How does my major work toward a master's degree?

As the name implies, a master's degree means that you have MASTERED a specific idea or topic. Before you can master something, you must first have a base. The bachelor's degree is that base and the associate degree makes up half of that base. A master's degree is made up of approximately 30 - 60 credits beyond the bachelor's degree. This number varies according to the specific topic of study.

Certain master's degree programs require a bachelor's degree in a specific area of study as prerequisite to admission. There are, however, master's degree programs that do not have such prerequisite requirements.  This will depend on the college or university that offers the intended program of study.