Input on pursuing a masters' degree...

[Lisa0825]

I have toyed with the idea of going for a master's degree for a while, but I've been going through a rough time the past few years, and lacked the confidence to take the plunge.

I started seriously thinking about it recently, and began reading about various degrees offered nearby. I am very interested in the M.A. in Cross-Cultural Studies. It involved studies in anthropology, sociology, applications such as mediation and counseling, study of the future, human rights issues, womens' issues, etc. I honestly don't know if it would ever result in an increase in income for me, but that is not the reason I would be doing it anyway. I do think it could open some interesting possibilities for me, though.

Is anyone here familiar with this degree, with potential job opportunities, etc? or do you have any general advice on pursuing a masters?

Background info on me: I have a B.S. in Biology. I worked 10 years in medical research, but burned out on it. I have been working as an employment counselor at a state workforce office for about 18 mo. I am mostly interested in NON-scientific lines of work now, so getting another degree related to my orginal field is not an option. I am interested in sociology, human rights issues, Latin American culture and history, cultural differences (and how they effect communications, etc).

Thanks for any comments:-)

[GOPisEvil]

1. Seems like it would be interesting, but I have no clue about employment.

It seems like a very academic field of study. Aside from the counseling aspect and education, I don't see a huge job market. But, if it's something you enjoy, then perhaps you should go for it.

[Lisa0825]

10. It does seem to have a job market, but not specific, like accounting...

The applied section includes learning mediation and negotiation, or training, or counseling. HR offices hire people with this major to do diversity training. Non-profit community programs that deal with diverse populations (such as the contractor I currently work for) might find it a good degree for advancement. But to be honest, even if I stay with my current job, I wouldn't feel it was a waste of time. I find the list of classes all to be so interesting, that I'd likely have a hard time choosing! I am very interested in Latin American Cultures, and with the growing Hispanic population in Houston, and in the country as a whole, I think this field might actually grow in the future.

[commander bunnypants]

2. Go for it

When I got my MSW, it raised my income by about 15K. Lots more freedom too.

DDQM

[Lisa0825]

11. My best friend has her MSW. I looked in to that too...

and am still considering it, but am leaning towars the cultural studies, because it's sort of a hobby of mine at the moment already:-)

But I certainly wouldn't mind a raise too!!!:-)

[Wickerman]

3. If you want to learn more about the topics

go for the masters. It a lot of work, but manageable. Going to school beats working, anyway.

Of course, you could read as much as you can on the topic before you start making apps. Decide if you have slaked your thirst before you put two or three years of your life into a program.

Good luck.

[Lisa0825]

12. Good tips. I am studying up on it now....

I found some professional organizations in the field that meet here in my area, and I plan to attend some of their events.

I miss the days of school with no work, but unfortunately, I'll still have to work this time around!

[daveskilt]

4. well its a good time to go back to school

Its not like you could switch jobs now anyway if you are burned out on what you are doing. and when you graduate the job market should be better. Of course thats what I thought 2 years ago when I quit my job to go back and do a masters.

graduating in may - know anyone thats hiring? :hurts:

[Lisa0825]

13. Unless I win the lotto, I won't be quitting my job anytime soon....

I will probably try to take 2 classes per semester in the evenings.

My JOB is to know who is hiring!LOL! If you're in the Houston area, I can help!

[daveskilt]

20. Its a lot more doable than you might think

I did my undergrad a class or two at a time while my wife did her masters and i worked. I am doing an MBA now while my wife is doing a Phd in English Lit (going for the big bucks there) and we have a 1 year old kid so it can be done!


I could move to houston! :)

[Lisa0825]

21. If you want me to take a look...

send me a resume. You can take off your contact info if you prefer (since you don't know me), and I can take a look in my resources and see what I see.

[H2O Man]

5. For what it is worth:

I would say that you should go for it. Having the degree can open doors for you in the future. As the number of jobs has become a serious concern for Americans, it makes since to become better educated.It's possible to do it for people at any age. But it sounds like you recognize that now is the time for you!Strike while the iron is hot! Good luck to you, and I'm confident that you are going to do good!

[Lisa0825]

14. Thank you!!!:-)

Thanks for the pep talk! I think having a non-science masters would open some doors for me in the non-profit, human services, or academic fields. One job I have been TRYING to get is academic advisor at a university. Not having a human services related undergraduate degree seems to be holding me back. I think this could make me more marketable in the field I am in now. Right now, I feel doggone lucky to have this job!

[RobinA]

6. Started a Year Ago

on my Masters in Counseling Psychology at the ripe old age of 45. I'd say go for it, but don't expect a monetary pay-off. It really isn't any harder than undergraduate school. Don't know what age you are, but grades are very inflated these days, it's pretty much As and Bs for everybody.

[Lisa0825]

16. I did notice that the few classes I took 8 years after undergrad...

seemed much easier than all of my undergrad work!

I have also been looking into getting an LPC. 90% of the counseling positions I see in this area prefer bilingual applicants. That is the first thing I will be focusing on (Spanish)... but the more I thought about it, I figured the classes on culture and language would help me already, even in my current job... so I thought i could start there, and see where it takes me.

