Topic Posted by: Lisa P
Date Posted: Mon Apr 28 19:50:57 2008
Additional Comments: I have 5 classes left and I'll have my MA in Psychology. However, I found another Masters program that really looks good. Both will help me do the work that I want to do. I just wonder if I am torturing myself for nothing :-) Do employers really care? It's a lot of money to go to school and if it's not going to help, than I am not sure I want to do more schooling.
I am an administrator in a psychology department in a state university in NY. We don't offer a terminal MA program, but I get to see all the data on where students end up after they receive their degree, and you would be amazed at how little the actual degree correlates with their eventual employment. Although the Ph.D. is in psychology, there are several different areas of focus: clinical, cognitive, behavioral neuroscience. It is not at all uncommon for non-clinical student to end up practicing as clinical psychologists, or for clinical students end up running research labs in the corporate world, i.e., employers don't hold you to your degree!
I guess my point is that a second MA probably wouldn't pay off financially in the real (non-academic) world (different story if you are taking it only for personal interest and growth). My advice would be to get involved in the field of death and dying by doing volunteer work in hospice, with bereaved parents, etc. and also by taking Continuation Education credits in the field, offered by area universities and community colleages. Both those approaches look great on your CV and so enhance your marketability.
Another point: I work with a couple of MDs/PhDs who make a good salary, but not what you would imagine for such an impressive dual degree. This might be different in a large medical center, of course, but not here.
Good for you for all your hard work - I know you will do well whatever you decide.
First off, congrats on being almost done! I've been so close for so long, that I'm a tad envious of your perserverance (sp? lol) and your dedication! :o) With that being said, I agree with those who said you need to look into what your opportunities would be if you completed a second degree. Will it pay more? Will it set you above the average candidate when applying for jobs? Will it help you reach your longterm goal of having your own office for grief counseling?
I think it's a different answer for different people. For me, the more letters after my name the better LOL. Like you, I love learning and I hope to take more courses, credits or degrees once I'm finished this one. But I am also single with no children and no plans for either for a few years. It won't be an easy or quick decision for you (and Chris). Good luck in deciding and be sure to let us know! :o)
I have a dual degree...psychology and business. Both undergrad. I really only wanted the psychology degree, but went on to get a business one for my family. I worked as counselor for 8-9 years or so, and not ever again. My business degree will always come in handy. Troy has has dual degrees in biology and geology.
Posted by: ingyandbert Date posted: Mon Apr 28 22:47:46 2008
Message: While education is never a bad thing, I'd want to be sure that having that 2nd masters is going to be worth it -- especially given that it is in a highly specialized (i.e., narrow) field. Talk to some people in that field and see if you can get some insight from the employer's end. Have you considered getting a Ph.D. instead? That may give you more options than two masters.
Posted by: Lilia Date posted: Mon Apr 28 21:42:42 2008
Message: I think it's very difficult to go to school, work, and have a child. I think you should go for what you want and education is an awesome thing. However, when I was a kid, my mom was in school and worked and it was extremely difficult for me because she was gone and/or busy so much. I will never go to school when my kids are young.
I don't mean to discourage you in any way and I have confidence you could work it out. This is just my perspective.
Posted by: Evermom Date posted: Mon Apr 28 21:07:06 2008
Message: Will the Masters you are getting now give you any sort of certification or license? If not, will the 2nd one you are considering give you that? I am a social worker so I'm in a related field; I think if you pursue additional studies it would make the most sense to do so in a way that will give you additional recognized qualifications.
I have never heard of a master's degree in Thanatology so it seems very specific or specialized. In that case I'd think a certificate would be more practical. I know plenty of people with Master's degrees in a broader, well-accepted area (such as counseling or business) who have additional certificates in specialized areas (i.e. non-profit management, for example) which always looks good on a resume. I would be a little hesitant to give the time and expense to get a 2nd Master's in a field as narrow as this one. Just my opinion, of course! :-)
Posted by: Megan Date posted: Mon Apr 28 20:12:33 2008
Message: Hi Lisa P. Can you say more about what this 2nd degree would be in? And what your goals are? The answers to these questions will help in understanding whether it's worth it or not (in terms of more $$).
Posted by: Bonk5 Date posted: Mon Apr 28 20:08:46 2008
Message: you work for the county you live in right? I don't know how it is up there, but here lots of country jobs are closed or they are not hiring/promoting bc budget is bad. So find out if its worth it. I hand it to you thats lots of work getting our masters and working! My husband is trying to finish his college degree and it is very hard on him!
Also if everything is going forward on the adoption, are you going to have time and then engery to continue school at that time? Something to be aware of!
Personally, the bottom line is important to me. If I pay for college classes, plus take the time to study, then I want to see a increase in my salary as well.
Of course there are other reasons to get more education, but it seems most times employers don't care where the college degree is from, or what a person's grades were, even. They just want someone who can do the job.
Check around, as best you can, and see if the extra education equals an increase in salary.
