what is master degree by coursework

What's the difference between a Masters by Coursework and a Masters by Research?

A Masters by Coursework is a professional qualification involving the study of a specified set of core units and a selection of eligible elective units. Undertaking a coursework program will mean that you will attend classes, complete assignments and sit exams where applicable. Some Masters by Coursework also require the completion of a minor thesis as part of the course. Dependent on the course, part-time and online study options are available. For more information, please see our Postgraduate Study at ECU web page. A Masters by Research involves the submission of a completed thesis based on an independent research project. Students studying a Masters by Research work independently with the support of a supervisor and the School. Students may be required to attend units to help expand skills in the area of research. For more information, please see our Research Degree web page.

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Published: 4 Sept 2023

4 Sept 2023 • Knowledge

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Can I apply to exit from my Master of Teaching with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching?
Can I study a Doctorate or Master by Research online?
How do I change from a Master by Coursework to a Master by Research?
I am a new student, how do I choose my classes and find my timetable?
Will my postgraduate studies give me credits towards a Masters degree?

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Course-based Vs Research-based Master’s Programs || Which Is Best For You?

Ebere Nsofor

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If getting a master’s degree is in your academic or career plans, then you need to fully understand what it entails. Getting a master’s degree is a great way to advance your career or kick-start a new career. However, there are different types of master’s degrees offered by universities. This article will discuss course-based and research-based masters to help you understand what they mean and how they are different.

Course-based programs

Course-based master’s degree programs are designed for students who want to learn new skills, gain knowledge, and advance their careers. These structured programs offer students a set of courses to complete for their degree. The courses are designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen careers.

Research-based programs

Research-based master’s degree programs are designed for students who want to conduct research, develop new knowledge, and contribute to their field. These programs are research-intensive and require students to conduct original research and write a thesis or dissertation. The research conducted should contribute to the knowledge base of the field.

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Differences between Course-Based and Research-Based Master’s Degree Programs

Though both programs have their unique advantages, they are tailored to different career goals and learning styles. Here are four major differences between course-based programs and research-based degree programs:

Approach to learning

The main difference between course-based and research-based master’s degree programs is the approach to learning. As earlier stated, course-based programs offer students a set of courses to complete for their degree. These programs are often referred to as taught master’s programs and are structured around a predetermined curriculum.

On the other hand, research-based programs are not structured, and students have to conduct their research independently. This program requires students to be self-motivated, independent, and have excellent research skills.

2. Duration

Another difference between course-based and research-based master’s degree programs is the length of time it takes to complete the program. Course-based programs typically take one to two years to complete, while research-based programs usually take two to three years to complete due to the time required for extensive research. Course-based programs are an excellent choice for people looking to advance their careers quickly.

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3. Purpose

Course-based master’s degree programs are designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge directly applicable to their chosen profession. Students can choose from a variety of courses and tailor their programs to meet their interests and career goals.

Research-based programs, however, are research-intensive and require students to conduct original research and write a thesis or dissertation. Students have the freedom to choose their research topic and conduct their research independently. Research-based master’s degrees are best for students interested in pursuing academic careers or roles that require advanced research skills.

4. Curriculum and Assessment

While course-based programs may include a small research project, the emphasis is primarily on coursework. The majority of your time in a course-based program is spent attending lectures, seminars, and workshops. Assessment is primarily through exams, coursework, and projects.

Research-based or thesis-based programs are centred on independent research and academic exploration. The core of the program is the research thesis. The thesis serves as the culmination of the program, showcasing a student’s ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and present findings coherently.

Now that you have an idea of the key differences between both master’s programs, you need to consider your learning style and career goals before choosing one that is right for you. If you’re looking to gain practical skills and enter a specific industry, then a course-based program will be a better choice, however, if your goal is to pursue a PhD, then, a more appropriate choice would be a research-based master’s.

Preparing to study abroad can be overwhelming, if you need further guidance on degree options, application requirements and schools to apply to for your degree or counselling regarding the best master’s degree program for you, please click here to chat with our counsellors.

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Quick Guide: Your College Degree Options

Find the right college for you.

There are generally four categories of college degrees: associate degree, bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, and doctorate or professional degree. Each category comes with its own particular subcategories, and there are some subtle differences between a doctorate and a professional degree.

If you ever find yourself lost in the sea of abbreviations for degrees, you're not alone. This quick guide is here to clear the air regarding the types of degrees available to you and what each one means.

Guide to College Degrees, Professional Studies & Certifications

Associate degree.

An associate degree is a two-year degree typically offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges. However, some four-year universities offer them as well. Examples of some associate degrees include Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS).

AS degrees are generally more narrowly focused and prepare students for science and math-related careers. AA degrees are broader and focus on fields outside of math and science such as liberal arts, business administration, criminal justice, and culinary arts.

Some students who earn an associate degree transfer to a four-year program to earn a bachelor’s degree. Others complete associate degrees and then go straight to work.

Bachelor's or Baccalaureate Degree

Bachelor’s degrees require students to complete four- or five-year programs in a specific academic discipline. The two most common types of bachelor’s degrees are bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS). Other types of bachelor’s degrees include the bachelor of fine arts (BFA), and bachelor of architecture (BArch).

Because bachelor’s degrees train students to enter a specific field, many professional careers require them. Earning a bachelor’s degree can open the door to many job opportunities and increase your potential income.

Some institutions offer a liberal arts and career combination program, also called a 3-2 program. This is a type of dual degree in which a student completes three years of liberal arts study followed by two years of professional or technical study. In the end, students earn two bachelor’s degrees, usually a BA and a BS.

An example of this is Columbia University’s 3-2 Combined Plan program in which students can earn a BA and a BS in five years.

Some colleges also let you earn a teacher certification by combining bachelor's degree study with state certification requirements. State requirements vary, but these programs usually feature professional education courses, including student teaching.

Graduate Degree

Graduate degrees are advanced degrees that some students pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree. The two most common are master of arts (MA) and master of science (MS). Other examples include master of fine arts (MFA) and master of business administration (MBA). A graduate degree is like an extension of a bachelor’s degree whereby a student further enriches their knowledge of their field and narrows their f ocus of study .

Graduate degrees usually take around two years to attain, but this can vary based on the degree. Many institutions allow students to enroll in a graduate program in a field unrelated to their bachelor’s degree. This may require some extra credit hours, though.

Professional Degree

Students earn professional degrees to become licensed to work in professions like medicine or law. The M.D. degree is an example. Professional programs generally require a college degree before you start them and then at least three years of study to complete.

Doctoral Degree and Professional Degree

The doctorate and professional degrees are the highest levels of education one can attain. They signify mastery of a subject and often come with the coveted title “doctor.” Although the two are similar, there are some important differences.

A doctorate or doctoral degree is a research-oriented degree focused on scholarly development. The most common doctorate is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Despite the name, a PhD covers many disciplines, not just philosophy.

A professional degree is an application-oriented degree, meaning it prepares students for a specific working position. There are many types of professional degrees. Some examples are: doctor of medicine (MD), doctor of pharmacy (PharmD), and doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) in the field of medicine, and juris doctor (JD) and doctor of juridical science (SJD) in the field of law.

A graduate degree does not need to precede a doctorate or professional degree. Often, students will go straight into a doctorate or professional program following their bachelor’s, however some programs will require a master’s degree to gain entry. Completion can take anywhere from four to eight years, depending on the field of study.

Many doctoral students work either full-time or part-time while they study in the program. This, along with the field they are studying, will significantly affect the time it takes to complete their degree.

Joint Degrees

Some students may choose to pursue a joint degree, also known as a dual degree, which means they simultaneously study for a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree. Joint degrees can be pursued in the same college or can be split between two different colleges. For example, Berklee College of Music and Harvard University offer a dual bachelor’s/master’s program in which a student receives a bachelor of arts (BA) at Harvard and a master of music (MM) or master of arts (MA) at Berklee.

Depending on the program, it may be possible to study at the same time for a master's degree and a doctorate. For example, the University of Southern California offers a program leading to doctor of pharmacy and master of public health degrees.

How do academic degrees go in order?

There are four types of degrees. In order of level of education, they rank as associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s or graduate degrees, and doctorate or professional degrees.

How many degrees are there in college?

Most community colleges offer only two-year associate degrees, while most four-year colleges offer bachelor’s, graduate, and doctorate or professional degrees. Some four-year colleges may also have associate degree programs.

How many years do you have to be in college to achieve certain degrees?

Though it will vary between academic disciplines, associate degrees usually take two years to achieve, bachelor’s degrees take four years, master’s degrees take two years, and doctorate or professional degrees can take anywhere from four to eight years.

What is an eight-year degree?

An “eight-year degree” typically refers to a doctorate degree or PhD. Although some doctorates can be completed in as little as three years, these degrees typically require more time studying highly specialized subjects. Students in these programs often must defend a dissertation while already working a professional job.

What are the four years of college called?

The first four years of college are the undergraduate years, and a student studying for a bachelor’s degree is called an undergraduate. The four years refer to the total accumulated credit hours; a student may take fewer or more than four years to attain their undergraduate degree.

What does a graduate degree mean?

A graduate degree or master’s degree is an advanced degree that some students pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree. Earning a graduate degree signifies mastery of a particular field of study and focuses more intensely on a subject than a bachelor’s degree does. Graduate degrees usually take two years to attain.

What do you call a master's student?

A master's student is called a graduate student or “grad student” for short. A student still studying for a bachelor’s degree is called an undergraduate student or “undergrad student.”

