These financial benefits can be the deciding factor for prospective students, and with good reason. According to a recent study, graduates of advanced degree programs earn up to 28% more than those with just a bachelor’s degree. There are some cases (as emphasized in the study) where this is not true. For example, a teacher with a master’s degree in education may still make less than an engineer or architect with just a bachelor’s degree. Overall, however, differences in salary between those with a bachelor’s degree and those with a master’s degree are important enough to inspire many to continue their education. Here is a list of top-paying masters degrees as shared by an assignment writing service;
Economics (MASTER’S DEGREE):
Its average starting salary is $61,600 and mid-career salary is $113,600. As opposed to an economics Master’s of business administration (MBA) degree (see #6), this 2-year master’s degree program in economics provides a high level of understanding in economic theory. Some schools offer various economic specialization options in areas such as microeconomics, applied economics, financial economics and computational economics. The coursework in an economics master’s degree program is generally flexible, in order to accommodate the myriad of economic specialities.
Curricula usually cover introductory concepts in macro and small economic theory before students cut into their given speciality. Some of these core concepts could include economic growth, econometrics, economic forecasting, micro and macroeconomics, and numerical computation. Although all economists work to monitor and analyze economic information, they may work in a variety of specialized fields at the professional level. Economists may study the financial information of specific industries, companies or time periods. Possible job titles may include industrial economists, micro economists, financial economists, and macroeconomists.
Operations and Supply Chain Management:
Its average starting salary is $74,800 and mid-career salary is $115,800. A master’s degree program in operations and supply chain management, or simply supply chain management, can prepare students to apply management concepts and principles to the efficient delivery of goods and services. Applicants to these programs are required to have at least an accredited bachelor’s degree. Some schools may also expect students to have earned a minimum amount of work experience, as well as a basic understanding in areas such as computing, mathematics, accounting, statistics and economics. Students lacking such training may need to complete foundational courses before beginning more advanced graduate study.
Operations and Supply Chain Management:
Its average starting salary is $74,800 and mid-career salary is $115,800. A master’s degree program in operations and supply chain management, or simply supply chain management, can prepare students to apply management concepts and principles to the efficient delivery of goods and services. Applicants to these programs are required to have at least an accredited bachelor’s degree. Some schools may also expect students to have earned a minimum amount of work experience, as well as a basic understanding in areas such as computing, mathematics, accounting, statistics and economics. Students lacking such training may need to complete foundational courses before beginning more advanced graduate study.
Students in such a degree program may gain professional skills in logistical areas, such as warehousing, transport, distribution and packaging, as well as in operational areas, like product design, development, planning, analysis and manufacturing. They might also acquire advanced training and information in key supply chain and operations processes, such as customer service coordination, demand planning, life cycle reinforcement and product launching. Graduates of these degree programs can work in a variety of professional settings, including labor relations, human resources and compensation analysis. Occupations may include production manager, project engineer, supply chain executive, and operations analyst.
Software Engineering:
Its average starting salary is $79,100 and mid-career salary is $115,900. Software engineers design, execute and test software in computer systems. One of the most common degrees offered at the graduate level in this field is a master of science in software engineering. In graduate-level software engineering programs, students participate in didactic classroom lessons and computer laboratory courses that explore software program development. As a graduate student, you'll expect classroom lectures and laboratory courses that focus on both the concepts and practical skills that go into software engineering like enterprise software, software architecture, and software engineering requirements and management. Other common classes include data modeling, quality assurance, testing software programs, project management, user interface design, and developing web applications.
Software Engineering:
Its average starting salary is $79,100 and mid-career salary is $115,900. Software engineers design, execute and test software in computer systems. One of the most common degrees offered at the graduate level in this field is a master of science in software engineering. In graduate-level software engineering programs, students participate in didactic classroom lessons and computer laboratory courses that explore software program development. As a graduate student, you'll expect classroom lectures and laboratory courses that focus on both the concepts and practical skills that go into software engineering like enterprise software, software architecture, and software engineering requirements and management. Other common classes include data modeling, quality assurance, testing software programs, project management, user interface design, and developing web applications.
Mechanical Engineering:
Its average starting salary is $80,600 and mid-career salary is $122,000. Mechanical engineers design and build anything with moving parts, including products as diverse as air conditioners and cars. Since mechanical engineering is the broadest of any engineering speciality, those who apply mechanical engineering will pursue careers in the biotechnology, automotive, nuclear energy and aerospace industries.
The master of science in mechanical engineering allows students to pursue in-depth study in areas like manufacturing, design, or robotics. Many master’s programs provide students with the opportunity to choose a thesis or non-thesis track of study. The non-thesis option might require students to pursue an independent study or take further courses in place of a thesis. This is also designed to prepare individuals for any instructional undertakings, like a doctoral program.
Applied Mathematics:
Its average beginning salary is $62,000 and mid-career salary is $121,300. Applied mathematics master’s programs focus on how mathematics is used as a language within various fields other than mathematics. A degree at this level may serve as a complement to undergraduate studies in science, engineering or computers. Flexibility is often allowed with electives to assist students to tailor their program. The courses during a master’s level applied mathematics program usually are interdisciplinary, allowing students to review the use of mathematics in various fields.
Applied Mathematics:
Its average beginning salary is $62,000 and mid-career salary is $121,300. Applied mathematics master’s programs focus on how mathematics is used as a language within various fields other than mathematics. A degree at this level may serve as a complement to undergraduate studies in science, engineering or computers. Flexibility is often allowed with electives to assist students to tailor their program. The courses during a master’s level applied mathematics program usually are interdisciplinary, allowing students to review the use of mathematics in various fields.
Most programs are designed to allow students to focus on their personal career field. Some examples are scientific computing courses, where students study the relationship between computers and math. Students explore how computers can be used to solve mathematic equations and other related issues, or complex variable courses, where you study integral theorems, branch points, Taylor and Laurent series, conformal mapping and Schwarz-christoffel transformation.