How long does it take to earn a graduate degree?

The time it takes to earn a graduate degree varies and depends on the type of degree, program, your enrollment status, and the program's curriculum requirements. A master's degree can take 18 months and up to three years to complete. A professional degree can take up to three years, while a doctoral degree can take four to eight years. Be sure to check your program's requirements for exact timelines.

Is graduate school worth it?

Graduate school might be worth it for you if it helps you achieve your personal and professional goals. Earning a graduate degree can help you access career growth and higher salaries. To determine if a graduate degree is worth it, examine the program's cost, your finances, potential earnings after graduation, and job outlook for your chosen career.

How much do graduate degree holders earn?‎

In 2023, the median annual salary for professional degree holders was $114,712, according to the BLS. Doctoral degree holders earned $109,668, while those with a master’s degree earned $90,324.

What is a postgraduate degree?

A postgraduate degree is an advanced academic degree typically earned after completing a bachelor's degree. This includes master's, doctoral, and professional degrees. Postgraduate degrees equip students with advanced knowledge and expertise in niche areas, preparing them for specialized roles and academic positions.

What is a graduate degree?

By: Janice Mejías Avilés, Edited by: Gabriela Pérez Jordán

Published: January 22, 2025

A graduate degree is an advanced degree you can pursue after earning a bachelor's degree. Graduate programs provide you with in-depth knowledge of a field taught by subject matter experts and can prepare you to further your academic pursuits or enter a specialized career.

Earning a graduate degree may benefit degree-holders in more ways than one. A 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) survey found that workers with graduate degrees, such as master's, professional, or doctoral degrees, had higher median weekly earnings than those with lower education attainment.

The survey also showed that unemployment rates decreased as educational attainment increased.

In a competitive and changing job market, pursuing advanced degrees might prove beneficial.

Types of graduate degrees

If you want to gain advanced expertise or expand your knowledge to other fields, get to know the types of graduate degrees you can pursue.

Master's degrees

Master's degree programs help learners hone advanced research, data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in their discipline. These programs span various fields, often offering joint programs, concentrations, or specialty tracks that align with your interests and market demands.

Common master's degrees include:

To fulfill degree requirements, students may also have to complete a capstone project, thesis, exit exam, or supervised experience such as internships or clinical hours.

Earning a master's degree usually takes 18 months to three years, depending on the program, school, your enrollment status, and the program's delivery format.

Costs vary by school and program, but according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the median tuition and fees for all master's programs was $9,880 in 2020.

Doctorate

Doctoral and professional degrees are the highest education credentials in any field, often referred to as terminal degrees. Graduates of these programs become subject-matter experts in their field and earn the title of "doctor."

However, there is a distinction between doctoral and professional degrees.

PhD

A doctor of philosophy (PhD) is a research-oriented doctoral degree that studies theoretical frameworks in order to develop new research methodologies and protocols or generate new knowledge in a specific academic discipline. Students must complete a PhD dissertation to earn this degree, and PhD graduates often work as professors, scholars, researchers, and scientists.

Professional degree

In contrast, a professional degree is a practice-based doctorate that combines advanced academic coursework with hands-on training and experience in a student's respective fields and work settings. Depending on their specialization, earning a professional degree can provide graduates with diverse work opportunities across industries and settings.

Common professional degrees include:

It's important to note that PhDs and professional degrees can be found within the same academic field. For example, you can pursue a PhD in nursing, which emphasizes research on health determinants, or a doctor of nursing (DNP), which has a clinical focus and involves direct patient care.

Earning a professional degree typically takes three years, while doctoral degrees usually take four to eight years to complete. Time to graduation can vary significantly based on your field of study and program, so be sure to research your program's requirements before applying.

Because of their length, these degrees tend to be expensive. In 2020, the median annual tuition and fees paid for a doctoral degree was $21,503, according to the NCES. Prospective students should evaluate ways to offset costs, such as assistantships, grants, scholarships, and financial aid.

Graduate certificates

Graduate certificates can provide learners with graduate-level specialized knowledge and skills in a fraction of the time it takes to earn a master's or doctoral degree. Unlike master's and doctoral programs, graduate certificates don't offer an overview of a field. Instead, they focus on practical approaches to specific topics for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree.

In comparison, a professional certificate is a credential that universities and industry leaders offer that dives into the fundamentals of an in-demand skill or subject. Earning a professional certificate may help you flexibly advance your career. Most professional certificates don't require a bachelor's degree.

Why get a graduate degree?

Pursuing a graduate degree — whether a master's, professional, or doctorate — is a personal decision. Many factors can impact your decision, such as your readiness to return to school; your ability to balance work, study, and personal commitments; and your financial situation.However, there are benefits to getting a graduate degree, including:

Gaining specialized knowledge and in-demand skills that may open doors to new job opportunities
Progressing in your field or exploring new opportunities in different areas
Accessing to higher-paying jobs
Growing your professional network and connecting with industry experts and recruiters
Achieving your personal goals

Get started on edX

Ready to unlock new career possibilities? Discover the flexible graduate degree programs edX offers in different fields and specialties, designed to help you reach your goals on your terms.

Frequently asked questions about graduate degrees

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