Should I get a second master's degree in English?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by LittleShakespeare90, May 23, 2021.

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  1. Hi, everyone!

    I had posted something a few weeks back regarding my interest in Old Dominion's online PhD in English. I did some research and spoke to the school, and it doesn't seem like the right fit for me. But I'm a bit worried about something. I hope you can help me out.

    I'm interested in going back to graduate school for a second master's degree. I got my MA in 2014 from NYU. It was a master's degree in interdisciplinary humanities and social thought. I took SO many classes that were irrelevant to my field of study. It was truly the worst two years of my life. I despised NYU and its pretentiousness. :(

    I kind of want to go back to graduate school to become more knowledgeable in English literature, to better service my students, and to perhaps increase my chances of getting into a funded PhD program. But I'm worried. I had a few people on another forum chastise me and tell me it's overkill to go for a second master's.

    I'm curious about your thoughts. Please let me know. Thank you so much! :)
     
  2. JoshD

    JoshD Well-Known Member

    Welcome to the Forum!

    I do not believe a 2nd Masters would be overkill. I did my MBA and I am currently pursuing a specialized Masters at Duke University. I have yet to be told that it is overkill.
     
  3. Rachel83az

    Rachel83az Well-Known Member

    I've heard people saying that multiple bachelor's degrees are a waste. This is the first time that I've heard anyone say that multiple Master's degrees are a waste, though. I would say to go ahead and get the 2nd Master's degree, especially if you feel like it would help you to get a doctorate.
     
  4. smartdegree

    smartdegree Active Member

    I would be more concerned on ROI, to be honest. Having multiple degrees are fine (I also have 2 masters). What you have to figure out is whether the incremental boost to your goals (getting into a PhD) is worth the price of the masters degree. You can always go straight to the PhD without having a second masters.

    I say if the masters is free (e.g. scholarship or TA-ship), then I say go ahead. If you have to add to your students loans though, I would really think it through if it is worth it.
     
  5. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    I don't think there's anything wrong with doing so, based on your motivation. If it will better prepare you for a fully funded program, I think it's worth it. I went for a second master's before pursuing my doctorate. My MBA was assessed solely by exams. Getting my M.S. in Criminal Justice definitely equipped me with the skills I needed to be successful in my Ph.D. program.
     
    Maniac Craniac and Rachel83az like this.
  6. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    Yes, if you do not plan to continue for Doctorate studies. No, if you plan to continue for Doctorate studies.
     
    MiracleWhipz likes this.
  7. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Then from what I've heard, you should especially beware of almost any PhD in English.
     
    chrisjm18 likes this.
  8. But why? :O
     
  9. Dustin

    Dustin Well-Known Member

    It might be that the Humanities are getting a bit of a reputation lately for focusing primarily on "grievance studies" and critical theory to the detriment of other approaches, see: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/06/opinion/grievance-studies-hoax.html

    Can you elaborate on this? I'm also considering ODU's online PhD, though not in English. And I was curious if any of your concerns might be transferable or good things for me to watch out for.
     
  10. Dustin

    Dustin Well-Known Member

    As a "Search Engine Optimization Executive" you should know better than to spam your website here on an unrelated post. England the country is not the same as English the subject. And your link has been marked "nofollow" so search engines ignore it. This is day 1 stuff.

    Also I took a look at that site. Your team included this headshot identified as "Steven Ly" where the person's name changes to Priya midway through. Which is it?

    Also, the woman in the photo is neither Steven nor Priya, but former New Jersey statehouse candidate Kyla Rodger. https://www.insidernj.com/self-proclaimed-progressive-democrat-rodger-steps-forward-ld21/

    That's not the only stolen and retitled pic on that page. Shameful.
     

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