I've been accepted into Amberton's M.S Human Relations and Business program. However, I've been noticing the talk in this forum that a Ph.D is better to pursue than a second masters. I have a masters in criminal justice administration. I also have about 24 credits or so in public administration, non-profit management, etc. I was looking at the doctorate program from NCU. What do you folks think? second masters? or doctorate degree. Thanks. FYI, registration for fall classes for Amberton begin in August. I'm torn.
I was exactly in the same position as you. I already have an MBA/Public Administration degree and was pursuing a second master's at Cal State. After talking with many individuals, I came to the conclusion to not repeat an acccomplishment that I've already attained, but to challenge myself further by pursuing a doctorate. I'm currently enrolling into Northcentral University to pursue a PhD in business administration. You already have the master's degree. Go for the doctorate instead.
On the surface I'd say go for the Doctorate, but it's more complicated than that. Education is also about personal goals, fulfillment, and enjoyment. Would the Amberton degree result in a substantial promotion, advancement opportunity, or desirable career change? Is it a program that you feel would teach you something substantial on a personal level, or enjoy? Is (or was) a Doctorate one your personal goals before reading this board? Many people augment an initial MS or MA with something like an MBA and do very well with the additional opportunities it opens up. I’ve looked at the Amberton offerings myself, and like the Human Relations and Business as well as the Managerial Science programs very much. I manage IT projects for a living, and those programs match up very well with the day to day “people skills” that the job requires (the quantitative skills are covered in the undergrad and through experience), and would pair up very well with and MIS or IT management grad degree. My point is……..what were your goals and motivation for enrolling in the program prior to reading this board? You can get great advice here and sometimes steered in the right direction, but don’t chart the course of your life based on a discussion board. Dave
I have no immediate goals to teach at the high school or collegiate level. However, teaching online in the future does seem interesting but not really a solid goal for me. I only want to enhance my current career status and open up some new opportunities for me working in state government. I currently work in the criminal justice/corrections field.
I made the decision to get a second masters degree, and have now made the decision to go for a DBA. What I like about the second masters is that for relatively little time (a year or two) you go from educated to REALLY educated, which is a competitive differentiator if the two subjects are complementary. So I guess I’m saying do both! DEL
Two masters degrees in related fields may look unusual. Two masters degrees in separate fields, especially when one of them is a 'professional' degree probably looks like education for the sake of retraining, personal interest or increasing your skillset. I took a masters in a physical science back in the early 80's, and completed a MBA eighteen years later. No one has ever blinked an eye at having two grad degrees at the same level. My MBA was pursued primarily for personal interest, but has paid off significantly in the workplace.
If I were to pursue a second masters, the field would be in one that is different from my previous one. And the skills and training gained would be used to enhance my current career. I appreciate everyone's feedback thus far and I welcome more. Thanks.
