A master's degree is required for many positions in education, social work, and public health. It will definitely help you to get a job in mathematics, computer science, engineering, architecture, or business. It will help you to get a promotion or a higher salary if you are a teacher. Most people who get master's degrees are in education, business, or engineering; they want a good position, to be upgraded in their present jobs, or to change professions. On the other hand, an M.A. in philosophy or English will make you more employable, but will not train you for work in any specific field. However, all other things being equal, an employer who wants to fill a position that requires writing skills will prefer an applicant with a master's degree to one with a bachelor's.