What Is the Hardest Master’s Degree to Get?
- Dickson Wong
- Oct 8
- 7 min read
Before we begin let’s acknowledge the fact that all master’s degrees are difficult. They all require commitment, discipline, and in most cases, an unhealthy amount of caffeine. But some Master’s degrees are definitely harder than others, such as Business MBA, Law L.L.M, MSc in Finance etc. The reality is, some master’s degrees are designed to be exclusive, and universities use high entry requirements as a way to filter out all but the best candidates.
But what makes these master’s degree particularly difficult? Is it the ruthless entry requirements? The harrowing admission tests? The brutally low acceptance rates? The complexity of the subject matter? Or the very structure of the degree itself? Tonight, we will dissect five key aspects that determine which master’s degrees are the toughest to obtain.
Aspect 1: Entry Requirements
If you think applying for an undergraduate degree is tough, then welcome to the world of postgraduate admissions, where entry requirements are designed to separate the merely ambitious from the truly exceptional.
One of the first things that determines whether you will even be considered for a master’s degree is your undergraduate performance. For elite business schools like Harvard, Stanford, or Wharton, a minimum 3.7 GPA is often expected for an MBA applicant. Law schools offering an LL.M. (Master of Laws), such as Oxford or Yale, generally expect students to have graduated with top marks in their undergraduate law degrees. For medical-related master’s degrees, such as neuroscience, the bar is even higher. These programs often demand an undergraduate degree in a related field with a first-class or upper second-class distinction.
Some of the hardest master’s degrees to get into also look at your real-world experience. This is where many applicants hit a roadblock. A strong GPA alone will not get you in—you also need a résumé that proves you have done more than just ace exams.
• MBA programs are notorious for this. Top-tier business schools expect candidates to have anywhere from 3 to 7 years of professional experience in a managerial or leadership role. So, it is highly unlikely that a fresh undergrad can jump straight into doing an MBA at Harvard Business School.
• Medical and healthcare-related master’s degrees, such as a Master of Public Health (MPH), often require applicants to have relevant clinical or healthcare experience before applying. If you do not have hands-on experience in the field, your application is likely to end up in the rejection pile.
• Engineering master’s programs, especially in highly specialised fields like artificial intelligence, and aerospace engineering, sometimes prefer candidates with industry experience and a strong portfolio of research work.
Aspect 2: Admission Tests
Once you meet the basic entry requirements, the next hurdle is the admission test. The admission tests associated with graduate school vary, but let’s focus on three well-known ones the GMAT, the LSAT and the MCAT
1. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) – For MBAs
If you are applying for a Master of Business Administration at an elite university, the GMAT is your first major challenge. Business-related skills such as problem-solving, data analysis, critical reasoning, and communication is the focus of this test. The test lasts for three and a half hours and includes quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning. The Maths section is notorious for its difficulty, including probability, algebra, and data interpretation problems. Scoring high is non-negotiable. For schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton, an average GMAT score of at least 730 out of a possible total of 800 is considered competitive.
2. The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) – For Master of Laws Programs
For students pursuing an LL.M., particularly at places like Harvard Law School or Yale or Oxford, the LSAT is often required. This test measures your ability to think critically, analyse complex information, and apply logical reasoning, all of which are essential skills for law school. The logical reasoning section forces you to break down arguments like as if you are a lawyer. The reading comprehension section presents dense, jargon-filled legal texts and asks you to analyse them under strict time limits. The logic games section test applicant’s ability to solve complex analytical puzzles. To get into a top LL.M. program, you need an LSAT score in the 170s out of a possible of a total 180—a feat that only about 2% of test-takers achieve.
3. The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) – For Medical Master’s Degrees
Medical master’s degrees—such as Master’s in Neuroscience often require the MCAT. This test evaluates both knowledge in biological sciences, physical sciences, and behavioural sciences, and key skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. Just the biology and chemistry sections alone require memorisation of hundreds of scientific concepts. The physics and biochemistry questions involve complex calculations. The critical analysis and reasoning section tests whether you can understand and evaluate complex medical literature.
