Masters 1- library science. Opened up job opportunities. Masters 2- public policy, same.

Both were a means to an end- I didn't find the coursework for either particularly valuable and likely would not have pursued/finished them if I had to pay for them (fellowship for #1 and free tuition for #2 b/c I was a university employee).

Anonymous wrote:Computer Science. Yes, but mostly because the grad program is much more highly regarded than my undergraduate institution.

I should say that the degree has been useful, but I had an RA and stipend, so didn't pay for anything.

Anonymous wrote:Yes, in my field it's hard to get hired, let alone promoted, without a masters degree. I think I'd be stuck at the equivalent of research assistant - just doing lit reviews and drafting grant applications - without a masters.

Public health?

Computer Science. Yes, but mostly because the grad program is much more highly regarded than my undergraduate institution.

Anonymous wrote:MS in Environmental Engineering. Extremely beneficial. Really taught me everything about what I do now and how to think.

What is your undergrad degree in?

Master of Library Science. Yes, it was required for job.

I'm in health policy and got an MS 10 years ago. Yes, it helped tremendously...every job I've been interested in since graduating has stated, master's required or preferred.

Anonymous wrote:M. Ed. Yes, as it directly increased my salary as a public school teacher and the classes were necessary to get the teaching endorsement I wanted.

+1

Some of the classes were based on common sense and not always interesting, but it gave me a job and a foundation to build upon. Besides, you'd be surprised how many people actually need to be taught common sense.

Anonymous wrote:M. Ed. Yes, as it directly increased my salary as a public school teacher and the classes were necessary to get the teaching endorsement I wanted.

+1

Some of the classes were based on common sense and not always interesting, but it have me a job and a foundation to build upon. Besides, you'd be surprised how many people actually need to be taught common sense.

Anonymous wrote:I have a PhD in economics. In this town, it buys you access to a lot of secure jobs, but getting the degree takes so long that it isn't a clear no-brainer to get one.

How marketable is a master's in economics? I'd like to get into policy work and this seems like a more useful degree than an MPP.

Master's in Journalism. I learned a lot and made some helpful connections, but it was only worth it because I got a scholarship and my costs were minimal. If I had had to pay full freight or take out loans, forget it -- especially with the dismal state of the job market today.

Yes, in my field it's hard to get hired, let alone promoted, without a masters degree. I think I'd be stuck at the equivalent of research assistant - just doing lit reviews and drafting grant applications - without a masters.

Procurement and Contracts Management and I believe it has. Shows that I am committed to my actual career as a Contracts Specialist.

Currently getting my masters in Ed for Literacy...hoping there are reading specialist jobs out there in fcps at the end of this. I have been a sahm for 8 years so needed this to stay current.

MS in survey research. No brainer it was worth it, particularly since I didn't pay for it. I took advantage of my old company's great tuition assistance benefits. Would not have gotten my GS14 job without it.

FWIW, there's a bunch of PhDs in my agency with the same job as me. A few of them are a bit put out that those of us with Masters have them same job as them and that their doctorates don't seem to be giving them an extra leg up - at least in our situation.