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WGU ALUMNI

Continue at WGU with a Master's Degree

Start Your Master’s Degree in Five Simple Steps

WGU hopes you've enjoyed undergraduate experience! The WGU staff is blessed to work with wonderful Night Owls like you and they're continually impressed by the determination and grit of students even in the midst of challenges. You've come so far—now what's your next step? Have you thought about pursuing a master's degree from WGU? If so, the university makes it simple.

Here's how it works. Since you’ve already completed a bachelor’s degree at WGU, it’s easy to continue your education here. As a continuing grad, you receive Elite Applicant status and access to exclusive scholarships. To get started, follow these steps.

  1. Decide on a degree.
  2. Enter the student portal.
  3. Complete your returning grad application.
  4. Apply for scholarships like the Alumni Master’s Scholarship.
  5. Begin your master’s program, gain skills, and increase your earning power.

Why Continue at WGU?

Maintain Momentum

You’ve earned a bachelor’s degree. You know how a WGU degree fits into your life, so why not keep going? Continue on and earn your master’s at WGU in as few as 12 to 18 months.

Progress Your Career

On average, advanced degree holders make $17,000 more than those with just a bachelor’s. For a small investment, you can earn your master’s degree at WGU and see big returns.

Enjoy Priority Enrollment

As a student with a bachelor's degree from WGU, you'll be an Elite Applicant for a master's degree. It means you can enroll more quickly and apply for an alumni-only scholarship. Visit your student portal to get started.

Join Your Peers and Earn a Master's Degree

In 2020, nearly 5,000 WGU undergraduates continued their education and registered for a master's program. That's almost one in five grads. Join them and start your master's degree by exploring options in your desired college. 

4,977

The number of WGU undergraduate students in 2020 who continued and registered for a master’s program.

18%

The percentage of WGU undergraduates in 2020 who continued and registered for a master’s program.

12-18

The average time to complete a master’s at WGU is 12-18 months. Increase your earning power in a year depending on the program.

Ready to Continue at WGU?

You know what a WGU degree can do for your career and your life. Another degree could be the crucial next step you need to take. You've seen how WGU fits inside your life, so there's no better time than today to get started at WGU—again! We would love to have you return to WGU and continue your education. Don't wait any longer! Schedule an appointment with a continuing grad specialist to learn about the next steps, today.

Talk to Our School of Business

Talk to Leavitt School of Health

Talk to Our School of Education

Talk to Our School of Technology

Returning Grads Enjoy VIP Benefits

You've learned how easy it is to fit a WGU degree program into your life, so keep going! As a returning student, you'll receive a number of perks. If you're ready, we'd love to welcome you back to WGU to pursue a master's degree. Click here to learn more about returning to WGU.

Elite Applicant Status

Your application for admission is much shorter than the standard application, and it will automatically be moved to the front of the line for consideration.

Exclusive Scholarship Opportunities

Returning grads are eligible to apply for the exclusive Alumni Master's Degree Scholarship, valued at up to $2,500.

New Student Scholarship Eligibility

Returning WGU graduates are also eligible to apply for the scholarship opportunities available to new students.

What Careers Can You Pursue with a Master's Degree?

A master’s degree can qualify you for higher paying jobs within your field. Across all industries, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that those with a master’s degree make over 15% more than those with a bachelor’s alone. That number can vary dramatically depending on the industry. For instance, some data shows those with an MBA make 77% more than those with a bachelor’s degree.

Business Careers

A master's degree in business will prepare you for many potential leadership positions. You may qualify for C-level roles such as:

  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Executive Director
  • International Business Development
  • Operations Director
  • Chief Strategic Officer
  • President
  • Vice President
  • Owner

Teaching Careers

A master's degree in education could qualify you for greater compensation and opportunity as a teacher. It may also prepare you for roles such as:

  • School Principal
  • Area Superintendent
  • Curriculum Director
  • Board of Education Member
  • Chief Learning Officer
  • Distance Education Administrator
  • Training and Development Specialist
  • Learning Experience Designer

Health Careers

An advanced healthcare degree prepares you to offer better patient care and become a leader. You could qualify you for roles such as: 

  • Chief Nursing Officer
  • Head Nurse
  • Chief Nursing Informatics Officer
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Clinical Nurse Educator
  • VP of Nursing
  • Healthcare Quality Director
  • Nursing Home Manager
  • Hospital CEO

IT Careers

A master's degree in IT will prepare you to lead out in the fields of information systems, cybersecurity, or data analytics. You may qualify for roles such as:

  • IT Director
  • CIO
  • Data Scientist
  • Information Security Manager
  • Computer Systems Manager
  • Information Systems Manager
  • Analytics Manager
  • Risk Manager

Explore Master's Degree Programs at WGU

We offer degree programs in four in-demand fields. See what else is available.