The Rarity of Holding Two Master’s Degrees: Insights and Implications
Master's degrees are highly valued in today's education landscape, offering specialized knowledge and advanced skills in specific fields. However, the question of how many individuals hold two master’s degrees is far more complex to answer than one might initially think. This article delves into the statistical rarity of holding such degrees, the reasons behind this, and the implications for career advancement.
Understanding the Rarity
According to the experiences of individuals like Sam Arora, who holds a dual degree in MSc Food Science from the University of Guelph and MSc Dairy Science from the University of Punjab NDRI, obtaining two master’s degrees is a highly personal and unique journey. Sam emphasizes that the pursuit of these degrees is often driven by a deep desire to expand knowledge and gain a broad understanding of different subject areas.
Sam shares that his Indian degree in Dairy Science provided foundational knowledge and theoretical understanding, while his Canadian degree in Food Science taught practical applications. This combination of knowledge is valuable but also requires a significant amount of time and dedication. The time spent is often extensive: for instance, an engineering MSc typically takes 3 years, a PhD takes 5 years, and an MBA takes 3 years, making a total of 11 years for two master’s degrees. This long duration is a deterrent for many.
Statistical Insights
According to data, around 13% of people in the United States have "advanced" degrees, which could mean a master's, PhD, or professional degrees such as an MD or JD. This suggests that about 1.7% of the population has two advanced degrees. However, the most common combinations are typically a master’s degree and a PhD, as seen in fields like mechanical and electrical engineering. Two master’s degrees in different fields, for example, a master’s in Math and Computer Science, are less common and may only apply to a small fraction of the population.
The Journey and Its Benefits
Sam's journey, which included a change from Mathematics to Computer Science, highlights the flexibility and often the serendipity involved in acquiring multiple master’s degrees. He switched fields due to personal dissatisfaction with the academic environment. This transition allowed Sam to align his education with his professional aspirations, leading to a career where both mathematical and computational skills were valued.
Acquiring two master’s degrees can be a rewarding journey, broadening one's skill set and increasing career opportunities. However, it is a decision that requires careful consideration of time, effort, and financial commitment. Individuals who pursue this path often do so because they wish to excel in their chosen fields and contribute meaningfully to them.
Conclusion
The rarity of holding two master’s degrees is due to the significant time and effort required for each degree, and the often shorter duration of professional degrees like an MBA. For those who achieve this, the skills and knowledge gained can be incredibly valuable, opening doors to advanced career opportunities. Whether by design or as a fortunate turn of events, individuals with two master’s degrees stand out in the academic and professional world for their depth of knowledge and versatility.