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Once you’ve obtained that undergrad degree, the next question that pops up is, “Do I need to get my Masters?” For those in the Communications field, this isn’t a straight-forward answer. Whether or not you really need another diploma all depends on what you want to do, where you want to work, and if you think it’s really worth it. The answer will be different for each person and may even change as you hone in on what your career path will look like. A Masters in Communications can be an added benefit that helps set you apart from the crowd, or it can actually hold you back.

Here are some of the pros and cons for getting a Masters In Communications:

Con: The Cost

It’s no surprise that pursuing your Masters in Communications is expensive. In some schools it can cost upwards of over $1,000 per credit. For example, to earn your degree at Syracuse University would cost you $1,818 per credit with 33 credits required to graduate. If you were to take out loans to pay for your degree, you’d also be paying interest on top of this.

Pro: Learn New Skills

In going back to school, you’ll have an opportunity to take courses that focus more on the Communications field and acquire skills that can be directly applied to a job. Some colleges offer specialties such as public relations, advertising, new media, and journalism. If you already have a definite career path mapped out, you can choose to learn more about the industry, what software is being used, and trends that may affect the way you work.

Con: Not Always Necessary

The problem with a Masters in Communication is that some jobs require the degree and others do not. It all depends on the company and how far up you want to move on the corporate ladder. For example, entry-level jobs may not require a Masters degree, but if you want to become an executive, you may need one. Also, not all specialties are applicable to a career. A Masters in Creative Writing is rarely, if ever, found on a job listing.

Pro: Establish Connections

In getting your Masters, you have an opportunity to learn from other professionals in the field and have the chance to network with people who could help you get a job once you’ve finished your degree. Internship opportunities with publishing houses, newspapers, or commmunications companies that are often part of the required curriculum can help open doors and create connections you otherwise wouldn’t have access to. It always helps to “know a guy” (or woman) who can serve as your mentor and help you get started in your new career. It also allows you the change to start building up your portfolio with these new connections so you’ll have something to show future employers.

Con: Time Consuming

Usually it takes two years to earn a Masters degree in Communications, but if you already have a job, a family, or other commitments, it can take even longer.The average is about three to four years. The job you want, or the promotion you may qualify for once you have your degree will have to wait until you’ve graduated and that will take time. There are other options like getting a certificate in a given specialty or taking continuing education courses if you’re looking to improve on a specific skill or learn something new. They’re much faster and more affordable, than a Masters degree.

Pro: Be An Expert   

By getting your Masters in Communication, you set yourself apart from the crowd as an expert in your field. In doing so, you can qualify for higher paying jobs and promotional opportunities (which will come in handy when those student loans need to be paid off). Especially if you focus your Masters on a specialty that can be applied to business practices and strategies, you’ll become an asset to your company. For example, Columbia University offers a degree in Strategic Communications, designed for business professionals. Other specialities, like public relations or marketing, can be applied to a number of different fields from nonprofit organizations to for-profit corporations.

Before you make the decision to apply for your Masters, it’s important to take a look at the jobs you want. Go through their job descriptions and education requirements to see how often a Masters in Communications is needed. Even if it’s not, you’ll need to be able to complete all the tasks assigned to the position. If there’s still more you need to learn, a Masters degree may be needed anyway. It all depends on what you want to do and where you want to work. See what works best for you