Should I Get a Master’s Degree?

If you’re an undergraduate college student thinking about life after graduation, you might be asking yourself, “Should I get a master’s degree right after I finish my bachelor’s degree, or should I work first?” It’s a big decision, and it can shape your career, your earning potential and your day-to-day life. Getting a master’s degree comes down to what kind of future you want and how much you’re willing to invest in your education.

At Tiffin University, we see a lot of students reach this crossroad. Some are excited to keep going, some are unsure and some don’t even realize how many options they have. TU’s online and on-campus master’s programs and doctoral programs are built with busy, goal-driven students in mind – with no GRE or GMAT requirements – to help you feel more prepared for the workforce and gain more knowledge in your chosen field.

Why Get a Master’s Degree?

If you’re wondering, “Why get a master’s degree?” it helps to look at both the short-term and long-term benefits. In the short term, a graduate degree can give you deeper knowledge, more confidence and a clear sense of direction for your career path. Over time, it can open doors to leadership roles, specialized positions and higher earning potential.

Here are a few reasons why students decide a master’s degree is worth it:

Career advancement: A master’s degree can help you qualify for roles that aren’t open to candidates with only a bachelor’s. Employers often look for master’s-prepared professionals when hiring for management, leadership or specialized positions.
Higher earning potential: While salaries vary by industry, many fields offer higher pay for employees with graduate credentials. Over a career, that can add up to a significant return on your investment.
Specialized skills: With a master’s, you can move beyond the basics and specialize in areas like data analytics, criminology, cybersecurity, clinical exercise physiology, psychology, leadership and more.
Professional network: Graduate programs connect you with faculty who have real-world experience and classmates who share your goals. Those relationships can turn into mentorships, collaborations and job opportunities.
Flexibility for your life: TU offers online master’s programs and campus options, along with full-time and part-time paths, making it easier to fit grad school into a busy schedule.

If you decide that the answer to “Should I get a master’s degree?” is “yes,” Tiffin University offers a wide range of options:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ)

Master of Science (MS)

Master of Humanities (MH)

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Should I Get a Ph.D.?

For some students, the question isn’t just “Should I get a master’s degree?” It’s also “Should I get a Ph.D.?” or another doctoral degree. If you’re drawn to big questions, complex problems and large-scale change, earning a doctoral degree can be a powerful path.

When you consider earning a Ph.D., think about what you want your impact to be. A doctoral degree can help you:

Become a subject matter expert: Doctoral programs give you the tools to analyze complex issues, conduct research and contribute new ideas to your field.
Lead at the highest levels: A Ph.D. or other doctoral degree can prepare you for executive positions in organizations, government agencies, nonprofits and global companies.
Teach and mentor others: Many faculty positions in higher education require a doctoral degree. If you want to teach at the college level or train future professionals, this may be an important step.
Drive innovation and change: Doctoral work often focuses on real-world problems. You learn how to design solutions, evaluate outcomes and influence policy and practice.

Tiffin University offers two doctoral programs for students who are ready for that next level:

These programs are designed for working professionals who want to combine research, leadership and practical application. If you’re serious about leading change in criminal justice, policy, business or global organizations, a doctoral degree from TU can help you get there.

Undergraduate to Graduate Pathways at TU

If you’re an undergraduate student at Tiffin University, moving into a graduate program can be easier than you think. TU’s Undergraduate to Graduate Pathways are designed to help you transition smoothly from bachelor’s to master’s and save time and money along the way.

Through these pathways, you can take graduate-level courses during your senior year that count as dual credit for both your undergraduate and graduate degrees. That means you can:

Finish your master’s degree faster
Reduce the total number of graduate credit hours you need
Qualify for TU’s alumni tuition discount on remaining graduate courses

To be eligible for Undergraduate to Graduate Pathways, you’ll need:

A 3.0 cumulative GPA
Senior standing with at least 82 credit hours completed before you begin pathway courses

Pathways are available for several programs, including:

Bachelor of Criminal Justice → Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Forensic Psychology → Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity → Master of Science in Cyber Security
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science → Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology → Master of Science in Psychology
Undergraduate Degree → Master of Business Administration
Undergraduate Degree → Master of Education

To get started, you’ll enroll in an undergraduate program at TU and then become an Undergraduate to Graduate Pathways student during your senior year. You’ll work with a representative from your school of interest to confirm your eligibility and choose the graduate concentration that fits your goals.

Pursue a Graduate or Doctoral Degree at TU

At Tiffin University, we see the graduate in you. You’re not just part of the student body; you’re an individual with unique goals and strengths. TU’s graduate and doctoral programs are built for students with vibrant, busy lives who still want a rigorous, meaningful education. Whether you’re asking, “Should I get a master’s degree?” or you’re already thinking ahead to “Should I get a Ph.D.?” TU can help you take the next step with confidence.

According to the Class of 2023-2024 First Destination Survey at Tiffin University, 97.8% of TU graduate students have a positive career outcome within six months of graduation. That’s a strong sign that the investment you make in a TU graduate or doctoral program can pay off.

If you’re ready to explore what comes after your bachelor’s, take a closer look at our online and on-campus master’s programs and doctoral programs.

Explore TU’s Graduate and Doctoral Programs

Explore TU’s Undergraduate to Graduate Pathways