Anyone here have a Masters or higher?

[Watcher]

If so, was it worth it?

[Alexander Kerensky]

I have my Masters

It is only worth it if its free (GI Bill from the Corps) or you are in a long term job with a company that uses the plus scale for promotions and salary. By plus scale I mean a base salary which is dependent on following:

• High School - 0
• Non Degree College - (+1)
• Associate Degree or Technical Certificate - (+2)
• Non Qualified Bachelor Degree - (+2)
• Qualified Bachelor Degree - (+4)
• Non Qualified Master Degree - (+4)
• Qualifed Masters Degree - (+5)
• Doctoral or advanced Technical Training - (+6)

The Company I work for uses the above scale, your mileage will vary. The plus is a variance of anything from a couple grand a year to as little as a couple hundred based off your current position and the position you are moving to. Some positions are capped and if you move to a higher position in company but your degree is non qualified you could actually make less money!

By non qualified it simple pertains to the type of degree to the type of job. An engineering degree is considered qualified for Engineering/Maintenance and any supervisory/management position therein. But should you have that same degree and take a Production Management job it now becomes non qualified and you would need a higher level degree or seniority to make the same amount.

So basically, if your going to use it for your specific job or you just really like the subject your studying then do it. If it doesn't apply to your job then its not going to help you very much.

[Makaveli]

I was wondering the same thing I am going into a two year technical program in the fall, and after that I will have to decide on more schooling or not.

[Sinatra]

What will it be in Watcher?

I've applied to medical school, but I have a guaranteed back up of starting a funded PhD in the summer with a small teaching salary. Most people assume you need a masters degree to go on further, but you can happily skip to doctorate without one. PhD's can often work out financially better with funding and salary options.

I'm not sure how things differ in the States/Australia, but for 18 months-2 years more you could do a doctorate, if it is possible and you're doing a subject where there is research potential of course.

Damn, if you're lucky, amazing and work your balls off you could do it in 2 years. Dr. for the sake of a year extra?

[Watcher]

My wife is thinking of a MBA. Her work may pay for one if they feel it is worth it.

[General Exception]

At least in Ireland, an MBA is a very different animal to a run-of-the-mill Master's. I know several people who have them, and the consensus was that they're very hard work, very expensive but can be worth it based as much on the personal contacts you make as the course itself. From the experiences of friends who have done what your wife's considering (I'm guessing if it's through work, it'd be either evening classes or a day a week off plus weekends sort of thing) and it's been very, very tough.

Be prepared for many jokes from the people who are managed by MBA holders - "Mediocre But Arrogant", "Must Be A**hole" and such. It is a breeding ground for a certain type of PITA that wants a piece of paper to back up their (often unfounded) superiority complex; you can usually tell who they are because they're the people yelling "Don't you know I have an MBA from <X>?" at anyone they think is listening. That aside, the people who learn and get on with it seem to benefit quite well from it in the long run.

Hope this helps,
GE

[Konkrage]

I'll likely be trying to get my MBA before going into the work force.

[Feibelman]

Masters in Criminal Justice Administration. Very worth it.