Academic and Professional Master's Degrees: What's the Difference?

By Joe Aguilar

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that in 2005, almost 13 million Americans held master's degrees. If you want to join the ranks of people with graduate-level educations, you may first need to make key decisions such as selecting your degree type. There are two main styles of master's degrees: professional and academic. Try to pick the option that best suits your career goals.


Schools Offering Related Degree Programs

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University of Phoenix

At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.
  • M.A. in Education/Administration and Supervision
  • M.A. in Education/Early Childhood Ed.
  • M.A. in Education/Elementary Teacher Education
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Arizona State University Online

Why ASU? At ASU, learning online is effective, flexible and smart. Every program delivered online is developed by the same excellent faculty who teach on our campuses, and is designed to engage students and professors in meaningful ways. The result? Our students are an integral part of a New American University.

  • MEd in Principal Leadership
  • MEd in Teaching and Learning - Gifted Education Focus
  • Master of Healthcare Innovation
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Florida Tech University Online

Thanks to Florida Tech offering intensive degree programs 100% online, students located all over the world have the opportunity to access the same world-class education as those who attend classes on the main campus in Melbourne, Florida.
  • MBA Project Management
  • Master of Business Administration
  • MBA Marketing
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Everest University Online

Manage your career and your life while earning your degree online.
  • Criminal Justice (Master's)
  • Business Administration (Master's)
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USC School of Social Work

The USC School of Social Work’s MSW@USC offers the opportunity to earn a Master of Social Work degree through the Virtual Academic Center without relocating to Southern California.


DeVry University

Make a difference with a graduate degree from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management.
  • Master's-Electrical Engineering
  • Master's-Education
  • Master's-Educational Technology
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Baker College Online

Earn a Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Master's or Doctorate for less at Baker College Online.
  • Master of Business Administration - Marketing
  • Master of Science - Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • Master of Business Administration - Human Resource Management
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Colorado Technical University Online

Earn your degree online in as little as 15 months. Contact Colorado Tech  today. Learn more today.

  • Master of Business Administration - Human Resource Management
  • Master of Science in Computer Science - Database Systems
  • Master of Business Administration - Finance
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Western Governors University

Online. Accelerated. Affordable. Accredited.
  • M.A. Science Education (5-12, Chemistry)
  • M.S. Information Technology - Network Management
  • M.A. Science Education (5-12, Geosciences)
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Ashford University

TECHNOLOGY CHANGES EVERYTHING ™

You’ve found Ashford University, an evolution in higher education that offers relevant and engaging degrees online, as well as a supportive community where you belong.

  • MA/Organizational Management - No Specialization
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  • Master of Public Administration
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