Update: To finish my masters degree or not...poll

bmo88 · September 2015

Kind of in a weird spot. I started my masters degree four years ago when my previous employer paid for it. I postponed the degree when I switched jobs and my current employers does not offer tuition assistance. I have 7 of the 14 classes required for a masters in Public Administration. In order to finish the degree, I would need to take two classes a semester starting in Spring 2016 and I would need to finish by Spring 2017 (there is a 6 year rule for valid credits).

Here's a summary:

It would cost $13,500 to complete the degree
I am currently an Executive Director of a 65 person organization
I currently have a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management from the credits I have completed

I am 27 years old, so a young ED, and I am wondering if a masters will be needed/required later or if experience will make up for it. I am honestly not sure what I would do next, but I am committed to my current position for at least 3 years and it is my dream job. However, I will leave it at some point.

Part of me wants to finish because I do want a masters degree and I am half way there. The other part doesn't want to pay over $13,000 to finish the degree. I just finished paying off my undergrad loans and love not having that debt. I am so torn.

For those with a masters degree, was it worth it? Did you need it and would you do it again? What would you do if you were me?

lbonga1 · September 2015

I think I would need more information. Is a masters degree very desirable in your field? How much more might someone with a masters degree get paid compared to having the graduate certificate that you have? Is there anything besides your job that might keep you from finishing the degree on time (kids, etc.)?

als1982 · September 2015

I'm in the nonprofit sector as well (development), and think it's really dependent on your city, and the size and type of organization, how important a MHA is to employers. In my area, it seems to be seen as a much more important to smaller organizations. However, I can't think of anyone on my team at the large organization where I currently work who has one. Our CDO has a PhD, but it's not in public administration. (Since we're in a health care setting, a MHA would be a better option, but certainly not required. I think maybe two of my 40+ colleagues have their MHA.) Kansas City in general is also a big CFRE town, so that is usually the requirement for many high level nonprofit jobs here. If you haven't already, I'd look into that (if it's big where you live, as some places it isn't). But considering the cost to value ratio, your current workload and intention to start a family soon, I personally wouldn't do it. I think having that ED title on your resume will be far more significant than an extra degree.

hoffse · September 2015

I don't know enough about the field, so I responded based on price.

It's a pretty cheap degree, so I would probably do it. I'm getting my master's in tax law right now more for credibility purposes than for the education. I'm 6 classes in, and it hasn't changed my ability to do certain kinds of tax work, but I'm getting more interesting/advanced projects from the partners I work for. They really shouldn't care that much about an LLM, but it turns out they do. It's been a good investment for me.

Mine is employer-paid, but we've been carrying about $10K of it over the past year based on the cost of books, some travel, and the tuition reimbursement schedule. I'll recover most of that $10K through back-loaded tuition reimbursements, but it won't be for another year.

I will say that this degree has affected the timing of TTC for us. I'm able to balance a full-time law practice and part-time school, but I don't want to throw parenting into the mix at the same time. We decided a 1-year delay in TTC was worth me getting this degree, because I'm still pretty young and H is still trying to get established at his job. It worked out and wasn't a huge sacrifice, but it was definitely the driving factor in our decision to delay.

simplyelise · September 2015

I've gone back and forth on getting an MPA/MPP for ages. But for me, it would be to gain the credibility required to advance in my field, a field different from my BS. But then I got married and we had all this debt to deal with, so it's pretty much on hold permanently. Still, I don't think I can break out of my current position and advance in my current organization (a 501c4) or elsewhere, if I don't get something.

That said, I'm not sure what finishing would add to your resume. Even if you leave at the end of the 3 years, you'll have 3 years on the job experience as an ED of a nonprofit along with the grad cert. The only thing is if a potential job explicitly requires a master's degree and won't substitute for experience. I think my best advice is to go look around for potential job openings that would be in the vein of your future plans. Try and find job descriptions or even just read the bios/linkedin profiles of the people who hold the positions you may want in the future. If everyone has advanced degrees in administration, that would probably push me to finishing.

vlagrl29 · September 2015

I don't have a masters, but if it would help you get better jobs and better pay in the future that outweigh the cost of the degree I would do it. Otherwise don't. I have no desire to get a masters in my field because I would never use it.

Xstatic3333 · September 2015

I'd also have to know more about your specific field, but I'd probably stop at the certificate. It's a nice end point, and it would allow you to start a family sooner (bringing this up from your other posts, not out of the blue).

In the environmental nonprofit world that certificate would be a great help (you actually just got me googling programs!) but I think the actual Masters would have diminishing potential returns. Your ED title, however, is resume gold!

bmo88 · September 2015

Thanks for the input everyone!

I currently work in education and if/when I leave my current position, I will likely not stay in education. I do, however, plan to stay in the nonprofit sector.

I am going to look up potential jobs that would interest me and see if having a master's degree is necessary/beneficial.

