Rappaport Center // Wikimedia Commons
Highest paying jobs in Johnson City that require a graduate degree
Those with graduate degrees earn more on average than those without them—but not all jobs are equal. And while rising tuition costs are enough to turn people away from the prospect of a master’s or doctoral degree, many high-paying professions still require such degrees to get in the door. Stacker compiled a list of the highest- paying jobs that require a graduate degree in Johnson City, TN using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2020 annual mean wage.
The best way to guarantee a high return on investment in a graduate degree is to be aware of professions that pay top-dollar for that added educational investment. Keep reading to see where a graduate degree is required—and can earn you the most.
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Photographee.eu // Shutterstock
#16. Rehabilitation counselors
Johnson City, TN
- Annual mean salary: $37,060 (#181 highest pay among all metros)
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $42,080 (100,260 employed)
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- California-Lexington Park, MD ($74,170)
--- Trenton, NJ ($66,330)
--- Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA ($64,940)
Job description: Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.
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Canva
#15. Healthcare social workers
Johnson City, TN
- Annual mean salary: $40,110 (#354 highest pay among all metros)
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,470 (176,110 employed)
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($100,410)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($98,980)
--- Salinas, CA ($95,690)
Job description: Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.
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VH-studio // Shutterstock
#14. Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors
Johnson City, TN
- Annual mean salary: $47,960 (#334 highest pay among all metros)
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,320 (292,230 employed)
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($91,420)
--- El Centro, CA ($91,110)
--- Fresno, CA ($90,860)
Job description: Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.

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Simon Fraser Universtiy // flickr
#13. Instructional coordinators
Johnson City, TN
- Annual mean salary: $62,920 (#208 highest pay among all metros)
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,160 (174,900 employed)
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Haven, CT ($111,440)
--- Warner Robins, GA ($110,800)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($104,000)
Job description: Develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology into instruction in order to provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses. May train and coach teachers. Includes educational consultants and specialists, and instructional material directors.
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David Bibo // Wikimedia Commons
#12. Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary
Johnson City, TN
- Annual mean salary: $73,700 (#348 highest pay among all metros)
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $103,010 (262,480 employed)
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($154,970)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($146,070)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($145,590)
Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.
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Canva
#11. Speech-language pathologists
Johnson City, TN
- Annual mean salary: $80,410 (#147 highest pay among all metros)
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,240 (148,450 employed)
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($128,540)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($120,920)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($115,480)
Job description: Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
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ABO PHOTOGRAPHY // Shutterstock
#10. Occupational therapists
Johnson City, TN
- Annual mean salary: $88,230 (#124 highest pay among all metros)
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,480 (126,610 employed)
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- The Villages, FL ($115,920)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($115,060)
--- Modesto, CA ($112,870)
Job description: Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.
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Aykut Erdogdu // Shutterstock
#9. Physical therapists
Johnson City, TN
- Annual mean salary: $89,730 (#166 highest pay among all metros)
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $91,680 (220,870 employed)
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- El Centro, CA ($143,500)
--- Modesto, CA ($123,370)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($119,510)
Job description: Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
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Austin Community College // Flickr
#8. Veterinarians
Johnson City, TN
- Annual mean salary: $94,370 (#190 highest pay among all metros)
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $108,350 (73,710 employed)
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($169,220)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($150,370)
--- Akron, OH ($150,330)
Job description: Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.

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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#7. Nurse practitioners
Johnson City, TN
- Annual mean salary: $95,900 (#344 highest pay among all metros)
- Employment: 370
National
- Annual mean salary: $114,510 (211,280 employed)
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($188,070)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($177,800)
--- Salinas, CA ($155,310)
Job description: Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
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Ohiodominican // Wikimedia Commons
#6. Physician assistants
Johnson City, TN
- Annual mean salary: $100,780 (#259 highest pay among all metros)
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $116,080 (125,280 employed)
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($168,220)
--- Waterbury, CT ($165,230)
--- Portsmouth, NH-ME ($158,020)
Job description: Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
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Rappaport Center // Wikimedia Commons
#5. Lawyers
Johnson City, TN
- Annual mean salary: $104,550 (#226 highest pay among all metros)
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $148,910 (658,120 employed)
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($231,610)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($201,920)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($186,070)
Job description: Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#4. Education administrators, postsecondary
Johnson City, TN
- Annual mean salary: $105,180 (#106 highest pay among all metros)
- Employment: 320
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,200 (140,880 employed)
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ithaca, NY ($205,810)
--- Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC ($178,210)
--- Charlottesville, VA ($176,040)
Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.
