Master's Degree Peeps...

brobin01 · September 2010

I need help!

I need to go back to school, but I can't make my mind up on what I want a Master's in. I am so confused and I don't want to waste time or money on a degree that I might not use! I would really like a degree in a field that I am really interested in.But I don't even know what that is! LOL

I am also researching schools. I don't want to take that stupid (in my opinion) GMAT. I work full time & online classes are NOT an option for me. I have to be in a classroom.

Any recommendations?? Schools?

corinne2010 · September 2010

I'm not sure what your Bachelor's is in, but here are my thoughts:

If you get an MBA, you may appeal to more people. However, if you don't like business, then that may not be the right path for you.

I refused to take the GMAT (what you need to have in order to get into grad school) so I started researching colleges that don't require the test. There is Walsh College which is local, Madonna University, and I think Phoenix University which is located in Southfield. Phoenix was way too expensive for me and not really worth the money. I am currently enrolled in Kaplan University and I love it. Everything is online and the classes are accelerated. The classes are designed much different than those at Walsh. I hate tests and don't do well on them ever. Walsh has the mult choice testings and Kaplan is more group project oriented which is what business is all about anyway.

Any choice you make, just know that it is a huge commitment. I barely go out on the weekends because I'm busy doing homework. The program at Kaplan is a two year program. I'm hoping to be done by 2012. Let me know if you have any other questions!

brobin01 · September 2010

Thanks Corrinne! Yes! I mean GMAT, I need to go back and edit. LOL

My B.A. is in Marketing/Advertising. I have been in Cooperate Amercia since interning for GM at the age of 17, so I am kinda over the Business degree route.

I am leaning towards Public Relations, Human Services, or Public Administration route..I think

I hardly ever hang out so giving up my weekends for studying is not a big deal to me. Once I am back in school, I am definitely prepared to stay focused and committed.

boogerbearoriginal · September 2010

My 2 cents:

If you aren't looking for a 'corporate' job don't get the MBA. IMO it's not worth the time and expense because a smaller firm won't be able to pay you what an 'MBA' should make and you already have loads of work experience that will make you a great candidate for a position.

If you are looking to transition into a new field, my first suggestion would be to try and find someone you can shadow or even just talk with about their day. See what they do, their likes/dislikes about their firm/industry, and see what the job prospects are in that field and ask if a Masters is worth it in that field. Just because you can get the degree doesn't always mean you should.

Once you find the industry you're interested in (and determine a degree will be worth it) - research schools to find one that is accredited and well regarding for that industry.

Good luck!

shesheduke · September 2010

I am going for PA at Central I just sent off for my info packet on Friday. I dont know much about the cost but I know they have an accelerated program and offer online, in class and weekend classes as well. I Dont know if I will be going ASAP or wait until after the weddign but I am thinking ASAP but FI might be on another page. We shall see i just want to get all my ducks in a row so send off for the info pack or check out their website and see it you like it. No GMAT but I think you do have to do the thesis at the end.

jamenyha · September 2010

I'm sort of in the same boat. I am looking to start graduate school next fall and not quite sure what I want to get it in yet tho. One thing that always interested me tho is counseling. There are some good schools in the area for that. I currently go to OU and LOVE it there. I'm sure you'd probably be required to take the GMAT tho to go there if you didn't gradute from there with your bachelor's. I'm thinking of doing my Master's at OU just so I don't have to take the stupid GMAT!

larzhope · September 2010

I actually found that most Human Services schools require the GRE and not the GMAT... I could be wrong though. I applied to Wayne State's I/O psychology program and to MSU's Masters of Human Resources and Labor Relations program and only took the GRE... much better than taking the GMAT in my opinion

bdutzy · September 2010

I go to school at Walsh and like it alot because of the flexibility it offers. I am getting my Masters in Finance. I received my Bachelors of Accountancy from there as well. During my time at Walsh I never had a problem with getting a class I need until this semster, but that is mostly my fault for not looking at the schedule planner.

If you don't want/can't take online classes, I would suggest looking at Walsh, OU or UofM Dearborn.

brobin01 · September 2010

Thanks Erin! That is great feedback. I am so conflicted and I want to do soooo many things! I just want to be sure that whatever I get into, it is worth getting a Masters in.

@Jamenyha - I also have looked into Counseling as well! Particulary youth.
I know, I am all over the place! I feel like a crazy person sometimes..lol

@Sheena - congrats on making the first step! I have considered Central as well. I had a full packet and just got frustrated and threw it to the side (this was during the wedding planning process). But now I am ready to make my moves!

DetroitGyrl · September 2010

lol.. I got an MA in Sociology.. Had nothing to do with my indergrad degree. I got it because that's what I LOVED my last semester in undergrad. I was lucky enough to have a strong research background and great skills in marketing myself.

I always say - get a degree in something you love! No sense in wasting the time or money on something you hate!

But that's just my two cents. What worked for me may not work for others - especially in this economy.

mordacious · September 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.weddings.com/Sites/Weddings/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_masters-degree-peeps?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:e2186079-527d-4e8d-bb8e-4c31916d39c6Post:46dec5f2-e2eb-47cc-8282-e32b9a8bf181">Re: Master's Degree Peeps...</a>:
[QUOTE]I always say - get a degree in something you love! No sense in wasting the time or money on something you hate! But that's just my two cents. What worked for me may not work for others - especially in this economy.
Posted by DetroitGyrl[/QUOTE]

Yeah, that doesn't always work either though. I LOVED chemistry but had I known what life would be like working it, I wouldn't have gone into it.

I like the idea of shadowing someone first.

brobin01 · September 2010

Thanks all! I'll take all the advice I can get from you all

jafar39 · September 2010

I thought I would put in my opinion also!

I have my MSW, Master's in Social Work. I went to Wayne State and I loved it. I thought the professors were really great and didn't have one bad professor in my three years in the master's program. I went this route because there is much more flexibility with an MSW as opposed to an MA in Psychology. Since graduation, I work in a hospital and help people with no insurance find ways to get their medications. It's not what I would have thought that I would be doing or something that a social worker does but I love it. If you have any more questions feel free to ask! (Also, you don't have to take the GRE to get an MSW!)

aprillm730 · September 2010

I also have an MSW and went to wayne state for graduate school. A masters in social work is very marketable, you can do so many things with it. I am very lucky to be working in the field in which I had always wanted. I work for the State of Michigan and I work in the Department of Corrections. It's challenging and rewarding and I'm glad I'm here!

PS - JAFAR - what year did you graduate?!?!?!

jafar39 · September 2010

Aprilm... I graduated just this year, 2010. Glad to hear that you also loved your experience and that you got a degree in the field! What year did you graduate?

aprillm730 · September 2010

I graduated from WSU with my BSW in 2008 and my MSW in 2009! Did you do the part time program or the full time? It was a great program, I really enjoyed it!

jafar39 · September 2010

I did the part time program and started in 2007, it took me about 3 years to finish. I wish I could have done the advanced standing but I don't have my BSW, I have my BS in Psychology. It's exciting to meet someone who went through the same program!

brobin01 · September 2010

Aww Man! It's great to see MSW peeps! I do have questions! Can you both PM me your email address? Matter of fact, I'll page the two of you.

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