How many years is a master's degree?

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The difference between a postgraduate vs master’s degree

At UNSW, you’re spoilt for choice with over 400 programs on offer.

But when it comes to navigating undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs, the terminology can get a little confusing. If you’re interested in taking your studies further and want to know the difference between a postgraduate degree and a master’s degree, we have good news for you.

They’re the same! Let us explain…

What is a postgraduate degree?

A postgraduate degree is (almost) any type of university program you undertake after completing undergraduate study. ‘Postgraduate’ is a handy umbrella term that helps us classify the “level” of study of a particular program. Postgraduate programs include master’s degrees, as well as graduate certificates and graduate diplomas.

What is a master’s degree?

A master’s degree is a type of postgraduate degree. They’re often longer than graduate certificates and graduate diplomas, taking between 1-2 years to complete. They involve advanced study of your chosen field and allow you to further enhance your skills, develop a specialisation and gain more academic and professional experience in the field.

There are two main types of master's degrees:

Course-based: Focuses on coursework and shorter research papers

Research-based: Requires an extensive thesis project

Master’s degrees can help you advance into leadership roles, increase your earning potential, and prepare for doctoral programs.

Choosing between a master’s and other postgraduate programs

If you’re keen to take on postgraduate study but aren’t sure if a master’s degree is right for you, we’ve broken down the key differences and things to be aware of before making a decision.

Duration: Postgraduate degrees can range from 1-6+ years depending on the program level. Graduate diplomas and graduate certificates can take as little as six months while PhD and other doctoral programs can take up to six years. Master’s degrees are the sweet spot, generally taking 1-2 years to complete.

Cost: Postgraduate degrees vary in cost depending on factors like degree type, university, program prestige and whether you study domestically or internationally. Master's degrees are typically cheaper than doctoral degrees. The average cost of a master’s degree for domestic students is between $6,000 –$11,000 annually. For international students, it’s between $20,000 – $37,000 per year. We encourage all students to check their eligibility for scholarships to support their studies.

Flexibility : Many postgraduate degrees offer flexible part-time options, catering to working professionals. Flexibility can depend on university policies and degree requirements. As with most programs, a master’s degree can be taken part-time but will extend the time to completion.

Can I change my Master's specialisation after a bachelor's degree?

Yes, many master’s programs are open to students from all academic backgrounds. This means you can change focus areas entirely or specialise further within your field. Depending on your undergraduate program, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to reduce your postgraduate study load.

Why should I do a master’s degree?

Studying a master’s degree offers many potential benefits, including:

Higher salary prospects and job opportunities
Preparation for PhD programs through research experience
Specialised knowledge to stand out in your field
Personal growth and development opportunities

What are some popular master’s degree options at UNSW?

We are known for producing Australia’s most employable graduates*. Our postgraduate programs are recognised all over the world. Here are some of our most popular master’s programs:

Master of Engineering

Master of Laws

Master of Commerce

Master of Information Technology

Master of Architecture

Master of Education

Master of Public Health

Master of Clinical Optometry

Master of Data Science

Master of Mathematics

Master of Actuarial Studies

*AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

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What is a Master's Degree: Everything You Need to Know

Are you wondering if a Master’s degree is something you should pursue?

It may seem like everyone is asking that question these days. As industries quickly change with the rapid advance of technology and shifting regulations, many people look to an advanced degree to provide stability. In reality, there are many reasons to consider earning a Master’s degree.

Our program directors say the most common reasons current students cite include:

Career Change: Looking to pursue a new career in a new-to-them field
Personal Gain: Want to earn more money in their field
Professional Development: Want to become better at their current job/field
Academic Pursuit: Want to learn more deeply about a subject or a concept
Resume Building: Need to learn new skills to enter into the job market
Promotion Targeting: Need the degree to be eligible for a promotion
Personal Fulfillment: Enjoy the satisfaction of developing your critical thinking skills and completing advanced courses

Why do people look to Master’s degree to help achieve these goals? What makes a Master’s Degree so special? How is earning one different than earning a Bachelor’s degree? Are earners really more prepared for their careers and lives than those without them?

Welcome to your crash-course in Master’s Programs 101.

What Is a Master’s Degree?

A Master’s Degree is a certification, awarded by an accredited university , recognizing that a person has mastered a well-established and generally-agreed set of knowledge within a specific area.

The Master’s Degree Composition

Earning a Master’s typically requires about 40 credit hours of coursework with a minimum grade of 3.0 (or a B). However, some programs enable students to earn their degrees in fewer credits without compromising the quality and integrity of the coursework.

Master’s-level coursework is generally structured into 4 groups, typically divided as follows:

The General Courses (~10%) : These courses offer the foundational underpinnings of knowledge and information.; they may be merely supportive of your major or tangentially connected to your main focus of study.
The Major Core (~50%) : Your chosen major will have multiple subjects that work together to build a powerful and relevant education for success in the working world. These are the courses that will help you hit the ground running for jobs in your chosen field.
The Electives (~15%) : To meet your total number of hours required for your Master’s degree, you may have some hours left to spend on “elective” coursework. This is classwork that you can choose from a list of electives available in your program. It is part of personalizing your degree and also building yourself into a well-rounded individual.
The Capstone (~25%) : In construction, a capstone is the final stone placed at the top of a building. Similarly, in education, a capstone course is the culmination of your all your Master’s work. It is typically a practical, real-world application of your knowledge. Before beginning your capstone work, you may have to create a proposal that is reviewed and approved by your professor.

Structurally speaking, that’s the basics of a Master’s Degree. But, it’s what’s within the components above that makes a Master’s Degree such a distinguished achievement.

What matters most when choosing a master’s program? Compare features, benefits and cost to find the right school for you.

5 ways earning a master’s is different from earning a bachelor’s degree.

The graduate level is all about applied knowledge.

That means that programs are experience based, and not theoretical. Where a Bachelor’s regimen is typically structured around demonstrating knowledge, the Master’s program is structured around applying philosophies, principles, and guidance to real-world scenarios.

As such, a Master’s and Bachelor’s are distinct in several ways. If you’re considering earning a Master’s degree, you should be prepared for the following:

Different Type of Thinking. In a Master’s program, students are expected to do far more than just read, memorize, and provide proof of their knowledge. They must be ready to theorize, advance, and create. The knowledge, memorization, and understanding gained in a Bachelor’s degree becomes the foundation for the critical thinking required for a Master’s.
More Emphasis on Writing. As you move from a Bachelor’s level of work and into Master’s studies, you’ll need to adjust your writing style. You’re expected to be more thorough than just consulting one textbook for information. Get used to seeking out multiple references in your writing. Consider information sources that come at the same topic from different perspectives. Be thoughtful and creative as you triangulate many pieces of information into a cohesive, thought-provoking insight.
A Capstone Process. As mentioned earlier, to wrap up all of your Master’s work, your program will likely require a capstone project. This is generally not a part of a Bachelor’s program. The capstone can be a challenging process, and cannot be taken lightly.
Collaborative Community. In a Master’s program, one of the first things many students notice is the difference in peer relationships and mentoring. Graduate work typically requires you to work with the people around you. This high level of collaboration gives you an opportunity to seek out a mentor. It might be a peer, a faculty member, or a person who is already in the career you're pursuing. You’ll find that mentoring is common at the Master’s level of coursework.
The Need for a Support System. The truth is, you share a powerful bond with your classmates. You’re all working toward a common goal, but each person has a unique set of strengths that can be shared along the way. You give; you get. And everyone wins.

PRO TIP: To apply your abilities, you’ll need to take your writing to the next level. Read more. Write more. Snag interesting passages and save the URLs. Keep a running list of ideas and insights on your smart phone that you may come back to for your capstone project. We recommend keeping notes in Evernote or Google Docs.

What Determines the Quality of the Master’s Degree

In this age of online diploma mills, students should be careful in selecting a reputable program that provides a legitimate degree . As you choose the right school for your Master’s training, ask about the goal of their program and then ask how the school brings that goal to life. What you see below are the pieces that add up to a high-quality Master’s program; the details within these elements are what makes one degree a better choice than another.

Curriculum Design . Coursework should deeply reflect current events in the industry. It should address what it takes for a 21st-century career. A school should be able to talk with you in depth about trends in employment, because their coursework already addresses those trends. Ask your program how their curriculum is designed, and how frequently its evaluated.
Advisory Boards. A good school will have advisory boards staffed with current professionals and senior managers. Those advisory boards are constantly asking, "What are today’s employers looking for?" Good advisors ensure the school is only offering degrees that are actually in demand. Be sure to ask your program who sits on the advisory board for the degree you’re seeking.
Review student assessments to see if there are gaps in instruction, learning, or content
Check with employers to see the education is relevant, competitive, and helpful to their organizations. It’s not just about meeting students' information needs; a Master’s degree-granting school must also focus deeply on employers' needs in the workplace
Assess the courses themselves to look at the content and quality of the instruction Be sure to ask your program how thoroughly it reviews its programs, and ask for specific changes that have been made as part of that process.
Accreditation. The U.S. Department of Education governs whether a school earns accreditation . With regular, rigorous reviews, they make sure an institution has the faculty and resources necessary to offer a high-quality academic program. Ask if your program is accredited.
Program Reputation. Sometimes, you learn a lot about a Master’s degree program merely by listening to what others are saying. What do professional organizations say? (For example, what does the Society for Human Resource Management, or SHRM, say about a school’s MBA program?) Consider what training a professional organization deems to be important, and see if your school is addressing those needs. Check online for reviews of the school and ask your employer if they’ve heard of the program.