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Grace Nichols // U.S. Air Force
#3. Pharmacists
Johnson City, TN
- Annual mean salary: $115,390 (#331 highest pay among all metros)
- Employment: 330
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,460 (315,470 employed)
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Madera, CA ($165,350)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($162,540)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($161,120)
Job description: Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

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Kzenon // Shutterstock
#2. Optometrists
Johnson City, TN
- Annual mean salary: $127,390 (#65 highest pay among all metros)
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,440 (36,690 employed)
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Columbia, SC ($228,340)
--- New Haven, CT ($186,950)
--- Evansville, IN-KY ($182,980)
Job description: Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.
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Canva
#1. General internal medicine physicians
Johnson City, TN
- Annual mean salary: $207,930 (#74 highest pay among all metros)
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $210,960 (50,600 employed)
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rochester, MN ($315,830)
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($314,080)
--- Wichita Falls, TX ($311,260)
Job description: Diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a wide range of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. Provide care mainly for adults and adolescents, and are based primarily in an outpatient care setting.
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FAQs
What master degree pays the most? ›
- Nurse anesthesia. Median pay: $165,000 per year. ...
- Telecommunications engineering. Median pay: $141,000 per year. ...
- Finance and economics. Median pay: $134,000 per year. ...
- Electrical engineering. ...
- Computer engineering. ...
- Biomedical engineering. ...
- Mathematics and statistics. ...
- Technology management.
- Business administration. A Master of Business Administration degree, or MBA , is the most popular graduate degree available. ...
- Health care administration. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Computer and information sciences. ...
- Nurse anesthesia. ...
- Human resources management. ...
- Physician assistant. ...
- Math.
Career | Median Salary (2017) | Projected Growth Rate (2016-2026) |
---|---|---|
Nurse Anesthetist | $110,930 | 31% |
Occupational Therapist | $83,200 | 24% |
Orthotist and Prosthetist | $66,240 | 22% |
Physician Assistant | $104,860 | 37% |
...
High-Paying Entry-Level Jobs Without a College Degree.
Job | Average Salary | Outlook |
---|---|---|
Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer | $88,540 | 6% |
- Business administration. A Master of Business Administration, or MBA, is one of the most highly sought-after master's degrees globally and a stepping stone to C-suites jobs at big organisations. ...
- Healthcare administration. ...
- Computer science. ...
- Marketing.
- Master in Business Administration. ...
- Master of Arts in Teaching. ...
- Master of User Experience Design. ...
- Master of Health Education and Promotion. ...
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. ...
- Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology. ...
- Master of Computer Science.
What are the hardest degree subjects? The hardest degree subjects are Chemistry, Medicine, Architecture, Physics, Biomedical Science, Law, Neuroscience, Fine Arts, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Economics, Education, Computer Science and Philosophy.
What is the easiest Masters to get? ›- Masters of Fine Arts (MFA)
- Masters of Arts (MA)
- Masters in Mass Communication.
- Masters of Psychology.
- Masters of Finance.
- Masters of Human Resource Management (MHRM)
- Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
- Masters of Science (MSc)
- Engineering.
- Business.
- Nursing.
- Hospitality.
- Education.
- Computer Science.
- Architecture.
- Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- Data Science – A 21st Century Choice. ...
- Cybersecurity – A Timely, In-Demand Master's. ...
- Business Administration (MBA) – The Pick for Managers. ...
- Healthcare Administration – The Business of Healthcare. ...
- Project Management – Best for Project Leaders.
Is it worth doing a masters degree? ›
Master's degrees boost employability
And, as well as helping you get your first job, it can be super useful as you progress through your career. If you have a master's, you might not necessarily start on a higher salary than people with only an undergraduate degree.
Better hiring prospects: An advanced degree can automatically help your resume stand out among other applicants with only a bachelor's degree. It can also give you more breadth of experience to discuss during your interview process.
What is the easiest job that pays the most? ›- House Sitter. If you're looking for easy high paying jobs, don't discount house sitter. ...
- Personal Trainer. ...
- Optometrist. ...
- Flight Attendant. ...
- Dog Walker. ...
- Toll Booth Attendant. ...
- Massage Therapist. ...
- Librarian.
- Direct Response Copywriter. The power of persuasion is real, and it's something that companies will pay a lot of money for. ...
- Blogging. ...
- Social Media Marketing Manager. ...
- Software Sales. ...
- Stock Trader. ...
- Consultant. ...
- Real Estate Agent. ...
- Personal Trainer.
- Police Officer. Although many police officers do have college degrees, the minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma. ...
