5 of the Most Beneficial Master’s Degrees

While the most beneficial master’s degree depends on your goals and interests, a handful can help you qualify for careers that are in particularly high demand.*

Which Master’s Degree is Most In-demand?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) regularly releases data on projected annual job openings and notes which types of roles will be in greatest demand over the next decade.*

Among the 40 occupations for which BLS identifies a master’s degree as the typical entry-level education, the following degrees are especially well aligned.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

An MSN with a nurse practitioner focus, in addition to licensure, can prepare you for a career as a nurse practitioner. According to BLS data, the demand for nurse practitioners is anticipated to be more than 11 times the 4% average for all occupations. The nurse practitioner role is anticipated to grow by 46% over the next decade, BLS reported.* 

Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science

As technological demands and innovations continue to grow, so does the need for researchers in this field. The role of computer and information research scientist, which typically requires a master’s in computer science or a related degree, is predicted to grow by 26% between 2023 and 2033, BLS said.*

Master of Public Health (MPH) 

With an MPH degree, you could become an epidemiologist. Epidemiologist roles are projected to grow by 19% over the next decade due to technological enhancements and the identification of new diseases, BLS reported.*

Master of Science (MS) in Psychology 

An MS in Psychology, in addition to certain licensure and certifications, can help position you for these roles, with job growth data from BLS: 

• Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor – 19% growth from 2023-2033* 
• Industrial-organizational psychologist – 6% growth from 2023-2033*

Master of Arts (MA) in History

An MA in History can help you gain access to these growing careers, with job growth data from BLS: 

• Archivist – 8% growth from 2023-2033* 
• Curator – 12% growth from 2023-2033* 
• Historian – 6% growth from 2023-2033*  

Jobs requiring a master’s degree for entry will see an anticipated average of 12.1% growth between 2023 and 2033 — the greatest amount among all education levels, according to BLS.*

It’s important to note that these roles are only representative of jobs with a master’s degree credential for the point of entry. When seeking a master’s degree for advancement, your options are even greater.

Read more: Top Careers With a Master's Degree

Which Master’s is the Most Useful?

The most useful master's degree is the one that positions you to move your career in the direction you want.

You might consider a Master of Business Administration (MBA), for instance, if management or organizational strategy interests you. In addition to choosing a focus area — such as marketing or project management — an MBA degree program may include courses such as:

• Leading Organizational Change
• Leading People and Organizations
• Measuring Success in an Organization
• Strategic Opportunity Management

“The MBA remains a gold standard because of its breadth and leadership focus,” said Dr. Jessica Rogers, a senior associate dean of business at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) who has an MS in Marketing and a PhD in Business Administration.

For SNHU graduate Cheri Federico ’25MBA, the MBA courses on change management were especially beneficial. “It was perfect timing,” she said. Her work was undergoing a reorganization — and she was up for a promotion.

“I've taken a lot of those tools that I've learned, and I'm able to apply those tools now and kind of take (the) team ... in a positive direction instead of just running towards no goal,” she said.

While the general track MBA was the right program for Federico, it’s not your only option — even if you’re interested in leading a team. You could choose to earn a Master of Science in Management or Organizational Leadership.

“(Both equip) you to lead teams, manage change and foster innovation across industries,” said Rogers, who has worked in industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, fitness and education. "Business degrees can be the backbone for a career in anything from sustainability to fashion, because every organization needs people who can manage budgets, teams and strategy.”

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How to Choose a Useful Master's Degree

If you’re trying to determine which master’s degree is right for you, Rogers recommended you start with curiosity and answer these three questions:

1. What do I enjoy doing?
2. What problems do I like to solve?
3. What industries fascinate me?

“For example, if you’re passionate about equine care, a business degree could position you to manage a horse training facility,” Rogers said. “Love literature? Marketing roles in publishing houses are a great fit. Passion for medicine? You could lead a healthcare clinic or work in biotech operations.”

Whether you want to be business savvy or would prefer to gain skills specific to technical roles or healthcare, the most useful degree depends on what knowledge and skills you hope to gain.

Do Employers Prefer Master’s Degrees?

The answer depends on the employer and the role. Some require a master’s degree, while others list it as a preferred qualification. Some may not list it as a qualification in their job descriptions, but that doesn’t mean it won’t carry weight on your resume.

If you’re wondering whether you should earn a master’s degree, try consulting your network.

“It's important to remember that this isn't a decision that you have to make on your own,” said Nick Botto, director of Career Services at SNHU. “(Try) talking to individuals that are maybe living the careers or lives that you want to aspire towards someday and asking them, ‘Hey, what's your opinion on pursuing this particular avenue?'”

If you don’t know anyone working in a role you want, you can reach out to alumni from your alma mater or see if your network knows anyone who can provide their perspective.

“(You could) go to individuals and say, ‘Hey, I'm interested in getting into, let's say, cybersecurity. Do you know anybody that works in cybersecurity? ... If so, I would love to meet them. Would you be open to putting me in touch with them so I could ask a couple of questions?'” Botto said.

From there, you can find out whether a graduate degree benefits the career path that interests you— and, if so, which master's degree would be the best to get.

*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.

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Rebecca LeBoeuf Blanchette '18 '22G is a writer at Southern New Hampshire University, where she fulfills her love of learning daily through conversations with professionals across a range of fields. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Professional Writing at SNHU’s campus in Manchester, New Hampshire, and followed her love of storytelling into the online Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing at SNHU. Connect with her on LinkedIn.