Is a Master’s Degree Really Worth the Investment?

Remember those reasons cited above for earning a degree? Research proves the degree does in fact help students realize those goals.

graphic describes if a masters degree is worth the investment

Is a Master’s Degree Right for You?

That’s a question only you can answer.

But, as we’ve seen, there are several advantages (on both a personal and professional level) to making the necessary investments to earn the degree.

According to Joel Gardner, Franklin University’s Department Chair and Instructional Design Faculty Member:

“For many people I've taught, a Master’s is a way to develop and grow in ways you couldn't achieve without the program. It’s a transformation. Think about that. Here’s a program that helps you change who you are fundamentally. In 1 or 2 years, you get a chance to alter how you look at the world, how you think, and how you can contribute to your career. That's pretty amazing.”

In any case, it’s commonly known that going back to school for a Master’s degree isn’t just a walk in the park. Before you start that journey, it’s a good idea to understand the landscape and prepare for what’s ahead. The truth is that the challenge of earning a Master’s degree can be an extremely worthwhile investment—if you remain committed to the program and your reasons for earning the degree.

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Harvard Griffin GSAS offers master of arts (AM), master of science (SM), and master of engineering (ME) degrees in a select number of programs. In addition, some programs confer a master’s degree en route to the PhD (also known as a “continuing” master’s degree, or a master's in passing):

Ordinarily, students may receive only one master’s degree from Harvard Griffin GSAS. In exceptional cases, a student may earn, with the degree-conferring program's approval, a second master’s degree if they have met the requirements for the degree and paid one year of full tuition.
A master’s degree cannot be granted in an ad hoc subject.
Master's degree students must meet all of the Harvard Griffin GSAS common requirements.
Once degree requirements have been met, master’s candidates do not need to register for the term in which they submit their degree applications.
How to apply for a masters in passing

Master of Arts

Students studying toward a master of arts (AM) degree must be enrolled full-time, complete a minimum of eight courses (32 credits) at the level required by the department, and pay full tuition for one year. Some programs have additional course requirements.

Master of Science

Master of science (SM) candidates must complete eight courses (32 credits) and pay full tuition for one year. SM candidates are not expected to continue to the PhD. Part-time SM students must complete the degree in two years.

Master of Engineering

The master of engineering (ME) degree is a two-year program of advanced courses with research leading to a master’s thesis. ME candidates must complete 16 courses (64 credits), including 8 research-oriented courses at the 300-level, complete a thesis, and pay full tuition for two years. ME candidates are not expected to continue to the PhD.

Credit Toward Other Degrees

At the discretion of the program, courses completed to meet the requirement for a Harvard Griffin GSAS master’s degree may count toward the academic requirements for the PhD:

Courses completed to meet the requirements for a Harvard Griffin GSAS master’s degree may not be used to meet the requirements for another Harvard degree.
Courses completed to meet the requirements for another Harvard degree (i.e. not at Harvard Griffin GSAS) may not be used to meet the requirements for a degree at Harvard Griffin GSAS.

A PhD candidate in one department may petition another department to award them a master’s degree if that department:

certifies that the student has met the requirements and
has voted to support the student’s petition and application for the degree.

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Masters by Dissertation vs. Coursework Masters

If you’re studying psychology and looking to register as a psychologist in the future, it is likely that you’ve heard about the above-mentioned qualifications. To clear up any misconceptions about these types of masters programmes, Cognition & Co have put together the following article highlighting the differences between them;

Masters by Dissertation:

A Masters by Dissertation is a purely academic M degree whereby students are required to conduct research that culminates in a dissertation. Different universities call these qualifications by different names (Academic Masters / Masters by Research, etc), however they all follow a similar format.

Most of these programmes can be done part-time through distance learning institutions however students will need to be in contact with their allocated supervisor. A supervisors’ role is to help, support and guide students through their research, ensuring the quality of the dissertation.

While a Masters by Dissertation is heavily research orientated, these degrees are different to a Research Masters degree in South Africa. A Research Masters is a full-time (sometimes part-time) coursework programme offered by some universities ( Wits ) which can lead to an HPCSA registration as a Research Psychologist .

Unlike a Research Masters, a Masters by Dissertation does not lead to registration with the HPCSA. Even once a student has completed a Masters by Dissertation, they are still not allowed to call themselves a Psychologist, nor will they be able to counsel clients, regardless of their dissertation topic or title.

These degrees are highly valued in academic circles and would certainly put any graduate in good stead to work in some form of higher education. Completing a dissertation also opens doors in terms of publishing one’s dissertation and having that accolade added to one’s portfolio.

Coursework Masters:

In order to become an HPCSA registered Psychologist in South Africa, students will need to complete a Masters Degree that includes a coursework aspect, as well as a dissertation. These are typically all full-time programmes (except some Research Masters) where students will spend their time between classes and supervision on a university campus, as well as at practicals in hospitals, clinics, or schools.

Again, universities may call these coursework programmes by different names (sometimes called Professional Masters), but they are typically M degrees in a specialized area of psychology. These specialized areas are defined by the HPCSA and are broken into different registered categories; i.e. Clinical , Counselling , Educational , Industrial , Research , and more recently Neuropsychology .

The duration of a coursework degree is also specific to the different universities. Many universities offer these degrees over a period of two years, however there are a number of universities that allow students to complete both their coursework and dissertation in just one year. Once a student has completed their 1 or 2 years of coursework, they may then register with the HPCSA as an Intern Psychologist and begin their 1 year internship. Following the completion of a 1 year internship, graduates may write their respective board exam with the HPCSA and upon passing will receive the title; Psychologist.

It is also important to note that students following the route ending in registration as a Clinical Psychologist, will also need to complete one year of community service once they have successfully passed their board exams .

To find out more about the route to becoming a Psychologist in South Africa, click the link provided above. Students are also welcome to contact us with questions or queries by clicking here .

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Postgraduate qualifications

A postgraduate qualification can help you progress in your career, advance your studies after an undergraduate degree, or take your studies in a new direction.

Main content

Masters degree.

One to two years

Completed following

Bachelor Degree; or Bachelor Degree (Honours); or Graduate Diploma. For some postgraduate qualifications, you might be accepted if you have significant, relevant work experience.

A masters degree is a specialised course that requires you to find advanced answers to complex problems or questions.

Studying for a masters degree can help you become a leader in your field, or lead to further study in a doctoral degree (PhD).

There are three main types of masters degrees:

Masters Degree (Research): The purpose of this degree is to produce research or add new knowledge in your field. You will usually need to complete a large project or a thesis (long essay of 20,000 to 40,000 words).
Masters Degree (Coursework): In a masters degree (coursework) you can focus on professional practice or your academic field of study. As part of your studies, you may need to complete a large project or a minor thesis (long essay of 12,000 to 20,000 words).
Masters Degree (Extended): In this type of masters degree, you will usually focus on professional practice. As part of your studies, you may need to complete a large project or a thesis (long essay of 12,000 to 20,000 words).

Note: Some masters degrees have ‘exit points’ within them. These may allow you to stop your studies at a certain point and be awarded a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. These are described below.

Doctoral degree or doctorate (including PhD)

Three to four years

Bachelor Degree (Honours) with a research component; or Masters Degree.

This is the highest award on offer at Australian universities.

There are two types:

Doctorate by research, also known as a Doctor of Philosophy or PhD requires you to conduct original, in-depth research, often leading to a potential career in academia. Once you graduate, you will be given the title of ‘Doctor’.
Professional doctorate: This doctoral degree is a coursework qualification. Upon completion, you will also be given the title of ‘Doctor’ but this qualification that usually has an outcome related to a profession.

In both types of doctoral degrees, you will review literature, undertake experiments or investigate new methods, making a major contribution to knowledge in your field. The result is often a major project or thesis (40,000 to 60,000 words).

Find out about Australia’s world-class research.

Graduate Diploma

Bachelor Degree; or Bachelor Degree (Honours); or Graduate Certificate.

A Graduate Diploma is the next step up from a Graduate Certificate. It involves twice as many study units (subjects) and can be studied as a standalone qualification, or as part of a masters degree.

Graduate Diplomas are usually delivered by universities and non-university government private higher education providers.

Bachelor degree (honours)

Usually four years in total (a four-year degree with the final year being the Honours year); or one additional year after a three-year Bachelor degree, depending on academic results.

For the four-year program: Year 12 or equivalent; Certificate III or Certificate IV in TAFE or vocational education and training (VET).
For the one-year program: Bachelor degree

Graduating with an Honours degree shows that you have the ability to reach high academic standards, and that you have advanced project management and research skills. Your qualification can lead to further research-based studies, like a PhD, or can give you a strong set of skills for future employment.

In some cases, an Honours year will be built into your degree from the beginning (usually a four-year degree). In other cases, if you graduate from your Bachelor degree with high grades, your education provider might give you the opportunity to complete an additional year of study. This will allow you to graduate ‘with honours’.

An Honours year will usually involve some coursework and a large project or a written thesis (long essay of 12,000 to 20,000 words).

Note: All Bachelor degree (honours) courses must meet the same requirements, and they are at the same level in the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Explore my study options

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Pathways to university.

If you don’t meet the requirements to get into a course in Australia, a Foundation Studies, English or other pathway course can help you reach your goals.

