Most In-Demand Master’s Degrees
Key Takeaways
- Some of the most in-demand master’s programs include nursing, computer science, and physician assistant studies.
- Fields like counseling, public health, and social work also continue to grow as schools and agencies respond to workforce shortages and rising demand for mental health and healthcare services.
- Many careers in these areas require professional licensure, which means students must choose programs accredited by organizations such as CACREP, CEPH, or CSWE to qualify for state certification.
In search of professional growth or career advancement? Then consider earning a master’s degree. The most useful master’s programs provide advanced training, exposure to the latest industry trends, and expertise in specialized areas.
The demand for advanced degrees varies by field, and it pays to determine whether your job prospects will improve with a graduate education. Read on to discover which master’s degrees lead to in-demand careers.
Benefits of Earning a Master’s Degree
- Keep up with industry skills, tools, and trends
- Network with other professionals
- Qualify for a promotion
- Earn a higher salary
- Transition to a new field
Top 10 In-Demand Master’s Degrees
The most in-demand master’s degrees generally lead to careers with strong near-term growth projections. Many of these careers are in healthcare and technology, but some focus on other areas that also have a strong need for professionals with advanced training.
The list includes:
1. Master’s in Nursing
Graduate nursing programs mainly include the master of science in nursing (MSN) path, but you can also pursue specializations in clinical, public health, and community health nursing, among other areas. You typically need at least an MSN degree to qualify for an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license. The fastest-growing APRN field is nurse practitioner, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects will grow by 40% through 2034. Nurse midwifery and nurse anesthesia are also promising fields, projected to grow by 11% and 9% through 2034, respectively.
Some medical and health services managers also come from APRN or other nursing backgrounds — another high-growth (23%) career path for MSN graduates.
MSN programs typically span 2-3 years of full-time study. Most traditional programs require a bachelor’s degree in nursing plus at least a year of professional experience. However, some schools offer direct-entry nursing programs. These do not require a nursing degree and instead bridge knowledge gaps with intensive full-time study schedules.
Many states require nursing licensure candidates to hold programmatically accredited MSN degrees. Consult your state’s guidelines, and look for endorsements from agencies like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
2. Master’s in Computer Science
Graduate computer science programs typically lead to master of science (MS) degrees. You can earn a general MS in computer science, or specialize in a more targeted area such as:
- Computer engineering
- Cybersecurity or information security
- Data science or business analytics
- Information technology
These programs typically require about two years of full-time study and mainly focus on the technical aspects of computer systems and networks. Concentration-track programs usually offer balanced coverage of general computer science topics and the specialization area.
The following table breaks down some of the in-demand career paths you can pursue with an advanced degree in this field.
| Job Title | Projected Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | 20% |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | 15% |
| Data Scientist | 34% |
| Information Security Analyst | 29% |
| Software Developer | 15% |
3. Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies
Physician assistants are advanced specialists who work under the supervision of a doctor to diagnose and treat patients. The BLS projects very high job growth of 20% for physician assistants from 2024-2034.
Master’s in physician assistant studies (MPAS) programs directly prepare you to enter this well-paid field. Typically spanning 2-3 years, MPAS programs cover:
- Required practice knowledge
- Clinical skills
- Medical ethics
You will likely complete an internship, practicum, or medical residency as part of your program requirements.
Look for programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). According to the American Association of Physician Assistants, ARC-PA accreditation is necessary to qualify for state-level professional licensure.
MPAC programs usually require a corresponding bachelor’s degree, a pre-med degree, or a degree in another closely related life sciences field. You may also require a professional background in frontline patient care.
4. Master’s in Counseling
In August 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention described the United States as being in a mental health crisis. Many states urgently need more mental health professionals, including counselors.
The BLS lists the following job growth rates for licensed counselors from 2024 to 2034:
Master’s in counseling programs usually require 2-3 years of full-time study and focus on:
- Group and individual counseling techniques
- Developmental and social psychology
- Professional practice standards and ethics
Look for accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
Your state may require specific accreditation for counseling programs. Consult your state’s counseling licensure board for details.
5. Master of Public Health
The COVID-19 pandemic put a bright spotlight on public health infrastructure, which remains in urgent need of upgrading and an influx of professional talent. According to the BLS, specializations such as epidemiology and health education rank among the field’s fastest-growing jobs for the 2024-2034 period and are projected to grow by 16% and 4%, respectively.
A master of public health (MPH) degree can help you enter either field or qualify for positions in public health policy and research. MPH programs emphasize:
- Community and environmental health
- Epidemiology
- Public health administration, policy, and analytics
- Public health nutrition
Some programs offer concentration tracks in these or other specializations.
