Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with masters

PhD in Ancient Dances of Pangea...and Teaching Math

lhude sing cuccu — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:55:11 -0800

How would someone teach a subject without a Master's in the relevant subject? I hope this question hasn't already been asked; I couldn't find anything too similar. I ask for a few reasons:

1. My history teacher has a BA and MA in History, and MBA in Business Administration, and a PhD in Science and Technology Studies (I know! she's dedicated). She told us, however, that she is qualified to teach Philosophy and Political Science. This is a community college though, and although she teaches (something, I don't know what) at the university too, it confused me. I first thought a person was stuck teaching whatever he'd pursued as a PhD, but at the community college level, a Master's in the relevant subject would suffice. Is this not true? She said something about "points", and I guess experience is involved...?

2. I would personally, as of right now, like to get an MA/PhD in Philosophy, and teach Philosophy and French (which I plan to learn to fluency)...and possibly Latin or Greek (I know most graduate schools require at least one, and I like teaching languages anyway). I don't plan on getting an MA in French, Latin, or Greek though.

3. I've decided I wouldn't feel bad about teaching any of these things at the (most likely private, if I had my way) high school or community college level. I know in order to get a tenure-track job in Philosophy, it's pretty much essential to receive a PhD from one of the Top-10 schools, and if that doesn't happen, I've decided I won't be too disappointed!

So, all in all, with a lone Master's and possibly a lone PhD, what and where would I hypothetically qualify to teach?

PS What's all this talk about "once you get a PhD, you aren't qualified for many jobs you once were"? I hear a lot of horror-talk about this, and I'm not so worried about the actual work (I put a lot of joyous effort into my last paper, I made it longer than usual and I wanted to make it longer...I like research)...so much as the job search.

How to maximize jobs with an obscure MA?

flibbertigibbet — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:40:01 -0800

Starting fall 2010, I'll be going to grad school (Master's) in a pretty esoteric field (studying texts from late antiquity, written in an obscure language). If I decide not to go on to the PhD, what can I do now and during my Master's to maximize my job opportunities when I get out? Are there any skills you would really strongly recommend that I pick up? If it helps, I'll be in Ottawa, Canada. My program can withdraw your funding if it finds out you're working more than 10 hours/week, and most of those 10 hours are taking up with your TA work.

Quit or Fail: How to pick up the pieces after academic and PhD abandonment?

Gaeacon — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:44:59 -0800

How have you reconciled failure vs. quitting? How have you managed to pick up the pieces of your most passionate undertaking after dropping it? Is the desire to reinvent myself and undertake a new passion/direction just a mechanism to hide the pain of giving up? I recently graduated with a Master's (conciliatory?) in Ecology from a top program. For 2+ of 3 years I dealt with either crippling depression (I think I'll just stay in bed for the week...month...quarter) and second guessing my ability to succeed in my PhD program or the delusion that I could remain cavalier and continue shooting from the hip all the way to the hooding ceremony.

I got tired. I chose not to continue on the PhD path and decided to puruse my "true passion" - communicating environmentalism and inspiring social change within a broader audience. I've done tours of duty with two non-profits that vary widely in their sphere of influence and method of promoting environmentalism/conservation. I haven't been enthralled by either and find myself still looking at the horizon....

I have been feeling nostalgic - I miss collaborators/old friends, I miss exciting tropical field site, I miss comfortable fellowship, and I really miss feeling like I am creating my life rather than just floating by. At the time, I was convincing myself I wanted something different, something more in line with my dreams. Now I look back and think "I had it good! If I just did the work and didn't fall victim to the distraction of something bigger and better....if I would have dealt with the depression (self-induced I think), bad habits, cavalier attitude...I would be well on my way with research".

Maybe it is mostly hindsight and the grass is greener type of thing. I can't rid the nagging feeling that "I want to quit PhD to pursue this, my real passion!" is really just a self-deception disguising "I am failing because I refuse to make positive changes in my life and would rather do nothing". I am tired of this "can't fail if I don't try" attitude, and I basically spend everyday of work at non-profit thinking about how I messed up.

