Most In-Demand Master's Degrees Through 2026 (2023)

Earning a master's degree helps learners develop field-specific skills. Aram says that in the HR field, hiring managers prefer candidates with master's degrees in HR or industrial-organizational psychology. These desirable master's degrees prepare enrollees for HR careers.

Many employers look for candidates with experience working on a team. The best master's degrees give learners this experience through group projects. Aram encourages students to keep their project deliverables to show hiring managers. Group projects can also help learners hone their verbal and written communication and collaboration skills.

Hiring managers like to see candidates with some practical experience in their desired field. Alexander says experience lets new hires hit the ground running. Some of the best master's degrees require enrollees to complete an internship or practicum in order to graduate. Some programs pair students with companies or professionals to complete these experiences.

Networking can help students find new opportunities and learn new skills. The best master's programs often help facilitate networking with other students, alumni, and faculty. Internships and practicums provide other networking opportunities.

Alexander encourages students to network during their program and take advantage of their alumni network. Degree-seekers can contact their school's alumni office or office of engagement to explore networking opportunities.

Many employers and hiring managers see a master's degree as an indication of leadership skills. Master's programs often include leadership training. Master's degree-holders may feel more comfortable taking ownership of ideas and leading projects than their peers without a graduate degree.

Aram notes that a master's degree can sometimes give professionals a leg up for management roles. Many employers prefer their senior leadership to possess a master's.

Employers typically seek candidates with high emotional intelligence (EQ), which includes communication skills and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills can help employees work effectively.

Some of the best master's degrees include classes that cover emotional intelligence. Enrollees can also hone these skills during internships and group projects. Many employers see a master's degree as a sign of high EQ.

Master's degrees in accounting prepare students to work as accountants. Learners build upon bachelor's-level skills to specialize further. For example, enrollees may specialize in areas like forensic accounting or auditing.

Accountants and auditors earn a median $73,560 annually. The BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow 7% from 2020-2030, which is about as fast as average. Financial managers earn $134,180. The BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow 17% during the same time frame.

Enrollees pursuing a master's degree in computer science learn coding languages and analyze algorithms. Students can specialize in areas like computer networking or software development.

Computer and information research scientists earn a median $126,830 annually. The BLS projects jobs for these workers to grow 22% from 2020-2030.

Students pursuing a master's in dietetics and nutrition study the biology of food and nutrition. Coursework may cover food-distribution policies and developing food technologies. Common concentration options include nutrition education and food science.

Nutritionists and dieticians earn a median $63,090 annually. The BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow 11% from 2020-2030. Agricultural and food scientists earn a median $68,830 annually. The BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow 9% from 2020-2030.

Master's degrees in human resources programs cover topics like workplace law, conflict resolution, and innovative recruiting. Concentration options may include employment law and recruiting and staffing.

Human resources managers earn a median $121,220 annually. The BLS projects jobs for these managers to grow 9% from 2020-2030. Training and development managers earn a median $115,640 annually. The BLS projects jobs for these workers to grow 11% during the same time period.

Master's in library science programs teach students how to use libraries' digital systems. Classes cover digital libraries, database management, and literacy programs. Students may also learn about research methods and how to help library users with their research.

Librarians and library media specialists earn a median $60,820 annually. The BLS projects jobs for these workers to grow 9% from 2020-2030.

Mechanical engineering master's programs cover highly specialized topics. Learners explore the design, construction, and use of machinery of all kinds. Students may specialize in manufacturing, automation, or nuclear energy. Graduates may work as aerospace engineers, architectural engineers, or petroleum engineers.

Mechanical engineers earn a median $90,160 annually. The BLS projects jobs for these engineers to grow 7% from 2020-2030. Engineer managers earn a median $149,530 annually. Aerospace engineers earn a median $118,610 annually.

Learners pursuing a master's degree in mathematics and statistics study advanced math concepts. Concentrations for this in-demand master's degree include risk management, big data, and information technology. Graduates may work as actuaries, operations research analysts, or statisticians.

Mathematicians and statisticians earn a median $93,290 annually. The BLS projects jobs for these workers to grow 33% from 2020-2030. Actuaries earn $111,030 annually. The BLS projects jobs for these workers to grow 24% during this same time frame.

Master's in nursing programs teach nurses the skills and concepts they need to take on greater responsibility in patient care. Master's degree-holders may work as nurse practitioners (NPs), occupational therapists, or nurse midwives. Registered nurses who earn a master's degree may increase their salary and promotion potential.

NPs earn a median $117,670 per year. The BLS projects jobs for NPs to grow 45% from 2020-2030.

Master's programs in public health teach students about healthcare systems on a broader system than provider-to-patient care. Students learn how to identify, evaluate, monitor, and treat health issues on a group level.

Graduates may work as health services managers, epidemiologists, or public health analysts. Health service managers earn a median $104,280 annually. The BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow 32% from 2020-2030.

Students pursuing a master's degree in software engineering study algorithms, database architecture, and coding. Enrollees may also study quality assurance and debugging.

Graduates may work as software engineers. These professionals earn a median $110,140 annually. The BLS projects jobs for these engineers to grow 22% from 2020-2030.