Master programs lead to a Master’s degree, which is prerequisite for taking part in a PhD program. Depending on the respective field of study, various Master’s degrees can be distinguished, e.g., Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), Master of Laws (L.L.M.), Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) und Master of Music (M.Mus.). A further distinction must be made between consecutive Master programs which build upon a Bachelor program, non-consecutive programs which focus on conveying interdisciplinary knowledge and skills, as well as continuing-education programs which are mostly offered on an extra-occupational basis and which require several years of professional experience. In most cases, the standard duration of a Master program is two years.