How do I overcome this failure/quitting and regain creative control of my life? Where do I go next? I am drowning with real-world problems (paying bills, finding a new job) and feel like I am inevitably drifting further from pursuing my "true passion" - my supposed reason for getting out of PhD early!

I want to stop defrauding myself. I know that I was fully capable of doing the work I just "chose" not to. The worst feeling is not knowing if I was justified in that choice - was it because of laziness, fear of failure....or truly because I wanted to do something else (as I struggled for months to finally convince myself and then report to others) - it just all seems like lies

MA in Politcal Science v. M Public Policy

brakiwi — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:29:26 -0800

¿Master in Political Science or Master in Public Policy? I'm an Spaniard that wants to study a Master in the US next year. After a lot of research my final list of universities I'm applying, is this one:
1.Georgetown
2. U. of Chicago
3. Columbia
4. NYU
5. GWU
6. Northeastern
7. American University
8. Loyola University of Chicago

My question is: ¿Master in Political Science or Master in Public Policy?

Most of this universities has both Masters programs and mainly I know the differences between them, but maybe you can give me more information so i can make my decision with more criterion.
In thinking in applying one program or the other, depending in which university.
Maybe you know someone who took some of this masters...
As you can see the cities and departaments I'm interested are Chicago, Washington DC, NYC and Boston. Do you think this are the most interesting universities in this cities to apply for? (for an MA because others have only PhD).

Thanks in advance,

Should I pursue a Masters of Science Degree in Biomedical Informatics?

speedoavenger — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:00:31 -0800

Should I pursue a Masters of Science Degree in Biomedical Informatics? I graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Management Information Systems back in May 2008. I've spent the past two years working for a Fortune 100 company as a Systems Administrator.

I enjoy my current work, but I'd like to use my IT skills to work in a more meaningful industry that has a lot of room for improvement and that deeply impacts people's lives, like healthcare!

I was randomly looking at Masters Degree programs one day when I came across the Biomedical Informatics Degree program.

I have a few questions that I feel I should attempt to answer before I apply for the program.

1. Do I get to choose what I want to research as a graduate student, or do I research what my professors want me to research? Does it depend on whether or not I get a Research Assistantship? Are those difficult to get?

2. How much Biological/Physiological/Chemical knowledge should I have to be successful in this program? I'm planning on taking a General Biology class to learn more about the "Biomedical" part of "Biomedical Informatics." I got A's in Biology and Chemistry in HS. :)

3. What are some potential job opportunities once I graduate, preferably in the Phoenix area? Companies? Titles? Earnings potential?

4. What are the greatest opportunities for computer applications in the health care field? To borrow a description of Biomedical Informatics, I would like to "develop novel information technology, computer science and knowledge management methodologies for disease prevention, treatment, more efficient and safer patient care delivery, and knowledge access."

The main point is that I want to help people with my IT skills, and this seems like a great way to do it. Should I do more research before I make a decision like this, or should I just do it! What are some good resources to learn more about the field?

Thanks!

Can I even get in to grad school?

Anonymous — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:15:17 -0800

High standardized test scores, great references, low GPA, need to take classes online - can I go to grad school? I'm in the US military and just about to go to my next duty station where I'll have the time to get a master's degree. I'd like to get one in history or business, but there are quite a few hurdles to getting said degree:

Needs to be online
My GPA is low - 2.52
I have several Fs on my transcript

A bit more on my transcript - college was a bit of a whirlwind of depression, so for instance I got 3 As and 2 Fs my first semester - and this seemingly dichotomous pattern repeated itself until I wrested myself from the depths of the depression and also changed my degree, after which I got As and Bs, but nothing that would fix the first 2.5 years of my record.

All that being said, I have a history of doing extremely well on standardized tests and while, yes, the practice GRE/GMAT isn't the same as the real thing, it didn't seem especially challenging - more like the SAT than anything. So assuming that I would do well on the standardized test of choice for whichever degree program I select, would a high enough score and references from my bosses offset the low GPA? If so, to what schools should I be looking? If in your estimation grad school just isn't for me, that's useful too. Thanks!

throwaway email: askme.lowgpa.anon@gmail.com

Two Masters Better than A Doctorate?

zizzle — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:20:55 -0800

If all goes well, in Spring 2011 I will have finally completed my Masters in Mental Health Counseling. But I want to apply my degree to higher education. My Masters doesn't grant me all the credits needed for licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Clinician in my state. I would need to do another year to earn the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in order to have enough credit hours to sit for the licensure exam. And I am positive that I don't want to do that. Rather, I want to continue working in Higher Ed (I'm currently a lowly assistant in an academic department) and move into a Dean of Students office, Diversity Services office, or a Student Success program.

