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In a previous article on ksl, the value of a graduate degree was discussed. It was mentioned that your chosen degree could greatly affect your ROI. It highlighted that the difference in mean monthly salary between a liberal arts master's degree and a master's degree in business is more than $3,000 per month.
While it's important with any graduate study to examine your investment, not everybody wants an MBA or law degree. While those degrees often are associated with high ROI, smaller, less-known programs can also pave the way for future success.
Here is a short list of four lesser-known graduate degrees that may be just what you, or someone you know, is looking for — keeping in mind that there are many other programs deserving of your time and money.
1. Art Education
The Master of Art Education Program is a two-year cohort graduate experience that offers varied experiences that are designed to help graduate students develop a deeper appreciation for art and culture both domestically and internationally. Students in the art education program develop both as artists and as teachers. They engage with teaching and curriculum development as well as hands-on studio work.
Just this year four graduate students had the opportunity to participate in field work that took them to Dharamshala in northern India to explore the cultural resilience of exiled Tibetan communities and culminated with the students being able to sit and discuss art, culture, and religion with the Dalai Llama. Experiences like this are helping the program and graduates of this program gain exposure in the world of art while also developing networking opportunities for gainful employment.
2. Computer Science
Take one look around and you'll quickly see that technology is booming, and tech jobs are on the rise, especially in Utah (Have you been to Lehi lately?). The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that computer science based jobs will grow 22 percent from 2012 to 2022.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to computer science. Check out this video showing how students are using computer science skills to help search and rescue departments find missing people.
Hands On: UAV Search & Rescue from CPMS Television on Vimeo.
3. Marriage and Family Therapy
Beginning in their first academic year, graduate students in the Marriage and Family Therapy program work directly with individuals, couples and families. This direct contact gives students an opportunity to gain real-life experience while helping families in need. The MFT program is COAMFTE accredited and has been ranked number one in research.
MFT is unique in that it uses a family-oriented perspective. Family behavior influences the individual so the treatment focus is on the relationships in which the person is imbedded.
4. Second Language Teaching Program (SLaT)
With its high population of returned missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Utah is home to many, many foreign language speakers. The unique SLaT program offered at BYU may just be perfect for those looking to use their language skills in a teaching role.
A letter released by Harvard indicates that from the years 2000 – 2011 dual immersion programs in U.S. schools grew from 260 to more than 2,000 programs. Along with the growth of dual immersion programs comes the need for qualified teachers who speak second languages and can teach those languages.
When it comes to investing in yourself, furthering your education is an unparalleled form of personal growth and future success. If you are interested in one of these four programs or any of the other 85 graduate programs offered at BYU, visit graduatestudies.byu.edu.
