15 New and Unique Grad Degrees That Prepare You for an Interesting Career

Find your perfect college degree
Data Points:
- In Fall 2021, 3.2 million students attended* graduate programs.
- In AY 2021–22, postsecondary institutions in the US conferred 1.1 million graduate degrees.
- In 2021–22, 16% (139,900) of master’s degrees were in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field. Similarly, 16% (32,300) of doctorates conferred** were in STEM.
Interested in an “outside the box” graduate degree? One that stimulates you rather than bores you? Did you know that you can get a master’s in Puppet Arts? Wood Science? Or, maybe Comedy Filmmaking would tickle your fancy. There are many unique grad degrees available and we’ve named 15 of our favorites! Some are even offered online!

Anytime is the Right Time to Think Outside the Box
Whether one is nearing the end of their degree or wants to explore other career options, completing a graduate program can give them an edge in an ever-competitive world.
Attaining a higher education degree is now considered more of an investment than an achievement. While an undergraduate degree can serve as a good foundation for a future career, acquiring a graduate degree can usher in better benefits.
This article will explore 15 of the top degrees for those who want to try the alternative track. These unique grad degrees will certainly catch your attention.
Unique Grad Degrees That Will Prepare You for an Interesting Career
Master of Arts in Puppet Arts
University of Connecticut

Often considered a crossroad of various disciplines, Puppet Art encompasses arts, humanities, and sciences. The University of Connecticut offers the Master of Arts in Puppet Arts, attracting undergraduate students in Music, Acting, Graphic Arts, English Literature, and Political Science, among others. It is a suitable graduate program choice for those whose interests lie in performing arts, drama, and theater.
Key Courses:
- Trends in Contemporary American Puppet Theater
- Advanced Rod Puppet Theater
- Studies in Theater History, Design, Scriptwriting, Construction, and Direction
Program Details:
The program is highly interdisciplinary, attracting students from various backgrounds like music, theater, and graphic arts. It provides a deep dive into both the artistic and technical aspects of puppetry.
Master of Arts in Folklore and Public Culture
University of Oregon

Considered one of the major centers of folkloristic research in the country, the Master of Arts in Folklore and Public Culture offers a disciplinary approach to a master’s degree. Students are free to create their focused course of study in the area of their interest.
Key Areas:
- Mythology & Folklore
- Art & Ritual
- Cultural & Social Perspectives
Program Details:
The program is highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their course of study according to their specific interests. It typically takes just over two years to complete.
Master of Science in Thanatology
Marian University

Thanatology deals with the support of individuals and families dealing with loss, grief, and bereavement. In this program, they are expected to learn the ways of addressing grief and loss for different populations, including children, parents, military, and veterans. They emphasize delivering care for those who confront end-of-life healthcare bereavement issues, suicide, and many more.
Key Areas:
- Grief Counseling
- End-of-Life Care for Veterans & Children
Program Details:
Graduates of the program are equipped to work in various settings, including healthcare, funeral homes, and nonprofit organizations.
Master of Liberal Arts in Gastronomy
Boston University Metropolitan College
Boston University’s Metropolitan College offers a unique and multidisciplinary program in Master of Liberal Arts in Gastronomy. In this degree program, students will examine the different roles of food in historical and contemporary societies. They will participate in experiential learning in culinary arts laboratories, wine studies, lab activities, and a core curriculum deeply rooted in liberal arts.
Key Courses:
- Experiential Learning in Culinary Arts
- Wine Studies
- Food Policy & Business
- History and Culture of Food
Program Details:
The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking, preparing students for careers in food policy, media, and entrepreneurship. They also have an option to choose among four focus areas:
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Communication
- Food Policy
- History and Culture
Master of Science in Pain Medicine

University of Southern California

This online program is designed for healthcare professionals (e.g., dentists, nurses, therapists) who wish to deepen their expertise in pain management. It covers the diagnosis, pathobiology, and management of complex pain conditions.
Key Courses:
- Multidimensional Nature of Pain
- Clinical Conditions
- Pain Assessment & Measurement
- Management of Pain
Program Details:
The program consists of 27 courses and 33 academic units. It is fully online, offering flexibility for working professionals to complete it at their own pace.
Master’s in Wood Science
Oregon State University

