5 Master’s Degrees to Boost Your Career

Are you ready to take your career to the next level, but not sure how to get there? Earning an advanced degree can serve as a stepping stone to new opportunities within your organization. Many professionals find that their master’s degrees have helped them get ahead at work and contributed to their long-term career success.

A master's degree shows employers that you hold a high level of credibility, commitment and expertise in your field. Relevant master’s degree programs focus on developing critical leadership and management abilities, which are equally as important as specialized skills and knowledge.

Here are five relevant master’s degrees that can help you take the next step in your career.

1. MBA in Project Management

Project management is a valuable business skill, and one that can set you apart from the competition for leadership and management roles. Additionally, earning an advanced degree in project management can help you prepare for industry-recognized certifications, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) and Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA), which further differentiate you in the workforce.

2. MBA Technology Management

If you have a background in information technology and are interested in advancing to a leadership role, consider an MBA in Technology Management. Unlike a master’s degree in IT, this is a leadership degree that allows you to gain fundamental business knowledge and understand the role of IT in helping businesses gain a competitive edge.

With an MBA in Technology Management, you’ll learn how to evaluate and find solutions to complex technology challenges. This versatile and high-demand degree prepares you for opportunities in accounting, finance, business administration, sales, marketing, human resources, information systems, and more.

3. MBA in Data Analytics

Today’s businesses and organizations are collecting and producing more data than ever before. That data is valuable, and someone who knows how to make sense of it can help uncover inefficiencies and make strategic decisions for business growth.

As a result, more and more employers are looking for industry-experienced professionals who have data analysis capabilities. An MBA in Data Analytics helps you develop the skills you need to advance in business analytics-related roles – a highly desirable and fast-growing discipline.

4. MBA in Healthcare Management

If you work in healthcare, now is the perfect time to advance your degree and position yourself for leadership roles. Healthcare is the fastest-growing occupational field today and is projected to add 2.4 million jobs by 2026. Employment for health services managers and executives specifically is expected to grow by 20 percent in that time period, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

An MBA in Healthcare Management is ideal for nurses and other healthcare professionals looking to take the step from clinical practice into management. This program builds upon core MBA courses to provide students with specialized knowledge and expertise in modern healthcare issues, as well as an in-depth understanding of the business of healthcare.

5. MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration

Practicing nurses might also consider an MSN to advance their careers. MSN-prepared nurses know the ins-and-outs of patient care and have the organizational knowledge they need to plan, implement and evaluate system-wide strategies and improvements.

An MSN in Nurse Leadership can lead to a variety of management roles, from overseeing a nursing unit to leading the entire nursing department. This degree prepares nurses for management, leadership and administrative roles in major health systems, primary care settings, acute care and community-based healthcare agencies.

Remember that you can tailor your graduate education to match your specific career goals. A well-rounded master’s program will help you develop core leadership skills and specialized knowledge – the recipe for a successful career.