MPH programs have highly variable credit requirements, but many fall into the range of about 42-48 semester credits. They typically demand about three years of full-time study.
A background in biology, medicine, or life sciences can help you meet MPH entry requirements. Programmatic accreditation is optional. If you prefer it, look for programs credentialed by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA) or the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
6. Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology
Speech-language pathologists are projected to benefit from a 15% job growth between 2024 and 2034. These specialists work with clients seeking to overcome disabilities, challenges, and medical conditions related to speech, language, and communication.
A master of science in speech-language pathology (MS-SLP) program offers ideal preparation for this career path. Usually requiring about two years of full-time study, MS-SLP study tracks cover service delivery topics, cultural sensitivity and diversity considerations, and clinical internships.
Programmatic accreditation may be beneficial to students looking to enter the field. Look for accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The ASHA also provides nationally recognized speech-language pathologist certification opportunities.
7. Master’s in Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists work with people with disabilities and with people recovering from illnesses and injuries. These skilled professionals lead programs designed to assist with daily living, improve independence, and help patients adjust to medical devices such as mobility or nutritional aids.
BLS data from May 2024 indicates a strong outlook: Occupational therapists earn a median annual salary of $98,340 per year, and are projected to see a 14% job growth for the 2024-34 period. To become an occupational therapist, you will need a master’s degree and a state-issued license.
You can qualify for a license by completing an approved occupational therapy program that includes hands-on training. After graduating, you can sit for your state’s licensing exam.
8. Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy
Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) evaluate, diagnose, and design intervention strategies for interpersonal challenges arising from couple or family dynamics. The BLS projects a 13% job growth for MFTs from 2024-2034.
Master’s-level MFT programs teach students about:
- Therapeutic theory, practice, and techniques
- Observation, communication, and documentation skills
- Professional standards and ethics
Master’s in MFT programs typically cover about 60 credits. Full-time students can complete them in 2-3 years.
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) is the primary accreditor of MFT programs. Some states prefer or require MFT licensure candidates to hold a COAMFTE-endorsed graduate degree.
9. Master’s in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Master’s programs in orthotics and prosthetics teach students about design, manufacturing, and fitting techniques for orthoses and prostheses. Orthoses stabilize and support existing body parts, while prostheses replace missing parts such as limbs or appendages.
Orthotists and prosthetists are projected to be headed for 13% job growth from 2024-2034, according to the BLS. A master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics provides comprehensive technical training and explores field-specific design principles, technologies, and innovations. You can usually complete a master’s program in about two years.
In some states, orthotists and prosthetists require licensure. To obtain it, you may prefer or need to obtain a specially accredited degree. The National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) cooperates with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) on programmatic accreditation for orthotics and prosthetics degrees.
10. Master of Social Work
Social workers perform an essential service to society, helping disadvantaged, vulnerable, and in-need populations connect with support, services, and care. The BLS identifies two particularly high-growth social work areas over the next decade:
- Mental health and substance use social work (+10%)
- Healthcare social work (+8%)
A master of social work (MSW) is the minimum education requirement to become a licensed clinical social worker. You will usually need a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree to meet entry requirements. However, some MSW programs may accept non-BSW applicants if they have a bachelor’s degree in a related area, such as psychology or sociology.
To qualify for licensure, your MSW program must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
5 Tips for Master’s Graduates Entering the Workforce
With your in-demand master’s degree in hand, follow these tips to make a successful transition into the workforce.
- 1
Network
Leveraging your network can help you find lucrative employment and make lasting connections with industry leaders. Keep in touch with classmates, former professors, internship supervisors, and other professionals who can provide job leads and insights into your field.
- 2
Reach out to potential employers
Don’t wait for the job to come to you. Be proactive and contact hiring managers about open positions. Even if your dream company doesn’t seem to be hiring at the moment, get in touch with someone influential who works there — they may have a lead on a job that’ll soon open up.
- 3
Attend job fairs
Company job fairs present excellent opportunities to practice your networking. At these events, you can hone your interviewing skills, interact directly with recruiters and hiring managers, and explore your career options.
- 4
Start with an internship
You can test out your chosen career path and boost your resume with an internship after graduation. Interns work under supervision with or without pay, depending on the industry and employer.
- 5
Find a mentor
Even to a new graduate with an in-demand master’s degree, the job market can seem daunting and intimidating. Seek mentorship from a seasoned professional who can offer industry insight, advice, and encouragement.
