Do You Need a Master’s in Your Interesting Field?

One of the most difficult things for people who are in college to decide upon is whether or not their undergraduate degree is going to take them far enough in life. Getting a master’s is almost always preferable if the option exists, although it’s fair to say that most people simply don’t have the time or financial ability to do so. While it can never hurt to have your master’s, to say that it’s a necessity in every situation would simply be missing the point. There are certain fields in which an undergraduate degree can take you to great heights, and understanding this can save you quite a bit of time and money.

Here are just a few things to consider when determining whether or not getting a master’s degree is right for you.

Fields That Don’t Require a Master’s

If you don’t have any plans to get a master’s, there are plenty of fields that you can go into without running into career issues. Marketing, for example, is an excellent field to jump into after simply getting your undergrad. Since a great deal of this type of job comes from learning in an actual workplace, you may be better off spending your time getting real-world experience than going to school for a master’s. The same can be said for accounting; an associates degree is often all it takes in order to become a successful accountant. Other fields such as environmental protection, forestry and ecology can be entered into without having a master’s degree, even if it wouldn’t hurt to pursue higher education in such a case.

Fields That Require a Master’s

In certain fields, getting a high-paying job without having a master’s degree can be exceptionally difficult. Becoming a psychologist, for example, is next to impossible if you don’t have a master’s on your side. The same can be said for those who are looking to teach in a higher education environment; sometimes doing so even requires a doctorate. You’ll also want to get a master’s in business administration if you have any hopes to open your own business, as both the knowledge and credentials you gain will come in handy in such a situation.

Making the Right Decision

Making the decision to get your master’s shouldn’t mean changing the field that you’re interested in entering into. If you want to be a therapist and open a private practice, then getting a master’s is for you. If you’re looking to secure work in a field that doesn’t require this type of degree, however, you’ll be better off focusing your efforts elsewhere. One of the best ways to determine which path is right for you is to speak to someone in the guidance department at your school. Guidance counselors spend each and every day helping students to plan their career paths, and are adept at what they do. Be sure to lay out every factor that could affect your ability to pursue a master’s so that the advice you’re given is relevant.

Whether or not you decide to get your master’s, just remember that the two most important things in pursuing a career are hard work and perseverance.