To get into a prestigious medical master’s program? You will need a score of a minimum of 515 out of a possible 528—meaning that you need to be in the top 10% of all test-takers.
Aspect 3: Acceptance Rates
Some master’s programs are so exclusive that your chances of getting in are in the single digit percentage wise.
• Harvard Business School’s MBA program – Acceptance rate: 10%
• MIT’s Master’s in Artificial Intelligence – Acceptance rate: under 10%.
• Stanford Graduate School of Business – Acceptance rate: less than 7%.
• Ivy League Law Schools for Master’s in Law – Acceptance rate: as low as 6%.
• Johns Hopkins School of Medicine – Acceptance rate: as low as 5%.
For every one student who gets in, there are dozens who do not. And it is not because they were not smart enough; it is simply that there are not enough spots.
Aspect 4: Complexity of Subject
Now that we've talked about entry requirements, admission tests, and acceptance rates, let’s dive into the complexity of the subject matter itself. Some master’s degrees require students to master incredibly difficult concepts.
Consider Master’s degrees in fields like Physics, Engineering, or Mathematics. These programs demand not only a deep understanding of complex theoretical concepts but also the ability to apply them in real-world settings. In engineering programs, students often deal with complex design problems, advanced mathematical modelling, and cutting-edge technological developments. Master’s programs in these fields are known for their difficulty because they require a combination of advanced theoretical knowledge, practical problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure.
Another example would be MSc in Finance. The program deals with real-world applications of quantitative skills, economic principles, and strategic thinking. To truly excel in an MSc in Finance, students need to navigate complex financial theories, advanced mathematical models, and an ever-changing global financial landscape. Advanced mathematical models, such as using the Black-Scholes model for option pricing, are frequently studied, and students are often tasked with deriving formulas, applying them, and interpreting the results. The portfolio theory, which involves the optimisation of investment portfolios to achieve the best possible returns for a given level of risk. This theory relies on understanding complex statistical measures such as variance, covariance, and correlation. It extends into the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), which helps determine the relationship between risk and return, requiring a solid foundation in both finance and statistics.
Aspects 5: Types of Master’s Degrees
As you may have already noticed from our video so far, Master's degrees come in various forms, each designed to meet different academic and professional needs. These degrees vary in terms of their structure, subject focus, and career outcomes. Among the most common types of master’s degrees are the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science (MSc), Master of Philosophy (MPhil).
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most widely recognised and prestigious graduate degrees in the world. Designed primarily for professionals looking to advance in business leadership, an MBA offers an advanced curriculum focused on areas such as management, finance, marketing, operations, and strategy. Graduates from the aforementioned top MBA programs can lead to senior positions in global companies, as well as lucrative career prospects.
The Master of Science (MSc) is typically awarded in STEM fields, though it can also be offered in areas such as Economics, Psychology, and other social science. The MSc focuses on developing technical expertise, critical thinking, and research skills thereby making MSc graduates well-prepared for careers in R&D, engineering, data science or technology roles.
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is an advanced research degree that sits between a master’s degree and a doctoral degree (PhD). The MPhil focuses heavily on independent research, often in an academic or scholarly context. MPhil graduates often transition into PhD programs or pursue careers in research, academia, or policy analysis. Some may also enter specialised industries such as think tanks, government agencies, or consulting.
So to conclude, the hardest master’s degree to get depends on a variety of factors, including entry requirements, admission tests, acceptance rates, the complexity of subject matter, and the type of master’s degree you are pursuing. Programs in business, law, medicine, and engineering are often considered to be some the most difficult to enter. However, the challenge also varies depending on the institution and the specific program.
While these degrees may be hard to obtain, the payoff in terms of career opportunities, intellectual growth, and personal development can be well worth the effort. So, whether you're aspiring to earn an MBA, a law degree, or a medical degree, or whether you are diving deep into a technical or a research-oriented field, remember that the journey will be tough, but it will also be incredibly rewarding.
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