After completing a bachelor's degree, students may look to further education to expand their knowledge in a field or learn a new set of skills. While master's degrees can do just that, students weigh in on whether they are still valuable.
Leanna Archambault, a professor in the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation, said when it comes to securing a job, having a master's degree can give students an edge. The degree shows additional commitment, dedication and a student's motivation to improve, she said.
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"There's a lot of value in having your master's degree, especially if you're on the job market, and you're either changing jobs or looking to advance in your job," Archambault said. "When I'm looking at resumes, that's something that stands out to me immediately."
Yudidt Nonthe, a graduate student studying public administration, said she decided to pursue a master's degree because she believes it opens more doors and job opportunities.
She said having an advanced degree can help students enter a competitive job market.
"Nowadays, you really need to be more prepared than your average bachelor's degree person," Nonthe said. "It's just really all about bringing your education to the table."
Nonthe chose to pursue a master's degree right after her bachelor's because she had already gained the momentum to continue and created a community at ASU.
The University provides an easy transition between bachelor's and master's degrees, she said.
Nonthe said she recommends students to pursue the traditional two-year track because it is more beneficial to obtain internships and work experience instead of cramming it into one year.
"If you are wanting to go into the workforce and you're preparing yourself for your future career, you should definitely work on those relationships, and that takes time," Nonthe said. "The two-year track is perfect, because you're still making the progress to get to where you need to be, and you're not feeling like you are rushing it."
While getting a master's degree has the potential to bring students benefits, Archambault said finances are a big consideration, but there are many avenues students can take to curb the costs.
Some private companies help students financially while they work full-time and pursue their degree, and employees may also get a tuition fee waiver at ASU, she said.
"It really is an investment in that person's future," Archambault said. "You want to make that investment, and you want it to be able to pay dividends down the road."
Shruti Tangirala, a graduate student studying business administration, said students should venture outside of the classroom and balance academics and extracurriculars because they offer insight that cannot be taught in a classroom.
She also said building community and joining clubs is important, especially if a student is pursuing further education.
Tangirala is the vice president of marketing for the Graduate Women's Leadership Association at W. P. Carey, which has helped her form connections that eventually led to interviews for possible internships.
"It's very important to not box yourself into the classroom environment," Tangirala said. "You might even meet people who are not a part of your class, but who can become very important connections in your life."
Archambault said for students deciding whether or not to pursue further education, she advises students make sure they are in a position to dedicate the time and resources necessary to complete the degree.
"You are making a big investment," Archambault said. "You want to make sure that you're able to commit to it so that you can see it through successfully."
Edited by Natalia Rodriguez, Senna James and Ellis Preston.
Reach the reporter at alillest@asu.edu and follow @allylillestol on X.
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Allison Lillestol is a reporter for the community and culture desk. She is in her 4th semester with the State Press. She also works for Arizona PBS.
