2 answers
Danika
Student
Friend, Nebraska
1
Question
Updated
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Should I get a masters degree immediately after my bachelor's or wait a few years??
I plan on majoring in History education. I know some schools will pay for their teachers to get their master's degree, but I don't know if I want the stress of working a full-time job while also getting my master's degree.
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2 answers
Tammy Prosser
Educator
50
Answers
Buffalo, New York
Updated
Tammy’s Answer
Beginning a masters program is a big commitment and you are wise to consider your options. I work in a graduate school of education program right now and part of my responsibility is reviewing applications for candidates coming to our program. While there are many factors that go into acceptance into the program, I have observed that when a student has taken even just one year off between undergrad and graduate school and used that time to gain experience in the field, they end up being better prepared and more mature graduate students. That is not to say that students who come right out of undergrad can’t also be responsible and well prepared graduate students as well. But if you do plan to take some time off between undergrad and grad school, plan to use that time to gain experience. Consider substitute teaching or working in a before/after school program. Not only will this give you experience as you build your resume and prepare you for graduate school but it will also confirm that graduate school is the best choice for you as you’ll get a taste of your future career.
It is true that some schools may pay for a masters program but you are correct in thinking that working full time and doing school full time may be a lot to handle. Another thing to consider is loan forgiveness programs for teachers. If you work for 5 consecutive years in a low-income school as a teacher, there are options to have your loans repaid. Additionally as a public servant, you can work in any district and still qualify to have loans forgiven after a certain number of payments.
At the end of the day, you have to consider what is in your best interest. You know yourself well enough to understand if working full-time and going to school full-time will be feasible. You also may want to consider how ready you are for graduate school and decide if a year or so of working might help develop your character or you professionally, which might benefit you more later on. A year or two of work might also help with finances so that you can pay for school out of pocket. You can also apply to a graduate school, be accepted, and then defer your acceptance for a year. If you’re worried about not going back then this might be a good way to ensure that you have a plan in place and a set start date for school while you work in the meantime. Good luck!
Consider loan forgiveness programs available for teachers: https://studentaid.gov/articles/teacher-loan-forgiveness-options/
It is true that some schools may pay for a masters program but you are correct in thinking that working full time and doing school full time may be a lot to handle. Another thing to consider is loan forgiveness programs for teachers. If you work for 5 consecutive years in a low-income school as a teacher, there are options to have your loans repaid. Additionally as a public servant, you can work in any district and still qualify to have loans forgiven after a certain number of payments.
At the end of the day, you have to consider what is in your best interest. You know yourself well enough to understand if working full-time and going to school full-time will be feasible. You also may want to consider how ready you are for graduate school and decide if a year or so of working might help develop your character or you professionally, which might benefit you more later on. A year or two of work might also help with finances so that you can pay for school out of pocket. You can also apply to a graduate school, be accepted, and then defer your acceptance for a year. If you’re worried about not going back then this might be a good way to ensure that you have a plan in place and a set start date for school while you work in the meantime. Good luck!
Tammy recommends the following next steps:
Alan Gooding
Strategic Account Executive
5
Answers
Bentonville, Arkansas
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Tammy gave a great in-depth answer above, so i'll go with the short and sweet that will be right 80% of the time.
Wait!! Get some experience and try the job world. You don't know what you don't know yet. Getting a masters is such an investment, and you won't be sure its of interest to you or even beneficial to your career until you see that world first.
Wait!! Get some experience and try the job world. You don't know what you don't know yet. Getting a masters is such an investment, and you won't be sure its of interest to you or even beneficial to your career until you see that world first.