What You Should Know Before Going for a Master's Degree?
In a perfect world, we’d have all the information. We’d be able to weigh the pros and cons soberly and make a sound decision based on available information that would best lead us toward accomplishing whatever goal we had in mind. Unfortunately, we don’t live in that world as of yet so sometimes you just have to get by on intuition.
But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing! There are a lot of ways to gather info about making decisions big and small. Decisions like whether or not you should pursue a master’s degree. After 4 or more years of hard collegiate work, one of the last things you probably would want to do is sign yourself up for more. But if you have an inkling to get one or are on the fence for one reason or another we have some tips about what to consider when you're weighing your decision.
Increase Workload:
There’s an adage that many students have no doubt heard. A student should spend 2 hours studying or doing homework for every hour spent in class. If you’re taking a 12-credit course load that’s 24 hours a week spent on school outside of class, your job, and the rest of your life.
Now, speaking from experience, this writer can attest that taking on a master’s workload increases this. Some sources estimate this will be closer to 30+ hours per week.
But that’s not all bad. You are there to learn after all. Just when you are weighing your options about whether or not to pursue this as a life choice make sure you deeply consider if you want to or can handle the increase in workload and can organize your time effectively.
Career Objective:
Many people go on to obtain a master’s degree to get into a specific job title or narrow career field. Jobs like nurse practitioner, financial manager, and college professor require one. If you’re one of the decisive ones who have known your career objective from before your undergraduate days, then you likely know whether or not a master’s degree is your path. But, if you are on the fence, strongly consider what job or field you are aiming at and whether or not a master’s degree in a specific discipline will increase your chances of reaching that goal.
Financial Considerations:
There’s no sense in denying it. One of the most important factors in deciding whether or not to get a master’s is the cost. Some statistics suggest that, on average, master’s students pay around 30% more than they would or did as an undergraduate students. So, when you’re thinking things over on this issue, make sure you take the financial and life value of the degree into account too.
It might just pay off in the end though. Statistics suggest that holders of a master’s degree have a median annual earning that is 20% higher than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
Even with all these pros and cons only you know what is best for you and no one piece of advice applies to everyone reading this equally. Listen to your inner voice when you consider making this decision and wherever others say, do your best to not let the expectations or desires of others decide for you, regardless of what that decision may be.
