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How to Choose the Right Master’s Program in Connecticut

Connecticut is home to 3.6 million Americans who have caught on to the secret magic of the state. Connecticut offers the opportunity for an active lifestyle, access to great healthcare, job prospects, the potential for economic prosperity, and ultimately, happiness. Connecticut boasts beautiful natural landscapes, including both woods to wander and oceans to swim, and provides locals and tourists alike ample access to culture, dining, and shopping. Public schools in Connecticut are second in the nation, and the state has low and shrinking crime rates.

It’s easy to see how Connecticut is a great place to go to school, work, and live. The state is nestled between the Northeast’s mega-metropolis of New York City and the crisp academic air of Boston, yet those who call CT home benefit from 14-48% lower cost of living than their NYC or Boston counterparts. Travelers to these exciting destinations can choose from multiple routes of public train or bus transportation, not to mention an international airport, ranked 7th best small airport by USA Today.

We haven’t even gotten into the career and education outlook for CT residents. Considering a master’s program in Connecticut is a fantastic way to build an interesting and fulfilling journey for yourself and your family. If you love this state already or are hoping to move and take advantage of all it has to offer, you’ll find our how-to guide for choosing the right master’s degree program illuminating.

Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Connecticut

So, you’ve already earned your bachelor’s degree, but you’re not sure what’s next for your career. You are not alone. In December 2021, the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Statistics found that the unemployment rate of recent graduates was higher than the average unemployment rate of all workers. Continuing your education journey while working or pursuing work is an incredible way to get ahead. So, what should you consider?

A flexible master’s program that offers online and hybrid instruction means that you can study and take classes at times that work for your schedule. The hardest question is, what discipline will you pivot towards? Goodwin University offers master’s programs toward four career routes. Here’s why becoming a leader in business, education, nursing, or public health could be the best choice of your life!

Goodwin’s Master’s Programs in Connecticut

First of all, you’re likely eligible for one of Goodwin University’s career-focused master’s degree programs with almost any type of bachelor’s degree. That means you can seriously consider one of these great master’s degree programs in CT:

A prerequisite for these programs is that you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You’ll also need to have achieved a GPA of at least 3.0 for best admission consideration for all programs except for the MPH. Master of Science in Nursing candidates must have an active registered nurse (RN) license, in addition to at least two years working in an RN role, but your work experience can be from other sectors for most of these master’s degree programs.

Goodwin University’s program curriculum is designed to put your professional growth first. Practical lessons mean that you can apply new strategies to your job and current endeavors as you build towards a more advanced position. There are so many directions to go in your career as a public health leader, an advanced practice nurse practitioner, a business executive, or a leader in education.

If Connecticut is such a great place to live and work, why spend more time in the classroom or commuting than you have to? Goodwin University’s master’s programs are all offered at least partially online, and the in-person or synchronous hours are dedicated judiciously to lessons that truly must be learned in a face-to-face format, such as clinical training or implementation of a capstone project. For example, programs can be completed within the following timeframes:

  • MSOL – 20 months, part-time and either fully online or in a hybrid format including online and on-campus classes
  • FNP – 27 months while studying year-round, and fully online besides orientation, two immersion weekends, and 600 hours of hands-on clinical experience
  • PHMNP – 7 semesters part-time and fully online, besides two immersion weekends, 600 hours of clinical training, and an active capstone
  • M.Ed. – 15 months, part-time, and available online and live in the classroom. Both asynchronous and independent lessons are offered.
  • MSN – 20 months, part-time and fully online, besides a 90-hour fieldwork capstone project
  • MPH – 12 to 15 months in an accelerated format, completely online, and offered in full or part-time formats

As you can see, these programs are designed to get you exercising your skills and get you working fast. We make sure you’re never wasting your time or your money. For students who decide to attend classes in person, Goodwin’s grounds are conveniently located in East Hartford both for commuters and people living in our on-campus residences. Whether you walk or commute, most students would agree that when you’re not tied to a classroom full-time, you’ll have more time to explore all the wonderful sites, flavors, and experiences of CT.

Salary Potential: a Great Reason to Consider a Master’s Degree in CT

While it is arguably not the most important component of living well, earning a good salary can help keep you and your family comfortable. Simply put, people with a master’s degree earn more than those with less education or professional experience.

For example, one of the top ways teachers in CT can increase their salary is by earning a master’s degree. In Connecticut, nurse practitioners (qualified with a master’s degree) can earn between $114,530 and $120,470 annually. Compare that to the salary that registered nurses (with their associate/bachelor’s degrees) make, at $82,660 to $124,000 annually. In business, the benefits of advanced education are also clear. Graduate business degree holders in CT make on average, $77,864 annually, but can make up to $100,416. This is compared to business administration workers in CT, who average $56,292 annually.

Speaking of getting a job, we’re proud to share that Goodwin University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Our programs are also programmatically accredited by appropriate and relevant boards. It is important that the institution where you hang your master’s degree hat and associated licenses (if applicable) is accredited, because it demonstrates that your education is held to the highest industry standard, making you a most attractive hiring prospect.

Want to learn more about the master’s degree programs you can choose from at Goodwin University? Visit us online, where you can request more information, get in touch with an admissions representative, sign up for a tour, or speak with someone to have all your questions answered and find the perfect master’s program for you.