Research opportunities

Australian research degrees provide access to world-class education, cutting-edge innovation, life-changing opportunities, and a supportive academic community.

Undergraduate qualifications

Learn about the different types of undergraduate qualifications offered by Australian universities and other higher education providers.

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2024 Best Grad Schools in the United States for Master's Degrees

There are lots of options to choose from today when trying to decide which grad school to attend. College Factual has developed its Best Master's Degree Colleges ranking as one thing you can use to help make this decision.

What's on This Page: * Our Methodology

Best Graduate Schools List

Choosing the Best Grad School for You

We analyzed 1,146 grad schools across the United States to determine which have the best master's degree programs. Our ranking for the best grad schools is based on objective factors. We steer clear of subjective measures since they don't give a clear picture when determining how one school compares to another. The following gives more info on what goes into our ranking factors and why we consider those factors.

Higher Than Average Earnings

To determine the overall quality of a graduate school, one factor we look at is the average early-career salary of those receiving a master's degree from the school. Recent students who earned a master's degree in the United States entered the job market making an average of $58,425 while those in the top 25 schools on our list made an average of $77,434.

Taking Out Student Loans

In addition to average starting salaries, we also consider the average amount of student loans that graduate students take on while pursuing their master's degree. We consider this number in conjunction with average post-graduation earnings to gauge the difficulty master's recipients will have paying back their loans.

More Ranking Factors That Are Important

We also analyze a number of other factors in addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt when coming up with our yearly Best Master's Degree Schools ranking. On a broad level, other factors that go into our rankings include such things as the demand of the school, the student body caliber, if the school has online options, and the educational resources provided by the school.

We go into more detail on these factors on our graduate school ranking methodology page.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Thinking about continuing your education further? Check out our Best Doctorate Degree Schools ranking.

Top Master's Degree Schools in the United States

Learn more about these excellent grad schools below:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology tops this year’s ranking as the best grad school for master’s degrees in the United States for overall quality. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 1,803 diplomas to qualifed master’s degree students in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a master’s degree from MIT is $107,308 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The excellent master’s degree programs at University of Chicago helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in the United States. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Chicago, Illinois, and it awarded 3,326 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, master’s degree graduates from UChicago make an average of $73,139 a year.

Read full report on University of Chicago

A rank of #3 on our Best Master’s Degree in the United States list means Stanford University is a great place for students working on their degree. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Stanford, California, and it awarded 2,203 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, master’s degree graduates from Stanford make an average of $101,186 a year.

Read full report on Stanford University

A rank of #4 on our Best Master’s Degree in the United States list means Northwestern University is a great place for students working on their degree. This large private not-for-profit school is located in Evanston, Illinois, and it awarded 5,216 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a master’s degree from Northwestern is $80,937 during the early years of their career.

Full Northwestern University Report

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Pennsylvania. The school came in at #5 in the United States on this year’s best master’s degree schools ranking. UPenn is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,816 master’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

The average salary of a graduate with a master’s degree from UPenn is $90,142 during the early years of their career.

Learn More About University of Pennsylvania

Harvard University landed the #6 spot on the 2024 Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States ranking. Harvard is a private not-for-profit institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The school has a large population, and it awarded 4,670 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a master’s degree from Harvard is $76,001 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Harvard University

Duke University landed the #7 spot on the 2024 Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States ranking. Duke is located in Durham, North Carolina and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,059 master’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

Those who receive a master’s degree from Duke go into careers with an average salary of $76,664 during the early years of their career.

Full Duke University Report

Keck Graduate Institute landed the #8 spot on the 2024 Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Claremont, California, and it awarded 140 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, master’s degree graduates from KGI make an average of $66,497 a year.

Learn More About Keck Graduate Institute

Teachers College at Columbia University landed the #9 spot on the 2024 Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States ranking. New York, New York is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out master’s degrees to 1,727 students in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, master’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $59,304 during the early years of their career.

Learn More About Teachers College at Columbia University

Carnegie Mellon University landed the #10 spot on the 2024 Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States ranking. Carnegie Mellon is a private not-for-profit institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,045 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon go into careers with an average salary of $79,946 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Carnegie Mellon University

Yale University landed the #11 spot on the 2024 Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States ranking. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, the fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 2,203 diplomas to qualifed master’s degree students in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a master’s degree from Yale is $66,650 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Yale University

Rice University did quite well in the 2024 Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States ranking, coming in at #12. Rice is a private not-for-profit institution located in Houston, Texas. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 929 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a master’s degree from Rice is $71,091 during the early years of their career.

Full Rice University Report

Columbia University in the City of New York ranked #13 on this year’s Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States list. Columbia University in the City of New York is a large private not-for-profit school located in New York, New York that handed out 8,527 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, master’s degree graduates from Columbia make an average of $75,670 a year.

Full Columbia University in the City of New York Report

University of Southern California landed the #14 spot on the 2024 Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States ranking. University of Southern California is a large private not-for-profit school located in Los Angeles, California that handed out 9,128 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a master’s degree from USC is $73,789 during the early years of their career.

Full University of Southern California Report

Georgetown University did quite well in the 2024 Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States ranking, coming in at #15. Located in Washington, District of Columbia, the large private not-for-profit school handed out 3,975 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a master’s degree from Georgetown is $73,859 during the early years of their career.

Full Georgetown University Report

With a ranking of #16, Princeton University did quite well on the 2024 Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States list. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Princeton, New Jersey, and it awarded 605 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a master’s degree from Princeton make an average of $75,130 per year during the early years of their career.

Learn More About Princeton University

Washington University in St Louis came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States ranking. Washington University in St Louis is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Saint Louis, Missouri that handed out 2,343 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a master’s degree from WUSTL is $64,992 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Washington University in St Louis

With a ranking of #18, Johns Hopkins University did quite well on the 2024 Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States list. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the large private not-for-profit school handed out 6,960 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins go into careers with an average salary of $77,574 during the early years of their career.

Full Johns Hopkins University Report

With a ranking of #19, University of Notre Dame did quite well on the 2024 Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States list. Notre Dame is located in Notre Dame, Indiana and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,161 master’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

The average salary of a graduate with a master’s degree from Notre Dame is $60,478 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of Notre Dame

Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus did quite well in the 2024 Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States ranking, coming in at #20. Georgia Tech is a public institution located in Atlanta, Georgia. The school has a large population, and it awarded 4,762 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a master’s degree from Georgia Tech make an average of $85,207 per year during the early years of their career.

Full Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus Report

University of California - Berkeley came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States ranking. Located in Berkeley, California, the large public school awarded 2,905 diplomas to qualifed master’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a master’s degree from UC Berkeley make an average of $67,140 per year during the early years of their career.

Learn More About University of California - Berkeley

Cornell University did quite well in the 2024 Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States ranking, coming in at #22. Cornell is a private not-for-profit institution located in Ithaca, New York. The school has a large population, and it awarded 2,888 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a master’s degree from Cornell is $91,796 during the early years of their career.

Full Cornell University Report

Emory University came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States ranking. Emory is a private not-for-profit institution located in Atlanta, Georgia. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,573 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a master’s degree from Emory is $94,275 during the early years of their career.

Learn More About Emory University

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign did quite well in the 2024 Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States ranking, coming in at #24. UIUC is located in Champaign, Illinois and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,812 master’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

Upon graduation, master’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $64,936 during the early years of their career.

Full University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Report

Vanderbilt University ranked #25 on this year’s Best Master’s Degree Schools in the United States list. Vanderbilt University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Nashville, Tennessee that handed out 1,554 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, master’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $82,140 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Vanderbilt University

Rest of the Top 50 Best Master's Degree Schools in the United States

Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

Narrow Master's Degree Schools by Region

Rocky mountains, middle atlantic, great lakes, new england, plains states, far western us, other u.s. territories, rest of the top 15% master's degree schools in the united states.

To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our Best Master’s Degree Schools ranking:

More Rankings

Bachelor's degrees, returning adults, doctorate degrees.

More Rankings >

Notes and References

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies .

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Are you passionate about helping others? Pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree can help you become a leader in this dynamic field and address your community’s top health issues.

But what is an MPH, and how can it prepare you for a career in public health?

An MPH degree is one of the most comprehensive courses of study for anyone who wants to play an active role in improving communities’ well-being. It touches on several public health trends, including globalization, climate change, and mental health to ensure you’re well-equipped to address these challenges head-on.

If you’re interested in learning more about this educational path, here’s an overview of what an MPH is and the benefits you can expect from earning this advanced degree.

Want to learn more about Public Health Careers? Download Our Free Guide!

What is an MPH?

A Master of Public Health degree helps you identify societal health risks and manage them using public health skills like data analysis, research, and advocacy. MPH degree programs also teach you how to develop strategies that promote healthy behavior, improve access to healthcare services, and reduce the spread of disease.

“When you get a master of public health degree, you're going to get the foundations of every area of public health,” says Dr. Frazier Beatty, director of the Online Master of Public Health program at Regis College. “You're going to get the foundations in epidemiology, biostatistics, social behavior, health education, environmental health, and research.”

Earning an MPH is a great opportunity to specialize in topics that interest you the most. For example, a prospective epidemiologist can learn about how to study, track, and analyze disease patterns, while a public health advocate’s education can focus on communication skills and public health policy.

Many public health professionals start with a bachelor’s degree in public health or a related field, but the interdisciplinary nature of the industry allows career changers to make a difference with a master’s level education.

So if your goal is to pursue leadership positions or transition from another field, it’s crucial to earn an advanced degree to expand your public health skill set. In fact, according to our analysis of job posting data, 58 percent of public health graduates in 2022 had at least a master’s degree.

