Hey folks I just wanted to gauge some opinions from you all. I'm going to take the plunge and begin a doctorate program, most likely NCU. *BTW I just spoke with the military financial aid contact and the cost for active duty/reserve and guardsmen will remain the same of $250 therefore we'll be able to stay within the TA cap limit. Anyway, my work history is primarily in corrections law enforcement, however I'm really drawn to their Homeland Security concentration. I took a couple courses there and I was impressed. I feel like if I go for a ph.d in criminal justice that I kind of will be "going through the motions" and not really putting forth my whole mind and soul in this. Therefore, my question is it okay to pursue a homeland security concentration even though I don't work in the field? I am hoping to move to the feds preferrably to DHS, DoD or something to that effect someday. If I'm going to pursue a doctorate I just feel is has to be in a subject area that will grasp my attention.
I feel you, as I went through the motions with my accounting specialization, but there was no other specialization that interest me other than accounting. I would say to get feedback from those that are already in your area of interest in the NCU folders once you have register. But in any event go what you like and or feel interested about.
Study what you enjoy. With a law enforcement / corrections background combined with a doctorate in homeland security you will likely have many opportunities within the federal and state government. If you would only be going through the motions w.r.t. criminal justice studies, lack of motivation could be the single biggest obstacle and in the end might leave you feeling empty.
