is a masters degree self-indulgent? what is the average cost of one?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are there so many recent posts about a masters degree in public health?

Is it just a really common field or is one person obsessing about it over and over.

OP, if you look over the posts of the last week, you'll see that in the USA, work is hard to find in this field. If you pay out of pocket, there is no guarantee it will ever pay off with a job in public health.

I know people who work in the field and have good salaries. DCUM is not representative of the entire USA. bahahaha. idiot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are there so many recent posts about a masters degree in public health?

Is it just a really common field or is one person obsessing about it over and over.

OP, if you look over the posts of the last week, you'll see that in the USA, work is hard to find in this field. If you pay out of pocket, there is no guarantee it will ever pay off with a job in public health.

I'm pretty sure it's one person. As we've said over and over again, it's a low paying field that is very over-saturated with graduates in this region.

So the answer to this thread is yes, THAT masters degree is self-indulgent. Do it if you want to live a life of the mind, not if you want to work in a paying job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are there so many recent posts about a masters degree in public health?

Is it just a really common field or is one person obsessing about it over and over.

OP, if you look over the posts of the last week, you'll see that in the USA, work is hard to find in this field. If you pay out of pocket, there is no guarantee it will ever pay off with a job in public health.

I'm pretty sure it's one person. As we've said over and over again, it's a low paying field that is very over-saturated with graduates in this region.

So the answer to this thread is yes, THAT masters degree is self-indulgent. Do it if you want to live a life of the mind, not if you want to work in a paying job.

How is that masters degree self indulgent? I can think of a lot of other ones that are much more self indulgent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are there so many recent posts about a masters degree in public health?

Is it just a really common field or is one person obsessing about it over and over.

OP, if you look over the posts of the last week, you'll see that in the USA, work is hard to find in this field. If you pay out of pocket, there is no guarantee it will ever pay off with a job in public health.

I'm pretty sure it's one person. As we've said over and over again, it's a low paying field that is very over-saturated with graduates in this region.

So the answer to this thread is yes, THAT masters degree is self-indulgent. Do it if you want to live a life of the mind, not if you want to work in a paying job.

How is that masters degree self indulgent? I can think of a lot of other ones that are much more self indulgent.

The OP is asking about that particular one.

[Anonymous]

I know, but how is THAT particular one self indulgent? It's like healthcare and social work combined with elements of social sciences. Something like an MA in Creative Writing is much more self indulgent.

[Anonymous]

Any time you have to borrow money to earn a degree, it's self indulgent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any time you have to borrow money to earn a degree, it's self indulgent.

The OP already said they wouldn't have to borrow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would only get a masters degree (I have one) if it will help you in your career. If you want to get one "just because" yes that is indulgent and it isn't really the best way to learn about a subject.

For example, if you want to learn about economics because you are interested in the subject, I would just start reading economics textbooks, listening to economics podcasts and reading economics books and blogs. Actually getting a masters degree in economics isn't going to be the best way. A dirty little secret about masters degrees is that for the most part you teach yourself the material. It isn't like undergrad where your professor walks you through it step by step.

I disagree with this. One of the most worthwhile things about my Masters program was being in a classroom with other people who were learning the same material, debating and teaching each other. Independent learning is great, but learning doesn't have to happen in a vacuum.

[Anonymous]

Would you learn something valuable to you? Would it possibly help you in your current career or help you get into a new one?

Or do you just want to be able to say you have a Masters?

I did my MBA because (a) I wanted to learn more and thought it would be interesting (it was) and (b) I thought it would help my career (which it did.) As a side bonus, I also made some lifelong friends in the program.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure why it is "self-indulgent." Mine tripled my income within a year of graduation, which is something my family certainly appreciates. FWIW, it is in a very niche field.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure why it is "self-indulgent." Mine tripled my income within a year of graduation, which is something my family certainly appreciates. FWIW, it is in a very niche field.

What's your masters in?

[Anonymous]

I am about to apply to masters in my mid 40s, and in a useless field for work. I also can't really afford it. It is completely self-indulgent and I couldn't care less. I am doing it for myself, I have raised my kids, I have worked, I have cleaned, cooked, and I am lucky to have a DH who supports me in this and understands that this is important to me. I might not be admitted, but at least I will try.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am about to apply to masters in my mid 40s, and in a useless field for work. I also can't really afford it. It is completely self-indulgent and I couldn't care less. I am doing it for myself, I have raised my kids, I have worked, I have cleaned, cooked, and I am lucky to have a DH who supports me in this and understands that this is important to me. I might not be admitted, but at least I will try.

What are you applying to study?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Eh, it depends. I was unemployable after getting my B.A. I went into debt ($60k) for a Master's Degree out of desperation, but it worked out. I immediately got a job paying $50k, left after 3 years for a job paying $75k, two years later I crossed the $100k mark. Paying off the debt was hard but manageable. I really didn't have a choice at the time; I was making $10/hr at temp jobs and had countless rejections.

I'm in the same boat. My degree is in communications. The masters would be Public health. What is your masters in?

My B.A. was in a foreign language. My Master's is in Int'l Aff/Public Policy. Which is not a sure thing or a safe bet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am about to apply to masters in my mid 40s, and in a useless field for work. I also can't really afford it. It is completely self-indulgent and I couldn't care less. I am doing it for myself, I have raised my kids, I have worked, I have cleaned, cooked, and I am lucky to have a DH who supports me in this and understands that this is important to me. I might not be admitted, but at least I will try.

What are you applying to study?

History.