2nd MS (free) or Dr.of Science (I pay)

So here is my delimma, I hope to start at Dakota State in the fall in the doctor of science program. I already have an MS degree from East Carolina University in Technology Systems, but I have an opportunity to get an MS in Public Policy and Administration from Georgetown through work for free. The Georgetown degree is a great deal and in residence (8 - 1 week courses over 2 years), but it would be nice to have a doctorate also. Not sure what to do and I am not sure I would really want to do both, 9 more years of school. I am only doing one or the other. My long term plan is to retire from gov't and teach part time(adjunct), so the Doctorate would be nice.

Thanks

 

OK. #1 - "I hope to start..." Are you in or not? If not then you're actually standing in a casino making a bet.

"Do I go for the sure thing? Or do I take the long-shot?" Me? I'd take the long-shot.

#2 - You're retirement plan resembles that of a huge number of other people. Don't think that it's 1-2-3. You've got LOTS of competition.

 

Go to G'town. Their public policy program is one of the best in the country. You could likely get a full time teaching job at a CC, possibly even a four yr college/university, with that degree and significant work experience in the public sector.

 

I think Dakota State is a good distance learning option and the doctoral program is an interesting one, but I would rather have a Master's degree from Georgetown than a Doctorate from Dakota State. There is an enormous difference between the two schools in reputation. While not a Doctorate, I think a Georgetown degree will still look really good for teaching. Particularly with Georgetown being free, I would pick it for sure.

The subjects are different, which plays a big role imo. If you are more interested in one or one is more valuable in your career, I think that should be a major factor in your decision.

 

Here are the details, i work in law enforcement, cyber crime and forensics. I already have one adjunct job and i am also an Assistant Professor in the Army Reserves at the USUHS Medical School. I enjoy teaching, but also like research. I think i will have a real good chance at landing an adjunct job or even full time CC, small college based on my connections I have made over the last few years. The Georgetown degree is a different subject, but applies to my work experience in LE/federal gov't, so it would allow me to teach different topics, criminal justice, public policy, etc.

As far as DSU, they don't notify you if you are accpeted until after May 15th. I am optimistic I will get accepted, but you never know. You have me considering the Georgetown degree now, not sure what to do.

 

Before you decide, spend and hour here:

PhinisheD

A PhD is not an "enhanced" masters degree. It's a quantum leap. Be prepared. Do your homework.

 

Paying for a doctorate might push back retirement a few years, at a time when most people at that age hope to be debt-free. Something to consider.

 

Get the second master's.

I can't think of a single good reason to not get it.

 

Get the free Masters from Georgetown and come back for the Doctorate from Dakota State later, if no better options arise a couple of years down the road.

 

What would the doctorate at DSU be in? I'll be honest, I just don't think a doctorate from that school is going to land you a tenured track teaching job, obviously the Georgetown masters degee won't either, but I think it will open up more teaching opportunities as an adjunct or even full-time non-tenured track instructor than the DSU doctorate would.

 

I would recommend to go for a second Master degree at Georgetown University. Which I am doing now, and I am also doing my Ph.D at Capella University.

 

You will get much more mileage with a Georgetown MPP than a DSc from Dakota State.

 

Save the money. Go to Georgetown.

 

Thanks for all the feedback and advice. I think I am going to wait and hopefully go to DSU for the Doctor of Science. Although the Georgetown Masters would be a great degree and is free, I really have no interest in Public Policy Management, so the work would be painful to say the least.

 

The question that should be answered is what are you really looking to do? The Georgetown degree might be more prestigious but is it relevant? What do you want to do with it? I believe getting Master's degree doesn't necessarily translate into teaching positions, even at adjunct level.

If you are into IT then DSU is a better choice. Having DSc will help obtain teaching position. I myself am waiting for admissions decision for DSU DSc program since last October.

 

Good thread bump. I didn't see this one and it seems the OP has made his decision, but I would opt for the Georgetown degree without a doubt. Not only is it free, but it comes with major name recognition. If I lived in that area, I would love to go for a masters like that one. Hopefully the OP updates this thread because I'm curious how everything is going.