Posted: 3/25/2016 7:50:57 PM EDT
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So I have a bachelors degree in criminal justice. I am almost done with my time in the Army. Didn't think I got the GI bill because I got loan repayment, but turns out I still do because I did more than 3 years. So now I want to go to grad school, because hey, if they want to pay me to go to school I'd be an idiot not to. The only thing is I really know nothing about grad school because before this morning it was no where on my radar.
The criminal justice field interests me, but I have no interest in being a cop. I was planning on getting out and getting a job as a probation officer before I found out I still get the gi bill. Public administration seems like a major most like criminal justice, but I'm just not too sure what jobs you could actually get with it. The school I want to go to(university of Alaska-Anchorage) even has this degree with an emphasis in criminal justice. Is it common to get a masters in something unrelated to your undergrad? If so it seems like it would be hard to just jump into high level courses on a subject you don't know too much about. How hard is grad school compared to undergrad? Especially for someone who has been away from the education environment for many years smashing things and jumping out of planes in the infantry. |
| Grad school is a good thing. Make sure your undergrad degree will be applied to what you want in a Master's. A Masters will open more doors then a bachelors will, it's more respected, and you pay will be higher. Earning a Masters is much harder then an undergrad degree. Once you start get permission to start your thesis and work on throughout your degree plan. While college or degree's are not needed in many fields once you have that piece of paper they can't take it from you. Good luck op and go for it. |
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Just like undergrad, getting in has to do with the major and the particular school. Anyone can get in SOMEWHERE to go get an MBA, but not everyone will get in to Harvard's Wharton, for instance. Then again, there's craploads of MBA programs out there - other majors may have more competitive entrance criteria, especially if fewer schools are offering that course of graduate study.
Depending on the subject, you'll probably have to take one of the postgraduate admissions exams. GRE, generally if there's not one specific to your major choice; while MBA would usually take the GMAT, etc. Not that uncommon to get a master's in a different discipline than your undergrad, though you'll usually be required to take make-up classes to get up to bachelor's level proficiency in the new discipline either before or concurrently with your graduate school studies. In my case, I got my BS in Computer Engineering, then my MS in Computer Science. I had to take the GRE, though my scores were high enough to basically get me in almost anywhere, and then I had to take proficiency exams in all the CS-specific undergrad subjects to see if I would be required to take those undergrad courses before being allowed to start. I ended up passing all the undergrad proficiency exams, so was allowed to just start in on the MS. |
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You actually ARE an idiot to go to grad school unless you have a specific career path which requires the degree. This can be true. I'm only doing graduate study because it would be completely impossible to get the license I am working towards without it. |
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Have a goal first.
I can see going to Grad School for the Sciences, Engineering, Medical, or Research, but that is it. I see so many other folks with Masters that aren't really using their degree or their current job didn't need it. Grad School is not bad, but you need to be able to justify the time and money. Don't go just to have a Masters. |
| My experience with graduate school is a lot of research and writing. My major is a MS in international security studies and All assignments are 7-20 page research assignments and quite time consuming. The grading is very subjective and even in a major like security studies, many of the students are career academist who are incredibly liberal and out of touch with the real world. Other than that it has been very rewarding and a pleasurable experience. |
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Grad school is not something I would recommend on a whim. Depending on the school and the program it can be quite difficult. It just depends on the program.
