Many employers are now requiring advanced degrees for specialized positions. And students are flocking to the online masters degree programs to meet that qualification. Smart prospective employees are getting their masters degrees to give them the edge in a very competitive market. Master’s degree programs have grown by 150%, twice the growth rate of bachelors and doctoral programs, as people respond to the need for a master’s degree to remain competitive in the employment market.

Online master’s degree education programs are making it possible for those already in the work force to obtain an advanced degree. Because you can do schoolwork from home on your own schedule, many people are able to take advantage this method of learning. Course work is generally available 24/7. Advanced technology allows e-mailing, streaming video, thread communication, and VOIP systems to improve the educational experience.

Internships for clinical experiences are usually arranged locally. A master’s degree can be obtained from a 100% online university or from a program that is partially online and partially campus-based.

Entrance into master’s degree programs for educators has increased 124%, for business it has increased 114%, and for Science degrees entrance has increased 92%. Entrance for engineering and social science has increased 81% and for the humanities the increase is 62%.

The University of Phoenix, which is the largest on-line school in the US, awarded 24,788 masters degrees in 2006. It awarded fewer bachelors degrees. Getting a master’s degree online only makes sense; you can continue to work while working toward a more advanced degree, increasing you career opportunities and potential earnings.