Considering a Graduate Degree? | Lipscomb University

Explore answers to common questions and learn how a graduate degree can help you achieve your academic and professional goals.

Deciding to pursue a graduate degree is a significant step that comes with many questions. Whether you're contemplating furthering your education to advance your career, deepen your knowledge in a specific field or explore new professional opportunities, it's natural to have questions about the process, benefits and challenges. At Lipscomb University, our dedicated graduate recruiters are here to support you and provide the guidance and resources you need to make an informed decision. We understand the complexities of choosing whether to pursue a graduate education, especially if you're considering a new career path, and are committed to helping you navigate every step of your journey.

When is a good time to begin a master's degree?

Anytime

Seriously. There’s no time like the present! There will likely never be a “perfect” time. You may be in a very busy season of life right now, but don’t assume that things will get easier or that you will have more time down the road. By starting your graduate journey now, you will have more time to reap the benefits of this investment in yourself and your career.

Flexibility

Most graduate programs today offer flexible options for working students with evening classes and online/hybrid classes to make learning more accessible to your schedule. It will probably demand 15-20 hours a week, so you may have to miss out on that late-night movie with friends once in a while or start getting up even earlier in the morning. But a graduate program is just for a season, and you can persevere if you really want to accomplish this goal.

Season of Life

If you are in a season of starting a family, caring for young children or helping aging parents, it may be more challenging to schedule time for classes and studies. In these seasons of significant family obligations, waiting might be wisest, or take it slow and start with one class at a time if you can.

Financial Concerns

If financial concerns are influencing you to put off a master’s degree, there are options to help you afford a graduate degree. Even if you must take out loans, consider this a worthwhile financial investment that will pay off in life-expanding dividends. Do your research and ask plenty of questions of the university and your workplace about all the scholarships, grants and employee tuition assistance for which you are eligible. You can also contact our graduate recruiters with any questions—they are here to help guide you through the financial resources and opportunities available to you.

How many years does it take to complete a graduate degree?

It depends on many factors:

Your financial situation.
The time you can realistically devote to it.
- Plan on a minimum of two to three years for most master’s degrees on a full-time, nine-credit-hour-per-semester basis. However, some programs at Lipscomb can be completed in as little as nine months.
- If your schedule allows you only to take one class at a time, know what you can commit to and pace yourself.

How do I choose a graduate/master's degree?

Choosing a graduate program requires some self-reflection. Ask yourself these questions:

What are you most interested in?
What do you get excited about and motivated to learn?
What disciplines did you enjoy most in your undergraduate program?
Where do you envision yourself professionally?
Do you have a passion for learning a subject and to share knowledge with others, especially the next generation? You might investigate the field of education.
Do you have an interest in business and organizations that contribute to the local, national and global economy? You might want to pursue a master’s degree in business.
Are you intrigued by serving others through health care? Then you might be interested in a master’s degree in cardiovascular perfusion or physician assistant studies or a Doctor of Pharmacy.
Are you a gifted listener, caring about people on a personal basis, and want to understand and help them navigate life’s challenges? You might be suited for a career in counseling.
Are you passionate about spiritual formation and theology? You may be called to pursue a Master of Divinity or a Doctor of Ministry.

How do I know if a graduate certificate, master’s degree or doctoral program is the right fit?

Some jobs require a master’s degree, but even if they don’t, having or working toward a graduate degree will help you stand out, give you an advantage when applying for internships or jobs, and help you advance further within your organization.

Some companies will even encourage their employees to advance their education by providing tuition reimbursement programs to alleviate the cost while developing the skills of their employees in a way that benefits the goals of the organization.

Why pursue a graduate degree at Lipscomb University?

As one of the fastest-growing private doctoral universities in the nation located in the thriving city of Nashville, Lipscomb University is committed to the holistic growth and development of global-minded individuals who work to impact their communities around the world with innovation, curiosity and faith. Lipscomb continuously seeks to meet workforce needs in the local community and across the U.S. In fact, Lipscomb is one of the largest resources in middle Tennessee for post-baccalaureate education.

Discover why a graduate degree from Lipscomb University is more than an education—it’s a transformational journey that empowers you to lead with faith, knowledge and purpose.

Why Choose Lipscomb