This program combines theoretical learning with practical experience in wood science, preparing students for careers in the wood products industry and sustainable forestry. This program allows students to study the fundamental aspects of wood science and the latter’s role in the global framework of the forest sector. While it is rooted in Oregon’s local geography, this graduate degree’s research aspect is globally relevant.
Research Areas:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Art, architecture, and design
- Competitive forest sector
- Forest-based bioproducts
- Novel composite materials
- Resource extension and optimization
- Timber mechanics and structural engineering
- Wood identification and characterization
Program Details:
Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities, industry collaborations, and potential study abroad experiences. The program is designed to provide global relevance in the wood science field.
Comedy Filmmaking Graduate Program
DePaul University

The Cinematic Arts School at DePaul University offers a Master of Arts in Screenwriting with a concentration in Comedy Filmmaking for students who want to develop their comedy voice. At the end of the program, they are expected to create a rich portfolio of original scripts and films to give them a solid foundation once they enter their chosen industry.
Key Courses:
- Evolution of Comedy
- Foundations of Screenwriting
- Advanced Comedic Storytelling
- Writing the Sitcom
- Writing for Film
- Thesis Development
- Comedy, Joke, and Sketch Writing
Program Details:
At the end of the program, they are expected to create a rich portfolio of original scripts and films to give them a solid foundation once they enter their chosen industry. This program is in collaboration with The Second City, an improvisational comedy enterprise.
Master of Science in Ceramic Engineering
Alfred University

This program combines engineering principles with applied research in ceramics, preparing students for careers in ceramic manufacturing, research, and development.
Key Areas:
- Applied Research & Technical Management
- Materials Science
- Plant Operations
Program Details:
The program can be completed in 16 months of full-time study. Ideally, applicants must be graduates of a 4-year bachelor of science degree from an accredited engineering program. Graduates of this program can enjoy various careers in the ceramic industry, including applied research, development, plant operations, and technical management.
Master of Science in Digital Mapping
University of Kentucky

Today’s world is increasingly governed by complex geographic and spatial data. This aspect is often dominated by specialists who are knowledgeable in manipulating these data and creating a visual representation of them. This program focuses on geographic information systems (GIS) and geospatial data, with applications in fields like emergency response and agriculture.
Key Courses:
- Programming for Web Mapping
- Spatial Data Analysis & Visualization
- Collaborative Geovisualization
- Social Impacts of New Mapping
Program Details:
The program is delivered in 10-week intensive semesters and is available four times per year. It is designed for working professionals who want to enhance their technical skills in digital mapping.
Master of Fine Art in Jewelry + Metalsmithing
Rhode Island School of Design

One of the Rhode Island School of Design offerings is the Master of Fine Art in Jewelry + Metalsmithing. Through this graduate degree, students will understand that the contemporary movements in jewelry are influenced by the history of adornment. This program will also help them put their concepts into words and demonstrate their creative development process with a strong portfolio.
Key Courses:
- Graduate Jewelry I & II
- Jewelry and Metalsmithing Thesis
Program Details:
This two-year MFA program requires students to develop a comprehensive body of work with guidance from a thesis committee, culminating in a written thesis and participation in the annual graduate thesis exhibition.
Master of Science in Packaging Science

Rochester of Institute Technology

This program trains professionals in the packaging industry. It helps professionals gain expertise in the packaging development process, including research, design, and application. From selecting raw materials to designing and creating functional packaging, this degree has everything.
Key Courses:
- Packaging Design
- Product Marketing
- Package Testing & Quality Control
- Project Management
Program Details:
The program requires completion of 36 semester credit hours and offers the option to choose between a capstone project, thesis, or comprehensive exam. It prepares students for advanced roles in packaging design and management.
Graduate Program in Acoustics

