Bachelor’s vs Master’s Degree Explained

Like each person’s spiritual journey, each person’s academic journey is unique. Some finish their studies the first chance they get and jump headfirst into the workforce, while others pursue further study.

There is no single correct path, so it’s important to understand what each level of education offers in terms of your career and personal life, and the costs, time, and requirements of each.

What is a Bachelor’s Degree?

Here are the key differences between deciding between a bachelor’s or a master’s degree.

What does a Bachelor’s Involve?

Think of the different stages of education as a funnel. It starts wide, exposing you to many different subjects — like the wide variety of classes in high school. Undergraduate study starts wide too. You explore a broad range of disciplines and ideas, and focus your studies as you progress.

“Dr. Osborn’s openness in the classroom showed me that I was capable of so much more than I had first believed, and I not only consider it to be one of my favorite moments here at CU, but also a defining moment in my life.” — Cornerstone Strategic Communications Undergraduate

Cornerstone offers undergraduate bachelor’s degrees in the following areas:

• Business
• Education
• Healthcare
• Ministry
• Science

Explore All Undergraduate Degrees at Cornerstone University

Today, there are many ways to study. You don’t have to live on campus, or even leave your home to achieve a college degree.

At Cornerstone University, we provide three ways to obtain Christ-centered education:

On-campus: Completing an on-campus degree gives you the traditional American college experience. Learning takes place on our beautiful campus in Grand Rapids, MI, alongside other ambitious Christ-centered students. On-campus learning provides all the perks of college life such as sports, music, worship, and service events.

Online: Online degrees allow people to enroll at Cornerstone University regardless of their location and receive a world-class Christian higher education. Online learning also makes it possible to study while maintaining other responsibilities, such as work and raising a family.

Cornerstone Stat: 90% of Cornerstone online students work full-time.

Mobile learning: Our SOAR™ business degrees offer 100% mobile, self-paced learning. This opens the door to education even wider and gives students maximum flexibility over their progress.

What Does Postgraduate Study Involve?

Master’s degrees are the most common postgraduate qualification. A master’s degree is a step up from undergraduate study, and where the education funnel narrows even further. Study for master’s degrees builds upon prior experience and learning — typically from completing a related undergraduate degree. It involves a higher level of more focused, specialized study.

Whereas bachelor’s degrees set people up to enter a career, master’s degrees unlock specialized fields and equip people to lead.

Why Study for a Master’ Degree?

Studying for a master’s degree has professional and personal benefits. Median weekly earnings rise to $1,840 at master’s level — that’s nearly $300 more than people with just a bachelor’s and $910 more than those with only high school level education.

Another benefit of continuing education is that people become less likely to become unemployed the more educated they are. Higher qualifications mean greater job security as earning potential.

But it’s not all about financial enrichment. You can find people of all ages and stages in their life studying for a master’s for various reasons.

Cornerstone graduate programs have multiple start dates throughout the year, with many classes beginning every seven weeks.

However, people typically obtain master’s degrees at the following times:

• After completing a bachelor’s degree. Studying at the undergraduate level often provides a clear sense of direction. For example, after completing a B.A. in Psychology, it may be immediately clear that your next step is focused graduate study in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
• To advance in your career. You may reach a point in your career where progression depends on acquiring additional skills and knowledge, or further qualifications. This is often the case for people wanting to move into leadership and executive roles that require a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• When making a career pivot. Achieving a Master’s Degree is a great step to take when changing career, even when it’s not needed for the new field you want to enter. Studying at this level signals that you’re serious about the transition you’re making.
• In retirement. Retirees aren’t the first thing people associate with graduate-level study, but studying for a master’s degree can be extremely rewarding in retirement. Programs such as Cornerstone’s Master’s in Biblical Studies and Master of Theology offer far more than academic learning: a real sense of personal achievement and a deeper connection to faith. Plus, online study makes graduate education more accessible than ever.

Voice from the Field:
“My studies at Cornerstone have helped shape my development into more of a polished professional. My perspective has shifted from inward to outward awareness, allowing me to be the leader God has called me to be!” — Valerie T., Cornerstone MBA graduate

Is A Master’s Degree Right For You?

When deciding if a master’s degree is right for you, you’ll need to remember that most master’s programs first require a completed bachelor’s degree. If you do not yet have a bachelor’s degree, you can explore bachelor’s degrees at Cornerstone.

If you have already completed a bachelor’s degree and are ready to begin pursuing a master’s degree, we are excited to help you take this rewarding step! Explore master’s degrees at Cornerstone.

Breaking Down the Cost Barrier

Cost is often the biggest concern when considering college education — and understandably so. The Princeton Review 2026 College Hopes & Worries Survey found that the level of debt students will incur to pay for their degree is their biggest worry.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be financially crippling. Degree tuition costs vary greatly by college, program level, and method of delivery.

There are more ways to manage tuition and financial costs than many realize — including financial aid (FAFSA), student loans, scholarships, grants, and sponsorship.

Tuition fees for online degree programs are significantly less expensive than those for on-campus study. Studying online also eliminates the costs of relocation, accommodation, and commuting.

Cornerstone University offers scholarships and grants for both in-person and online programs. Unlike many colleges, Cornerstone doesn’t require GRE or GMAT exams to apply to its master’s courses.

Shorter programs like associate’s degrees and accelerated master’s are another option for affordable education.

An exciting recent addition, making education even more affordable and accessible, are Cornerstone SOAR™ programs. These are priced at less than half the national average cost of private online degrees, and can be completed on a cell phone.

Continue Your Path with Cornerstone

Cornerstone University teaches and equips men and women with the knowledge, skills, and conviction they need to thrive professionally and personally, while remaining committed to the Cornerstone Christian Worldview.

Whether you’re taking your first step into higher education or returning for deeper learning, Cornerstone offers a range of learning paths designed to meet you where you are, and an academic education that’s rooted in faith and ready for the future.

Get started today by checking out degree programs offered at CU and connecting with the enrollment team at 616.222.1448 or at info@cornerstone.edu.