I am considering, after completing my MS in Counseling on getting a second Masters in Higher Ed administration with a focus on student affairs or a Masters in Student Affairs (same thing, labeled differently). I am wondering though, if an Ed.D. of some sort would be a better for my ultimate goals. I am not questioning the work that would go into an Ed.D and the time to do so --- those are serious considerations that I am weighing in on and I am well aware of all of those associated issues, so I would like this to avoid becoming about the process of a doctorate degrees. I actually turned down doctorate programs in another field a few years ago for a variety of reasons. I'm well aware of what goes into completing a doctorate, and now I'm a different place in my life and far more sure about what I want to do, it is something to consider again. But what I am wondering is if two Masters degrees that I consider interrelated and useful to my career goals would be better or equal to a doctorate in terms of achieving my career goals. Would I be able to be hired as an Assistant Dean of Students, for example, with two masters degrees and a couple of years of administration experience? Or would a doctorate give me a better chance at that?

I would be interested in keeping up with research after finishing a doctorate if that is the route I decide to go, but what's important here is that I want to work in an applied setting most of all. Teaching a couple of classes here and there would be great, but mostly I want to work with students outside of the classroom, work on improving institutional policies and creating a campus environment conducive to student success outside of the classroom and academic components of student life. I'm very much interested in the intersection of a student's academic and personal life, and how the two are often entwined and inseparable for students and what higher ed institutions can do when something personal in a student's life is affecting the academics.

So, AskMe, how would you consider two Masters degree v.s a doctorate for career goals such as mine? Which, in your esteemed opinion, would be the route best for my career goals?

MS in Finance Ranking List?

telsa — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:52:50 -0800

MS in Finance: Is there a list of top ranking schools for a MS in Finance? After finally deciding what I'd like to study, I need to look into schools! Google search has yielded me results that include MBAs, but I'm looking for a more in depth program with finance and investments.

Can I get into grad school in math?

tamaraster — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:31:11 -0800

Can I get into a funded Math Master's or PhD program? I'm graduating from a 4-year college with my B.S. this Spring, and I'm in my mid-30's. I have good GPA at this school (about a 3.6, up to about a 3.8 in math courses specifically) and good GRE scores (720 V / 780 Q), but I have dropped a lot of courses (I've worked full time over the years while getting my degree), and back in the mid-90's I flunked out of the first university I went to. Are there graduate math programs that would accept me and give me a TAship or RAship with stipend and free tuition? I have one publication (a not very good one in Computer Science from a regional conference) and will have decently good recommendations, but I haven't done anything brilliant.

I'd like to get a PhD but I'm certainly open to getting a Master's first. Is there an obvious way I should proceed here?

How do I find the right grad school program?

PostIronyIsNotaMyth — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:02:20 -0800

Trying to find grad school programs that kind of meld peace and conflict studies with media studies... So I realized recently that I want to go to grad school. I've always loved learning, the sound of my own voice (or teaching as they call it) and writing about the world around me. That said I'm feeling very lost as to how I go about trying to find the right schools for me.

I'm interested in the relationship between media and conflict. In undergrad I wrote a paper about how the shift in ethno-centric Yugoslav media helped pave the way for an impending ethno-nationalist war(s) for my minor in Peace and Conflict Studies (PACs).

Ideally I'd like to find a program that has a strong media studies foundation (think Baudrillard, textual analysis, semiotics, etc) but also has oppurtunities to study how said media can either lead to situations that erupt in conflict or how media can help prolong or wind-down a conflict. My old prof from college has suggested that I look for schools with strong media and IR departments then find out if they're into cross-disciplinary stuff.

