A
master's degree, or
masters degree in British English (from
Latin magister), is an
academic degree awarded by universities upon completion of a course of study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific
field of study or area of
professional practice. Within the area studied, graduates are posited to possess advanced knowledge of a specialized body of
theoretical and applied topics; high order skills in
analysis,
critical evaluation, or professional application; and the ability to
solve complex problems and think
rigorously and independently. The master's degree may qualify the holder to teach at a college or university in certain disciplines.