Multiple Degrees from Same School...Thoughts?

Long time viewer, first time poster here. Nice to "meet" everyone!

I read in another thread about someone having a preference for earning various degrees from different schools. I'm currently working on my MPA from Troy University and am planning on completing an MSCJ degree from them as well.

According to the Troy graduate school catalog I can use up to 6 SH of credits from one master's degree in a second master's degree program. I'm fortunate in the fact that two of my required MPA courses are offered as electives in the MSCJ degree program so I will only have to complete 24 SH of credit instead of the entire 30 SH for the degree.

My question is whether or not anyone has experienced bias from employers (private sector, public sector, or educational positions) because they had numerous degrees from the same institution? Is this something that is frowned upon in certain fields?

I currently work for the Feds and would like to teach as an adjunct to make some extra income down the road and am wondering if this could become an issue.

Thanks,

abnrgr275

P.S. - I've been very happy so far with my experience at Troy and highly recommend their on-line program to anyone looking to complete a quality distance degree.

 

I think it used to be said in academic employment it might be nice to have some variation in schools--especially where there appears to be an upward progression--such as a Michigan BA, Stanford MA, then Harvard Ph.D. I think in reality, especially outside of research academics it does not matter at all.

 

I agree with Craig. While it's been said that having a variety of supervisors, systems, etc. is to the benefit of the student (at least in theory), I think that an equally compelling case can be made for finding an academic environment where you feel comfortable, where you know the staff (and they know you) and you can complete your academic projects as you envision them. This may be especially true in the DL world where there are not unlimited grad opportunities (unless, of course, you're enrolling in an MBA program, in which case there are so many programs it actually becomes overwhelming). In many disciplines, where there are only a few DL program choices, no one should feel badly about sticking with one school if that works for them. Beyond that I would only say that I'll bet you could go to any university and find full-time tenured faculty who have obtained their degrees all from the same school.
Jack

 

I agree with Craig and Jack. It's not a problem, and it just might be an asset. Welcome aboard and good luck to you.

 

I agree with Craig, Jack and Uncle Janko.

 

I agree with Craig, Jack, Uncle Janko, and 4Q.



[Don't they call this "bumping" in other fora?]

 

I agree with Craig, Jack, Uncle Janko, 4Q, DesElms and myself.

Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

 

I agree too..

 

Ditto to the above. I have worked in higher ed for over a decade and a half and have heard about how having degrees from different school is a good thing. In hiring faculty ro administrators, I have never witnessed anyone with multiple degrees from the same school (including having BA, MA and PhD from the same school) ever being put at a disadvantage. It tends not to be an issue at all--even in academia.

One related trend is that universities outside of the Ivy League tend not to want to hire graduates with doctorates from their own school. However, I have seen that "rule" broken many times as well.

Tony Pina
Administrator, Northeastern Illinois University

 

I agree with Craig, Jack, Uncle Janko, 4Q, DesElms, me again, Randell, and Dr. Pina.

LOL.

 

Thanks for the timely responses folks! There are plenty of distance CJ graduate degree programs from both online and B & M schools and I've taken grad classes at the University of Cincinnati as well, but I just like the 10-week accelerated semesters at Troy and am comfortable with the program.

It looks like continuing at Troy and working towards a second master's degree there will work out just fine.

abnrgr275

 

BUMP!

(Sorry, couldn't resist.)

jon

 

I was going to put in my two cents on the thread but also noticed your Troy connection. I have been fascinated with their MS in international relations. Do I need the degree? Nope, I have a BA, MA, Ed.S., and MBA... from four different schools. I was also told about getting degrees from different places and I actually agree. It does give you a different perspective. My degrees are from the University of Arizona, Eastern Michigan, Valdosta (GA) State, and Morehead (KY) State... all over the place!