When choosing a master’s degree for yourself, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are numerous easy master’s degrees out there that will suit your needs without draining you. 

To save you the hassle, we’re listing the easiest master’s degrees for you to check out! 

Top 10 Easiest Masters Degrees 

When searching for master’s degrees, you’ll come across a wide variety of schools and program lengths with varying earning potential. Choosing the right one will set the tone for your career. That’s why I have sorted the top degrees, which are simple, quick, and growth-oriented. Let’s get straight into them! 

Master’s in Information Technology 

If you’re both into business and technology, acquiring a master’s in Information Technology degree is the way to go. With the proper skill set, this degree sets you up for high-paying management roles such as an IT manager, software development manager, and system analyst.

Better yet, the average annual salary for a Computer Information Systems Manager in the US is $105,783 yearly. This means that if money is your goal, this simple 2-year-long degree will help you tap into some of the most well-paying careers in the IT industry. However, IT is pretty competitive compared to other professions on the list. 

• Duration: 2 years
• Top University: University of Pennsylvania
• Growth: Projected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032
• Career Paths: IT Manager, Data Scientist, Software Developer 

Master’s in Communication 

A graduate degree in communication can be especially helpful if you excel at it. When you’re already a great communicator, this degree becomes the easiest one out there. With a strong focus on areas including journalism, public relations, and technical business communications, a master’s in communication degree helps you develop strategic skills that go a long way. 

You can earn around $71,254 per year as an author or a writer. However, top positions like communication managers secure an average base salary of $124,100. This means a master’s degree in communication has the potential for earning and personal growth. It’s worth mentioning that development in this field varies extensively based on your chosen program. 

• Duration: 2 years
• Top University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Growth: 14% growth between 2020 and 2030
• Career Paths: Technical Writer, Journalist, Communication Manager   

Master’s in Accounting 

If you want a degree in as little as 1.5 years, a master’s in accounting should be worth considering. The best part is that you don’t have to be a math or accounting expert to earn this degree. It only requires basic skills and logical thinking abilities. Most CPAs simply hold a master’s in accounting degree. 

Plus, the estimated mean average salary for audit accountants is about $87,770 per year. This means the degree comes easily and yields excellent financial benefits in the long run. However, this field demands technical skills and understanding for tapping top-end roles. 

• Duration: 1.5 to 2  years
• Top University: University of Pennsylvania
• Growth: 4 percent from 2022 to 2032
• Career Paths: Accounting Manager, Certified Public Accountant, Internal Auditor 

Master’s in Business Administration 

A master’s in business administration is perhaps the most common master’s degree. Not only that, it’s also the easiest to earn and can be completed through an accelerated one-year track. If you think you’re good at problem-solving and possess the analytical mindset a managerial role requires, an MBA could be the best degree option for you. 

However, some people might still wonder if it’s worth the investment. According to the BLS, overall employment in managerial roles is projected to grow as fast as the average of other occupations from 2022 to 2032. So, you can expect some great outcomes with an MBA degree! However, just like liberal arts, job growth is pretty slow.   

• Duration: 1-2 years 
• Top University: Harvard University
• Growth: 3 percent from 2022 to 2032 (top executives) 
• Career Paths: Finance Manager, Project Manager, Entrepreneur 

Master’s in Counseling 

Do you wish to become a counselor? If the answer is yes, you’re in for a treat because a master’s in counseling opens doors to countless career opportunities. This degree equips you with skills related to mental health, including treatment planning, trauma diagnosing, and clinical expertise. Best of all, this master’s program may even earn you a state licensure. 

If you’re confused about what career path to choose, psychiatrists earn an annual mean wage of $249,760. So, if you wish to make decent money after your master’s, you might want to opt for counseling as your degree. However, these benefits come at the cost of three years of hard work, which is pretty long compared to other options on this list. 

• Duration: Almost 3 years
• Top University: University of Texas 
• Growth: 5 percent from 2022 to 2032
• Career Paths: Couple Therapist, Career Counselor, Mental Health Professional 

Master’s in Liberal Arts 

A master’s in liberal arts degree gears you up for various roles, including media designers, journalists, or social service managers. This program takes about 1-2 years involving coursework and thesis. 