The wall I'm running into is finding either media studies departments that aren't heavy into just textual analysis or PACs programs that are super heavy into IR theory.

But to be honest I do feel incredibly lost and applications are due in Dec for most schools. It's all can I do to just work, practice for the GREs, try to find schools and get my applications in order. Any help anyone could provide (suggestions, guidance, warning, etc) is greatly appreciated. I'm honestly open to any part of the country and for (obvious reasons) any part of the english speaking world to study in.

Tips on doing a master's degree in a second language

so much modern time — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:10:35 -0800

Tell me about your own experiences and tips on surviving and working through a master's degree in a second language that you are NOT fluent in. I am currently a master's student in Beijing, studying a major that will train me to become a Chinese teacher. This major is specifically geared to foreign students who will teach Chinese outside of China, so it includes courses in Chinese history and linguistics theory, as well as advanced Chinese.

My class is composed of about 15 students, about half of which are Malaysian students who are native or near-native speakers. The other half is composed mostly of students who have gone through the university's Chinese language studies department at various levels. That half, which includes myself, is nowhere near the Malaysian students' level of Chinese. (FWIW, I have just concluded a year's study in Chinese at my school, ending at upper intermediate.)

In our first day of classes, I realized that I would have to do some serious self-study to keep up. In our lectures, which were on the centralization of government power from the Qin to Yuan dynasties and linguistics theory, other than the very broad outlines, I didn't understand a thing. It was certainly interesting, and if it was in English I would have been fascinated. I was trying to keep up with translating phrases in the Power Point presentations, but I was literally translating every single phrase in order to understand a single sentence. Heck, I nearly died when our professor started talking about Chomsky, whose theories are difficult enough in a language I do understand.

How on earth can I survive this? After one day I'm already thinking about quitting! It's clear that it'll be a long time before I can get to the level where I'll be able to ask critical questions, and then, actually be able to understand the answers. Luckily it's not just me who feels like this, the non-Malaysian half of the class felt quite overwhelmed as well.

Possibly related: To say that I have a lot of ambivalence about doing this degree is an understatement. Before I found out that I had received the scholarship, which, since it is China, was at the last possible moment, I had actually already made up my mind to go home and repatriate. After four years abroad, I feel that my time in China is finished. My gut feeling on this is making it very difficult for me to commit to doing the master's degree, especially I have little intention of actually becoming a Chinese teacher, and I can't even say why I am doing this degree except that it is free education and will allow me to put those letters "M.A." after my name. I just have to wonder if there are better ways to spend two years of my time than struggling to understand Chomsky in Chinese.

How do I know if a Masters is right for me?

tumples — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:44:00 -0800

A year away from graduating my BA in history, what next? Is a Masters the right course for me? I am starting my third and final year (UK) of my BA in history and I have no idea what I will be doing this time next year.

I have been looking into Masters degrees as the start of my search as this seems like the next logical step after my undergraduate degree, especially given the figures on graduate unemployment and the fact that I still haven't found a direction for post university life. I am really enjoying being in education and would happily stay on, but I don't know if these reasons are the right ones.

If given a choice of Masters programs I would look at doing something political or in international relations, but I don't know how much I should be considering future employment or other important serious life decisions in my choice. I would also love to study abroad if possible, the Netherlands and Canada look like they would be incredible for a curious but monolingual Brit. But again, this decision would be based on wanting to 'experience and learn the world, expand my horizons' sort of thought, not for any more serious or well thought out reasons.

I feel lost in a sea of life decisions with no idea of what direction I want to take. Is it a wise choice to study a Masters (possibly abroad) for no larger reasons than wanting stay in education, give me a few more months to grow up and think of a plan and to possibly see some of the world at the same time?

Any personal anecdotes or relating to feeling completely overwhelmed by the future is also really welcome :)

Forensic Psychology

kathrineg — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:59:05 -0800

What are the job prospects for someone with a masters' degree in forensic psychology? Those of you in the legal field, what work do you do with psychologists? What do they do?

Is the field being flooded with recent grads?

More specifically, I am looking at CUNY-John Jay's program, if you know anything about that please share.

