Nearing the end of my degree and looking to the future

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by NMTTD, Dec 21, 2013.

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  1. NMTTD

    NMTTD Active Member

    I'm set to finish my BA and BS in May 2014, and I'm looking toward my master's degree. I've settled on what I want, but not where I want to get it from. If you recall, I mentioned a while back that price wasn't an issue since I'm using my inheritance to cover this (already set money on the side for both my kids to go to college, as well) so really what I need is input and advice about my choices. I've done a lot of research, given it a lot of thought, and these are the 3 I really like.

    MA in Communication - Public Relations track: Public Relations Degree Online | MA Communication | SNHU

    Master of Arts in Communication - Public and Media Relations track: Master of Arts in Communication | AAP | JHU

    Master of Science in Interactive Media - Social Media track: https://www.quinnipiac.edu/academics/qu-online/online-programs/online-graduate-programs/master-of-science-in-interactive-media/
     
  2. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Johns Hopkins is one of the top universities in the world. If money really is no object, then I'd think this is an easy call.
     
  3. taylor

    taylor New Member

  4. NMTTD

    NMTTD Active Member

    I actually looked at the USC program but it didn't really fit with what I want. Upon additional investigation, I discovered that Johns Hopkins will allow a double concentration in both Public & Media Relations and Digital Communication. So that pretty much wiped out the other 2. With the Johns Hopkins name behind the degree and 2 concentrations in what I really want, it just became a no brainer. It's around $4k per class, and with the 2 concentrations will be 14 classes, so that's a price tag of $56k for the degree. Obviously I would never look at it if I didn't have money already set aside for it, but since I don't need financial aid, can go full time, and already paid off my student loan debt from ASU, I think getting a dual degree from ASU and a master's from JHU will really set me apart from other candidates. And they have a practicum option that I will absolutely do. They actually match you up with companies within your degree focus and interests that you can do the semester long practicum. Very exciting.
     
  5. NMTTD

    NMTTD Active Member

    Something else I'm noticing is that, upon further investigation I've seen that when looking at the net calculator for the tuition, JHU offers an institutional grant based on income. Apparently I'm still poor enough to qualify (yearly income didn't change even though I got an inheritance) and so based on the calculator, I will not have to pay the full $56k for tuition. The tuition itself is $46k. The other $10k is room and board, books, transportation, etc... Since I will be going online, none of that will apply. So the breakdown is:

    $45,997 tuition + $1200 books = $47197 - $38,400 institutional grant (based on yearly income of less than $33,000 for a family of 4) = $8797 that I will actually have to pay (provided this calculator is correct).

    So in actuality, I can get a degree from JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY for less than $9000. I checked the numbers 5 times and can't believe it. That means I can get the serious, "for a good job" masters that I want, and then I'll have enough to get a fun, "because it interests me and I want it" masters while I'm working. I'm quite the happy camper right now, let me tell you. QUITE the happy camper!
     
  6. FJD

    FJD Member

    Best of luck to you, whatever graduate course you choose. It's great that you're finishing your undergrad work at ASU. Congratulations. Considering how (not being mean here) clueless you were when you arrived at degreeinfo, you've come a long way.
     
  7. NMTTD

    NMTTD Active Member

    I think most people are "clueless". Unless you come to a place like this, most don't know about the differences in NA and RA, price comparisons, utility of degrees from certain schools, testing out, etc... I think I've learned a lot from here, and I'm still learning, but without the knowledge I gained from this board, I would still be at Schiller getting a NA degree for $60k. lol And I'd be thrilled with it because I wouldn't know any better. Honestly, now I know what to look for and where, but it's a little scary to think about how clueless most people are about the schools they choose. I have friends who are just like I was, and I try to guide them as best I can. But no one likes to have their choices questioned....especially by someone not footing the bill for the degree.
     
  8. FJD

    FJD Member

    You're a degreeinfo success story, without question. I wish you nothing but the best, as I'm sure members much more senior to me do as well. I hope your friends & family listen to your advice, because now you know your stuff!
     
  9. taylor

    taylor New Member

    John Hopkins for under 9 grand is kind of amazing. You definitely have done your research. You've accomplished a lot in finishing up with ASU in a relatively short period of time. Add a John Hopkins masters and your resume will look tight.
     
