What is a master’s degree? Why study it?

For many, they are a stepping stone toward their dream job. Master’s programs allow university graduates to specialize in a specific field. These are degrees that are highly relevant, as they significantly improve the employability of students who choose this academic path. In this article, we explain the key aspects of what a master’s degree is, why it is recommended to pursue one, and what options are available at specialized schools and institutions.

People with postgraduate studies have an 84% chance of finding employment, a significantly higher figure compared to those who have only completed undergraduate education. This data, taken from the OECD report “Education at a Glance,” helps explain what a master’s degree is for and why specialization is a path toward better employment opportunities and potentially higher salaries compared to other profiles with less academic training.

Among the programs offered by specialized institutions and business schools, there are different types of master’s degrees. These typically last one or two academic years, depending on the program, and require the completion of a master’s thesis in order to obtain the qualification.

Types of master’s degrees

Today’s academic offer is diverse and extensive. People looking to improve their CV and advance in their professional careers can choose from different types of master’s programs depending on their goals.

1. Master’s for specialization

These university master’s degrees can be considered the gateway to specialization. They allow graduates to deepen their knowledge in subjects of particular interest. They are usually taken by students who have just completed their undergraduate studies and want to improve their employability and access more attractive and better-paid job opportunities.

• Examples of this type of master’s? The Master’s in Digital Marketing & Growth Hacking at EAE Barcelona, a comprehensive program for those who want to join MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) departments in large organizations or public administrations, among other career paths. Other programs in this category include the Master’s in Event Management, Protocol and Business Tourism and the Master’s in Sustainable Tourism Management of Resources and Destinations, also part of EAE’s academic catalogue and aimed at similar student profiles.

2. Master’s for access to management positions

These types of master’s degrees are aimed mainly at working professionals with experience, senior profiles, or junior candidates who aim to move into management roles. They are typically taken by university graduates who want to reach leadership and executive positions, such as master’s degrees in marketing management, corporate communication, or finance.

• For those wondering what a master’s degree is in this category, it is important to highlight that these are often institution-specific degrees promoted by business schools such as EAE, designed to respond to current and future labour market demands and industry trends.

3. University master’s for continuing education

These are programs designed for all types of students, including those who have already completed a degree or even another master’s, as well as professionals currently working. These are university master’s degrees offered alongside other institution-specific programs.

• One of the most promising programs at the moment is the Master’s in Entrepreneurship, which can be studied at EAE Business School Barcelona. It is an ideal option for individuals with entrepreneurial interests and a desire to innovate. This is an on-campus program, although there are other formats that allow for different classifications of master’s degrees based on methodology, such as in-person, online, or hybrid learning.

Alongside face-to-face master’s programs, there are also other learning formats: in-person, online, and hybrid. Some are fully on-site, while others allow remote study, which has made postgraduate education more accessible.

What is a master’s degree for?

Each of the master’s programs mentioned above serves different purposes. Overall, with the implementation of the Bologna Process, the focus is on specialization and going beyond undergraduate studies to improve students’ skills. So, what is a master’s degree for?

• It expands professional opportunities. Studies such as those conducted by Adecco and Infoempleo show that 9 out of 10 people with postgraduate degrees are employed.
• Access to better-paid jobs. According to the Spanish Ministry of Education’s education indicators, individuals with a second university degree earned on average 35% more than those without it (2021 report).
• Greater career development opportunities. Higher specialization leads to better job offers and higher salaries. Degrees and postgraduate studies turn students into true experts in their field.
• Pathway to research. Research is increasingly important as a driver of innovation and development. Master’s and postgraduate studies allow students to pursue research careers, especially as R&D investment continues to grow year after year.

These are, broadly speaking, four of the main reasons why undergraduate students should consider continuing their studies through specialization. They answer the question of what a master’s degree is for.

What master’s should I study?

At this point, if you are thinking about continuing your academic training, you may be asking yourself: what master’s should I study? Which program best matches my interests and goals?

This depends on each student’s personal and professional objectives. It is also important to understand what is required to do a master’s degree, as a university degree is essential. If that is your case, consider which field you would like to specialize in and explore available academic options. It is also important to evaluate the program structure, whether it combines theory and practice, and the profile of its teaching staff.

At EAE Barcelona, we offer a wide range of university master’s programs designed to meet the growing demand for highly specialized professionals in the labour market. The key is a practical approach that equips students with valuable skills and up-to-date knowledge in a fast-evolving industry. The EAE Barcelona team also provides guidance to help prospective students choose the most suitable master’s program based on their goals and preferences.