Educational Breakdown of Public Health Professional in Massachusetts

MPH vs. MSPH vs. MHA

Depending on your goals, it’s important to know what type of master’s-level education will be the most beneficial for your career.

To help you choose which educational path is right for you, here’s an overview of your options:

Master of Public Health (MPH) : A more “practitioner-focused” degree that provides a comprehensive foundation in public health through practical application in epidemiology, health policy and management, and environmental health.
Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) : An advanced degree for professionals with a scientific background who want to deepen their expertise in biostatistics and epidemiology to prepare for research-oriented roles.
The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) : A professional graduate degree that prepares students for leadership and strategic planning roles in healthcare settings, focusing on healthcare management, policy, and economics.

The right degree program should directly align with your career aspirations in public health.

As Beatty explains, the MSPH is “more focused on the science of public health instead of the practice of it. The master of science person may be working in a research lab for a university hospital or a university that does public health research.”

The MHA is best for professionals who want to become leaders in hospitals, clinics, and other health facilities.

An MPH is a popular choice among aspiring health advocates who want to actively address public health issues. Due to its versatility, even those who specialize in health administration can become leaders in public health facilities.

In addition, COVID-19 has contributed to a greater awareness of and desire for these programs. This is reflected in our analysis of academic program data showing a 43 percent growth in MPH programs since 2022.

Master's in Public Health programs have grown by 43% from 2018 to 2022

Whether you're drawn to hands-on public health practices, research, or healthcare administration, understanding these options can guide you toward a fulfilling career that matches your goals and contributes significantly to global health and wellness.

Three Things to Consider When Choosing an MPH Degree

Any accredited MPH degree program can give you a comprehensive foundation in public health principles, but your overall student experience will differ across schools. As you compare options, here are three things to look for in a reputable MPH program.

Program Format

MPH programs are available in various formats to accommodate diverse student needs.

Traditional graduate programs involve on-campus attendance and offer the benefits of in-person lectures, one-on-one peer interaction, and synchronous learning. Yet, traditional programs are typically the least flexible in terms of class schedules, making them best suited for learners who can commit to full-time attendance.

Hybrid and fully online MPH programs provide the most flexibility, allowing students to complete asynchronous or synchronous coursework remotely. Online programs are ideal for working professionals, parents or caregivers with familial obligations, and other learners who are unable to attend classes in person.

Whether virtual or in-person, part-time MPH programs are a convenient option for those who need to learn or pay for their education at a slower pace. Completing fewer credits per semester enables students to balance academic pursuits with other responsibilities and extend their duration of study as needed.

Private vs. Public

Another thing to consider is whether you prefer to attend a public or private institution. Private institutions often stand out for their smaller class sizes and distinguished faculty, offering a more personalized and engaging learning experience. While they may come with higher tuition costs, almost 83 percent of MPH programs are offered at private colleges according to our analysis of academic program data.

Majority of Public Health Programs Are Offered At Private Institutions

In contrast, public institutions are often more affordable. However, private colleges excel in delivering a high-quality curriculum, expert faculty, and unique resources, making them an appealing choice for those seeking a comprehensive and immersive educational experience in public health.

Curriculum is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a program.

“In a master of public health program, students will learn the core principles of public health and how public health works in society,” Beatty says.

In a well-structured program, students can expect to learn more about the top issues affecting populations today, such as the opioid crisis, environmental pollution, and the rise in obesity.

The foundational courses for a master's in public health program include:

Biostatistics : The use of statistical methods to interpret biological and health-related data and make informed public health decisions.
Epidemiology : The study of health issues and disease transmission in different populations based on the analysis of trends and risk factors, such as environmental conditions and social determinants of health.
Environmental health : The study of environmental conditions, such as air, food, soil, and water quality, and their impact on community wellbeing.
Health policy : The evaluation and planning of policies and programs designed to improve healthcare outcomes, access, and education within populations.
Health administration : Efficient management of healthcare organizations or systems, ensuring effective healthcare delivery, staff coordination, resource allocation, and financial planning.
Social and behavioral health : The study of how social, cultural, economic, and behavioral factors influence health outcomes and disparities, with the goal of developing successful interventions.

An MPH curriculum often incorporates hands-on experiences such as internships, fieldwork, and research projects to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world public health challenges. Many programs also provide opportunities to specialize in more advanced knowledge and skills.

Benefits of an MPH Degree

Getting clarity on your professional goals is crucial before you make a financial or time commitment to a challenging graduate degree program. Ask yourself: Why is a master's degree in public health worth it?

Here are some of the potential benefits of pursuing this specialized public health education.

Career Opportunities

Public health has no shortage of career opportunities, and incoming professionals are creating more crossover disciplines. According to our analysis of job postings data the average growth of public health occupations has been 20 percent.

Average Growth of Public Health Occupations in the U.S.

“I don't know if there's a typical pathway,” Beatty notes. “Some students want to do research or work in the community. Some people want to do data analysis or specifically work with women and children. A couple of students want to be veterinarians. I think it depends on the student, but it's so many areas.”

Public health is an expansive field, with new career paths continually emerging as technology evolves. However, if you’re ready to enter the field as soon as possible, here are some of the top public health careers you can obtain with an MPH:

Epidemiologist : Investigates patterns and causes of diseases to reduce the risk of negative health outcomes affecting communities.
Biostatistician : Applies statistical principles and methodologies that can help in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data.
Public health researcher : Conducts studies to better understand health and diseases in populations.
Public health program manager : Oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of health-related programs and initiatives.

Within each of these fields, public health professionals can work in niche areas based on their interests.

For example, researchers might focus on women’s, children’s, or mental health. Epidemiologists may specialize in veterinary diseases, pharmaceuticals, or genetics. Program managers and educators support every subdiscipline, facilitating the spread of information between researchers, health providers, policymakers, and the public.

Skills Development

If you’re currently in public health or interested in starting a career, an MPH can accelerate skill development. Thriving in public health roles depends on the consolidation of diverse knowledge from multiple disciplines. Gaining well-rounded professional experience from one position to another takes time. MPH programs are designed to introduce learners to the complex topics and questions they can expect on the job, giving them the proficiency and confidence to take on higher roles.

A high-quality MPH program can help you develop skills such as:

Data analysis : Analytics involves the ability to collect, organize, and evaluate health-related data to draw actionable conclusions. This includes knowledge of statistical models, data visualization, and software applications used in decision-making processes.
Systems thinking : Systems thinking is a holistic method of examining the interconnected relationships, factors, and feedback loops involved in health outcomes. These skills involve identifying and addressing the root causes of health challenges in order to promote sustainable solutions.
Risk analysis : Risk analysis is the ability to identify potential health threats and vulnerabilities among populations and estimate the likelihood and impact of adverse events. Risk analysts come up with strategies to mitigate threats such as infectious diseases, environmental exposures, and harmful pharmaceuticals.
Biostatistics : Biostatistics is the use of statistical strategies to create health studies, assess findings, and apply the results to health disparities facing populations. Biostaticians also track and measure the effectiveness of interventions.

Community Impact

Public health professionals make significant contributions across numerous health disciplines, which offers an enriching opportunity to make a real impact in the community.

“I think the benefits are really incredible for a person who has a humanitarian spirit,” Beatty says. “And public health education allows you to tap into so many different areas of service. You can get into just about anything you want to that deals with people or animals.”

An MPH equips professionals with a versatile skill set and in-depth understanding of public health practices that enable them to advance or transition into adjacent fields. By applying skills in research, data analysis, epidemiology, program development, and policy advocacy, professionals in the field can come up with innovative ways to make an impact in the community.

Take the Next Step in Your Public Health Career

If you’re passionate about earning a master’s degree in public health, the next step is to compare individual programs to see how each institution can support your career growth. Choose an accredited program with an in-depth curriculum, experienced faculty, and a successful track record of educating qualified professionals.

Regis College’s Master of Public Health degree offers a multifaceted approach to public health education. Coursework combines real-world case studies with expert instruction from faculty who have contributed to health innovation in their respective disciplines. Students gain the core knowledge and critical thinking abilities to address complex health issues, collaborate on solutions, and apply their insights to emerging challenges.

To learn more about the program, contact an admissions counselor to find out how an education at Regis can serve your professional goals.

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May 15, 2024

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What we know: Donald Trump attends Barron Trump graduate high school in West Palm Beach

Since moving to palm beach after his father left the white house, barron has attended oxbridge academy, a school for grades 6-12 in west palm beach where annual tuition is a reported $41,500..

The most anticipated high school graduation since the end of the pandemic took place at Oxbridge Academy Friday morning.

Among the 116 seniors who received their diplomas in the exclusive, private prep school's graduating Class of 2024 was 18-year-old Barron Trump , the son of Donald and Melania Trump. The former first couple attended the ceremony.

On Tuesday, Oxbridge officials reminded the media and the public that the ceremony at the 54-acre campus was private and by invitation only. The school acknowledged "the heightened interest in this year’s event," presumably because of the participation of the Trumps' only child together, and the erstwhile uncertainty over the attendance of the former president and presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee.

Oxbridge Academy graduation: Prep school asks media, onlookers to stay away from ceremony for Barron Trump, other seniors

Here is what we know:

What do we know about the teenager?

About Barron Trump? Not a lot. The youth turned 18 on March 20, and as a minor throughout his father's public life in television, business and politics, he has been kept out of the spotlight and the media headlines.