Help my friend get into a Canadian political science PhD program on his second try.

thisjax — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:25:04 -0800

Help my friend get into a Canadian political science PhD program on his second try. [Some preamble notes from me to ensure that advice isn't too US-centric:
-Because we're talking about Canada, do keep in mind that doctoral social science programs (except for psych) here don't normally admit directly from undergrad, so it's normal for even strong applicants to specifically enroll in a Master's program first.
-Also, GRE scores aren't considered in admissions decisions for applicants with Canadian degrees.]

From my friend:
I'm soliciting some general advice on my current PhD situation. This year I applied for four political science programs here in Ontario. I was placed at the top of the waitlist for one (the waitlist was never used due to high yield) and rejected from the remaining three.

My master’s marks were stellar (top 3 out of our program of 40 people) and my recommendations were strong and from professors established in their fields. On the negative side, I did a master’s research paper instead of a full thesis, lacked research assistanceships, and had a couple crappy senior undergrad marks. Nothing critical, but definite disadvantages (and unchangeable at this point).

So I suppose I’m looking for general advice on how to approach re-applying next year. I am definitely set on doing a PhD, and my research directly fits in with a professor’s current project at the university that waitlisted me. However, I am not very clear on what would dramatically improve my qualifications (I’ve heard taking more classes or attempting to secure a non-student RA, though I’m skeptical of how good a use of time those efforts would be). Currently I’m relying on the fact that I have more breathing room to prepare my applications for next year (it was hectic last time), as well as to complete a writing submission that’s directly related to my research area [political economy].

Tips are welcome. Program budgets are going to be pretty crappy for the foreseeable future so I’d like to nail this next year.

economics masters online learning

gibbsjd77 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:00:36 -0800

Do you know any accredited post graduate program in economics that is offered completely online? I am finishing my undergraduate through distance learning and am very interested in economics. I would like to get my MA but due to my work/life schedule attending at a campus is not feasible. I have been unable to find any, but am optimistic that the filter can help me out. Thanks for your time.

Can I teach college Spanish with only an MA?

queseyo — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:43:47 -0800

Can I teach college Spanish without a PhD? Resources? After a lot of freaking out and overthinking, I've realized I don't want to finish my PhD - I am just burned out of school, constant poverty, not feeling like I'm living life... I suppose it's just confirmation bias, but I feel like I've noticed these sorts of posts more on askmefi in the last couple months.

I want to teach Spanish at the college level. I am somewhat interested in research but teaching is where my heart is. I earned my MA in Spanish and completed the coursework for a PhD, but have not taken the preliminary exams or done anything related to a dissertation. I feel as though I really ought to finish prelims, at least, but I am so burned out, and desperately don't want to. I have taught as a TA (first four semesters of Spanish) for six years.

The ideal outcome would be find a job with some security (employment not on a per-semester basis; benefits, like health care), preferably in the Pacific NW. So, can I teach at the college level with only an MA? Would I be stuck as an adjunct forever? Should I keep pushing to finish the preliminary exams? Finally, since I'm not a student anymore (I haven't been enrolled this year) where can I go for advice on how to find such a job, and how best to prepare myself for it? As far as I can tell, there aren't any available positions at the local CC's for the fall. Unlike this post, I don't have a background in education. I don't want to take any more courses unless they are tied to a job (the CC here requires x credits for instructors, for example, but you can do that and teach at the same time as an adjunct).

Identify bird at Masters

Minos888 — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 07:44:04 -0800

Any birders watch the Masters (golf) on television this past Easter weekend? Can you identify the bird that was heard repeatedly calling throughout the broadcast? Thanks.

Suggestions for graduate studies in technology and society area

_zed_ — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:17:24 -0800

I am looking for cross-disciplinary graduate/phd course in web technology. More specifically, relating to societal use of web from a global perspective. My goal is to become an expert in use of web based technologies in developing countries (which involves computer use, censorship, etc.). So far, what I have found is STS (science, technology and society) which sounds perfect, but from what I have seen, tend to be more in the areas of applied sciences and engineering. Then there is basic CS programs which tend to be more technology than societal aspects. Does anyone have any thoughts, ideas, recommendations? My background is a management/grunt work mash of 6 years at a R&D non-profit - a one (sometimes two) man show. It started as a website and helped build it into an international tele-consultation, e-learning and networking site. I also created and trained users for medical e-learning courses in Bosnia, Central America and Afghanistan; performed research on Tele-medicine; and do odd things like co-led a landmark workshop for leaders in tele-medicine in Latin America. All done from a BA in Film. I have some clear research ideas that are related to future computer use mostly in underdeveloped countries.

