Getting a Master’s Degree in a Different Field Than Your Bachelor’s: 10 Degrees to Consider
For many, a graduate degree is a natural extension of undergraduate studies—it may even be required in your field. Or maybe you want to make a career change. But what if your undergrad major and your current interests don’t align? Can you get a master’s in any area you want?
The truth is, you can pursue a master’s degree in anything as long as you’ve met the admissions requirements. In fact, many graduate schools offer flexibility to help students from different educational backgrounds enroll in their program of interest.
We curated a list of graduate degrees that complement a variety of undergraduate degrees. Consider these if you’re interested in getting a master’s in a different field than your undergraduate major.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Trying to climb the corporate ladder? An MBA is the most widely recognized graduate degree for managerial positions or above. MBA programs generally care more about your ambition, skills and professional goals than your undergraduate major, so don’t sweat it if you don’t have any business school experience.
- Work in a business-related field, in management or want to start a business
- Master business fundamentals, management and technical skills
- Gain a deeper knowledge of a specific business discipline, such as accounting or business analytics
MBAs are a good choice for those interested in entrepreneurship, marketing, human resources, research and development, IT and more.
There are many reasons to get your MBA from Sacred Heart University, which was ranked by the 2023 Princeton Review as a Best Business School and U.S. News & World Report Best Part-Time MBA. SHU’s MBA is offered in-person or fully online. The Jack Welch College of Business & Technology is accredited by the AACSB International–among less than 5% of schools worldwide–and the curriculum focuses on both the managerial and technical aspects of the business so you’ll be effectively prepared for the 21st-century career landscape.
Master of Public Health (MPH)
From protecting the water we drink to tracking disease outbreaks to educating communities about proper nutrition, public health works to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.
- Are interested in a career in government, health care or social services
- Want to promote a healthy environment locally and globally
- Want to reduce disparity and improve the quality of life for the marginalized in our society
MPH grads work in a wide range of environments, from hospitals to consulting firms and may hold positions such as public health educator, biostatistician, epidemiologist or environmental health engineer.
Our 42-credit-hour MPH program is fueled by our mission of inclusion and social justice, to facilitate good health for all. You’ll learn alongside experienced public health practitioners and researchers in a variety of hands-on settings, whether you opt for full-time, part-time, on campus or hybrid learning. The SHU MPH program is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
MA in Strategic Communications & Public Relations (SCPR)
Got a way with words? Know the art of persuasion? A master’s degree in strategic communications & public relations (SCPR) will prepare you to communicate ethically and effectively across media platforms. Whether it’s crafting the perfect Instagram caption, responding to a crisis or learning how to reach your audience, SCPR graduates know what it takes to solve some of the most pressing communication issues facing organizations today.
- Want to work in marketing, public relations or organizational communications
- Want to gain hands-on, tangible experience in project management, research and writing
- Want to enhance your research and presenting skills
A master’s in SCPR equips you with in-demand skills and opens the door to a host of career possibilities across many different industries, including marketing, public relations, media, health care and nonprofits.
With the guidance of award-winning scholars and media professionals, SHU SCPR students build the advanced skills and authority needed for career advancement. Pair theory and practice in a master’s program that provides essential communication knowledge and experience.
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Public administration is an incredibly broad discipline that covers a wide range of responsibilities and functions. Considered the MBA for individuals in the public sector, the MPA prepares you for leadership in local, state and federal government, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and nonprofits.
- Are interested in a career as a public servant
- Want to help implement strategies, troubleshoot problems and effect positive change
- Are motivated by the intangible value of bettering society more than financial gain
From developing and implementing public policy to managing and strategizing for nonprofit organizations, public administrators work on high-level projects that impact the day-to-day lives of the people in federal, state and local government, social and community services and public safety.
Sacred Heart University offers a fully online MPA program with coursework tailored to students' interests based on concentration area—criminal justice, emergency management, nonprofit management or a self-designed concentration.
MS in Business Analytics & Applied AI (MSBAAI)
Business analysts use data to draw meaningful conclusions, solve problems and predict solutions. Though there’s no specific degree required for business analysts, a master’s degree in business analytics offers the skills and programming languages you need to succeed.
- Want to focus on finding trends in data and developing ways to leverage that information for growth
- Would like to learn coding languages, like Python, and strengthen your skills in math and statistics, data mining and visualization
- Are interested in studying probability theory, statistical analysis, numerical methods and computation and simulation methods
Job opportunities abound in this field, including work as an analytics manager, data analyst or scientist or functional analyst.
At Sacred Heart, the MS in Business Analytics & Applied AI is specifically designed for working professionals. Classes are fully online or hybrid–with online classes and select in-person classes on Saturdays. In the program, you’ll learn the iterative, methodical process of exploring an organization’s data, with an emphasis on statistical analysis. With cutting-edge training in data management and a curriculum grounded in rigorous analytics and applied techniques, you’ll graduate prepared for a wide range of careers.