One thing to keep in mind getting a master's degree might close more doors than it opens. If you get an MA then you might be considered a flight risk if you apply to entry level positions, or you might not get hired because your education makes you a more expensive hire. The idea that more education makes you more marketable is not always true. One retarded thing I see people do in grad school is go into massive debt. If the degree program only yields a middle class income then they should have funding options that does not force you into debt. For law and medical degrees where you are going to earn large salaries in theory it makes more sense to accept some debt. I loved my grad school and really enjoyed the experience. While I do it work full time in my field if study currently my advanced degrees helped me get me to where I am. |
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The entire UA system is getting ready to get slaughtered in budget cuts
Our state is 4.1 Billion dollars in deficit and there just isnt the money that everyone is used to Before you move to Alaska for a program at one of the schools, make dame sure its not being cut |
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Not that uncommon to get a master's in a different discipline than your undergrad, though you'll usually be required to take make-up classes to get up to bachelor's level proficiency in the new discipline either before or concurrently with your graduate school studies. That's spot on. In the sciences people move between disciplines quite frequently, and even jump into graduate engineering programs too. |
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You actually ARE an idiot to go to grad school unless you have a specific career path which requires the degree. Untrue. I have an MBA. Didn't have a specific career path in mind, other than something finance and/or marketing related. I now do marketing and training for a brokerage firm. It worked out just fine. |
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So are you saying another bachelors is a better idea? Quoted:
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You actually ARE an idiot to go to grad school unless you have a specific career path which requires the degree. So are you saying another bachelors is a better idea? Don't do that. That's a horrible idea. Take the prereqs and move into a grad program that you can make a future with. |
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That's spot on. In the sciences people move between disciplines quite frequently, and even jump into graduate engineering programs too. Quoted:
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Not that uncommon to get a master's in a different discipline than your undergrad, though you'll usually be required to take make-up classes to get up to bachelor's level proficiency in the new discipline either before or concurrently with your graduate school studies. That's spot on. In the sciences people move between disciplines quite frequently, and even jump into graduate engineering programs too. I have noticed the same thing in the natural sciences fields too. |
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I am infantry in the army.
As for ideal job I got the cj degree because I wanted to be a cop but after doing the army thing I have no interest in wearing a uniform and playing the game anymore. Really just want a 9-5 desk job that'll pay the bills. But I'm not gonna pass up the opertunity to get tuition paid for and housing allowance on top of it. |
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Just like undergrad, getting in has to do with the major and the particular school. Anyone can get in SOMEWHERE to go get an MBA, but not everyone will get in to Harvard's Wharton, for instance. Then again, there's craploads of MBA programs out there - other majors may have more competitive entrance criteria, especially if fewer schools are offering that course of graduate study. Depending on the subject, you'll probably have to take one of the postgraduate admissions exams. GRE, generally if there's not one specific to your major choice; while MBA would usually take the GMAT, etc. Not that uncommon to get a master's in a different discipline than your undergrad, though you'll usually be required to take make-up classes to get up to bachelor's level proficiency in the new discipline either before or concurrently with your graduate school studies. In my case, I got my BS in Computer Engineering, then my MS in Computer Science. I had to take the GRE, though my scores were high enough to basically get me in almost anywhere, and then I had to take proficiency exams in all the CS-specific undergrad subjects to see if I would be required to take those undergrad courses before being allowed to start. I ended up passing all the undergrad proficiency exams, so was allowed to just start in on the MS. Dude ... Wharton is at Penn NOT Harvard |
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Dude ... Wharton isat Penn NOT Harvard Quoted:
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Just like undergrad, getting in has to do with the major and the particular school. Anyone can get in SOMEWHERE to go get an MBA, but not everyone will get in to Harvard's Wharton, for instance. Then again, there's craploads of MBA programs out there - other majors may have more competitive entrance criteria, especially if fewer schools are offering that course of graduate study. Depending on the subject, you'll probably have to take one of the postgraduate admissions exams. GRE, generally if there's not one specific to your major choice; while MBA would usually take the GMAT, etc. Not that uncommon to get a master's in a different discipline than your undergrad, though you'll usually be required to take make-up classes to get up to bachelor's level proficiency in the new discipline either before or concurrently with your graduate school studies. In my case, I got my BS in Computer Engineering, then my MS in Computer Science. I had to take the GRE, though my scores were high enough to basically get me in almost anywhere, and then I had to take proficiency exams in all the CS-specific undergrad subjects to see if I would be required to take those undergrad courses before being allowed to start. I ended up passing all the undergrad proficiency exams, so was allowed to just start in on the MS. Dude ... Wharton isat Penn NOT Harvard Whatevs - smack my pee-pee. I'm an engineer and scientist, not a bizzo whizzo. 
