Beyond the Masters

Just curious. Is there "anyone" here on the path beyond a masters degree? If so, is it worth it in your vision path toward greater self-development? Also, it is believed that many do not pursue a doctoral degree because of the expense and that in some situations in terms of employment it knocks you out in the running because, it makes you over qualified. I guess my questions is, is it worth pursueing the doctoral degree?

 

depends, but ur on the right track. anything worth doing over a significant period of time requires extensive research. expenses, potential job markets, study interests, etc. if your goal was to teach at a notable 4-year college where most of the faculty hold PhDs, a PhD track would be suitable.

also worthy of mentioning, are the funded PhD programs. I would definitely look into those type of programs, as some offer full-tuition and/or research-teaching assistant-ships, etc. I even seen a med school in the area that offers full rides+ opportunities for stipends/jobs for MD students/biomed among others.

 

Thanks Pettyofficer for the information. I'm seriously looking at a post masters degree program in the next two years. I'm still young (29 years) and have the time to be sure what I want to do. I may start off in a post master certificate then into the doctorate. There is so much to consider right now with job, wife, and child. When ready I must devote 100 percent to the effort. Two areas I'm looking at is teaching (education) and systems management. Again, thanks.

 

You only live once. If you truly want to shape academia, I would pursue it. Depending on the level of professorship you seek, you may be required to write books and contribute to other literature before raising in title. It's an immense reward to be able to pass on knowledge and influence the way people think.

 

Pettyofficer, what a challenge you have given me. I never thought of this as you suggested. Granted, I'm very bull headed and tend to feel that I'm right on most issues (which gets me in trouble with people). But I will carefully study this approach. To make a difference in the lives of others would be the greatest wealth for me. If I can give back something, it would be for the next generation. Thank you my friend.

 

Yes Mr Pettyofficer is an inspiration to us all

 

Yes he is . He is like a brother to me.

 

i want to see people do good in their lives. Plus, we share some of the same goals. I've thought about teaching on the university level as well, and did my own investigating as to what it would take. Sometimes you can get away with just having a masters, especially on the community college level. Once you hit the 4-year schools, that PhD opens up more doors.

If you have everything in place to really dedicate yourself to your study, i'd say go for it. There are so many universities around with so many doctoral programs that you're bound to find one that will accept your candidacy.

 

dual masters is good too. You still get a professor title just harder to be more than an associate as far as I've seen.

 

definitely have to be able to distinguish between the different levels, before you go down that path. different levels = different pay..don't go for the banana in the tailpipe

full professor gets that money, but from what i've read, some places make you jump through lots and lots of hoops to get there.

bottom line..if researching and putting forth scholarly material is something that you strive to do, you can't go wrong. you can do it without the doctorates of course, but it adds more weight I think. Now the cost of tuition for a non-funded program and whether or not you'll be able to carry that debt.......................................that's another story