MommyLiberty5013 · September 2015

Make the decision based on future income potential with or without the additional degree not based on past debts paid off (I know that feels good), but $13k isn't a lot of money for a master's. Especially if it will increase your earning potential for the next few decades of your life.

LibbyL123 · September 2015

If there is a chance you might need it i'd do it now in the time frame before you have to start over and before you have kids.

csuave · September 2015

Something else to consider is how much you like school. If you feel going to class is exciting and rewarding then it may be worth it. If it is just checking a box on a resume then not as worth it.

I liked the challenge and learning of my masters but after that program I have no desire to ever get another degree.

brij2006 · September 2015

I personally would not. If it is not something you need or will use, then it's a waste of money (to me).

I really also wouldn't go into debt to get it. Especially since you just paid off your undergrad loans.

However, if you could cash flow it, then I would probably reconsider it and finish it out.

strickland8052 · September 2015

I voted to go ahead and finish it, but this is largely based on my personal experience (that may not apply to you).

I got my master's degree in a field that one does not necessarily "need" a masters degree. I'll be honest, I don't really think having a MA has directly helped my earning potential.

BUT, the knowledge I gained from the extra education has been extremely valuable to my career. I learned things that I otherwise probably wouldn't know, which I use on a daily basis. I've also been able to enter a sector where most other people have masters, which is a sector that I enjoy more and typically has higher pay (so maybe in a round-about way my MA did lead to a pay raise) Plus, the satisfaction of finishing a thesis has boosted my confidence, so I'm glad I did it for non-career purposes as well. (Long side story, but finishing my MA led me to run my first half marathon).

I'm not yet in a management role, but I know I would feel much more comfortable entering management now that I have a masters...especially if I were to supervise people who do have masters degrees.

I say all of this, only because my MA provided me with the skills and knowledge I needed to do better in my career. However, your field/education might be different. Considering you have already done half the program, you probably already have a good idea of the value of your degree. My advice would be to not worry about what others think of your degree/lack of degree, but instead focus on what you think of it. If you think it will make you a better, more confident, more competent ED then go for it! Your dedication to professional development will set a good example for others and will attract others that strive to be their best self. However, if you felt like you weren't really learning anything in your masters program, don't finish it.... you can devote your time and money to more worthwhile tasks.

Also - You may want to talk to other EDs who have/don't have their masters to see what they think.

KatieCutie05 · September 2015

Only if you can cash flow it and only if having a Masters will give you a better salary or is a desirable trait to move up to the next level in your field. Or if every company wants a masters.

I can't answer too well because i'm in a field where degree doesn't mean squat - actually my undergrad barely means anything- it just makes me not look bad in a sea of resumes if a company happens to have a preference is all, but most only look at skills and work experience. If thats all it does for you, i probably wouldn't because its a waste of money.

maple2 · September 2015

One thing to consider is who your potential future employers may be. For example, the government hiring process is often very structured so that if a position is listed as requiring a masters, you need the masters to be considered no matter how much additional experience you have. If you will primarily be looking toward non-profit employers, I think the experience would compensate for a degree, but maybe not if you ever apply to a really large NGO where filtering out applicants on something easy to evaluate like a degree could happen.

Ultimately, I would make the decision based on a combination of professional benefits and personal satisfaction. I decided to go back to school to finish my degree even though it may not lead to the career I want (due to where we live and the unlikelihood we would relocate) because it really felt like I had quit on something that I wanted to complete. I will enjoy the learning involved in finishing my degree and the satisfaction of accomplishing that goal. Those skills and feelings are worth the cost of the degree to me even if they don't result in increased earnings. That said, finishing will only cost me around $3,000 over 2-3 years, which makes it an easier choice.

blondie42107 · September 2015

I voted yes. Just looking at my friends and family that work in education, most have their masters (teachers, counselors, social workers, administration/principal/superintendent, etc). The fact your half way there is a bonus.

cbee817 · September 2015

blondie42107 said:

I voted yes. Just looking at my friends and family that work in education, most have their masters (teachers, counselors, social workers, administration/principal/superintendent, etc). The fact your half way there is a bonus.

This- in our state, you can't even teach/administer/counsel/etc in a public school without one (DH is a public school teacher). I think even some better performing private/catholic schools are starting to require it now too.

simplyelise · September 2015

cbee817 said:

blondie42107 said:

I voted yes. Just looking at my friends and family that work in education, most have their masters (teachers, counselors, social workers, administration/principal/superintendent, etc). The fact your half way there is a bonus.

This- in our state, you can't even teach/administer/counsel/etc in a public school without one (DH is a public school teacher). I think even some better performing private/catholic schools are starting to require it now too.

@bmo88, you're in MO right? In my experience in MO, the master's degrees they look for with administrators in traditional public schools are Ed.S in admin or MEd in admin. An MPA is not going to count in the same way in those traditional school settings (You're in a charter situation, right?) The charter situation in MO is unlike anywhere else in the country, it's going to be so specific to the individual governing boards.

