What Master’s Degree Can I Get With an Unrelated Bachelor’s?

Did you know that the average person will change careers 5-7 times over the course of their professional career?

Why do people change careers so often?

There are various reasons why people change careers: from wanting a more lucrative salary to looking for a more fulfilling job. But especially since the global pandemic, the professional landscape has evolved, and people have shifted their career focus and have sought out more flexible and fulfilling options.

The pandemic put things (both personal and professional) into perspective for many people, leading to people leaving their old jobs at an alarming rate. The “great resignation” has caused some people to consider switching to a career in a different field, and this can often result in the need to go back to school for a master’s degree.

A significant question that arises for career changers is, “can I get a master’s degree in a field unrelated to my bachelor’s degree?” The answer is yes! Choosing a career change in a field different from what you studied in your undergraduate years can help you bring a unique and fresh perspective to your desired field.

Steps to considering master's degrees for career changers:

With many available graduate degree programs for career changers, it can be hard to know which degree will be right for your newfound career goals, but it’s actually easier to narrow down your search than you think.

First, start by considering your interests and your long term career goals. And use your common sense! If you want to secure a career that is focused on helping people achieve long-term fitness goals, an MBA is probably not the right choice for you. But a master’s degree in some health- or sports-related field might be.
Next, be sure to think about your skills and interests beyond work too. If you have a desire to help others and increase community engagement, look for a career path that allows you to do so. If you are interested in increasing your technical skills, then research careers and programs that are related to STEM.

We’ve listed some of the most popular graduate degrees below so that you can see if your interests align and get started on your graduate journey today.

Master of Science in Data Marketing Communication

If you majored in English, business, or marketing, you might find value in a data-driven graduate degree that is focused on metrics, analytics, and storytelling — such as data marketing communications.

When working in data marketing communications, you’ll learn how to identify and present data to teams in an innovative, digestible way. You’ll also develop the skills needed to effectively communicate how to interpret data and how it should inform future business decisions.

The Master of Science in Data Marketing Communications at West Virginia University is the only program of its kind in the nation. In this truly cutting-edge graduate degree, you will learn how to utilize consumer data such as social media metrics, digital advertising results, and more to understand audience behavior and predict outcomes. You’ll learn how to craft integrated marketing strategies and campaigns that will increase your organization’s bottom line.

Master of Social Work

If you are fascinated by human behavior and have a background in a field like psychology, humanities, or criminal justice, you may be a good fit for a mission-oriented degree program like social work.

Social work is all about helping people. If you believe in the importance of improving social problems and helping people live more fulfilling lives, then you should consider earning a master’s degree in social work.

At West Virginia University, our Master of Social Work program trains you in advanced integrated practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities so that you can address social and human problems in any context. Through this degree, you’ll gain the necessary skills needed to make a real, tangible difference in society.

Master of Science in Public Health

If you studied health sciences or biology or are passionate about improving the health of individuals, communities, and society, you might be well-suited to a degree in public health.

The field of public health is an evidence-based, data-driven discipline that is focused on providing real-world solutions to complex health issues. And as an aspiring public health professional, you’re passionate about engaging with the data and research in order to identify and provide solutions for our communities’ public health needs.

West Virginia University’s Master of Science in Public Health program is organized around three core disciplines of public health:

Applied epidemiology and biostatistics
Public health practice and leadership
Social and behavioral sciences

This degree will give you a solid foundation in public health — you’ll receive hands-on experience in public health by working 180 contact hours in a public health-related agency or organization all while being mentored by expert faculty.

Master of Science in Athletic Training

If you’re a former athlete or if you’re interested in the science of human activity, you might enjoy the dynamic and competitive field of athletic training.

Athletic trainers are a valuable member of the sports medicine team, providing health care to individuals participating in all levels of sports. Athletic trainers are highly qualified and specialized health professionals who are trained in preventing, recognizing, managing, and rehabilitating injuries that result from physical activity.

West Virginia University’s Master of Science in Athletic Training is a two-year program and is accredited by the Commission Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). During this program you will be taught by nationally recognized faculty in state-of-the-art classrooms and research facilities.

Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration

If you’re interested in communications, management, and organizational change, then you might thrive in the field of higher education administration.

In this industry, you’ll have access to a wide variety of career opportunities where you can put your organizational and leadership skills to work, helping to shape academic departments and student experiences.

West Virginia University’s Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration equips you to apply all the theories you learn to real-world challenges. With this degree, you’ll enhance your research skills and ability to evaluate higher education systems and determine how to improve them.

Find the right graduate career changer program at WVU:

At WVU, we want to help you change careers seamlessly. That’s why we offer graduate degrees in many diverse fields and welcome you to apply to a master’s degree that is a different area of study from what you’ve studied before.

We have online, in-person, and hybrid formats available, making it easier than ever for you to prepare for a career change.

To learn more, we invite you to request more information, subscribe to our monthly podcast for tomorrow’s graduate students, or start your online application today.

We can’t wait to help you make your home at WVU!