A master’s degree is a course of study on a specific subject that usually takes 1-3 years to complete. A bachelor’s degree is required and there are some joint bachelor’s degree/master’s degree programs where both a bachelor’s and master’s degree are awarded upon completion of the curriculum, usually taking 4-5 years. A master’s degree can result in significant career opportunities and positions of great responsibility. Not surprisingly, a master’s degree can lead to increased earnings as well as benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. With a master’s degree, one can go on to pursue a doctoral degree. Master’s degrees are available in most fields and consist of a mix of classes and research. A dissertation or thesis is often required to graduate.