A master’s degree typically takes eighteen months to two years of full-time study, but several factors can increase or decrease the time commitment involved in attaining this graduate-level degree.
Full-time students taking a full course load (typically more than nine credit hours per semester) can expect to finish their degree faster than a part-time student. However, studying full time can make it challenging to keep up with work, family, and other commitments.
Coursera’s MasterTrack® Certificates give you the chance to complete individual modules of a master’s degree program. Not only will you earn academic credit that can be applied toward the full degree if you’re accepted into the program, you’ll also earn a university-issued career credential for your resume.
Some master’s programs require that students complete a final project like a thesis paper, internship, or a capstone project. Master’s programs in research-heavy fields like mathematics or psychology often require a master’s thesis. Writing this scholarly paper involves a significant amount of independent research and lab work over and above ...
An open class lets you experience a program for yourself by taking a course alongside degree-seeking students.
Learners with well-defined career goals can shave a year off a typical master’s program with this type of degree. In a dual-degree program, you can pursue two degrees—commonly two graduate programs or a graduate and a doctoral degree—at the same time. This typically takes longer than earning a single master’s degree but less time ...
With a professional certificate, you gain focused training for a specific career. By earning one of these designations, you can show potential employers that you have the skills necessary to perform a specific job.