Communicating the Importance of the Master’s Degree

As graduate deans and education professionals, we know the importance of a master’s education first-hand. However, conveying that message can be challenging because we have to address multiple audiences, and the nature of the degree continues to evolve.

Communicating with Multiple Audiences

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. Beyond these financial advantages, many students pursue a master’s degree for personal satisfaction and distinction, seeking to enhance their knowledge and stand out in their field. Motivated by a drive to solve complex problems, these students want the skills graduate degrees offer. Others are simply insatiable lifelong learners.

For policymakers, a labor force with advanced degrees translates into a workforce with higher earnings and earning potential; these higher wages support the economy. It leads to individuals and families having more disposable income, which they can spend on businesses and local services. The higher wages also lead to a higher tax base, which in turn supports communities. Individuals with master’s degrees increase economic development by contributing to innovation and productivity. They also tend to be more engaged in civic activities. They are more likely to vote, participate in public discourse, and engage in community service, contributing to a more active and informed citizenry. They are also frequently involved in developing and implementing policies that benefit society.

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. To gain these skills and knowledge, many master’s degree programs require a thesis, an applied project, or another culminating experience. This generally signals that the employee can complete a more difficult, time-consuming, and complex project than they experienced as an undergraduate. Master’s degree graduates have leadership skills employers can trust; they can be trusted to act independently, accept critical feedback, create a strategic vision, plan and direct those activities, and have a broader awareness of the trends in an industry. A master’s degree can open doors to advanced organizational leadership positions. This can lead to greater job security and satisfaction, reducing employee turnover.

The benefits are clear: investing in a master’s degree pays off for students, policymakers, and employers.

The History and Future of the Master’s Degree

One challenge in communicating the importance of the master’s degree is that the degree itself has evolved.

The master’s degree has roots in Europe and early North America and has evolved over the centuries. It dates to the Middle Ages when the first-known master’s degrees were awarded to individuals who studied both the trivium (grammar, rhetoric and logic) followed by the quadrivium (arithmetic, geometry, astronomy and music), which together encompassed the seven liberal arts. Students followed this path presumably for similar reasons as they do now – their career path required it, and they wanted to attain higher knowledge and stature. Earning a master’s degree (quadrivium) enabled one to teach at other European universities. By the 18th century, the master’s degree was simultaneously awarded with a bachelor’s degree from Oxford or Cambridge. The bachelor’s degrees from Oxford or Cambridge were considered superior and thus given a higher distinction. Other institutions in England subsequently awarded master’s degrees to students earning honors during their bachelor’s degree program.

By the 19th and 20th centuries, a rapid evolution occurred with the appearance of the disciplinary Master of Science (MS) and Master of Arts (MA) degrees as well as specialized master’s degrees (e.g., the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Architecture (MArch), Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and beyond). The commonality of these degrees is that the degree earner has more knowledge or skills in a specialized field than those with a bachelor’s degree alone. This idea remains true to this day. How people demonstrate the additional knowledge they’ve acquired varies by degree program but is usually a combination of coursework, testing, projects, and research.

Today, master’s degrees are in transition again. While the MS/MA and specialized degrees remain, there is an intensified focus on specific job skills. Michelmore (2023) describes how students are beginning to acquire unique credentials that could come from college or other educational modalities. Universities are building smaller credentials, such as microcertificates, to signal the skill.

With graduate students pursuing degrees to solve grand global challenges and aspiring to earn smaller credentials focusing on specific job skills, universities should be working towards making these new degrees and program types available. University leaders should also be prepared to continue to advance the structure and content of the master’s degree while maintaining the values of academic excellence and meeting student and societal needs.

When individuals, parents, and families research whether or not to pursue a master’s degree, they often find answers that focus on the financial impact—the likelihood of employment, the level of compensation, and job stability. The bigger picture often boasts the benefits to society, including higher wages that lead to a stronger tax base. These support cases are undoubtedly important but are only part of the story we should be telling.

What I’ve learned from students is that different people value different things, and it is our job as leaders in graduate education to have the skills to actively listen to what our current and prospective students are asking and saying. Just like the students in the 18th century, some value the prestige of the higher title that comes with the degree, while others value the skills that can be applied to a specific job. Furthermore, not all outcomes are tangible. Some pursue degrees simply because they are interested in the topic. For example, some graduate students in Arizona State University’s MA in World War II Studies say they earned the degree simply because of their passion for WWII history. Fulfilling such passions can profoundly impact personal fulfillment and mental health.

Effective Communication with Prospective Students and the Public

To effectively communicate with prospective students and the public, it is crucial to provide clear, comprehensive information about the benefits and opportunities of a master’s degree. Highlighting diverse success stories, showcasing different career paths, and addressing tangible and intangible outcomes can help prospective students make informed decisions. Listening to their aspirations and concerns and responding with personalized guidance can foster a more engaging and supportive environment. And, as university leaders, it’s our responsibility to continue to evolve the history of the master’s degree, what it stands for, and how it’s attained.

The Master’s Degrees at Work Campaign

The “Master’s Degrees at Work” campaign is designed by CGS to showcase the real-world impact of master’s degrees through the stories and achievements of graduates. This campaign invites alumni and current students to share their experiences and successes, demonstrating how their advanced education has contributed to their personal and professional lives. Stakeholders can participate by sharing their stories, attending events, and engaging with our content online. Together, we all can highlight the value and versatility of a master’s degree and inspire future students to pursue their educational and career goals.

Elizabeth Wentz is the Vice Provost and Dean, Graduate College, Arizona State University.

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