If you’re a working adult thinking about grad school, you might be thinking: Am I going back to school to climb higher in my current field—or to take a leap into something new? Those are two very different goals and understanding the difference can help you choose the right program for you.
When Grad School is About a Career Change
Let’s be honest—sometimes the career you’ve been in over the years just isn’t what you want anymore. Maybe you’ve been in business but feel drawn to teaching, counseling or even healthcare. That’s where a graduate degree for career change should be explored.
These programs give you the foundation to expand into something new. For example, a Master of Social Work, Master’s in Counseling or MBA can open doors to new fields that were out of reach before because you didn’t have the background. These are some of the best master’s degrees for changing careers because they don’t just add skills—they give you credibility in a whole new space.
Of course, making a career shift by going to grad school may feel like “starting over,” but the payoff is stepping into something that actually excites you. That shift can be worth every bit of effort.
When Grad School is About Career Advancement
On the other hand, maybe you actually like your career—you just want to advance. That’s where a career advancement master’s degree comes in.
Say you’re a teacher ready to move into leadership. A Master’s in Educational Leadership could set you up for a principal or superintendent role. Or maybe you’re already in management and want to move into upper management. An MBA might be the perfect move. In these cases, you’re not reinventing yourself—you’re building momentum.
The big advantage here? You already know the field, the jargon and the culture. You’re not starting from scratch; you’re leveling up.
How to Decide
So which goal sounds more like you? Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Do I want to keep building on what I know, or am I ready for a clean slate?
- Which excites me more—mastering my craft or trying something brand new?
- What will make me look back in ten years and feel proud I took the leap?
Your gut reaction to those questions will help point you in the right direction.
A School That Gets It
Wherever you land—career change or career advancement—the right graduate program makes all the difference. Schools like Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) are built with working adults in mind. They offer flexible programs that serve both people looking to expand into something new and those who want to move further in their current field. If you’re trying to decide which path fits, NNU’s grad programs are worth a serious look.
At the end of the day, grad school isn’t just about the degree. It’s about reshaping your future—whether that means climbing higher in the career you’ve already built or stepping boldly into a related field or something completely new. Whatever your motivation, the investment in yourself will pay off in way more ways than just a job title.