So any thoughts...please let me know.

Figure out what's important to you

amethysts — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 12:21:28 -0800

I just found out that I got into University of Pittsburgh for their Masters in Information Science program to start in the fall. I also got accepted to DePaul for Human Computer Interaction, which I am already enrolled in and am starting in 2 weeks. So now I have a big decision and I was wondering if you guys had any insights into this dilemma. Background: I decided to look into human-computer interaction programs because I realized that I'm interested in making things that are useful to people. I know that sounds vague, but it really frustrates me when the non-techie people I know can't get as much use and enjoyment as I can out of technology because they stumble over the interface and having to learn too many steps by rote and stuff like that. Or like at my old job when our stats suffered because the systems designed for collecting information never got used because they were just too hard to manage out in the field. I don't have a computer-science background, it's more like general humanities/media studies/anthropology stuff. But I'd like to wind up with an ability to build something useful from the programming to the GUI design. Is that too ambitious?

I already live in Chicago so staying at DePaul would be a convenience. I think it's a fine school, but I don't think it has the prestige or the "national name recognition" factor that University of Pittsburgh has. Is that right?

Looking over the two school's course requirements (Depaul, Pitt), I'm afraid that as a DePaul graduate I would be at a disadvantage having to compete with a graduate of Pitt . Or would I? I'm not really sure. Who can I ask who would be able to tell me this?

Pittsburgh is way more expensive than DePaul but they have better financial aid and more opportunities for assistantship programs, I think. I just sent an email to them to ask them about this. I don't know if I'll be eligible for aid for this fall. I haven't done my FAFSA yet cause I didn't think I was getting in.

Also, moving to Pittsburgh would be a big deal as I would be taking my S.O. with me so I have to be really sure I'm doing the right thing.

Would I qualify for a masters program at a reputable school?

C.Batt — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:07:24 -0800

Can a modestly successful software developer with a two year diploma and 11 years experience designing and developing fairly complex software systems qualify for a masters program in comp sci? I've been programming since I was 8. I have 11 years of professional experience. For the past 4 years I've been the software architect at a small tech firm where I am personally responsible for 50% (the other 50% is my counterpart's in embedded systems) of the design and development of a product/service that generates several million dollars of revenue annually. In short, I think that I'm pretty good at workin' this here computer thingamabob (but I'm no wunderkind).

Anyhow due to my personal life moving in mysterious ways, I suddenly have a lot of free time on my hands. I also might have an opportunity to cash out from said company with a (very) modest sum (revenue doesn't necessarily mean profit :'( ). I've always wanted to formalize my education - to prove to myself that I am indeed "pretty good" - but I'm debating whether or not it's worth the effort. (This isn't about earning potential, this is about personal development)

I only have an honours diploma from a two year tech school. I believe that my experience gives me the equivalent of a bachelors and I should be able to handle a masters program. Is it possible to make the jump straight to a masters - at a reputable school - without first "paying your dues"?

I've found Athabasca University here in Alberta, but I'm not sure if they'd accept me or if their program is any good (it is correspondence after all). I've heard of University of Phoenix, but that's correspondence again. I'd really like to go to the UofA(lberta), but I've heard that they're real sticklers who won't give credit for diplomas or work experience, and that's not acceptable - I could teach 100 and 200 level courses for crying out loud.

What schools could I... strike that... what schools would consider me?

Can an MA graduate fill an MS job?

Anonymous — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:52:38 -0800

A job opportunity opened up that requires an "MS degree". I have a MA. I know that I have the knowledge and experience for this position. Is there any way I can apply for this job? It's an adjunct professorship at a school focusing on Information Technology. I have around 12 years experience directly relevant to the open positions. I received a MA in International Studies but did my thesis on information science. I fulfill all of the other requirements. I have teaching experience and I think I would do a really excellent job. What, if anything, can I do?

