| Typically requiring one to two years of academic work beyond the bachelor's degree, master's degree programs cover a wide range of study and preparation. In some cases, they are strictly academic programs providing additional focus and specialization in a discipline. These programs may be a stepping stone to a doctor's degree or may be a final stopping point for the student. Other programs, such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of public Administration (MPA) are clearly oriented toward professional practice. Yet other programs, like those in education or information technology, blend both the academic preapration and professional practice.
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