At 6'7", he is the tallest of the Trump siblings, and rises above his father, who is 6'4". He has been living at Mar-a-Lago with his parents.

Since moving to Palm Beach after his father left the White House, Barron has attended Oxbridge Academy, a college-preparatory school for grades 6-12 in West Palm Beach where annual tuition is a reported $41,500.

What has Donald Trump said about Barron?

Donald Trump has occasionally spoken about his son, mentioning in a pre-Super Bowl interview more than four years ago that Barron liked soccer. He also noted his youngest son is a computer whiz of sorts.

Trump said last week that Barron is “very popular” in school. In a separate interview, he said Barron occasionally offers him political advice.

During a radio interview with the Kayal and Company show on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT in Philadelphia, Donald Trump said Barron advises him from time to time.

“It’s sort of funny. He’ll tell me sometimes, ‘Dad, this is what you have to do,’” Trump said on the show this month.

Where will Barron go to college?

That's another shrouded topic.

Donald Trump in the past has said he believed Barron would follow in his footsteps by attending the University of Pennsylvania. There has also been speculation that the young man might choose New York University in Manhattan, where he spent much of his childhood — and lived until his father was sworn in as the 45th president in early 2017.

But according to what Trump has told Newsweek, it looks like Barron is mulling other options now.

“Right now, he’s doing a great job,” Trump told the weekly news magazine. “He has great marks. He’s going to be going to college soon. And we’re looking at some colleges that are different than they were two months ago.”

Politics 2024: Barron Trump "declined" delegate invite to GOP convention, Melania Trump said in statement

Is Barron Trump into politics?

For three days last week, the answer appeared to be yes.

On May 8, NBC News reported that Barron Trump had been selected as a member of the Florida delegation to this summer's Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. As a delegate, he would join his half brothers Donald Jr. and Eric, and half sister Tiffany in casting votes to officially nominate their father as the GOP's presidential nominee for a third straight time.

But then, on the evening of May 10, Melania Trump issued a statement that saying that while Barron was honored to have been chosen, he was declining the opportunity due to prior commitments. She did not elaborate as to what those commitments might be.

If he follows a century of first family history, Barron Trump will not be a political player. Other children of presidents, such as Amy Carter and Chelsea Clinton , who spent part of their childhood living in the White House have not pursued political careers.

The exception was the daughter of President John F. Kennedy, Caroline, who served as U.S. ambassador to Australia and Japan.

George W. Bush, the 43rd president, followed his father's footsteps to the White House, but he did not grow up in the presidential mansion. Ditto for his brother, Jeb, who served two terms as governor of Florida and unsuccessfully sought the presidency in 2016.

Will Donald Trump attend his son's graduation?

Yes, he was there.

Last month, Donald Trump fumed "that I can't go to my son's graduation" because of his ongoing New York business fraud trial. However, the judge presiding over the case dealing with the bookkeeping of an alleged hush money payment to a porn star subsequently canceled court on today, allowing Trump to attend the graduation.

Later today, the former president will jet off to Minnesota to speak at a GOP event there this evening.

Note: This is a breaking news story. Please. return for updates.

Antonio Fins is a politics and business editor at The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected] . Help support our journalism. Subscribe today .

Nearly Half of All Masters Degrees Aren't Worth Getting

According to new research, 23 percent of bachelor's degree programs and 43 percent of master's degree programs have a negative roi..

Emma Camp | 5.10.2024 3:23 PM

Is college worth it? Well, it depends on what degree you're getting and where you're getting it, according to a new paper from the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP), an economic opportunity think tank.

While more than three-quarters of all bachelor's degrees have a positive return on investment (ROI), according to the paper, master's and associate degrees are much riskier bets—with many costing students in the long run.

The paper, by Senior Fellow Preston Cooper, examined data from over 50,000 degree and certificate programs at thousands of American colleges and universities. Cooper's analysis looked at how much students were earning immediately after graduation, as well as how much they were making 10 years later. The paper also took into account a student's chance of dropping out when calculating a degree program's ROI.

In all, Cooper found that 31 percent of students are enrolled in a program with a negative ROI—meaning that "the earnings benefits of the degree are unlikely to fully compensate students for the cost and risk of pursuing post-secondary education."

However, different kinds of degrees were more likely to have a negative ROI than others. For example, 77 percent of bachelor's degrees and doctoral and professional degrees have a positive ROI. In contrast, just 57 percent of master's and associate degree programs have a positive ROI.

For bachelor's degrees, fine arts, education, and biology programs had the lowest median ROI, while engineering, computer science, and nursing degrees gave students the highest long-term rewards.

However, where college students were enrolled also mattered when it came to ROI. For example, an English degree from the University of Virginia has a $581,925 positive return on investment—climbing to over $600,000 when only including students who graduated on time. In contrast, students at Virginia Commonwealth University—another public university—who majored in English have a negative $30,000 ROI, with just a $3,624 benefit for those who end up graduating on time.

"When choosing a college and program of study, students should evaluate several key variables that contribute to ROI. The most important is earnings after graduation," Cooper writes. "Besides starting salary, another critical factor is the institution's completion rate. While students' individual ability and motivation affects their likelihood of completion, research shows that college quality also has an impact on completion rates."

Cooper also pointed out just how much federal dollars go toward funding low-value degree programs. He found that 29 percent of the federal funding that went to the programs he studied went to programs with a negative ROI.

"That figure includes $37 billion in Pell Grants, $47 billion in loans to undergraduates, and $39 billion in loans to graduate students," Cooper writes. "Because ROI is negative for these programs, it's unlikely that most of those loan dollars will be repaid."

This latest paper paints a detailed picture of the kinds of concerns prospective students and their families should take into account when deciding whether to enroll in college. While bachelor's degrees are still a good bet overall, students need to consider what they'll really get out of both the major they want to study and the school they've been accepted into.

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Scottie Scheffler arrested before PGA Championship Round 2

Scottie Scheffler speaks about getting detained on his way to the PGA Championship. (2:33)

Senior college football writer
Author of seven books on college football
Graduate of the University of Georgia

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested by Louisville Metro Police on Friday morning after trying to drive into the entrance of Valhalla Golf Club, the site of this week's PGA Championship.

Traffic outside the golf course had been stopped after a man was struck and killed by a shuttle bus around 5 a.m. ET.

Scheffler faces charges of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic. The assault charge is a felony; the others are misdemeanors.

Maj. Jason Logsdon of the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections told ESPN that Scheffler was released at 8:40 a.m. ET Friday without bail. He arrived at Valhalla less than an hour before he was scheduled to tee off at 10:08 a.m. ET.

"This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers," Scheffler said in a statement. "It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do. I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I'm hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today.

"Of course, all of us involved in the tournament express our deepest sympathies to the family of the man who passed away in the earlier accident this morning. It truly puts everything in perspective."

According to ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington, who witnessed the incident, Scheffler was trying to drive around the crash scene on a median. A police officer instructed Scheffler to stop, but Scheffler continued to drive about 10 to 20 yards toward the entrance.

At one point, an officer attached himself to the side of Scheffler's car. Scheffler stopped his car as he turned into the entrance of Valhalla Golf Club.

After about 20 to 30 seconds, Scheffler rolled down his window to talk to the officer. The officer grabbed Scheffler's arm to pull him out of the vehicle, according to Darlington. The officer reached inside the vehicle to open the door, and once Scheffler was pulled out, he was pushed against the car and placed in handcuffs.

Darlington was standing at the entrance when Scheffler was detained. Darlington said Scheffler turned to him and asked, "Can you help?"

According to Darlington, an officer instructed him to back away.

"You need to get out of the way," the officer told Darlington. "Right now, he's going to jail, and there's nothing you can do about it."

The officer -- Det. Bryan Gillis, identified as Det. Gillis in the arrest report -- was dragged "to the ground" and suffered "pain, swelling, and abrasions to his left wrist" after the car "accelerated forward," according to the police report.

The officer was dressed in a high visibility reflective jacket when he stopped Scheffler's car to give instructions, the arrest sheet said. Gillis was taken to the hospital for his injuries.

Scheffler's attorney, Steven Romines, told ESPN that the golfer attempted to enter Valhalla Golf Club as he had been instructed to earlier, unaware there had been a fatal wreck just up the road.

"He was going into Valhalla to work out," Romines said. "He was getting ready for his tee time. They were directing traffic. He held his credential out and was going in like they'd been instructed to. Apparently, there had been a traffic accident, maybe even a fatality, down the road, and that had changed the traffic patterns, and he was unaware of that."

Romines, speaking outside the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections, said the officer who attempted to stop Scheffler wasn't part of the regular event-traffic detail at Valhalla Golf Club, "so that's where the miscommunication arose."

"They are allowed to go through, that's why they have the credential and the wave-through," Romines said. "[Scheffler] was unaware there had been a wreck, and he proceeded like they'd been instructed to. He did exactly as he was instructed to enter the premises."

Romines said Scheffler would cooperate fully with police and "we'll deal with it as it progresses."

Scheffler, 27, has won four of his past five starts, including his second major championship at the Masters in April.

The start of the second round was delayed after a shuttle bus struck and killed a pedestrian outside Valhalla Golf Club, a spokesperson for the Louisville Metro Police Department confirmed to ESPN.

The unidentified man was attempting to cross Shelbyville Road when he was struck in a dedicated lane for buses. Police said the man died at the scene.

