Graduate Degree Benefits
Why Earn a Master degree?
The MS degree will provide employment flexibility and the ability to rapidly move up in a company. In addition the degree is a good financial investment that will be beneficial in the long run.
Estimated cost to attend CSUF MS program is ~$7,000/year as a full-time student. The estimated time to complete the program is ~3 years, which would cost ~$21,000. Based on average salary data the $21,000 dollar cost for the degree would be earned back in a little over 1 year.
Starting Salaries for Chemist
| Degree | Amount |
| Bachelors | $40,000 |
| Masters | $52,000 |
| PhD | $62,900 |
Source: Chemical & Engineering News Vol. 92, Issue 26, pp. 27-29, June 29, 2015
Average Salary for Chemist by Degree
| Degree | Industry | Academia |
| Bachelors | $75,000 | $44,000 |
| Masters | $92,000 | $58,000 |
| PhD | $126,000 | $76,900 |
Source: Chemical & Engineering News Vol. 92, Issue 35, pp.68-71, Sept. 1, 2014
