How important is a master’s degree? And how does earning a master's degree benefit students and have a positive impact on the greater community?
These are some of the questions Elizabeth Wentz, Dean of the Graduate College at ASU, tackles in a recent blog post on the Importance of the Master’s Degree. Dean Wentz discusses the evolution of the degree and how important it is to engage policymakers, prospective students and their families, and employers on the crucial role master’s degrees play in our communities.
For prospective students and their families, the data tell an important financial story about the benefits of a master’s degree. A master’s degree opens doors to jobs that pay higher salaries and are more stable.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals who attain master’s degrees can earn up to $11,000 more annually than those with a bachelor’s degree. Wage increases contribute to greater economic mobility, allowing individuals to climb the socioeconomic ladder. Furthermore, there is a 1.1% decrease in unemployment for those with graduate degrees compared to those with bachelor’s degrees, according to Wentz.
For employers, specialized skills are necessary for certain jobs and industries. Entry-level jobs requiring master’s degrees are expected to grow by 17 percent through 2026, the fastest growth of any education level. A worker with a master’s degree has advanced skills and deeper subject matter knowledge, Wentz said.
And for policymakers, a labor force with advanced degrees translates into a workforce with higher earnings and earning potential that helps to support the economy.
Read the entire blog article from Dean Wentz.
For prospective ASU graduate school students, the university also offers a wide range of resources to support students who are seeking to earn an advanced degree, including:
Free or discounted grad school prep options through Princeton Review
ASU Career Services has partnered with the Associated Students of ASU and The Princeton Review to provide free online test preparation courses and heavily discounted in-person courses to help students get ready for the GRE, GMAT, MCAT or LSAT. Discounted classes are also available for the DAT and OAT.
Encourage your student to visit ASU’s Preparing for Graduate School website to learn more about the free self-paced courses and discounted in-person prep, along with a range of other resources such as Princeton Review webinars on a variety of related topics.
Save the date of Nov. 6 for ASU Grad Fair
ASU’s Fall 2024 Graduate School Fair will be held this semester on Nov. 6. If you have a student considering grad school, the biannual event is a great way to explore ASU’s wide variety of graduate degree programs and more.
During this in-person event on the Tempe campus, students can:
• Receive tips on completing a graduate application and requirements.
• Explore career and graduate resources and speak with student organizations.
• Meet with academic representatives from ASU’s colleges to learn about graduate degrees.
• Learn about special funding opportunities.
• Visit the ASU Admission Services table for questions about the application process.
Bookmark the ASU Grad Fair website and stay tuned for more details later this semester.
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