The best part about this degree is that it saves you the hassle of STEM courses and other complex subjects. You may also customize it depending on your long-term career goals. Liberal arts have one of the lowest job growth rates compared to other professions on this curated list. 

• Duration: 1-2 Years 
• Top University: Arizona State University 
• Growth: 2% growth; however, a few top professions are projected to grow at 6%
• Career Paths: Education Administrator, PR specialist, Social & Community Service Manager 

Master’s in Criminal Justice 

If you’re into law enforcement and wish to build a career out of it, the best thing you can do is earn a master’s in criminal justice. It could be your step towards a bright future in criminology and open doors to other related fields. Plus, this program imparts skills, including carrying out investigations, handling emergencies, and leading law enforcement. 

For instance, employment for detectives and criminal investigators is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, per the BLS. However, this field demands a sharp mind with strong technical and analytical skills. 

• Duration: 1 to 1.5 years 
• Top University: Michigan State University 
• Growth: 3 percent from 2022 to 2032
• Career Paths: Forensic Technician, Detective, Crime Analyst 

Master’s in Nursing 

If you’re already a nurse, obtaining an MSN degree results in an increased salary with direct access to leadership roles. You no longer have to settle for less because a master’s in nursing immediately transitions you into roles like nursing administrators or monitors. However, this program generally requires a longer duration, i.e., up to three years. 

BLS projects that advanced practice nurse’s career will grow by 38% from 2022-32. With an average annual pay of $108,675, this is a good field to specialize in. Females traditionally dominate this profession. 

• Duration: 2-3 years 
• Top University: Emory University 
• Growth: 9% from 2020 to 2030
• Career Paths: Nursing Educator, Nursing Leader, Nurse Midwife 

Master’s in Management 

For advancing your career in different business sectors, no master’s degree works better than a master’s in management. What’s best is that this keeps you open to various career paths, including operations management, project management, human resource management, etc. 

In the US, the average pay for an MSC Management is $98,230 per year, which makes it a pretty attractive option for many. However, most professionals don’t feel comfortable with the pay scale, considering the demanding nature of the profession. 

• Duration: 1-2 years 
• Top University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Growth: 10 percent from 2022 to 2032 (Management Analysts). 
• Career Paths: Operations Manager, Finance Manager, Project Manager 

Master’s in Social Work 

Obtaining a master’s in social work sets you up to serve your society to your full potential. This program teaches you to advocate for clients and promote social welfare in the community. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in social work, you can opt for accelerated tracks for social work majors. 

You know the best part? In 2023, the average licensed clinical social worker salary jumped to $77,800. Although, this might not be as financially rewarding as other options listed above. 

• Duration: 2-4 years 
• Top University: University of Chicago 
• Growth: 7 percent from 2022 to 2032
• Career Paths: Clinical Social Worker, Adopting Counselor, Policy Analyst  

Related Questions 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s Degree?

Typically, master’s degrees require two years for full-time students. However, you may also opt for accelerated tracks, which only take 12-18 months to complete. A master’s in Business Administration, Management, Criminal Justice, and Liberal Arts can be achieved within a year. 

How Many Credits Is a Master’s Degree?

Mostly, a master’s degree requires a minimum of 30 credits to acquire your degree. Some degrees, such as those requiring extensive clinical practice, may demand up to 60 credit hours. Before jumping in, it’s best to check the credit requirements of your preferred program. 

Is a Master’s Much Harder Than a Bachelor’s?

A master’s degree is typically more demanding than a bachelor’s. In a master’s, classes focus on the intricacies surrounding only one field. This in-depth study makes it hard to understand and may require more time, effort, and attention. 

Conclusion

Once you’ve achieved a bachelor’s degree, you’ve achieved a huge milestone already. The next big step is searching for the easiest master’s degrees that complement your skills and dive right in to maximize your earning potential. Hopefully, this article provides you with the insider knowledge you need to make your decision, so good luck!