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Topic: What do you think of a dual degree?


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.




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Posted by: Torri
Date posted: Tue Apr 29 10:36:16 2008
Message:

 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.

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  • I guess I was not as worried about it paying off. There are just so many classes out there that look good to me. It's a bummer that I only have 5 electives left as it is. I had a hard time picking them. Maybe, I'll go the certificate route. There are several I want. Art therapy being one of them. Thanks. Lisa P

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    Posted by: Tukey
    Date posted: Tue Apr 29 10:22:25 2008
    Message:

    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)

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  • Yeah, I do agree with more initials after your name. I am going to be taking a big test later this year. I am hoping to put more next to my name. Those do help in today's market. Thanks for the kinds words. I could have been done faster with my Masters, but I have only wanted to take 1 class at a time so I can be with Chris. It's worked out well. Lisa P

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    Posted by: Romy
    Date posted: Mon Apr 28 23:54:13 2008
    Message:

    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.

    I say go for it.

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  • Thanks Romy. I remember you were a counselor. Why never again? Lisa P

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    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.

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  • Yes, my original goal was to get a PSY.D. However, I have to go to school all day Fri/Sat for 3+ years. I can't be away from home that much, especially once we adopt. It would kill me to be gone every Sat. Not going to happen. Besides, that is better for private practice. That is a dream of mine, but right now I just want more job options. Lisa P
  • I love my job, but it's very unique and specialized. You try looking for a Victim Advocate job, that is non DV and pays something. Not an easy task. Lisa P
  • Hi Lisa P. Yes, I think some sort of doctorate would help you more than another Master's. Is it possible you are over-qualified for jobs you are interested in, as it is? Jobs in the social sciences or social services are notoriously under-paid, no matter what degree you have (it gets worse the farther up you go in education). So you might be better off getting a certificate. /Megan
  • Megan, it's true, you don't go into the helping profession to get rich :-) I am overqualified for most of the BA level jobs. What I really need right now is that Masters. I am glad I only have 5 classes left. Lisa P

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    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.

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  • I am going to school online. I chose this route for several reasons, the main reason was to be with my hubby. Family is very important to me. I don't plan on being gone. I usually can get all of my homework done on a Friday (which I have off, or on a Sunday). Also, with my current job I only leave the house 3 days a week unless I have court which is only about 5 times a year. Lisa P
  • Oh that's right, you are going to school online, that makes a difference. It sounds like you have it worked out then. Go for it! :) Lilia

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    Posted by: ML
    Date posted: Mon Apr 28 21:10:39 2008
    Message:
    They can't take education away from you...and education is a very good thing...

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  • ITA! I lived a very hard life growing up. My mom had no job skills. I wanted her to be able to go to college so bad, but she didn't have the confidence to go. My brother and I were old enough to be home alone. It would have been the best thing for her in the long run, but she never got an education. I want choices, and I love learning. Lisa P

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    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! :-)

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  • I can become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, but only after a certain amount of contact hours. It usually takes 2 years post masters to be able to take the test and obtain that license. I am also a certified grief counselor, and I am taking extra CE courses through Hospice. I don't need the extra degree, but I like the extra education. They go into a lot of areas my degree is not going into. Just like any degree there do not cover everything. Lisa P

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    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 $$).

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  • The second degree would be in Thanatology-the study of death & dying. I can also just get a certificate, but I don't know how employers look at that. Lisa P

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    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!

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  • I don't work for the county. I work for a non-profit. My goal is to work for Hospice next and then a private practice doing grief counseling. I love being an advocate, but there is only so many jobs for this type of work. People usually get them and stay until they retire. I want be more marketable. As for having a child and doing school, I don't see a problem. Everyone I know has kids and is working on their masters. It's hard, but you just take less classes. Lisa P
  • I wish I could of talked to you after my mom died,,,,,,I know many moms and dads do go to school/work/raising children. I don't know your timeline with this 2nd degree, the length and where you are on the adoption. You are probably lots younger then me now and have more energy. But I don't think I could do all that! You will have to see how it all works out and be prepared that school might have to take a back seat for awhile. You will figure it out, what does hubby say? ~~Bonk~~
  • Hubby is very supportive of my education. I have a very flexible job, and school is online. I am only taking one class at a time. I think it's all about balance. Plus, I am not going to be raising our daughter by myself :-) Hubby is all done with school. He is home and has nothing better to do :-) I am just thinking about it. I probably won't do it. I just like learning. I am the first one in my family to even graduate from high-school. I want my child to see that women can do anything they want to in life. Plus, she is not here yet. The told us it's probably going to be another year. In the meantime I am just brewing with thoughts. Lisa P

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    Posted by: Carissa
    Date posted: Mon Apr 28 20:00:53 2008
    Message:

    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. 

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  • I agree they don't always care about the degree if you can do the work. My hubby has a Masters and no one cares. Maybe he'll use his some day. Lisa P

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