Thoughts on Post-Graduate Education

Dear Parent & Student,

 It used to be that not everyone went to college. Only the very rich and/or very smart reached those upper echelons of education. However, in the 1970s, colleges and universities started popping up all over the place, and for the most part, offering good, solid degrees.

What's the outcome? Now a college degree is almost a necessity in order to begin a professional career where before it was optional. Most students come out of college to find that they don't just need a BA or a BS but an advanced degree as well. But is it worth it? After all, graduate school isn't cheap, especially if you're leaving college with student loans.

 The answer we can give is noncommittal: it depends. If you want to be a doctor or a lawyer, it's a necessity. You can't practice without a degree, and the price is steep, climbing up and over $250,000. The benefit is that we'll always need doctors and lawyers, so there is some sort of job stability, even though the medical field might seem less lucrative because of the rising cost to insure doctors. However, it's a fact, doctors and lawyers must be certified.

What about an MBA? Again, it depends on what you want to do. Most pundits agree that it's a good idea to get a job first and go in with some experience under your belt. Not only will it increase your chances of being accepted into an MBA program, but there's also the possibility that your employer will pay part, if not all, of your tuition and fees. For some employers, an MBA matters. For others, it doesn't. It's best to get advice from those currently making decisions in the field where you want to go.

What about an MA? Depends on what you want to do with your degree. Want to teach art at a community college? You probably need a master’s. Want to just get a more rounded education? It's up to you, really, and the balance between your desire and need to learn and what it's going to cost. No one can answer those questions but you.

As for PhDs, the answer again is: it depends. The jobs for PhD’s on college campuses are on the decline, especially as colleges rely more and more on part time instructors rather than full time, tenured faculty to teach their students. PhD’s, especially in the humanities, might have the toughest road to climb with no guarantee that there will be a job waiting for them.

Again, though, no one can tell one person if it's right for him or her. It depends on each field and desire in each person. Some might think their MA in Literature has helped fuel their career in another related field. Some might say it's worthless. But only that person knows.

The choice is up to you!  Though it might seem like a long way off to be thinking “grad studies”…the time to decide will be here before you know it. 

Until next month…Best Wishes!

Randy Stoltz, President