  10. NMTTD

    NMTTD Active Member

    By the time I'm done, it will have taken me 2 years. I had credits I transferred in plus I tested out of a few classes. I also took 3 classes every 7 1/2 weeks, so I had a pretty heavy schedule. But I wanted to hurry up and get done. Thank you for the kind words. I really appreciate it. I never would have known about ASU if it weren't for degreeinfo. And I really love my school. I've really enjoyed my time here, enjoyed the classes and professors. I can't wait to finish and walk at graduation and get those degrees to hang on my wall. I hope others who are new here really pay attention, pick everyone's brain, and not take the suggestions and criticism personally. This place isn't for the faint of heart...lol...but you can learn a lot if you're willing. Oh, and yes, a Johns Hopkins degree for under $9k is pretty spectacular. Once I saw that, I knew I couldn't pass it up. It was definitely a no-brainer. My 2nd masters will be something for pure enjoyment and enrichment, and it will be done at a slower pace while I'm working. I'm going at a break neck speed right now so I can get done and get working. But the 2nd masters will be totally different.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 22, 2013
  11. taylor

    taylor New Member

    NMTTD, do you know what the residency requirements are at ASU online to get a bachelors? Because if they only require 30-45 units to be completed from ASU to complete a degree there I think I'd consider getting a 2nd bachelors from there. I know I asked somebody at ASU online but she never gave me a straight answer. She wanted me to send her my transcripts so they can evaluate them but I don't want to spend all this money on transcripts (I got tons of them) just so she could give me an answer. Quite frankly I felt like I talked to somebody who wasn't very knowledgeable and kind of wished she got me in touch with somebody who had the answers.
     
  12. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    We are all proud of you and offer you congratulations! I remember you coming on the board asking for guidance not that long ago. Now you are about to have the degree under your belt. Well done!
     
  13. NMTTD

    NMTTD Active Member

    In order to do ASU online you don't have to worry about any kind of residency. Online students pay the same tuition as those who are residents and attend on campus. The requirement to get a bachelors is 30 credits completed at ASU. But, if I may ask, why a 2nd bachelors instead of a masters? And which degree are you looking at?
     
  14. NMTTD

    NMTTD Active Member

    Thanks :) I can't believe I've been here almost 2 years already! It's really crazy. Seems like a lifetime ago that I joined.
     
  15. taylor

    taylor New Member

    30 credits to finish up a degree at a university is actually very generous compared to most B&M's with an online program. I've looked into CSUF and CSUDH and both want close to 60 units for a 2nd bachelors. I would probably would go with a Communications, Sociology, or English. My reason for seeking a second bachelors would be mainly to graduate from a school with a B&M presence, although TESC does have a small campus. Most of it I believe is not used for classes. It doesn't hurt to have a football team to root for on Saturdays. It sounds like it would cost me roughly $15K to be a Sun Devil. I am also leaning toward an EMBA but I've been saying that for the last 3 years. Hopefully I will start in the Fall of 2014 but that will wipe out all my savings =( Ideally, I'd like to do both.
     
  16. NMTTD

    NMTTD Active Member

    Well, I won't lie, I think ASU is the best school ever (yes, my opinion is slightly biased lol) and if getting another bachelors is where your heart is at, you could look at this:

    Business Communication Online Degree | Arizona State University

    This would give you communication and business, and if you want an EMBA one day, having a foundation in both would be helpful. You could always do a minor in English and/or Sociology if you REALLY wanted to.
     
  17. LearningAddict

    LearningAddict Well-Known Member

    I hear Schiller International University has a kick-butt Masters program :cool2:
     
  18. NMTTD

    NMTTD Active Member

    Of course, you could still do a master's from ASU and get further than another bachelors. You'd still be a Sun Devil and still have a football team to root for. ASU doesn't offer an EMBA, but they do have this:

    Master of Business Administration MBA | ASU Online | Arizona State University
     
  19. NMTTD

    NMTTD Active Member

    Who? Never heard of them.
     
  20. taylor

    taylor New Member

    Interesting, I missed that one. That's the great thing about ASU online is that they seem proactive about adding more degree options to their existing online programs. Thx you've been a great resource for ASU.
     

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