Master's Programs Guide

To identify master's programs that may interest you

• Have conversations with your current and past research advisers and professors

• Speak to graduate students you've interacted with through research or courses

• Research people working in your target job type to see where they completed their master's program

• Consult resources like US News & World Report rankings and graduate school search sites to brainstorm ideas

Most master's degrees fall into two main categories of coursework-based and research-based. There are a broad range of master's programs available for all career interests!

Artificial Intelligence

• Coursework-based: Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence (MEng in AI)

• Research-based: Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI), Master of Science in Computer Science with AI Concentration (MSCS-AI), Master of Science (MS)

• Career Opportunities: Data Engineer, Computer Research Scientist, Data Scientist, AI Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer

Arts & Humanities

• Coursework-based: Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MA, MALS, MLA, ALM, MLS), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Studies (MSt)

• Research-based: Master of Research (MRes)

• Career Opportunities: Educational Administrator and Instructor, Museum Curator, Art Director, Archivist, Publisher, Editor, Copywriter

Behavioral Sciences

• Coursework-based: Master of Arts (MA), Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP)

• Research-based: Master of Science (MS)

• Career Opportunities: Behavior Analyst, Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, Organizational Development Consultant, Clinical Behavioral Health Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor

Biological Sciences

• Coursework-based: Master of Arts (MA)

• Research-based: (MS)

• Career Opportunities: Molecular Biologist, Research Scientist, Laboratory Manager, Bioinformatics Scientist

Business & Entrepreneurship

• Coursework-based: Master in Management (MiM), Master of Accounting (MAcc), Master of Human Resources Management (MHR), Master in Finance (MFin)

• Career Opportunities: Corporate Financial Advisor, Investment Analyst, Marketing Manager, Certified Public Accountant, Human Resource Manager

Climate, Energy, & Urban Planning

• Coursework-based: Master of Arts (MA), Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP, MUP), Master of Infrastructure Planning and Management (MIPM), Master of Urban Design (MUD)

• Research-based: Master of Science (MS), Master of Science in Urban Planning (MSUP)

• Career Opportunities: Sustainability Manager, Energy Consultant, Climate Policy Analyst, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Sustainable Investment Specialist, Urban & Regional Planner, Transportation Planner, Community Development Manager, GIS and Data Analyst

Computer Science, Technology, & Gaming

• Coursework-based: Professional Master of CS (MCS), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

• Research-based: Master of Science (MS)

• Career Opportunities: Technical Director, Game Producer, Graphics Programmer, UX UI Designer, AR VR Developer

Education

• Coursework-based: Master of Education (MEd), Master of Science in Education (MSEd), Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)

• Career Opportunities: School Principal, Curriculum Developer, Postsecondary Education Administrator, Media Specialist, School Librarian, Instructional Designer, School Counselor

Engineering

• Coursework-based: Master of Engineering (MEng)

• Research-based: Master of Science (MS)

• Career Opportunities: Engineering Manager, Systems Architect, Senior Engineer

Healthcare

• Coursework-based: Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Social Work (MSW)

• Research-based: Master of Science (MS)

• Career Opportunities: Community Health Leader, Epidemiologist, Public Health Policy Maker, Healthcare Compliance Officer, Social Worker, Nursing

National Security & Community Safety

• Coursework-based: Master of National Security Policy (MNSP), Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies (MA), Master of Arts in Law & Diplomacy (MA)

• Research-based: Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MS)

• Career Opportunities: Intelligence Analyst, Foreign Services Officer, Cybersecurity Specialist, Defense Policy Consultant, Global Risk Analyst

Physical Sciences

• Coursework-based: Master of Arts (MA)

• Research-based: Master of Research (MRes), Master by Research (MPhil), Master of Science (MS)

• Career Opportunities: Research Scientist, Data Scientist, Medical Physicist, Adjunct Faculty, R&D Scientist, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Technical Sales, Field Application Scientist

Policy, Government, & Nonprofits

• Coursework-based: Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Affairs (MPAff), Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Nonprofit Management (MNM, MNLM)

• Research-based: Master of Pubic Policy (MPP)

• Career Opportunities: Nonprofit Executive Director, City Manager, Program Manager, Legislative Aide, Government Relations Manager

While requirements vary by university and program, most master's program applications require:

• Application through an online portal

• Resume/CV

• 2-3 letters of recommendation

• Transcripts

• Standardized tests (typically the GRE)

• Essays and personal statement

Our Advanced Degree Toolkit is a great resource as you prepare your application materials.

Career Advancement advisers are happy to support you with your master's applications! Make an appointment on Handshake under the Graduate School Advising appointment type under the relevant Careers In tab.

Students are encouraged to join information sessions that Career Advancement hosts with master's admissions teams from other universities. These events typically take place in the fall quarter to align with the admissions cycle.