Multiple Masters Degrees

Question for you folks with multiple masters degrees: Why?

I'm not being sarcastic, I really do want to know. I am trying to decide between a masters in criminal justice or a masters in public administration (thinking way too much is what I do when I'm not studying..sheesh), and it occured to me that have seen several folks here with more than one masters degree. Some have a technical-type masters and then an MBA, and others degrees are seemingly unrelated.

Since I really like school, and I really don't think I want a doctorate (at least not based on what I understand the study to be and the work opportunities following the degree to be - please correct me if I'm ignorant here), it occured to me to just get the two masters degrees when I finish my B.S.

I appreciate any feedback that you can give me.

Sean

 

Professionally, it can fill multiple squares. Examples of this would be having masters in engineering and management for an engineer. This person can practice engineering and manage it.

Professionally, it can allow you to branch out into new areas. Example - Take a high school english teacher with a masters in comparative literature. He realizes after about 10 years in the job that he no longer loves teaching and gets a second masters in a management related field. This eases transition to a new field.

Personal enjoyment/enrichment - some people have a passion for two fields of study and can't decide which to pursue so they do both.

 

1)Marketability

2)Meet Entrance Requirements for certain programs and for professional certifications

3) To open more doors

4) Validation

5) For self-satisfaction

 

For me, it was too give myself a chance in the job search. I knew when I started the MA in history that jobs were few and far between. That is why I got my MLS, so I could give myself a better chance during job searches. I am working on my Phd to finish what I dreamed about doing when I was 13. But to answer your question, it was to find a job.

 

Sean,

I plan on earning two bachelor's degrees - one in public safety management, the other in psychology. I am already enrolled in a public safety management program, and I plan to enroll in a psychology program soon. The main reason I plan on doing this is because I can't decide what profession I want to work in. I think my situation is much like that of someone who is pursuing two master's degrees in different fields of study.

Have a great day,

Sara

 

My first master's degree was in linguistics/Teaching English as a Second Language. My second one will be in School Counseling.

The two master's degrees prepare you to do very different things. Going on and getting a doctorate probably wouldn't have been very helpful to me.




Tom Nixon

 

Mine are complimentary to each other and to my job.

 

My Masters is in Multilingual/Multicultural Education. However, I'm switching fields, and so needed the MBA (which I was 4 classes shy of finishing) to prepare me for my organization & management Ph.D. work.

 

I have an opportunity to do one tuition-free at my current job. I'm considering it to expand my learning and credentials in a specific area.

 

Multiple Grad Degrees

My first masters was when I was younger and in residence. Then I did an Ed.S. in instructional technology... then an MBA. It allows me multiple teaching areas at my community college. It also boosted my pay. PLUS, I like doing lots of different things. A doctorate would provide very little reward to me besides a title (I can't stand titles, so that doesn't work) and maybe some amount of prestige.

 

continuing education

In some fields, such as teaching, continuing education is required. The continuing ed does not have to be college courses, but it can be. Eventually some people will accumulate enough credits to qualify for a masters. However, there is nothing automatic about this, since there are time limits, subject matter requirements, and matriculation requirements.

Even with the restrictions, some people end up with a masters as a byproduct of continuing education.

In my case, I might finish up the course requirements for my MEd. this week; I'll have to see if the course is close enough to being a foundations of education course to suit the university where I matriculated. In any case, I need the continuing education and my employeer is paying for it.

Gerry Ashton

 

Sean,
I am LOL...and I'll see you in the PhD program one of these days (after your Masters or two)...sometimes there are no words but I think I recognize a relative...

 

A former supervisor of mine got her job as Dean of Information and Educational Technology at a community college based largely on the fact that she had both and MBA in information systems and an M.Ed. in educational technology.

Tony Pina
Cal State U. San Bernardino

 

PhD?

Deb, one thing I've learned in this wierd old life I live is to never say never. At this point I don't know about a PhD, but I'm also just finishing up my Associates in Arts and Sciences as a 41 year old. I worked as an electrical design engineer and a software developer for twenty years as a non-degreed individual.

I am now working to become a Chemical Dependency Professional in Washington State, and am volunteering with youth in an inpatient treatment program in a correctional facility. I can see corrections being part of my life for a long time to come, so the criminal justice programs like those offered at Bellevue University seem to be very good options for completing my undergrad work and moving into graduate school.

However, at this point I have no idea as to what kind of a doctoral program would be useful. I've seen Capella's PhD in Human Services. I've considered Argosy's PsyD program. My intellect, study habits, test taking abilities and written communication skills would allow me to complete just about anything I would choose to pursue (except math major. Doh! ).

I guess what I would look for in a doctorate would be the credentials to help me be respected enough to affect change in the law enforcement and corrections (non-)systems in regard to how drug laws are created and enforced, and how drug offenders are handled. Programs like drug court and deferred prosecution with treatment seem to be working (somewhat) better than a "lock 'em up and throw away the key" mentality. If I could be part of the process that can keep making policies that make this problem, and society as a whole, better, safer and more responsive to the taxpayers, I would likely pursue whatever education was neccessary.

I am most definitely open to feedback and advice from the members of this board. I have learned much here, and I suspect I will for a long time to come.

Sean

 

Sean,
You are already considering dissertation topics...excellent. I wish you every success in making a lasting contribution in your field. The "how" seems to revealed to different people in different ways and in different time frames.

The following relates to your original question about two masters degrees. When I entered graduate school I originally enrolled in a double masters (MPH-Public Health and MS-Epidemiology). Midway through I realized I needed some finance courses for budgeting work I was being asked to do for the first time at work and knew I could get them as part of my program. I dropped the Epidemiology specialty and picked up more Finance/Business courses to finish out the MPH. I developed a real interest in pursuing the business aspect but didn't really have enough knowledge in the field of business so I considered an MBA. I was re-directed to a PhD in Business/Health Administration specialty/dissertation focus nursing and avoided the double masters situation by planning to pick up what I need in business coursework in the doctoral program. But I do need the knowledge from both specialties to do what I want to do with the dissertation. There are so many choices these days...we are able to be more creative with our education than was possible in the past.
And 41 years old is still very young..."and miles to go before we sleep" - that old line pops into my mind from time to time. Actually, I'm anxious to retire so I will have more time to study!

Deborah

 

The question through is not for me since I don't have multiple masters degrees. Given a chance, however, I won't have any problem earning a legitimate MBA + MS in Engineering or IT. I believe I can be much more productive with technical knowledge combined with business skills.

While not all of the following are necessarily at Masters level, my philosophy is somewhat illustrated:
BS Industrial Engineering
Internet Certs
IT Project Management Cert
Certified Computing Professional
Certified Manufacturing Engineer (with management focus)
Information Systems Professional (Canadian degree level)
Chartered IT Professional (UK Honors degree level)
MBA in E-Business & Technology (expected Oct 2004)

Dream:
PhD or DBA or EngD (still a dream but might get through)
- PhD in Business Admin
- DBA (of course business - UK)
- EngD (Engineering management - UK)


cheers

 

Same reason a man climbs a mountain: Because it can be done.

 

Sleeeep. It will help.

 

Top Ten reasons

1. For the knowledge.
2. Because I can.
3. Because I enjoy it.
4. If you don't use it, you lose it.
5. Ability to choose which jobs I really want.
6. It fit because of timing.
7. Free schooling.
8. Ability to switch careers if one becomes boring.
9. Pursuing different military and civilian careers at same time.
10. If I didn't I would just watch more TV.

 

While I prefer the term: "Better have and don't need it, than need it and don't have it".