There are a two types of Master’s degree programs:

1. Coursework Master’s degree
   1. Degree requirements: 9-12 courses, typically with certain distribution of requirements (e.g., math courses, depth courses in your specialized area, etc.)
   2. It typically takes 1.5 years
   3. Can sometimes be done part-time through online programs
2. Research Master’s degree
   1. Requirements: 6-8 courses plus multi-semester research project
   2. Typically takes 1.5-2 years

If you want to spend more time doing research (e.g., to train to become a research scientist or professor), you can complete a doctoral degree:

3. PhD (doctoral) degree
   1. Typical requirements: equivalent of coursework master’s, plus additional courses, qualifying exam, long research dissertation (100-250 pages), thesis defense
   2. Typically takes 4-6 years