Second Masters Degree

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by cumpa, May 22, 2007.

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  1. cumpa

    cumpa New Member

    I'm still waiting on an admissions decision from Valdosta State for the DPA program. Another option I'm considering is pursuing a second masters degree in criminal justice or homeland security. It looks like there are some great distance learning options from some of the top schools in the country Florida State, Michigan State, etc which I think I would stand a fair chance of getting into. Anybody have any thoughts on this or personal experience with a second masters as opposed to a doctorate. My goals include the possibility of adjunct teaching but I really would like to advance within my department and am looking for a way to set myself apart from the crowd (I'm not very good at the political game or butt kissing) so I figure I should try and improve myself doing something I'm fairly good at which is school. I'm also thinking about a post law enforcement career and entering the world of corporate security is always an option for retired cops so I want to position myself to be a viable candidate for that career field and am thinking some type of homeland security degree may offer more value than a doctorate in public administration. I'm also thinking two masters would qualify me to teach in two subjects at the CC level as opposed to just being qualified in public administration with the doctorate. Just tossing some things around in my own head and would like to hear if anyone has an opinion as to one option or the other.
     
  2. dlady

    dlady Active Member

    I think a second masters in a complementary subject to you first masters is a solid credential. If one of your masters is an MBA (a good choice), a second masters in your field of expertise is a great compliment.

    As I am learning through experience, a doctorate is actually a lot of work, a whole lot more than a masters degree. A second masters can also come about a little quicker, which is more gratifying if you are building professional credentials.

    Since I have not finished my doctorate yet I don’t know how it will impact my personal employment opportunities, but I hear it is a big deal, much bigger than a second masters. Only you know your situation, so decide if you want to bolster your credentials in the short run or build them in the long run.
     
  3. fortiterinre

    fortiterinre New Member

    I am pursuing a second master's by default because I need it to go on to the PhD and teach in this subject. But if you do not want to teach, a doctorate is a lot of work. I think second and even more master's degrees are becoming more normative, especially as people change career gears more often. The executive director of my internship has an Ed.M for the teaching portion of her career, then went back and got an MBA. Multiple master's degrees can be very good credentials.
     
  4. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    cumpa, I work as a LEO and am thinking of moving into private sector security due to the money. Security execs make more than chiefs of police around these parts.

    A second masters may have more utility than a doctorate in the working world, but not in the teaching world...from what I gather. A masters will enable you to adjunct though and a MS in Homeland Security does look good, unfortunantly it is an infant field of study, so most people are unsure what to make of that degree, but I'm sure it'd prove useful in private security and govt. work.

    A master of security management is another consideration or even a master of science in criminal justice with an emphasis in homeland security could be good.

    Lastly you could get an 18 hour certificate in a field of study like Northcentral University's Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security, both of which will qualify you to teach as an adjunct.
    http://www.ncu.edu/certificate_of_advanced_graduate_studies.asp

    Lastly, I've seen more cops going into the private sector security industry armed with degrees in business than anything else. Might you consider an MBA?

    Just some thoughts. As for not being good in the political area, unfortunantly a doctorate won't help you there. You kind of have to have those skills in most depts. to get above the rank of sergeant at least in my very limited exp.
     
  5. cumpa

    cumpa New Member

    Thanks for the feedback so far. One of my concerns with the Valdosta State program is the coursework section looks almost identical to my MPA program with some added courses in research methods etc. I'm not sure I want to spend years repeating subjects that I've already got a good grasp on.

    The homeland security area is pretty interesting to me. I have no interest in a traditional criminology type of program however. Another option I'm considering is applying to my MPA alma mater which I believe is the first in the country to offer a Phd in Homeland Security. This program is federally funded so if accepted it wouldn't cost me anything. I'm sure admissions is extremely competitive and the program is very intense which is not something I necessarily want with my work and family committments. It took me 4 1/2 years to complete my MPA but I liked taking 1-2 classes per semester.

    An MBA is also not an option. I think it's too closely related to an MPA curriculum to be of any real benefit.

    Anyone else know of program options in homeland security? My preference is to look at more traditional bricks and mortar schools I think name recognition is pretty important for what I'm looking to do.
     
  6. Daniel Luechtefeld

    Daniel Luechtefeld New Member

    You've touched on something important: ias I looked around, I found that homeland security degrees can be classified as criminology-oriented or non-criminology oriented. The former focus on anti-terrorism as it relates to homeland security, the latter take a more holistic view - addressing the protection of critical infrastructure, key systems, and public health from both man-made and naturally-occuring threats.

    I'd start by considering the "Centers of Excellence" designated by the US Department of Homeland Security:

    http://www.dhs.gov/xres/programs/editorial_0498.shtm
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 22, 2007
  7. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Cumpa,

    California University of Pennsylvania offers a 100% online MS in Legal Studies w/ a concentration in Homeland Security. My Ex is about halfway through this program and she loves it. CUP is a traditional B&M school.

    Links:
    http://www.cup.edu/gradcatalog/index.jsp?pageId=1580830010421123093413777

    http://www.cup.edu/graduate/homeland/index.jsp

    Also, American Public University offers a 100% online MA in Homeland Security. As you may know, APU is solely an online school.

    Link:
    http://www.apu.apus.edu/Academics/Degree-Programs/program.htm?progid=4076&program_type=Masters

    Neither of these schools offer strong name recognition, but the programs look solid.

    Good luck!
    - Tom
     
  8. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    I would look into the PhD. You can focus on another subject and still be able to teach two subjects at a CC. If teaching is what you want, a PhD will set you apart from other as opposed to a second masters.

    Luckly, if I can't hack it in the dissertation phase, I will drop all my classes into NCU's MBA program and walk away with an RA MBA.
     
  9. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    I don't have a doctorate and I'm not qualified to say this... but... my impression is that a doctorate opens teaching doors, much like the parting of the red sea. :eek:
     
  10. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    That is what I meant...just not the Red Sea part!
     
  11. Orgaknight

    Orgaknight New Member

    Second Masters

    I am also awaiting an admissions decision from Valdosta State University for the DPA program. I have two Masters degrees, one in Public Administration and one in Social Work and it is a mixed blessing. Some employers appreciate the added skill sets/credentials. I have had trouble finding community colleges that hire instructors with my disciplines because they usually get graduate student assistants from the neighboring universities teach the social work and public administration courses. Good luck with VSU.
     
  12. Orgaknight

    Orgaknight New Member

    Made it in!

    I made it into Valdosta State's DPA program!!! I am looking forward to getting started!
     
  13. PhD2B

    PhD2B Dazed and Confused

    Congratulations!
     
  14. carlosb

    carlosb New Member

    CONGRATULATIONS!
     
  15. Vinipink

    Vinipink Accounting Monster


    Congrats! Now the new deal begins!
     
  16. cumpa

    cumpa New Member

    Congratulations! How did they notify you? I'm still anxiously awaiting a decision.
     
  17. Orgaknight

    Orgaknight New Member

    Contact

    I called the department to check on my app, because I had not heard anything and got the good news.
     
  18. cumpa

    cumpa New Member

    I'm In!

    I just got word from Dr. Argyle that I've been accepted into the DPA program! I'm looking forward to meeting the other board members in the program in a couple of months.

    Mike
     
  19. Orgaknight

    Orgaknight New Member

    Congrats!

    Congrats Mike! I look forward to meeting you and the others during the fall seminar. If it wasn't for this board, I never would have found out about this great program!

    Mark
    Florida State University - MSW, MPA, BS Social Science
     

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