Five alternatives to a master's degree

By: Thomas Broderick, Edited by: Gabriela Pérez Jordán

Published: March 18, 2025

Imagine starting a master's degree and realizing it doesn't align with your career goals. Find the right program and avoid the student debt trap by exploring alternatives to a master's degree.

What can I do instead of a master's degree?

Alternatives to a master's degree include professional certificates, online courses, and internships. Program length, curriculum, and awarded graduate credit vary. Weigh these differences against your needs before applying.

Even if you complete an alternative to a master's degree, you may still qualify for jobs that typically require a master's. Some jobs may let you substitute a degree with professional experience or one of the following options.

1. Professional Certificates

Professional Certificates can help you gain essential skills and expertise in a particular subject or field by earning an employer-recognized credential.

Professional Certificate programs are a series of self-paced courses that typically take 2-10 months to complete and cost between $500-$1,500. They provide a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional master's degrees.

A certificate on your résumé can demonstrate your mastery of in-demand skills to potential employers.

Keep in mind...

A certificate and a certification do not mean the same thing. Here's the difference:

• Certificates: Credentials usually issued by colleges or universities that require you to complete a course or program and demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired during that program.
• Certification: Credentials issued by industry-recognized organizations that typically require you to pass an exam to validate competency in a particular field or profession.

2. Online Courses

Online courses are a great alternative for learners seeking knowledge in a specific topic or skill. Contrary to master's degrees, online courses are typically free of cost, with optional certificate upgrades ranging between $50-$300.

Most courses have no formal prerequisites, are self-paced, and can take between 4-12 weeks to complete.

3. Executive Education

Executive education programs are short-term, cohort-based programs for experienced professionals to target their growth areas.

These programs are ideal for individuals looking to earn credentials from prestigious universities and institutions in less time than a traditional graduate degree. They take 6-8 weeks to complete and cost between $2,500-$3,500.

Benefits include strategic leadership development, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and asynchronous education.

4. MicroMastersⓇ

MicroMastersⓇ programs offer graduate classes designed for career advancement. Some universities use the terms graduate certificate and MicroMastersⓇ interchangeably. However, most MicroMastersⓇ programs award graduate credit, while some graduate certificates do not.

MicroMastersⓇ programs take up to 18 months and may cost considerably less than a graduate certificate.

5. Internships

An internship can help you gain hands-on experience in a professional setting and determine if a field matches your personality and goals. Internships do not cost money, and some may offer stipends in exchange for work.

Although an internship does not award a degree, certificate, or certification, it may help you gain experience, build industry connections, and boost your résumé.

Tips on choosing the best path for you

Alternatives to a master's degree can offer many advantages, including saving considerably on your education and leaving school sooner than degree-seekers. However, keep in mind that certain career tracks may require you to hold a master's degree for career advancement or state-issued licensure. Ensure your chosen path aligns with the knowledge and skills you need to grow your career.