The ROI for a Graduate Degree with Dr. Monyae Williamson-Gourley

How do you determine the return-on-investment (ROI) for a master’s degree? There's not always a straightforward answer. Often, the true value of a degree goes beyond salary or career trajectory. 

Dr. Monyae Williamson-Gourley, an assistant professor of sport administration at the University of Cincinnati, spoke with us on the topic.  

The ROI for a graduate degree can be difficult to quantify. What ultimately makes the degree worthwhile, according to Dr. Williamson-Gourley, is the “personal and intellectual growth and exposure to new ideas and ways of thinking.” 

Let’s look at these elements of ROI in action—and explore how online learners can take advantage of these benefits. 

Many students pursue a master’s degree with professional growth in mind. In a 2025 national study conducted by RNL, 75% of graduate students reported career advancement as their primary motivator. They want to move up in their current industry or pivot to a new field, and a master’s degree is a proven pathway. The rise of online programs also makes it easier than ever to stay in the workforce while pursuing a graduate degree.

In this regard, UC’s online Master of Science in Sport Administration passes with flying colors. Numerous testimonials highlight graduate success stories; for Jess Brown and Claire Weisbrod, earning their master’s degrees helped them secure their dream jobs in high school athletics. 

But is career growth the only reason to go to grad school? Dr. Williamson-Gourley doesn’t think so.

“Salary is an important consideration, especially in today’s economy,” she said. “However, I think it’s also important to view ROI beyond the potential financial or tangible benefits.” 

Her thoughts are supported by the same RNL study. While career advancement and change are primary motivators, 65% of respondents planned to pursue a master’s degree for personal reasons, like academic interest or intellectual curiosity. 

ROI isn’t as clear-cut in these cases. Nevertheless, continuing your education helps you make new professional connections and expand your skillset. A graduate degree may even lead you to an area of your industry you’d never thought to explore—a benefit that goes beyond a raise or a promotion. 

As mentioned, graduate school is often an opportunity for students to explore new ground within their field. Even if they’ve been in the workforce for several years, they may be unaware of what career paths exist outside of their current niche.

Dr. Williamson-Gourley has seen students in UC’s online MS in Sport Administration benefit from exposure to the broader world of professional athletics. 

“There are many essential operations and management roles required for success,” she said. “Coaches and directors of compliance, marketing, fundraising, event and facilities operations, and communications—after a 10-plus-year career in athletic communications, I’m admittedly biased and think communications is one of the most critical. We are the storytellers and statisticians.”

The sport administration degree shines a light on everything that occurs beyond the field: planning, organization, public relations, compliance. Many professionals—in athletics and other industries alike—would've never discovered their ideal career without that initial experience in graduate school. Jimmy Picerelli, a recent online UC graduate, broke into university athletic recruiting by earning his master’s. He didn’t have to put his career on pause to do it. 

Discovering different facets of your industry leads to another benefit of graduate school: opportunities to build your professional network.

“Our program takes pride in cultivating an environment where students connect with industry leaders through guest speakers, experiential learning, and collaborative research,” Dr. Williamson-Gourley shared. “It not only expands their professional network but also helps prepare them for leadership opportunities they may have never considered before starting grad school.” 

In these cases, ROI is more than linear career advancement; a master’s degree opens the door to a previously unconsidered path.

Everyone’s journey to graduate school is unique, but many students balance their master’s coursework alongside a full-time career. It can be one of the hardest aspects of a graduate program—especially for online students, who can’t anchor themselves to in-person classes.

At UC, how do faculty support online learners juggling multiple priorities? Dr. Williamson-Gourley stresses the importance of connecting with students regularly.  

“It’s honestly my favorite part of the job,” she said.

She prioritizes quick responses to emails and offers personalized feedback on assignments. After taking undergraduate courses in massive lecture halls, surrounded by a sea of other students, many graduate students appreciate the small class sizes and individualized experience. 

“It’s really important that my students feel I’m both present and available,” Dr. Williamson-Gourley said. “I use the same cheesy jokes and anecdotes in my online lectures that I do in person, hoping they help students get to know me better and feel more comfortable reaching out if they ever need anything—class-related or otherwise.”

This priority extends beyond her role as an instructor and into how she facilitates discussion and collaboration in the virtual classroom.  

“Online classes can make these interactions a little more challenging, so I try to be more intentional about creating opportunities for connection.”

There’s more to graduate school than career advancement. Even so, consider what skills you can sharpen during school to make your degree worthwhile.

Dr. Williamson-Gourley shared her thoughts on what qualities are most attractive to employers in the athletics industry. Many of them are crucial in numerous career paths, not just sport administration. 

“Communication, both written and oral, is so important,” she said. “I cannot stress that enough. Strong leaders communicate clearly and effectively with various stakeholders. Adaptability and problem-solving skills are also critical. This industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving, and those who thrive can find solutions quickly and adjust to new situations.”

Beyond skill-building, she also urged graduate students to lean into the surrounding community. Whether it's family, friends, professors, or a professional network, it's important to foster those relationships throughout and after your master’s program.  

“Find a mentor,” she said. “Social capital cannot be overstated. Our sport administration faculty has strong connections throughout the industry and is more than happy to help facilitate those introductions.”

An advanced degree is worth more than a diploma in your office or a line on your CV. While salary and career growth are important factors to weigh, the culmination of the knowledge, skills, and connections gained are a far greater indicator of ROI for a master’s degree. 

Dr. Williamson-Gourley is a tireless advocate for online learners, and we're thankful for the expertise she’s shared on the value of a master’s degree. 

Are you interested in an athletics career? If so, UC’s online Master of Science in Sport Administration may be perfect for you. Flexible and 100% online, this graduate-level program is ideal for working professionals who want to continue learning without putting their life on pause. 

If sport administration isn’t for you, don’t worry. UC offers over 50 online master’s degrees, and one of them may be the key to your dream career. 

Our dedicated UC Online team is here to help you talk through your options, so connect with us today.