"This morning we were devastated to learn that a worker with one of our vendors was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club," the PGA of America said in a statement. "This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones."

Several police and first responders were still at the scene at 6:45 a.m. ET. Traffic had backed up on the roadway in dark and wet conditions, and shuttle buses bringing fans to the golf course had been stopped.

The second round had been scheduled to start at 7:15 a.m. ET.

Full recap of Thursday and Friday at the PGA Championship

Scottie Scheffler arrested by police before second round

World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler was charged with assaulting a police officer outside Valhalla Golf Club hours before starting his second round at the 2024 PGA Championship.

Scheffler — who was also charged with third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic — was released by police just in time to take to the course for his tee-off time of 10:08am ET. He impressed with a five-under round of 66 that moved him into third, at nine-under for the tournament.

The Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections, who posted a mugshot of the 27-year-old, said he was booked in at 7.28am local time and released at 8.40am. Scheffler later described the incident as “a big misunderstanding”.

The start of Friday’s second round was delayed by 80 minutes because of an unrelated crash near the course . Louisville police said a shuttle bus had struck and killed a pedestrian outside the golf club. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg later named him as local man John Mills.

YOU CAN FOLLOW live coverage of day three at the PGA Championship with us right here .

Xander Schauffele 36-hole leader at PGA Championship with Morikawa, Scheffler chasing

Xander Schauffele stepped onto the first tee Friday at Valhalla Golf Club after a historic first round at the PGA Championship. He shot a 9-under 62, giving him the 18-hole lead. It tied the men’s major scoring record, the lowest round in PGA Championship history.

Friday’s round for Schauffele didn’t smash records or set career-scoring bests. But it kept the 30-year-old atop the PGA Championship leaderboard heading into the weekend.

Schauffele shot a second-round 68, giving him the 36-hole lead. It’s the second consecutive week Schauffele led a tournament after 36 holes. Last week, Schauffele couldn’t secure the win, thanks to a dominant performance from Rory McIlroy.

The seven-time PGA Tour winner is looking for a different outcome this week, attempting to capture his first major championship.

Xander Schauffele 36-hole leader at PGA Championship with Morikawa, Scheffler chasing

Watch out for Bryson

This is the second time Bryson DeChambeau has started a major with back-to-back rounds in the 60s.

The other was his win at the 2020 U.S. Open.

Koepka records 8 birdies in second round

It was a roller coaster second round for Brooks Koepka.

He shot a 3-under 68, which consisted of eight birdies.

But it also included three bogeys and a double.

Koepka sits at 7-under-par, five off the lead held by Xander Schauffele.

Tiger birdies 18 but misses cut

(Photo: David Cannon / Getty Images)

Tiger Woods finished the 2024 PGA Championship at 7-over-par.

He shot a 6-over 77 in his second round.

But Tiger finished the PGA at Valhalla, where he won this event in 2000, with a birdie on 18.

Woods hasn't made a cut at the PGA since 2020.

Schauffele shoots second-round 68

Best 36-hole score to par in PGA Championship history:

2019 Brooks Koepka, -12 (led by seven)

2024 Xander Schauffele, -12

Here comes Koepka

(Photo: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Brooks Koepka had a double bogey on the par-5 10th.

He's rallied with three birdies since, including one on the par-4 15th.

Koepka has seven birdies on the day and is four off the lead at 8-under-par.

What's at stake for Robert MacIntyre

Robert MacIntyre has never previously been in the top 20 entering the third round of a major.

Where PGA champions need to be after 36 holes

31 of the last 34 winners of the PGA Championship have been in the top 10 through 36 holes.

Over the last 30 years, 91 percent of men's major winners have been in the top 10 entering the third round.

McIlroy going in the wrong direction

Rory McIlroy, who won the PGA the last time it was staged at Valhalla, is going in the wrong direction.

After being 1-under-par through 11 holes, McIlroy records a double-bogey 6 on the par-4 12th.

He is 4-under-par for the tournament, eight back of the lead.

Needs a strong finish coming in to get back in the mix.

Inside the most bizarre day in major golf with the arrest of Scottie Scheffler

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The most shocking day in golf major championship history began with a tragedy, and saw Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1 male player in the world, arrested, booked into a local jail and released in time to tee off.

It was just after 5 a.m. on a rainy Friday morning that police were called to the street outside of Valhalla Golf Club. A shuttle bus traveling down Shelbyville Road struck and killed John Mills, a local man working the PGA Championship for a tournament vendor.

The fatal wreck caused traffic to be shut down in both directions outside of Valhalla, which is hosting the major championship for the first time in a decade. Scheffler arrived at the scene an hour later, amid a steady rain and flashing police lights, seeking to enter the property and begin preparation for an 8:48 a.m. tee time for Round 2 of the PGA Championship. A police and security presence outside of a major championship routine is typical, even common. “I drive by cops like that probably 10 times a year,” one PGA Tour swing coach said, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter.

What happened next was anything but common. When Scheffler, traveling eastbound, attempted to move his vehicle into the westbound lane, according to the Louisville Police Department arrest report, detective Bryan Gillis attempted to stop the vehicle. The police report said Scheffler continued forward, “dragging Detective Gillis to the ground,” and noted that he suffered injuries that required medical treatment, as well as irreparable damage to his $80 uniform pants. Jeff Darlington, an ESPN NFL reporter assigned to cover the second golf major of the year, happened to be on the scene and watched it unfold, reporting that Scheffler’s vehicle moved 10 to 20 yards before coming to a final stop.

Scheffler’s attorney, Steve Romines, said Scheffler was originally instructed to go in and that the officer directing traffic was not part of the event traffic detail. “So that’s where the miscommunication arose and that’s why we’re here,” Romines said Friday morning.

When Scheffler did stop, he lowered his window and the officer reached in, grabbed Scheffler’s arm and pulled the door open, Darlington reported. The officer then put Scheffler in handcuffs and pushed him against the car. As Scheffler was escorted toward a police car in the rainy dark, a video filmed by Darlington showed Scheffler turning to say, “Can you help?”

“You need to get out of the way,” another officer told Darlington. “Right now, he’s going to jail, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Inside the most bizarre day in major golf with the arrest of Scottie Scheffler

Schauffele drops a shot, lead is 1

Xander Schauffele makes his first bogey of the week.

The last player to go the first 36 holes of a PGA Championship without a single bogey is Hale Irwin in 1993.

Schauffele falls to 12-under-par, one ahead of Collin Morikawa.

Schauffele improves to 13-under-par

Xander Schauffele is now 13-under.

The lowest 36-hole score to par in men's major championship history is 14 under by Jordan Spieth at the 2015 Masters.

Will Zalatoris: Players discussed delaying, canceling PGA Championship second round

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A small group of players discussed not playing the second round of the PGA Championship as scheduled following the death of a pedestrian outside of Valhalla Golf Club, as well as the arrest of world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

Will Zalatoris detailed the 20-30 minute conversation, which took place in the Valhalla locker room, to a small group of reporters after his round Friday afternoon. The group of unnamed players considered approaching the PGA of America about the cancellation or delay of Friday’s play, he said.

“Some of the guys were talking about, wondering if we should even play today,” Zalatoris said. “At one point there were a group of guys in the locker room talking about going to the PGA of America about it, but I think it was dead in the water in the locker room. It was bizarre. We just didn’t know … when Scottie was going to get out, any of the details.”

Tee times were delayed by one hour and 20 minutes on Friday after a shuttle bus struck and killed John Mills, who was working for a tournament vendor. The PGA moved the first tee times from 7:15 a.m. ET to 8:35.

Will Zalatoris: Players discussed delaying, canceling PGA Championship second round

Scheffler practicing, signing autographs

(Photo: Patrick Smith / Getty Images)

During his Friday post-round news conference, Scottie Scheffler said that he was "going to go back to his normal routine." That includes having a meal, practicing in the afternoon, going to the gym before heading home and getting some rest before the weekend.

Well, the broadcast showed Scheffler practicing bunker shots and signing autographs for fans.

Scheffler shot a second-round 66.

Schauffele solo leader

(Photo: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)

Xander Schauffele is the solo leader at the PGA Championship.

He fires a 3-under 32 on the front nine, which includes a lengthy birdie on the 9th hole.

Schauffele makes the turn at 12-under-par, one shot ahead of Collin Morikawa.

Scottie Scheffler climbs PGA Championship leaderboard hours after arrest

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Scottie Scheffler, the world’s most dominant golfer, rose up the leaderboard of the PGA Championship on Friday, hours after he was arrested while trying to navigate a traffic backup caused by a crash that killed a pedestrian outside Valhalla Golf Club.

In an extraordinary sequence of events over about three hours, Scheffler was handcuffed while arriving at the course before sunrise, booked while wearing an orange jumpsuit in downtown Louisville and driven back to the course with stunned crowds following his every move as his newly hired local lawyer told reporters that he would comply with an investigation into his interaction with a police officer who was directing traffic. Scheffler faces charges of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic.

Scheffler’s day on the course finally began at 10:08 a.m. ET, when he teed off nearly four hours after his arrest. He went on to shoot a 5-under-par 66, climbing into a tie for third on the leaderboard. Scheffler, who said he began stretching in a jail cell Friday in hopes of returning to Valhalla in time for his tee time, said after the round his head was “spinning.”

“It was a chaotic situation and a big misunderstanding,” Scheffler said.

Scottie Scheffler: A fan favorite

Following his second-round 66, Scottie Scheffler high-fived fans as he walked off the course to sign his scorecard.