Erikan73 · September 2015

Do it now while you can still see yourself doing it. You may be in a dream position now, but the degree may help you with your next dream job. My husband loves his current job, and a lot of that has to do with him having an amazing boss. She is going to retiring in a few years. So we have talked about him going to get a degree. So far he's gotten by on experience alone. Our thought process is that should he go for his bosses job when she retires, having a degree may help give him an edge. Even if he doesn't go for her job, if replacement ends up being a jerk, then he'll have some education behind him to help him look for a different job. So basically it will help him move up or move on.

bmo88 · October 2015

----------------------UPDATE-----------------------

Thank you to everyone who provided insights and feedback. I have decided to complete my degree. After researching job descriptions of future positions I would like to pursue, many (75%+) required a master's degree or highly preferred a degree. So while I am not certain where I might go next, it seems to make sense to finish my degree while I still can at a reduced cost.

I will enroll in January 2016 and take two classes a semester until January 2017 (including summer). Then I will just have to do a capstone project and can graduate in May 2017. In total, it's going to cost about $13,000 to finish. While I can definitely afford it, I am planning on applying for a few grants and scholarships.

The amount is more than I would ideally like to pay, but I am really lucky to have had half of my master's degree paid for, so in total, I will spend $25,000 for my undergrad and master's degree, which isn't terrible (especially considering my undergrad was at private school that charged $55,000 a year).

We do want to start a family soon, but have decided to wait to try until January/February 2017. So if I did get pregnant immediately, I would only be a few months pregnant during my final semester and would only have one class.

We plan on figuring it out one day at a time, but regardless, we feel that it's best for me to finish my degree for future employment prospects and that now is the right time.

Thanks again everyone!

BlueBirdMB · October 2015

bmo88 said:

----------------------UPDATE-----------------------
Thank you to everyone who provided insights and feedback. I have decided to complete my degree. After researching job descriptions of future positions I would like to pursue, many (75%+) required a master's degree or highly preferred a degree. So while I am not certain where I might go next, it seems to make sense to finish my degree while I still can at a reduced cost.

I will enroll in January 2016 and take two classes a semester until January 2017 (including summer). Then I will just have to do a capstone project and can graduate in May 2017. In total, it's going to cost about $13,000 to finish. While I can definitely afford it, I am planning on applying for a few grants and scholarships.

The amount is more than I would ideally like to pay, but I am really lucky to have had half of my master's degree paid for, so in total, I will spend $25,000 for my undergrad and master's degree, which isn't terrible (especially considering my undergrad was at private school that charged $55,000 a year).

We do want to start a family soon, but have decided to wait to try until January/February 2017. So if I did get pregnant immediately, I would only be a few months pregnant during my final semester and would only have one class.

We plan on figuring it out one day at a time, but regardless, we feel that it's best for me to finish my degree for future employment prospects and that now is the right time.

Thanks again everyone!

Congrats on going back to school! I think that honestly sounds like a bargain at this point.

We're on the same TTC schedule! We're hoping to take a big trip somewhere around then and TTC after that- I really don't want to be pregnant on vacation. Everyone thinks we're crazy that we've planned things that far out, but I'm a planner and it looks like you are too!

bmo88 · October 2015

BlueBirdMB: I am definitely a planner! Some people think I am crazy for how much I like to plan, but it honestly keeps me from getting stressed. Where will you go for your big trip?

BlueBirdMB · October 2015

bmo88 said:

BlueBirdMB: I am definitely a planner! Some people think I am crazy for how much I like to plan, but it honestly keeps me from getting stressed. Where will you go for your big trip?

I feel the exact same way! I plan EVERYTHING because I feel like I have to or I'll drive myself crazy.

For the trip, we have no idea! We have a possible list. We are looking for an adventure- not necessarily something super easy or close- before we have a baby.

Here's our list:

Israel

Hawaii (it would be really easy, but we list in New England, so it's really far and we've both always wanted to go)

Greece

Japan

It's a pretty all-over-the-place list, but we have different reasons for wanting to go to each place. We'll probably keep adding to the list for a while longer lol.

Erikan73 · October 2015

Sounds like an great plan!!!

short+sassy · October 2015

@bmo88, I think your plan sounds great! I'm glad you looked at future employability and income. I'm sure that made your decision a bit easier.

@BlueBirdMB, good luck planning for your trip! Although I have been to none of those places, except Hawaii. If you do go to Japan, I'd suggest primarily avoiding the big cities. At a previous job, I had a group of employees who went there all the time and they all said the first trip was such a let down. Because they were expecting it to be this exotic, far off land, but it was just a big city (Yokosuka) like any big city.

Update: To finish my masters degree or not...poll

Update: To finish my masters degree or not...poll 15 votes

Re: Update: To finish my masters degree or not...poll

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