- Commercial Pilot. ...
- Gaming Manager. ...
- Electrical Powerline Installer and Repairer. ...
- Elevator Installer and Repairer. ...
- Transportation Inspector.
Is It Better To Get a Bachelor's Degree or a Master's Degree? Both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree can offer rewarding learning and career opportunities. However, you may consider it advantageous to earn a master's degree if it aligns with your personal goals and is required in your career field.
Do you make more money with a master's degree? ›The earnings increase from the bachelor's level to the master's level is approximately 20%. Specifically, the median income for master's degree holders is $77,844 per year, and the unemployment rate is 2%.
Is a masters and graduate degree the same? ›While undergraduate education leads to a bachelor's degree, graduate education leads to master's degree and doctorate, also called a doctoral degree. Often, graduate degrees help people advance further in their careers and earn more over a lifetime.
Can you have two master degrees? ›It's entirely possible to earn two master's degrees and there are many reasons to do so. Two master's degrees can help you to pursue more than one academic field, qualify for a position with more responsibility and opportunities and help you to become a top candidate for higher paying jobs.
How long is a Master's degree? ›Master's degrees typically take two years to complete, but the timeframe can vary from person to person. Depending on your degree program and whether you're going to school full-time or part-time, it could take you less time to get your master's degree – or more.
What is the most regretted major? ›
Major | % who regret |
---|---|
Sciences | 35% 35% 35% |
Education | 31% 31% 31% |
Social sciences/law | 29% 29% 29% |
Communications | 27% 27% 27% |
The two most common titles of master's degrees are the Master of Arts (MA/M.A./A.M) and Master of Science (MSc/M.Sc./M.S./S.M.) degrees, which normally consist of a mixture of research and taught material.
What GPA do you need to get into a masters program? ›Master's Degree Prerequisites
All master's degrees require the completion of a bachelor's degree and usually require an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Many schools also require taking entrance exams like the GRE or GMAT.
Fastest Program: 12 Months
The fastest degree offered is the master of business administration; this accelerated MBA takes just 12 months to complete. The traditional MBA can still be completed in just under two years, with enrolled students taking only one course at a time.
- Build a Support System—and Use It. ...
- Take Advantage of Free Help. ...
- Schedule Milestones, Not Due Dates. ...
- Find Work Times That Work. ...
- Create a System to Organize Notes & Insights. ...
- Hire a Freelance Editor. ...
- Talk to Your Professors. ...
- Keep the End in View.
The most affordable graduate schools are usually public institutions because they receive more federal funding. According to the NCES, the average master's degree from public colleges and universities cost $13,758 less than at private schools.
Which degree is best and easy? ›- #1: Psychology. Psychology majors study the inner workings of the human psyche. ...
- #2: Criminal Justice. ...
- #3: English. ...
- #4: Education. ...
- #5: Social Work. ...
- #6: Sociology. ...
- #7: Communications. ...
- #8: History.
...
Let's get to it!
- Theatre. ...
- Creative Writing. ...
- Social Work. ...
- History. ...
- Communications and PR. ...
- Women's Studies. ...
- Religious Studies. ...
- Foreign Language.
- Pharmacology. For a lucrative career helping people, pharmacology is at the top of the list for in-demand degrees. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Health Science. ...
- Information Technology. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Business Administration. ...
- Finance. ...
- Human Resources.
Having a master's degree may be very good for your job prospects. In fact, there are some jobs that outright require them. If you're looking for work as a statistician, political scientist, biomedical engineer, or speech-language pathologist, a master's degree is often expected.
Is a 1 year master's degree worth it? ›
If there is a clear goal in your mind and you are content in your field, a one-year Masters programme is a great choice. People with longer work experience and a proven quantitative aptitude tend to prefer this type of programme, because they can handle the intensity of the coursework.
Is an MBA hard? ›Getting an MBA can be hard because the classes are pretty challenging, but they will help you become a better critical thinker. Many schools have students take the same core courses revolving around themes like leadership and teamwork, but most programs offer various electives to tailor to your MBA experience.
Is a Masters harder than a degree? ›"There is no denying that a postgraduate course is harder than an undergraduate course. You will have to put in a lot more work than what you have previously. If you expect and prepare to put in a lot of work, you will find it easier when it comes to doing it, which will then be reflected in your results."
Can you do a Masters while working full time? ›Embarking on a postgraduate degree whilst working full time can be extremely challenging in terms of trying to balance work commitments and personal life, with the demands of academic studies. Full-time employment may appear to be a stumbling block but it does not have to preclude you from taking a postgraduate degree.
