Do I Need a Graduate Degree Jobs Where the Answer is Yes (And No)

Do I Need a Graduate Degree Jobs Where the Answer is Yes (And No) Now that were in the midst of graduation season, recent college grads find themselves contemplating their next moves. Thestrong US job marketbodes well for this new wave of job-seekers... and yet, the temptation of staying in the warm bosom of academia can be difficult to resist.While certain careers unquestionably require an advanced degree and others unofficially reward them with salaries that justify the extra years of school many masters candidates leave their programs with heavy debt and few workplace advantages to justify the ticket price. Career guru Alison Green ofAsk A Managersays the following about graduate degreesGrad school makes sense when youre going into a field that requires or significantly rewards a graduate degree, and when the program that you would enroll in has a high track record of graduates getting jobs in their field. But you shouldnt go if you dont know what you plan to do with the graduat e degree afterward. And you certainly shouldnt go to grad school out of a vague idea that it will make you more marketable. Not only will it often elend make you more marketable, it can actually hamstring your efforts to pursue the career you want.Not sure whether grad school makes sense for your career aspirations? Were here to help. Everyone knows that doctors, lawyers, and tenured professors need graduate degrees, but weve also rounded up four surprising jobs that either require or reward masters diplomas along with four careers you can easily pursue armed with a bachelors degree.Head to grad school for these careers1. LibrariansWhile helping library visitors find books and access information isnt often associated in the popular imagination with an advanced degree, librarians do in fact need a masters-level education. Library careers involve significant amounts of professional research, and in reservierung to work as a librarian, you need a masters degree in library sciences, wh ich sets you up for anaverage annual salary of $56,880.2. PharmacistsThe folks who prepare and dispense prescriptions medications at pharmacies need a 3-4 year Doctorate of Pharmacy (also known as a PharmD degree). The schooling for pharmacists surpasses the typical 2 years allotted for masters degrees, but those who complete the program and find pharmacy employment are rewarded for their efforts with amedian annual salary of $122,230.3. StatisticianHigh-level math whizzes who love synthesizing and analyzing data can find lucrative careers as statisticians, but theyll first need to earn a masters degree in eithermathematics or applied statistics. Statisticians are in demand for a wide variety of industries, ranging from market research to politics to biotechnology. If youre hired as a statistician, you can expect amedian salary for this position of $84,760per year.4. ArchivistsEmployed by museums, educational institutions, historical societies, and government departments (among othe rs),archivistsspecialize in the research, collection, and organization of documents, art pieces, literary works, film reels, and other records. Its an excellent career for inquisitive individuals with a penchant for keeping things in order, and to find an entry-level position in this field, youll need amasters degree in history, library studies, or archival studies. According to the Department of Labor, archivists earn anaverage annual salary of $55,470.Skip the graduate degree for these careers1. EngineersIts easy to assume that engineers require a masters degree in order to design and implement mathematical formulas and the development of new products, but the vast majority of engineering careers require only a bachelors degree. If you want to become a nuclear engineer, an aerospace engineer, or an engineering manager, bypass the masters program and jump right into the workforce, as experience in this field counts for far more than advanced education. Engineering salaries vary dep ending on specifics, but intermediate-level engineers can expect to earnannual pay in the high five figures-low six figures.2. TeacherWhile there are some exceptions (such as special-education instructors), most teachersdont require a masters degree to work in their field. A bachelors degree and a teaching certification are needed for public school educators, while many private schools employ teachers who only hold bachelors degrees. Masters degrees in education frequently lead to higher salaries and career advancement for those looking to move into administration, but theyre not strictly necessary. Teachers in the US make anaverage starting salary of $38,477 annually.3. AccountantsLike teachers, accountants do need an industry-specific certification (Certified Public Accountant, also known as a CPA) in order to practice. However, a masters degree isnt required, and an aspiring accountant can begin a career with abachelors degree and a CPA, which can be obtained after 150 hours of u ndergraduate study hours. Salaries for accountants average out to$68,150 per year.4. Software developersWhileSilicon Valley wunderkinds who build multi-billion-dollar empires as college dropoutsare the exception rather than the rule, high-level coding and development roles in the tech industry dont require any post-grad education credentials (although finishing your bachelors degree is definitely recommended). Software developers earn anaverage annual salary of $100,080.