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The purpose of a master's degree is to continue enhancing one's skills in the tasks essential to a profession through a combination of study and experience. Beyond this goal, the master's degree candidate might also investigate, develop, implement and test new techniques, as well as learn managerial skills.

Requirements necessary to obtain a post-graduate degree and the programs that administer them vary widely; however virtually all share certain essential elements, including a minimum number of semester hours devoted to the area of specialization; satisfactory completion of a thesis or project; a minimum number of hours spent in an internship; and a full-time commitment of approximately two years.

Among the master's degrees awarded by most universities:

Master of Arts (MA) (See: Online Arts & Design Master Degrees)
A basic degree awarded for successful completion of course and research work in the humanities.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Specialty degree awarded for successful completion of advanced studies in business topics.

Master of Science (MS)
Basic degree, awarded for successful completion of course and research work in one of the sciences.

Master of Education (MEd)
Specialty degree awarded for successful completion of advanced studies in the field of education.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Advanced specialty degree awarded for successful completion of study in nursing.

Master of Information Technology (MIT)
Specialty degree awarded for successful completion of advanced studies in computer science topics such as programming, project management and software engineering.

Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Specialty degree awarded for successful completion of interdisciplinary studies relating to public policy and management.