Grad-school visit: what to ask?

aka burlap — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:26:47 -0800

Visiting potential grad school. How best to make the most of my visit? I've applied to masters programs at 4 schools for next fall (Public Policy and Social Work, dual degrees). I've been admitted to the program at School X, and I'm in the running for a pretty nice funding offer as well. I'll be visiting the school this weekend, and I'll have lots of opportunity to talk to faculty, students, and advisors. I want to take full advantage of this chance to get all my questions answered, but, er, what are all my questions, anyway? What should I ask about? Whom should I make sure to talk to? Former/current grad students: what do you wish you'd found out about before beginning your program?

Relatedly, I've been to the town the school is in once before, but certainly I didn't spend my brief visit imagining what living there for 3 years would be like. Any thoughts on what to look for on that front?

Thanks, MeFites!

Is a masters in Political Science worth it?

Anonymous — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:30:38 -0800

Is a masters in Political Science worth it? Or should I look at other two year options like Urban and Regional Planning? I've been spinning my wheels toward graduate school for a few years now.

For a long time I was sure I wanted to go for PhD in political science, because I had this vague idea that I wanted to work in academia, and that finding a job wouldn't be that hard... but the truth is I never really thought long and hard about job prospects, and now that I am it's worrying.

Recently it began to click with me that my department isn't that great, that with a PhD the best I could hope for is teaching at community college or at a low ranked four year school in my region or a medium ranked school somewhere else in the country. Fact is, all of my professors have Ivy League or close to Ivy League degrees, and my school certainly is not in that running...

Also, I can teach at community college with just a masters, so the PhD is becoming increasingly questionable.

I'm not opposed to community college work, in some ways it's more appealing, but tenure tracks are hard to come by, and in my area (major city) all of the community college teachers I've met are either doing the work temporarily in the hopes of moving on to bigger things, or are spreading themselves thin teaching different classes at multiple different schools... in other words, it's contract work, and it's very hit or miss.

I love the subject, I truly do. I would love nothing more than to spend my days teaching and writing about it. I just worry that I've run out of time for securing a good job in academia. If I were ten years younger I wouldn't worry about it as much.

Here's the pinch: I'm in my early 30s, and I want stable, medium to medium-high income by the time I'm 40 with strong job security. (And a solid gold toilet, while I'm at it, right?) I want to start a family between now and then and be able to afford it. Most of all I want work that is intellectually stimulating, and that allows me to feel like I'm making a positive difference in my community.

I guess my question is this: with a MS in political science, what type of work could I find outside of academia?

I'd still like to live my dream, and doing the PhD part time while working full is always an option later, but right now I want to pursue a masters degree that will make me marketable in a major metropolitan area, with good job prospects, and long term security.

To this end I've started feeling out Urban Planning. My school has a good program, it's intense, but the job sounds appealing. I know that pays have risen recently in this field, and that while some say it's an awful time to get into planning, I think in two or three years it may be better.

If it helps I'm concerned with social justice, globalization, urban environments, quality of life issues and the like... I've always been focused on theory, and I'm scared of quantitative data analysis, but I do like combing through data. I've even had some exposure to GIS and liked it fine.

Thanks for any and all advice.

Throw away email: grad.school.clueless@gmail.com

How do I check out an online degree program?

gm2007 — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 16:36:10 -0800

What's an unbiased resource for checking out the value of credentials obtained through an online degree or distance learning program? I am interested in obtaining a Masters in Acquisition or a Masters in Contracting, and have been looking for a good online degree program that will be respected by employers (federal government or government contractors) once I complete it. Specifically I am leaning toward a program at American Graduate University. Does anyone have any opinion of this program, or how I might go about checking it out?

What is the best degree to pursue? MBA v. MS

lkm23 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:09:18 -0800

What do you think of a Masters in Information Technology versus an MBA? I am passionate about new media/emerging tech but also know I want to be in business. Would I be cutting off too many options if I just went for an MS versus an MBA? What about dual degrees? Do they exist at top institutions?