faster than average — and these professionals earned a median salary of $140,910 in 2024, according to BLS.*
  
  
• Software Developer: BLS projects an 18% growth rate for software developers through 2033, and in 2024 software developers earned a median salary of $133,080.*

Learn more about getting a master's in computer science without a CS undergrad.

Master’s in Finance

A master's in finance could also lead to several positions that are in high demand.* Some include:

• Financial Examiner: Financial examiners are poised for a substantially faster-than-average 21% growth rate through 2033, according to BLS, and the role had a median annual salary of $90,400 in 2024.*
  
  
• Personal Financial Advisor: BLS projects a 17% growth rate for personal financial advisors through 2033 — also much faster than the average for all occupations — and the role commanded a median salary of $102,140 in 2024.*

Is a master's in finance worth it? Find out more.

Master’s in Communication

Although many business and STEM roles are on the rise, there are plenty of opportunities to consider in other fields, as well. For instance, Beauchemin noted that a master's in communication could lead to careers like:

• Public Relations Specialist: Roles for public relations specialists are expected to grow at a faster-than-average 6% rate through 2033, according to BLS, and the role earned a median salary of $69,780 in 2024.*
  
  
• Marketing Manager: BLS projects an 8% growth rate through 2033 for marketing managers, who earned a median salary of $159,660 in 2024.*

Read more about jobs for master's in communication graduates.

So, Should You Get a Master’s for a Career Change?

A master's degree could be the right move if you're looking to change careers, but it's important to be holistic when deciding if a master's is right for you. Consider what you're passionate about and what you hope to gain from the degree.

"Be strategic. Look at the outcomes, look at the cost," said Brooke Brigham, a career engagement partner at SNHU. "Talk to people in your target field."

She said you should also consider how your previous degree and experience might be of value in your new industry. "A master's degree can help you translate your prior experience into your new experience," Brigham said.

For example, she said if you have a business background and opt for a master's in public policy, you'll carry what you learned in your bachelor's and see things through a unique lens.

"You're coming out with a new perspective and experiences that you can bring to the table that maybe no one else has," she said.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. Connect with them on LinkedIn.