Looking for the top master degrees in demand? A Master’s degree has its advantages if the choice is made in the right spirit. Having a master’s degree may set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs like a bachelor once did.
If you are planning to apply for a master degree then look no further. In our list of “Top Master’s Programs 2018-19”, we will discuss some of the most well-known, well recognized, reputed, high paying, and rewarded MS degrees in the United States.
Start looking for your future master’s degree right away! We hope that our methodology provides you the platform to kick-start your plans for a Master’s program that change your career for the better. Good Luck!
Table of Contents
International Relations
International Relations is a highly developed field of knowledge, sometimes referred to as International Studies. It is a two-year academic program deal with political, economic, and cultural relations throughout the global community. Whether working for the U.S. government, an international organization, or a non-profit, there are a variety of career options in the field of international relations. Graduates with a Master in International Relations degree can go on to careers in government branches, diplomacy, non-governmental organizations, as well as private companies and corporations.
With a Master in International Relations, students will explore the study that researches relationships between countries, on the whole and in much detail, involving roles of states, governmental and non-governmental organizations, academic and public policy fields, economics, international law, cultural studies and much more, becoming thus an interdisciplinary field of study.
- Median Pay: $89,990
- Job Growth: 19%
- Possible Jobs: Intelligence analyst, research associate, foundation program officer
Political Science
A Master in Political Science can teach the complicated philosophy and theory, as well as critical thinking and analytical skills required in this challenging and ever-changing field. It is interdisciplinary, intersecting with other subjects and studies, such as National Politics, Public Policy, Economics, Law, Psychology, and Sociology. Usually, Political Science is subdivided into three disciplines that deal with different aspects of the vast matter of politics. Political Science focuses on the theory and practice of government and politics at the local, state, national, and international levels. Many job opportunities are available in both government and private businesses.
- Median Pay: $102,000
- Job Growth: 21%
- Possible Jobs: City manager, lobbyist, postsecondary teacher
Finance
The Master of Science in Finance (MSc in Finance) program is a two year, research-based thesis program. Finance deals with matters related to money and the markets. The opportunities with a finance degree span several areas, including corporate and international financial management, personal financial planning, and investment services. If you are someone who enjoys organizing and planning and additionally has a degree in finance, continuing building your education by taking a Master of Finance which will allow you to examine the relationship between risk, money and time more deeply.
- Median Pay: $112,700
- Job Growth: 8.9%
- Possible Jobs: Finance director, finance manager, financial analyst
Petroleum Engineering
The petroleum industry is one of the largest and most prominent in the United States today, and the companies involved are dependent on the services of petroleum engineers to explore, discover, and produce oil and gas to meet energy needs. Petroleum engineering is the field of engineering concerned with the exploration, extraction, and storage of petroleum, among other activities. As a profession, a graduate with a Master in Petroleum Engineering can work as a reservoir engineer, drilling engineer, or a production engineer. A Master in Petroleum Engineering program will explore topics such as production operations, hydraulic fracturing, economics, oil recovery processes, natural gas engineering, and project management among many others. There is a range of options to meet the needs of most students, including full-time and part-time programs in countries around the globe.
- Median Pay: $130,280
- Job Growth: 26%
- Possible Jobs: Petroleum geologist, production engineer, reservoir engineer
Nurse Anesthesia
Nurse anesthetists provide anesthesia and related care before and after medical procedures. They also provide pain management and emergency services. They are the sole anesthesia providers in nearly all rural hospitals, and the main provider of anesthesia to the men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Many nurse anesthesia masters’ programs stipulate that applicants hold a BSN and an RN. With that in mind, nursing schools have devised RN-to-BSN programs for current RNs and “second-degree bachelor’s” programs for non-nursing students with a bachelor’s in another field to help them earn a BSN at an accelerated pace. Those with a desire to work in anesthesia and the drive to work with a high level of autonomy can enter the CRNA pathway via a specialty Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
- Median Pay: $96,460
- Job Growth: 31%
- Possible Jobs: Nurse anesthetist
Physician Assistant Studies
A physician assistant (PA) is a nationally certified and state-licensed medical professional. PAs practice medicine on healthcare teams with physicians and other providers. They practice and prescribe medication in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories, except Puerto Rico. The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program is designed to provide a comprehensive primary care training program that combines didactic coursework with clinical experiences to enable the graduate to work in a variety of practice setting. The program prepares graduates to teach at the postsecondary level, access administrative careers, and conduct and present scholarly research. In preparation for a physician assistant college degree program, students should take biology, chemistry, psychology, English, and courses in the social sciences.
- Median Pay: $92,970
- Job Growth: 38%
- Possible Jobs: Physician assistant
Healthcare Administration
Ready to make a change? A master of Health Administration is the professional degree for postgraduates either already practicing in the field of healthcare or seeking to join in the sector. It is a professional degree that teaches the fundamentals of health administration, such as the management of hospitals and other major organizations. Healthcare administrators direct the operation of hospitals, health systems, and other types of organizations. They have responsibility for facilities, services, programs, staff, budgets, and other management functions. Masters’ degree in Health Administration is offered by recognized universities to prepare students for the managerial roles in the sector.