Two spectators had T-shirts with Scheffler's face. One of the tees showed Scheffler's mugshot that the Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections posted Friday morning when the World No. 1 was booked in downtown Louisville.

Scheffler was arrested Friday morning while trying to navigate a traffic backup caused by a crash that killed a pedestrian outside Valhalla Golf Club.

Scheffler: ‘I did spend some time stretching in a jail cell’

(Photo: Brian Spurlock / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Scottie Scheffler said he feels his head is “still spinning” after the sequence of events he experienced on Friday. He was arrested and handcuffed Friday morning while arriving at the course before sunrise, booked in an orange jumpsuit in downtown Louisville, then returned to Valhalla Golf Club and shot a second-round 66 at the PGA Championship.

Scheffler faces charges of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic. His arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday at 9 a.m., according to online court records, two days after the PGA Championship is scheduled to end.

Asked to encapsulate what transpired, Scheffler described his pre-round routine, which took place in jail.

“I did spend some time stretching in a jail cell that was a first for me,” Scheffler said after his second round.

Scheffler said his “main focus after getting arrested” was whether he could continue playing in the PGA Championship. He said that he was in “shock” when he got arrested and that he was “shaking for an hour,” trying to calm down.

While getting fingerprinted in jail, Scheffler said a police officer offered him a sandwich.

“Sure, I’ll take a sandwich, I didn’t eat breakfast yet,” Scheffler said.

Scheffler teed off at 10:08 a.m., nearly four hours after his arrest. He described Friday's round as “pretty good.”

“It was nice to be able to put together a solid round today for sure,” Scheffler said.

Tiger Woods cards second triple-bogey of round

Getty Images

This isn’t pleasant to watch: Tiger Woods, a 15-time major winner, has carded his second triple-bogey seven in the space of three holes.

This time his game deserts him on the fourth, having also bogeyed the third. He’s now eight over — seven over for the round — and his hopes of making it to the weekend are long gone.

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Marie Fowler, 83, becomes Howard University's oldest doctoral graduate

Fowler earned her doctoral degree in ministry over the weekend. She already has her bachelors and two masters but wasn't sure at her age she could manage the work. She stayed the course.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

IMAGES

What is a Master's Degree? A Complete Guide to Postgraduate Options
A Masters Degree
Masters Degree or Master’s Degree—Which is Correct?
Difference Between Masters by Coursework and Research
What is the difference between a Master’s degree by coursework and Mas
Masters Degree or Master’s Degree: Avoid Looking Foolish! • 7ESL

VIDEO

Henderson State University
Part 2
The University of Auckland Business Masters
Do a Master's Degree in the UK
Get In, Get Out, Get Ahead
Illinois PSM Virtual Information Session: November 9, 2023

COMMENTS

What Is a Master's Degree?
A master's degree is a graduate degree that allows students to build advanced knowledge of a specialized body of theoretical and applied knowledge, forge a deeper understanding of their area of study, and develop a range of skills applicable to their trade. With a master's degree, you can typically have more opportunities to advance your ...
How to decide between postgraduate research and coursework
4 mins. It can be a little tricky figuring out which postgraduate degree is for you. That's why we've done the work for you to clarify the differences between a coursework degree and a research degree, and where each could take your career. Tl;dr: The main difference between these two styles is coursework has classes and research has a thesis.
What's the difference between a Masters by Coursework and a Masters by
A Masters by Coursework is a professional qualification involving the study of a specified set of core units and a selection of eligible elective units. Undertaking a coursework program will mean that you will attend classes, complete assignments and sit exams where applicable. Some Masters by Coursework also require the completion of a minor thesis as part of the course.
Taught Masters vs Research Masters Degrees
Masters degrees can be either postgraduate taught programmes (PGT) or postgraduate research programmes (PGR). Taught Masters are typically 12 months long full-time and are delivered through a series of modules comprised with regular coursework and assessments. Research Masters are also usually 12 months long however the course is predominantly ...
What Is a Graduate Degree? Your 2024 Guide
A graduate degree is an academic program that you can pursue after getting your bachelor's degree. A graduate degree—which includes master's degrees, professional degrees, and doctorate degrees —allows you to further specialize in an area of interest or choose a course that directly relates to or is accredited by the profession you want ...
Course-based Vs Research-based Master's Programs || Which Is Best For
2. Duration. Another difference between course-based and research-based master's degree programs is the length of time it takes to complete the program. Course-based programs typically take one to two years to complete, while research-based programs usually take two to three years to complete due to the time required for extensive research ...
Types of master's degrees
Course-based master's degrees are based on structured course modules taught through lectures, seminars, laboratory work or distance learning, while research-based master's degrees require the student to carry out their own research project(s) in a specialised field of study. Research master's degrees normally take a little longer than ...
What is a Master's Degree?
A master's degree is an academic qualification granted at the postgraduate level to individuals who have successfully undergone study demonstrating a high level of expertise in a specific field of study or area of professional practice. Students who graduate with a master's degree should possess advanced knowledge of a specialized body of ...
Quick Guide: Your College Degree Options
A graduate degree or master's degree is an advanced degree that some students pursue after earning a bachelor's degree. Earning a graduate degree signifies mastery of a particular field of study and focuses more intensely on a subject than a bachelor's degree does. Graduate degrees usually take two years to attain. Read more
Difference between a Postgraduate and Master's degree
Duration: Postgraduate degrees can range from 1-6+ years depending on the program level. Graduate diplomas and graduate certificates can take as little as six months while PhD and other doctoral programs can take up to six years. Master's degrees are the sweet spot, generally taking 1-2 years to complete. Cost: Postgraduate degrees vary in ...
What is a Master's Degree: Everything You Need to Know
A Master's Degree is a certification, awarded by an accredited university, recognizing that a person has mastered a well-established and generally-agreed set of knowledge within a specific area. The Master's Degree Composition. Earning a Master's typically requires about 40 credit hours of coursework with a minimum grade of 3.0 (or a B).
Find Online Master's Degree Programs
Most master's programs consist of 30-60 credits and take roughly two years to complete. Online master's degrees tend to offer more flexible scheduling options than traditional in-person programs. Online programs with accelerated coursework can typically be completed in less than two years — commonly one year or less.
Master's degree
A Master of Science degree conferred from Columbia University, an Ivy League university in New York City. A master's degree (from Latin magister) is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice.
Master's Degrees
The master of engineering (ME) degree is a two-year program of advanced courses with research leading to a master's thesis. ME candidates must complete 16 courses (64 credits), including 8 research-oriented courses at the 300-level, complete a thesis, and pay full tuition for two years. ME candidates are not expected to continue to the PhD.
Computer Science MS Degree
The M.S. degree in Computer Science is intended as a terminal professional degree and does not lead to the Ph.D. degree. Most students planning to obtain the Ph.D. degree should apply directly for admission to the Ph.D. program. Some students, however, may wish to complete the master's program before deciding whether to pursue the Ph.D. To give such students a greater opportunity to become ...
Masters by Dissertation vs. Coursework Masters
A Masters by Dissertation is a purely academic M degree whereby students are required to conduct research that culminates in a dissertation. Different universities call these qualifications by different names (Academic Masters / Masters by Research, etc), however they all follow a similar format. Most of these programmes can be done part-time ...
Postgraduate qualifications
Masters Degree (Coursework): In a masters degree (coursework) you can focus on professional practice or your academic field of study. As part of your studies, you may need to complete a large project or a minor thesis (long essay of 12,000 to 20,000 words). Masters Degree (Extended): In this type of masters degree, you will usually focus on ...
Master's Degrees on edX
Explore top-ranked, affordable, and fully online graduate degrees on edX.
2024 Best Grad Schools in the U.S. for Master's Degrees
The excellent master's degree programs at University of Chicago helped the school earn the #2 place on this year's ranking of the best schools in the United States. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Chicago, Illinois, and it awarded 3,326 master's degrees in 2020-2021.
What Is a Master's in Public Health?
The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA): A professional graduate degree that prepares students for leadership and strategic planning roles in healthcare settings, focusing on healthcare management, policy, and economics. The right degree program should directly align with your career aspirations in public health.
Donald Trump to see Barron Trump graduate at Oxbridge Academy
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Nearly Half of All Masters Degrees Aren't Worth Getting
College. Nearly Half of All Masters Degrees Aren't Worth Getting According to new research, 23 percent of bachelor's degree programs and 43 percent of master's degree programs have a negative ROI.
Scottie Scheffler arrested before PGA Championship Round 2
Traffic outside the golf course had been stopped after a man was struck and killed by a shuttle bus around 5 a.m. ET. Scheffler faces charges of second-degree assault of a police officer, third ...
Scottie Scheffler arrested in alleged assault on police officer outside
The world's top-ranked golfer, Scottie Scheffler, was arrested, charged with felony assault and released from jail before shooting a stellar 5-under par at the PGA Championship on Friday in a ...
Full recap of Thursday and Friday at the PGA Championship
Scheffler faces charges of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic.
Video shows Scheffler in handcuffs at scene
Police arrested Masters champion Scottie Scheffler outside the PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky. Scheffler was charged with second-degree assault on a police officer - a felony - along ...
Marie Fowler, 83, becomes Howard University's oldest doctoral graduate
Fowler earned her doctoral degree in ministry over the weekend. She already has her bachelors and two masters but wasn't sure at her age she could manage the work. She stayed the course.

What's the difference between a Masters by Coursework and a Masters by Research?

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