Multiple "MSc" degrees

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by Frankie, Nov 23, 2003.

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  1. Frankie

    Frankie member

    Is it unusual to have more then one "Master of Science" degree? For example if someone wanted two "MSc" degrees from the Scarman Centre (University of Leicester) lets say one was in "Criminal Justice" and another in "Security and Risk Managment."

    Would that look unusual to have two "MSc" degrees in similar fields?

    I ask this because someone told me it is not common to have two "MSc" on a resume. Do you guys agree?
     
  2. oxpecker

    oxpecker New Member

    I have two Master's degrees, but I list only one on my professional CV. This is to avoid the appearance of being a dilettante (which in fact I am).
     
  3. Frankie

    Frankie member

    1) You do so to avoid being labelled "overqualified?"

    2) I was told that it is not unusual to have an "MA" and an "MSc" but it is unusual to have two "MSc" or two "MA" degrees.

    I am still scratching my head as to why someone would believe this.
     
  4. oxpecker

    oxpecker New Member

    Not overqualified, but unfocused.

    In my opinion, you should think about what your impression would be if you saw one of your professional peers (or competitors) with the two degrees you have in mind. If someone has two degrees in divergent fields you might think that the person is not sufficiently focused or not sufficiently motivated/interested by the specific professional field in which you work. If someone has two degrees in areas that are very similar, you might wonder why they wasted time doing two similar degrees instead of spending the time doing something more valuable.

    On the other hand, someone with two truly complementary degrees may in some cases have a edge on others.
     
  5. Michael Lloyd

    Michael Lloyd New Member

    I think it could seem unusual to have two master's degrees in similar fields taken close together. If there is an appreciable time gap, then the second masters can represent personal interest, the new appearance of an occupational field or job retraining.

    Here in the Pacific Northwest area of the United States, it is not uncommon to see people with multiple graduate degrees. With all of our job losses in the computer, dot com and aerospace industries, there is a great deal of graduate-level job retraining going on. Lord knows this is a market niche for City University and the University of Phoenix up here. So it is not uncommon to see a 45 year old aerospace engineer that has a 20 year old master's in engineering and a two year old master's in software design, for example.

    Regards,

    Michael Lloyd
    Mill Creek, Washington USA
     
  6. Michael Lloyd

    Michael Lloyd New Member

    I think it could seem unusual to have two master's degrees in similar fields taken close together. If there is an appreciable time gap, then the second masters can represent personal interest, the new appearance of an occupational field or job retraining.

    Here in the Pacific Northwest area of the United States, it is not uncommon to see people with multiple graduate degrees. With all of our job losses in the computer, dot com and aerospace industries, there is a great deal of graduate-level job retraining going on. Lord knows this is a market niche for City University and the University of Phoenix up here. So it is not uncommon to see a 45 year old aerospace engineer that has a 20 year old master's in engineering and a two year old master's in software design, for example.

    Regards,

    Michael Lloyd
    Mill Creek, Washington USA
     
  7. uncle janko

    uncle janko member

    How about vengeance for an undergraduate major missed by one credit hour?
     
  8. obecve

    obecve New Member

    Actually I don't think it is all that unususal to have multiple master's degrees. I see it regularly among people in counseling professions. Often I see this from people who have changed careers or who are updating skills.
     
  9. Alex

    Alex New Member

    I don't think it's especially unusual for people to have two masters degrees, especially if one is "academic" (MA or MS) and one is "professional" (MBA, MPH, MPA, MEd, etc.). Two masters degrees on a resume shouldn't automatically label you as a dilettante.

    For the two degees you mention, I would agree it wouldn't make much sense to pursue both at the same time. Instead, try to combine these related interests into one degree- perhaps a security concentration within a criminal justice major, or something like that. However, if you already have one (say the CJ degree) and then see the Security and Risk Management degree as a way to update skills and add value to your qualifications, then I would think that would be attractive to employers.

    I think it does look silly to put too many initials after one's name. Most people just list the two (or perhaps three) most relevant credentials. For ex, I just list PhD, though I have a BA and MS as well. If I had a professional degree such as MPH, I would throw that in too. I've seen people list things like RN BSN MS, because all three of these are considered useful and non-redundant qualifications.

    Alex
     
  10. Frankie

    Frankie member

    One chap I know asked why I would even need more then one Masters degree if I had it in my professional field?

    I admit I was stumped for an answer.
     
  11. wfready

    wfready New Member

    Because of the present job market maybe? If you have a masters in chemical engineering and another applicant has a masters in chemical engineering AND electrical engineering. I may be leaning towards the double MS holder because not only can I hire him as a Process Engineer, I can also use him as an Equipment Engineer (cost efficient).

    Bill
     
  12. Lajazz947

    Lajazz947 New Member

    Multiple degrees

    In my field which is Financial Planning my JD, MBA and upcoming Masters in Financial Planning would be considered a plus both in practice and by my clients.

    I also have a keen interest in Political Science and may pursue a PS Masters at Virginia Tech ( if my wife lets me ).

    I don't think that this additional education will hurt me at all. I'm of the opinion that people that have varied interests and choose to pursue learning through recognized academic programs should be admired, not questioned as to the reasons why they continue to educate themselves ( and anyone that questions a thirst for knowledge isn't worth it in my opinion )

    Regards,
     
  13. Felipe C. Abala

    Felipe C. Abala New Member

    Re: Multiple degrees

    Perfect! I fully agree with you in that opinion.
     

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