- Median Pay: $88,580
- Job Growth: 23%
- Possible Jobs: Healthcare administrator, executive director, chief nursing officer
Computer Science
A Master in Computer Science can opens doors to many new and exciting jobs. Computer science is the science of using computers to solve problems in a variety of business, scientific, and social contexts. Computing drives innovation in the sciences, engineering, business, entertainment, and education. The Computer Science program offers both Masters of Science and Ph.D. degrees. Master’s students need coursework, thesis research, and breadth requirements to complete the program. A career in Computer Science means that you can design and analyze new computer systems, study robotics, and even research on artificial intelligence. These are all areas of study that students can experience with a Master in Computer Science.
- Median Pay: $102,190
- Job Growth: 15%
- Possible Jobs: Computer and information research scientist, software developer
Physical Therapy
Master’s degree programs in physical therapy require incoming students to hold an undergraduate degree. The Master of Science in Physical Therapy is a 24-month professional program leading to entry to practice. Physical therapists have licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility – in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects. Although many physical therapists practice in hospitals, more than 80 percent practice in other settings.
- Median Pay: $81,030
- Job Growth: 36%
- Possible Jobs: Physical therapist
Mathematics
Mathematics opens the doors to many promising career paths. Mathematics is a broad field, and a Master in Mathematics means you can take degrees in anything from Modeling, Financial Mathematics, and Computing to Logic and Statistics. Advanced mathematics is used to develop and understand mathematical principles, analyze data, and solve real-world problems in all disciplines. The Master’s Program in Mathematics builds on the Bachelor’s Program and imparts deeper scientific knowledge, as well as the ability to apply methods and knowledge of mathematics and to conduct research in a selected mathematical field.
- Median Pay:$101,360
- Job Growth:23%
- Possible Jobs: Mathematician, software engineer, statistician
Marketing
A Master’s degree in Marketing is usually an MS degree that takes two years to complete. It’s the job of the marketing professional to create, enhance, and manage brands. A career in marketing can take you in several different directions, from market research to contract negotiations. Master of Marketing programs builds on students’ foundational business knowledge, highlighting the key concepts of marketing such as effectiveness, segmentation, activation, dominance, pricing, service, retail, brand management and more.
- Median Pay:$123,220
- Job Growth:12%
- Possible Jobs: Marketing manager, advertising/promotions manager, creative director
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Information Systems
An MSc in Information Systems is a graduate-level degree in computer sciences. An information system applies computer information to the work environment and management. The need to manage, support, and protect massive amounts of information has made the ever-changing information technology field one of the fastest-growing employment categories. It is designed to give scholars substantial knowledge regarding the latest technological developments in computer science, programming, operating systems, management information systems, and business.
- Median Pay:$120,950
- Job Growth:15%
- Possible Jobs: Information Technology (IT) manager, software engineer, systems analyst
Occupational Therapy
Master in Occupational Therapy is an entry-level professional program for students who have a previously obtained baccalaureate degree in another field. Occupational therapists help people of all ages participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. There are six core practice areas of the profession: 1) Children and Youth, 2) Health and Wellness (Life Design), 3) Mental Health, 4) Work and Industry, 5) Rehabilitation, Participation, and Disability, and 6) Productive Aging. The Master of Occupational Therapy prepares graduates for clinical practice in the profession of occupational therapy.
- Median Pay:$75,400
- Job Growth:29%
- Possible Jobs: Occupational therapist
Civil Engineering
Civil engineering is the design and maintenance of public works such as roads, bridges, water, and energy systems as well as public facilities like ports, railways, and airports. Civil engineering deals with the design and development process in the built environment building infrastructure such as bridges, roads, dams or buildings. They work in a fast-moving, challenging, and rewarding profession, involving design, construction, and management. Prospective civil engineers must complete a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes about four years. If you choose to earn a master’s in civil engineering as well, you can add a couple of years to that. The academic program must be approved by ABET, an accreditation board.
- Median Pay: $80,770
- Job Growth: 20%
- Possible Jobs: Civil engineer, structural engineer, project manager
Economics
Economics is the study of how people choose to use resources. A growing need for knowledge in economics is a feature of an ever-evolving society. The Master’s Program in Economics seeks both to broaden the content of the undergraduate program and to provide students with essential tools for advanced studies and a career as an economist. Becoming an economist typically requires either a master’s degree or a Ph.D., depending on where you want to work and the specific type of job you’re seeking. Opportunities for economists range from positions in the business world in banking, insurance, investment and communications firms to those in academic settings, government agencies, trade associations, and consulting organizations.
- Median Pay:$91,860
- Job Growth:14%
- Possible Jobs: Economist, data analyst, financial analyst