Is it hard to find a job with a Masters degree? ›There are various reasons candidates may find it challenging to find a job in their field with a master's degree. While advanced education can help candidates deepen their knowledge and specialize their skills, earning an additional degree isn't always a direct pathway to securing a job.
How long does it take to find a job with a Masters? ›The average time to get a job after graduation is 3 to 6 months for most students. Finding employment after graduation can take a varying amount of time due to many factors. You have goals.
Is 30 too old for grad school? ›You're never too old for school, especially graduate school. In fact, on average, graduate students are 33 years old. 1 in 5 is older than 40. As long as you want to go and are confident in the degree you'll earn will advance your career, grad school is a good choice.
Which Masters degrees are worth it? ›- Data Science – A 21st Century Choice. ...
- Cybersecurity – A Timely, In-Demand Master's. ...
- Business Administration (MBA) – The Pick for Managers. ...
- Healthcare Administration – The Business of Healthcare. ...
- Project Management – Best for Project Leaders.
- Masters of Fine Arts (MFA)
- Masters of Arts (MA)
- Masters in Mass Communication.
- Masters of Psychology.
- Masters of Finance.
- Masters of Human Resource Management (MHRM)
- Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
- Masters of Science (MSc)
Master's degree
The earnings increase from the bachelor's level to the master's level is approximately 20%. Specifically, the median income for master's degree holders is $77,844 per year, and the unemployment rate is 2%.
Which PhD pays most? ›
- #8 – PhD in Physics. ...
- #7 – PhD in Engineering. ...
- #6 – PhD in Physical Chemistry. ...
- #5 – PhD in Pharmacology. ...
- #4 – PhD Electrical Engineering. ...
- #3 – PhD in Computer Science. ...
- #2 – PhD in Organic Chemistry. ...
- #1 – PhD in Chemical Engineering. Early Career Salary: $96,100.
What are the hardest degree subjects? The hardest degree subjects are Chemistry, Medicine, Architecture, Physics, Biomedical Science, Law, Neuroscience, Fine Arts, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Economics, Education, Computer Science and Philosophy.
Is a Masters degree worth it in 2022? ›Having a master's degree may be very good for your job prospects. In fact, there are some jobs that outright require them. If you're looking for work as a statistician, political scientist, biomedical engineer, or speech-language pathologist, a master's degree is often expected.
Is a 1 year Masters degree worth it? ›If there is a clear goal in your mind and you are content in your field, a one-year Masters programme is a great choice. People with longer work experience and a proven quantitative aptitude tend to prefer this type of programme, because they can handle the intensity of the coursework.
What are the 2 most common master's degrees called? ›The two most common titles of master's degrees are the Master of Arts (MA/M.A./A.M) and Master of Science (MSc/M.Sc./M.S./S.M.) degrees, which normally consist of a mixture of research and taught material.
What is the shortest masters degree program? ›One of the fastest master's degree programs is the online Master of Accountancy program. As a 30 credit program, students can complete the degree in one year and become CPA eligible at the completion of the program.
Is a masters degree enough? ›A master's degree can be a true differentiator when it comes to career advancement. Whether you're competing for a promotion at your current organization or looking for new opportunities, a master's degree will help you stand out from other candidates. A master's degree is more than a line on your resume.
How much of a raise should I ask for after getting my master's degree? ›When it comes to asking for a raise, you want to be realistic with your request. Research current market trends to get a better understanding of the current value for your perspective field. Keep in mind that the average pay increase is approximately 4.6%.
What is the highest paying occupation? ›OCCUPATION | 2021 MEDIAN PAY |
---|---|
Anesthesiologists | This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year |
Orthodontists | This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year |
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons | This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year |
Earning a master's degree helps you gain specialized knowledge to advance in your field. As the workforce evolves, a graduate degree shows you're dedicated to enhancing your industry expertise and credibility. You can focus on a particular field of study, which helps you become more competitive in your field.
What is the easiest PhD to get? ›
Generally, education, humanities, and the social sciences are considered the easiest fields in which to pursue degrees.
Which PhD is the hardest? ›1. Boarded Medical Doctor: After spending about eight years to earn your first degree, you are faced with between three and six years of residency. This is the most competitive field in education which means you must have passed through a very rigorous process to earn this certificate.
How long is a PhD? ›On average, a Ph. D. may take up to eight years to complete. A doctorate degree typically takes four to six years to complete—however, this timing depends on the program design, the subject area you're studying, and the institution offering the program.