Choosing a master’s degree
Tuesday, 1 May 2007 | 257 readers so far
I’m nearly done with my bachelor’s in information technology. It is time to start pondering the choices for a master’s degree. I’m considering two choices right now, and I know this blog attracts highly educated readers. So vote, and then tell me why you picked as you did in the comments section. What are the pros and cons of either degree? Which will have a higher income potential? Which degree would lead to a higher overall lifetime of self-satisfaction?
Other pertinent factors: the Master of Information Systems is offered by the University of Phoenix, and the Master of Arts in International Diplomacy program is offered by Norwich University.
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Program Data |
Credit Hours Required |
Total Cost |
|
Master of Arts in International Diplomacy |
36 |
$25,419 |
|
Master of Information Systems |
|
|
1 May 1st, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Mustang says:
A tremendous number of people are forced to make a career change at the worst possible moment in time. With two kids getting ready to attend college, a wide range of financial obligations that include mortgage, automobile payments, and credit card debt . . . age 40 is not the time to learn that (1) your position has been eliminated, and (2) your field is over populated with people every bit as qualified as you are. Within a field that you have just been let go from, it will take you 15 to 36 months to find a new position. Your new potential employer will offer less salary and benefits because there is more demand for that one open position.
I know you will do what you think is right for you — but from my perspective, a Masters in International Relations (or Diplomacy) will increase your options in the future. My advice is simply this: don’t place yourself in a position with limited options.
Either way, I have no doubt but that you will succeed at any endeavor . . . and I for one offer you my best wishes for a long and happy life.
Semper Fi
2 May 1st, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Carrie says:
Whichever degree you ultimately pursue, just make sure to make those student loan payments on time so it doesn’t negatively affect your credit rating.
Good luck!
P.S. I’d go with MIS.
3 May 1st, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Trevor says:
Thanks to both Carrie and Mustang for your comments! And of course, Semper Fi!
I think the advice about MIS is practical. One of the reasons I’m considering the International Diplomacy degree is that I want to make a late life career out of writing, but I suppose I can always rely on the practice I get from maintaining this blog for those skills. I plan to go on to a doctorate degree at some point.