Pennsylvania State University

The Pennsylvania State University offers a graduate program in Acoustics that is fully available online and can be completed within one year. This unique discipline may be focused on acoustics, but it also touches on a wide range of disciplines, including architectural acoustics, biomedical ultrasound, transducer design, noise and vibration control, and many more.
Key Courses:
- Physical Acoustics
- Underwater Acoustics
- Signal Processing
- Vibrations
- Wave Propagation
- Thermos-Acoustics
Program Details:
The program can be completed in one year, with a strong emphasis on sound and vibration technologies. It is delivered entirely online, offering flexibility for working professionals.
Master of Science in Herbal Medicine

American College of Healthcare Sciences

Herbal medicines are allowed in allergy management, pain management for military service, and a holistic approach to anxiety and depression. This Master of Science in Herbal Medicine is designed for those who want to gain a practical and theoretical understanding of clinical herbalism. They will be taught how to apply this knowledge to educate clients and consumers about the best approach to health and wellness, whether for the mind, body, or spirit.
Key Courses:
- Advanced Herbal Materia Medica
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Integrative Pathophysiology
- Botany and Plant Identification for the Holistic Practitioner
Program Details:
This 36-credit hour program prepares graduates to apply critical thinking skills and implement safe, effective herbal medicine protocols to influence others’ commitment to wellness.
Master of Science in Foresight
University of Houston

Considered an emerging field, Foresight graduates are expected to help clients and employers anticipate significant changes in the future and how to shape those changes in achieving long-term goals. The Foresight program teaches students how to anticipate and plan for future changes, focusing on strategic thinking and forecasting.
Key Courses:
- Advanced Strategies for Futures Planning
- Systems Thinking
- Social Change
- Futures Research
Program Details:
The program requires 30 graduate hours and can be completed fully online. Full-time students can finish the program in about a year, while part-time students typically take 3-5 years.
Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology

University of California Davis

This program focuses on the biology of grapevines, winemaking processes, and sensory science, ideal for those seeking a career in the wine industry. Students can also learn all about the chemistry, microbiology, and sensory science of wines and the study of chemical engineering of winemaking. This program is the best course if one wants to make it big in the wine industry.
Key Courses:
- Analysis of Musts and Wines
- Sensory Evaluation of Wine Laboratory
- Wine Stability
- Viticultural Practices
- Wine Microbiology
- Wine Production Laboratory
Program Details:
The program combines classroom learning with laboratory work, offering students a comprehensive education in viticulture and enology.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pursue these unique graduate degrees online?
Yes! Many of these unique graduate degrees are available online for greater flexibility. For example, the Master of Science in Pain Medicine and the Graduate Program in Acoustics can both be completed entirely online, making them accessible to working professionals.
How can a unique graduate degree help in a competitive job market?
Pursuing a unique graduate degree can give you an edge in a crowded job market by demonstrating specialized expertise in a niche field. Whether you’re studying digital mapping, comedy filmmaking, or herbal medicine, these degrees often offer specialized skills in demand in specific industries, opening doors to exciting career opportunities.
Are these unique graduate programs suitable for career changers?
Yes! Many of these programs are designed for individuals looking to transition into a new field. For example, a Master’s in Thanatology offers training in grief counseling and end-of-life care, which can be applied to various healthcare settings. Similarly, a Master of Science in Digital Mapping can provide new skills for those interested in geographic information systems (GIS), even if they have a background in another field.
Key Takeaways
Motivation is not always the idea of earning better and gaining recognition but the thrill of being in a unique field that offers exciting experiences they would otherwise miss out on in conventional career paths.
Consider these points:
- Unique graduate degrees offer specialized knowledge and skills for niche career paths.
- These degrees provide a competitive edge and stand out in the job market.
- They often combine traditional academic disciplines with emerging industries or fields.
- Graduates from these programs are prepared for diverse and interesting career opportunities.
- The curriculum is tailored to industry demands and incorporates practical, hands-on learning.
- These degrees may have lower enrollment numbers, allowing for more personalized attention from faculty.
- Graduates from these programs may have more flexibility in their career paths and are not limited to traditional job roles.
- Many of these degrees offer internships, externships, or co-op opportunities to gain real-world experience.
- The networking opportunities and connections within these unique programs can lead to exciting and unexpected career paths.
- These degrees can open doors to unconventional and cutting-edge industries, making for a dynamic and exciting career.
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