The Best Master’s Degrees for Career Changers from UNE Online

In today’s fast-paced world, staying with your first employer until retirement is no longer the norm. Whether it’s to increase earning potential, shifting interests, or burnout in a previous career, people hold many different jobs throughout their professional lives. At the University of New England (UNE), we are committed to supporting adult learners and working professionals who find themselves in one of these situations. UNE Online has many master’s degrees specifically designed for career changers. 

Why More Adults Are Choosing to Change Careers

There are many reasons why you might be thinking of changing careers. Since the rise of remote work since Covid, many people are pivoting to roles that accommodate a fully remote schedule. The rising cost of living has caused many people to consider careers with increased pay opportunities. Or, you might just need a change of pace!

Whatever the reason, returning to school for a master’s degree is an excellent choice to assist with your career change. It can be challenging to learn a new trade or field on your own. That’s why UNE Online’s master’s degree programs are designed for working adults, with built-in faculty and advising support from day one.

What to Look for in a Career Change Program

There are many online programs out there in 2025. It can be hard to know where to begin, or how to determine which program is right for you. Some important things to consider:

• Flexibility: Does the program offer asynchronous learning and part-time options?
• Affordability: Does the program offer competitive tuition? What is the return on investment?
• Accreditation and outcomes: Is the program accredited? Are alumni of the program successful and doing things that I want to be doing?
• Real-world skill development: Will the program help you develop skills to become a more competitive candidate?

What Makes UNE’s Master’s Degrees ‘Career Change’ Friendly

Luckily, UNE Online’s master’s programs check all those boxes. Our programs have the following key features that make them great options for working adults:

• Flexibility: 100% online with the flexibility to complete your master’s from anywhere. No relocation required!
• Asynchronous: No live class times. You are free to complete your coursework when it is convenient for you. 
• Transfer credits: Don’t let your previous knowledge go to waste! Transfer up to 9 credits. 
• Practical application: Become a competitor in the job market with a degree in a growing field. 
• No specific bachelor’s requirement: As long as you have a bachelor’s, that’s great! No specific field requirements. 
• Dedicated support: Our advisors and program faculty are here to support you from day one!
• Multiple start dates: Begin in the fall, spring, or summer.
• Successful alumni: Check out what our alumni have been up to since graduating from UNE Online.

The Best Graduate Degrees for Career Change at UNE Online

UNE Online has many programs to support adults looking to change careers:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

• Drive success across industries with advanced business knowledge and leadership skills. 
• Ideal for people with a business or marketing background, but not required.
• Bonus tip: Three concentrations available in Healthcare Management, Sport Leadership & Management, and Supply Chain Management.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

• Serve communities, shift into counseling, therapy, or advocacy roles.
• Ideal for people coming from education, business, or healthcare backgrounds.
• Apply for the Traditional Pathway with a bachelor’s in any field.
• Bonus tip: Advanced Pathway available for students with a Bachelor’s in Social Work.

Master of Biomedical Science (MBS)

• For those shifting to the medicine or healthcare space, or health professionals looking to advance their credentials. 
• Ideal for those who have taken required courses Biology 1, Biology 2, Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2, and Organic Chemistry 1. Highly recommended courses: Biochemistry, Physics 1, Physics 2, and Organic Chemistry 2.
• Bonus tip: This program’s content helps prepare students for subject matter in exams such as the MCAT, GRE, DAT, and others, making our MBS program a great option for students who want to bolster their academic record for med school applications.

Master of Science in Applied Nutrition – Dietetics (MSAN-D)

• Successful graduates will receive a verification statement allowing them to sit for the Registered Dietitian (RDN) registration exam.
• Careers in wellness, coaching, and clinical nutrition.
• Great for those in education, athletics, healthcare, or personal training, but not required.
• Apply with a bachelor’s in any field.
• Bonus tip: Get ahead on your degree if you have already taken Applied Anatomy and Physiology, Applied Nutritional Biochemistry, and/or Applied Food Innovation.

Master of Public Health (MPH) 

• Move into public service, policy, nonprofit leadership, or healthcare operations.
• Ideal for educators, healthcare workers, and corporate professionals seeking impact.
• Bonus tip: We offer a Graduate Certificate in Public Health to get a feel for the program before fully committing to a master’s. This is a stackable graduate certificate.

Master of Science in Education (MSEd)

• For those already in education who want to shift into a more specialized role, such as Reading Specialist, Special Education, or Educational Leadership. 
• Especially useful for administrative professionals or support staff in schools.
• Bonus tip: For those not ready to commit to a master’s program, we offer a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS). Please note, this is not an administrator preparation program and does not necessarily lead to any licenses or endorsements on its own.
• Extra bonus tip: For those seeking a Maine Department of Education approved administrator preparation program, our Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Advanced Educational Leadership (CAGS-AEL) covers the course criteria for an 040 Building Administrator Preparation endorsement, as well as for an 010 Superintendent endorsement. 

Master of Science in Climate Change Leadership (MSCLL)

• For those shifting into a climate change focused career.
• Ideal for those with biology, ecology, or environmental science backgrounds.
• Bonus tip: Three concentrations available in Marine, Public Health or Sustainable Business.

Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Certificate Program (PBPH)

• For those wanting to shift to medicine or healthcare. 
• Ideal for those who did not fulfill medical school prerequisites in undergrad, but want to pursue med school or another health professional program. 
• Bonus tip: Customizable curriculum! Meaning you only need to take the courses you have yet to take. No retaking courses or transferring previous credits required. Take 18-30 credits to receive the certificate.
• Extra bonus tip: Eligible students may be awarded a committee letter at the successful completion of the program to assist with entry and acceptance into medical school.

Meet UNE Online: Built for Working Adults

At UNE Online, we are proud to support adult education. We know all too well the challenges of navigating career change as a working adult. With our state of the art faculty, advising, and career coaching, you will set yourself up for success here. 

But don’t take it from us. Take a look at our amazing alumni who have gone on to do incredible things.

Ready to Take the Leap?

Explore our programs, perfect for your career change. And when you’re ready, take a look at these 4 tips to make your application stand out. Step into your next career today!