[x-g.o.p.er]

7. I am 2 classes short of a Master's....

and I've done it at night, after work. It's been a pain in the ass, usually one class a semester, occasionally two, but I think it will help me in the job market when I retire from the military in a few years.

If not, I'll get a mundane government job, lol. Or I'll be the highest educated Wal-Mart greeter in history.

[Lisa0825]

17. Wow! Congratulations!!! You're almost there!!!

Another inspiration I had is my best friend. She went back for her MSW as a single mom on a entry-level teacher's salary. Then she worked 5 years, and now she is going for a second masters for school administration. I figure if she can get two masters as a single mom, I should stop doubting myself and do this now!

[pippin]

8. Yes there are graduate programs in cultural studies

covering all the things you've mentioned. If you are in southern California, the Claremont Graduate School is one place offering graduate programs--masters and ph.d.s --in cultural studies.

If you' re interested in career in academia--teaching at the university level, my advice--the one I give all my own students whose gpa's are good enough-- is go for a ph.d. program and don't waste time on a masters. Most people don't know that you don't
have to go for a masters first, then a ph.d. If you are in a ph.d program and don't cut it universities generally give you what is called a terminal master's degree. If you pass the comprehensive exams or the equivalent you get your masters before you continue finishing up toward a ph.d.

Cultural studies is my area--I began as a lit major but have had an academic career of over 25 years where I have branched out into several of the related areas you've mentioned including film, gender studies, ethnicity, art, politics etc. The beauty of cultural studies is that it is multidisciplinary--you use diffrent disciplinary approaches--sociology, literature, poli sci etc.,

If you like reading, research, a life of exploration, and the world of ideas, then an academic career can be fulfilling.

Most people confuse higher education with voc ed--i.e. something you do to prepare you to do a job. It's that some times--like learning how to be an accountant, but higher education is also about finding ways of growing as a human being.

Good luck! :-)

[Lisa0825]

9. yes! I definitely see this as a way to grow, not a way to get a job.

Actually, being involved in politics for the first time in my life is really what has led me to this. The more I learn, the more I find I WANT to learn. there are so many issues out there that I would love to have a better understanding of. The major areas I am interested in are how culture affects interaction in society and business, human rights issues, and the way our country will be changing due to changing ethnic/cultural makeup. This degree would be an asset in my current job, so if it takes me 3-4 years to get it, it will still benefit me here, little by little.

I don't think U of H offers Cross-Cultural studies as PhD. I'll have to look into it and see if there is a PhD program that would sort of include it to an extent. What terrifies me about going for a PhD is the idea of a thesis/dissertation!!! YIKES! It sounds so intimidating!!! The M.S. program gives a choice between an internship and thesis, and "encourages" an internship.

[pippin]

22. One of the things about going into a ph.d. program

there is a certain flexibility that may not be present in a terminal masters program. There are the courses all candidates have to take ofcourse, but your interests also are a factor in your readings and research. Given your interest in politics and culture, your professors will direct you as to what to read and how to how to frame your research. Ph.d. programs also offer a community of scholars (professors and other grad students) where you have the opportunity to engage in debates, exchange ideas and share information. I look back at my own grad school days and recall what an exciting time it was intellectually, and what a transformative experience it was. Sure there is the pain: you swea over the comprehensive exams, you work and rework chapters of your dissertation but the challenge is fulfilling.

Incidentally, most people make too big a deal about dissertations. A dissertation is a trial run for the great stuff you will be doing as you mature as a scholar. Anyone who talks about their dissertaion once it's finished is usually considered to be some sort of idiot. Most of us who are now senior profs don't even remember what our dissertations were about!!!

Another benefit about going into a ph.d program is that you may also be able to support yourself as a teaching or research assistant. The money is paltry at most universities but that's where the teaching experience complements your own scholarship.

[afraid_of_the_dark]

15. Nothing wrong with pursuing education for the sake of knowledge...

rather than as a means to obtain a larger paycheck. The area you mentioned sounds very interesting, and if all that is standing between you and that degree is confidence, then you just need to go for it!

But beware... I don't know what the job market is like right now in your field, but you might want to think about it a little more if pursuing this degree is going to require you to quit your job. It would be most unfortunate if you got the degree, but couldn't get a job (in your interest area or your previous career area) afterwards.

[Lisa0825]

18. Unless I win a load of cash, I'll be keeping my job and taking night class

Besides the need for a paycheck, I'd rather have the non-science experience building up for my resume. As it is, I have 10 years in medical research, and 1.5 in social services/counseling. If I get a masters and have 4 years experience in a non-profit by then, I think I'll be in very good shape to shop around!

Thanks for the input!:-)

[x-g.o.p.er]

19. You can do it!! Go for it!!

Just make sure it's something you want to pursue. And I don't know your situation, but if you can be a full-time student, that would be ideal. Like I said earlier, I've done mine at night and on weekends, and it's taken longer than normal, and has been a general pain in the rumpus. I hate sacrificing time with the wife and kids because I have to do a paper or something related to my class.

But it's not too difficult, just more inconvenient than anything else.

Good luck to you!!