The highest paying master’s degrees provide graduates with the knowledge needed to establish and lucrative careers as successful professionals. These professions include:
- engineering
- business
- science
- computer and information technology
- health care fields
Master’s degrees offer increased employment options and many advancement opportunities. Online master’s degrees can also lead to high paying careers. Many online master’s programs are the fastest graduate program options and can open up many career paths.
The following highest paying master’s degrees offer students:
- the knowledge required to qualify as professionals with refined skills
- vital experience
- a secure educational foundation
Our ranking methodology for these master’s programs is based upon the most recent information available from:
- the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics
- MSN Careers
- Master Degree Online
- Forbes.
Sources:
- Forbes: Best Master’s Degrees for Jobs
- Master Degree Online
- U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics
- MSN Careers
Ranking the Top 10 Highest Paying Master’s Degrees
1. MBA – Master’s in Business Administration
A Master of Business degree offers graduates the professional skills and educational basis necessary to put graduates on track to prepare for Chief Executive Officer careers. MBA degrees offer graduates the ability to act as leaders in the world’s top businesses utilizing:
- strategic planning
- management
- marketing
- finance
- entrepreneurial skills and knowledge
Earnings for graduates with MBA range significantly and depend upon:
- the organization of employment
- related work experiences,
- area of specialty
CEOs earn an average of $158,560 yearly.
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2. Engineering – M.S. in Engineering
A master’s degree in Engineering offers graduates the ability to qualify as Engineering Managers planning, developing, or coordinating research in:
- architectural
- manufacturing
- construction
- production,
- other technology industries
Earnings for graduates with Master’s degrees in Engineering work in various industries as engineering managers. They earn around $117,000 annually.
3. Petroleum Engineering – M.S. in Petroleum Engineering
A master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering offers individuals the ability to act as petroleum engineers. They develop methods of oil and gas production and extraction. Additionally, petroleum engineers focus on increasing extraction of diminishing oil and natural gas. They do this with the most cost-effective production techniques. Petroleum engineers generally earn salaries of $114,080 yearly.
4. Physics – M.S. in Physics
A master’s degree in Physics provides the educational basis in the areas of:
- research
- development
- economic
- educational
- manufacturing
Researchers study
the laws governing :
- energy
- motion
- structure
- interactions of particles and matter
They also develop:
- materials
- electronics
- medical equipment
- other technologies
Many graduates begin employment as researchers. They gain promotions to physicist positions upon completing the required training and experience. Earnings for physicists are $110,640 annually.
5. Pharmacy – Master’s in Pharmacy – MPharm
A Master of Pharmacy degree qualifies graduates for employment as pharmacists in:
- drug stores
- hospitals
- other health care facilities
Pharmacists work closely with physicians to administer medication to patients. They offer advice regarding:
- drug interactions
- dosing instructions
- other health issues related to prescriptions
Pharmacists have the potential to earn $106,410 yearly.
6. Human Resources – Master’s in Human Resources or MBA in Human Resources
Students can earn a Master’s in Human Resources or a dual Master’s in Business Administration and Master’s of Science in Human Resources Management. Graduates can go on to lead and direct staff in a number of organizations. Human resource managers are responsible for:
- enhancing productivity
- offering training
- recruiting talent
They also devise ways of increasing the overall efficiency of a business through strategic planning. Earnings for most human resources managers generally are $99,180 annually.
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7. Economics – M.S. in Economics
A Master’s in Economics offers individuals the ability to specialize studies in:
- labor economics
- econometrics
- international economics
They generally work as economists in:
- governmental agencies
- consulting firms
- research organizations
- financial institutions
Economists conduct research and monitor trends in:
- raw material
- land
- labor
- machinery
- other resources
They forecast:
- energy costs
- taxes
- inflation
- interest and exchange rates
- employment levels
- business cycles
Economists have the potential to earn salaries of $83,590 yearly.
8. M.S in Physician Assistant Studies, Health Science, or Medical Science
A master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies, Health Science, or Medical Science qualifies graduates to work as Physician’s Assistants in the health care industry. They work closely under the supervision of doctors. Physician assistants perform diagnose, treat, and provide preventative health care to patients. Physician assistants also interpret test and x-ray results. They prescribe medication as well as offering administrative support by supervising technicians and assistants. Physician’s Assistants typically earn $81,230 annually.
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Master’s degrees are offered in:
- Health Services Administration
- Health Sciences
- Public Health
- Public Administration
- Long-Term Care Administration
The programs provide individuals with the ability to work as:
- Medical and Health Services Managers
- Healthcare Executives
- Healthcare Administrators
Medical and Health Services Managers supervise the delivery of healthcare. They plan, direct, and coordinate:
- staff
- technological innovations
- staff restructuring
- the quality of patient care
Salaries for Medical and Health Services Managers are generally $80,240 yearly.
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10. Computer Science – M.S. in Computer Science, Information science, or Information Technology
Master’s degrees are offered in:
- computer science
- information science
- information technology
The programs offer graduates the ability to gain employment as database administrators in computer systems design and services industries. Most database administrators are qualified to work in many industries, though generally for:
- Internet service providers
- data processing organizations
- hosting services
- Web search portals
Database administrators earn salaries of $72,900 annually.
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