MS in Digital Marketing
Digital marketing and advertising are key growth drivers for companies big and small. An MS in Digital Marketing program will help you learn how to make data-driven marketing decisions, create targeted content and develop new and advanced skills in analytics, strategy and research.
- Want to break into marketing or advance to the senior level
- Would like to finesse your knowledge of branding, data analysis, consumer behavior, lead generation and more
- Are interested in becoming a better, more strategic marketer
Digital marketing careers vary and you can use your skills as a social media manager, SEO strategist, UX designer and more.
With a Master of Science in Digital Marketing from SHU, you’ll learn the latest in digital marketing techniques and apply them through high-profile, hands-on projects for real companies. You’ll benefit from a flexible schedule with multiple start dates throughout the year, and you can complete your degree in as little as 15 months.
MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (I/O Psych)
Industrial/Organizational Psychology is the study of human behavior in the workplace with the goal of implementing meaningful measures to improve professional satisfaction, increase productivity and promote an overall better quality of life for all individuals in the workplace.
- Would like to help companies keep their employees happier and healthier
- Want to use psychological principles to increase efficiency and employee satisfaction
- Are interested in a career in academia, the federal government, consulting or private organizations
Like working with people, are interested in creating well-researched human resources strategy and want to make a difference in workforce culture
I/O psychology is of use in many careers, including talent management specialist, organizational development consultant and training and development specialist.
The unique cohort model in Sacred Heart University’s Master’s in I/O Psychology program makes it possible for you to complete the full master’s degree in one calendar year. You’ll graduate prepared to apply your advanced knowledge to a career in business, research, academics and more.
MS in Human Resource Management (MSHRM)
Strategic professionals in HR are focused on the goals of an organization and how they can contribute to overall business goals through data-driven decision-making. Companies want to foster healthy, people-centered work environments for a motivated staff—an MS in Human Resource Management (MSHRM) gives you the expertise to do it.
- Would like to use metrics and finance to develop critical thinking and creatively tackle diverse challenges
- Want to manage the flow of a workforce and ensure that recruitment, retention and training align with major objectives
- Are interested in examining and understanding the needs of global organizations
A master’s degree in HRM sets you apart from other job candidates and can lead to a career as a human resources manager, talent resource acquisition manager or human capital strategic consultant, among many careers.
With an excellent track record of post-graduation job placement, the Master’s in Human Resource Management degree at SHU stands out among other HR grad programs as a leading option for students who desire a degree that offers them a tangible and immediate ROI.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
While some social workers do enter the field through a bachelor’s degree in social work, most Master of Social Work (MSW) programs accept applicants with undergraduate degrees in a wide variety of fields. The MSW will help you develop the skills necessary to engage, assess, intervene and evaluate practice in work with individuals, families, groups and communities.
- Already work in social work and want to specialize in a certain field, or want to join the helping profession of social work
- Want to effect meaningful and productive social change in communities by collaborating with marginalized populations
- Want a career with job security—there will always be communities in need of resources and advocates
Some potential career paths with an MSW include careers in mental health, the military, medicine, schools and geriatric settings.
At SHU, you’ll join the thriving, dedicated School of Social Work and be prepared for leadership roles in generalist and specialized practice. With an MSW from SHU, you’ll explore human behavior in the social environment, social work generalist practice, social welfare policy, social work research, human diversity and social justice through direct clinical or direct community practice and field education. Through the School of Social Work, you will gain hands-on experience through dynamic workshops, events and clinical work while learning from accomplished social work professionals.
The School of Social Work also offers an online Ph.D. in Social Work.
MS in Computer Science & Information Technology (MSCSIT)
Technology is constantly and quickly changing, driving the need for experts with advanced skills related to IT, computer science and cybersecurity. While you can get some entry-level computer science and information technology positions with just a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree is the key to increased job opportunities and earnings.
- Want to learn to use the latest software and technology, including machine learning, deep learning, data communications, network security, Java, C++, Python, “R” and more
- Are looking for a degree that will give you a quick return on your investment
- Aspire to work at a big tech company like Google or Meta and want a competitive edge over other candidates
Career options available include cloud architect, software applications developer, database administrator and software engineer.
Courses in the Computer Science & Information Technology master’s program at Sacred Heart’s Welch College of Business & Technology offer you the latest in computer systems, classrooms, laboratories and multimedia equipment, and access to highly sought internships with our many corporate connections.
Ready to Learn More?
Want to get more information about graduate programs at Sacred Heart? Talk to our team of graduate admissions counselors, each of whom specializes in specific programs. Have a one-on-one conversation with one of our counselors to get all your questions answered either virtually or in person. Email gradstudies@sacredheart.edu, call 203-365-7619 or schedule an appointment today.