# Getting a masters degree

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-a-masters-degree/190368>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [July 23, 2003, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-a-masters-degree/190368 "2003-07-23T13:51:30Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![MC\_Master\_of\_Ceremonies](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/bb73d2/32.png) [@MC\_Master\_of\_Ceremonies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MC_Master_of_Ceremonies)\
**Post date:** [July 24, 2003, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-a-masters-degree/190368/21 "2003-07-24T16:23:27Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by msmith537 \*  
> \*\*This is not necessarily correct.  
> Check with whatever school you are applying to. A Masters program is generally 2-3 years. If you are applying for a Masters in the same field as your undergrad degree at the same school, it may only be another year.
> 
> I think it depends on what you study as an undergrad. Law and Business, it doesn’t matter really but if you have a BS in Literature, you may not be able to get into a Masters in Mathmatics or Engineering program without additional coursework. \*\*

That’s only my peronal experince and that’s in the UK.

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**Author:** ![Stonebow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Stonebow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stonebow)\
**Post date:** [July 24, 2003, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-a-masters-degree/190368/22 "2003-07-24T16:35:51Z")

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Here’s my experience:  
I graduated from UPenn with a degree in English (Medieval/Renaissance Lit). I have begun the MBA (Masters in business administration) program at Arkansas State University.

To be in the program, I had to take several ‘fast-track’ classes that covered the basics of undergrad business (macro/ micro econ, accounting, stat, management, marketting) and then begin my graduate coursework. this may be a unique feature of this program, but I am inclined to think that many vocation-oriented masters’ programs offer ‘fast-track’ coursework for people with little undergrad credit in the field.

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