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If you go to a good grad school plan on devoting over 40 hours a week to classes, reading, assignments etc.
When I was working on my MA we had one class that had over 500 pages of assigned reading every week Don't forget the exams at the end of your classes and a thesis based on original research and the oral exam before your thesis is approved by your committee. The best years of my life were in grad school! |
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MBA would be a good general master's degree then if you just want to get one that covers the most ground.
Like someone said though it is much more in depth then a bachelor's degree. I wouldn't recommend trying to get a masters in something you don't like as it will burn you out quick. If you enjoyed the criminal justice/cop thing, but don't want to do that any more, you might look into things like emergency management or counter terrorism studies. Your BA in CJ would help some and experience in Army might also. |
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Whatevs - smack my pee-pee. I'm an engineer and scientist, not a bizzo whizzo. Quoted:
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Just like undergrad, getting in has to do with the major and the particular school. Anyone can get in SOMEWHERE to go get an MBA, but not everyone will get in to Harvard's Wharton, for instance. Then again, there's craploads of MBA programs out there - other majors may have more competitive entrance criteria, especially if fewer schools are offering that course of graduate study. Depending on the subject, you'll probably have to take one of the postgraduate admissions exams. GRE, generally if there's not one specific to your major choice; while MBA would usually take the GMAT, etc. Not that uncommon to get a master's in a different discipline than your undergrad, though you'll usually be required to take make-up classes to get up to bachelor's level proficiency in the new discipline either before or concurrently with your graduate school studies. In my case, I got my BS in Computer Engineering, then my MS in Computer Science. I had to take the GRE, though my scores were high enough to basically get me in almost anywhere, and then I had to take proficiency exams in all the CS-specific undergrad subjects to see if I would be required to take those undergrad courses before being allowed to start. I ended up passing all the undergrad proficiency exams, so was allowed to just start in on the MS. Dude ... Wharton isat Penn NOT Harvard Whatevs - smack my pee-pee. I'm an engineer and scientist, not a bizzo whizzo. Consider your peepee smacked
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Be ready to write. Be ready to write a LOT.
Don't go into CJ, that's an utterly useless degree. Decide what you want to do, then focus your efforts on that. Your MS isn't required to be in the same field as your BS/BA, but you may find requirements you have to go back and take to qualify. Finishing up an MS in information assurance, BS was in computer science. MBA is probably an option, whether that's any good for you or not you have to decide. "Public Administration" sounds like human resources kind of crap, I wouldn't invest time into that particular field -- I suspect having an MBA would be more useful and get you the same jobs, but that's out of my field. |
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Whatevs - smack my pee-pee. I'm an engineer and scientist, not a bizzo whizzo. Quoted:
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Just like undergrad, getting in has to do with the major and the particular school. Anyone can get in SOMEWHERE to go get an MBA, but not everyone will get in to Harvard's Wharton, for instance. Then again, there's craploads of MBA programs out there - other majors may have more competitive entrance criteria, especially if fewer schools are offering that course of graduate study. Depending on the subject, you'll probably have to take one of the postgraduate admissions exams. GRE, generally if there's not one specific to your major choice; while MBA would usually take the GMAT, etc. Not that uncommon to get a master's in a different discipline than your undergrad, though you'll usually be required to take make-up classes to get up to bachelor's level proficiency in the new discipline either before or concurrently with your graduate school studies. In my case, I got my BS in Computer Engineering, then my MS in Computer Science. I had to take the GRE, though my scores were high enough to basically get me in almost anywhere, and then I had to take proficiency exams in all the CS-specific undergrad subjects to see if I would be required to take those undergrad courses before being allowed to start. I ended up passing all the undergrad proficiency exams, so was allowed to just start in on the MS. Dude ... Wharton isat Penn NOT Harvard Whatevs - smack my pee-pee. I'm an engineer and scientist, not a bizzo whizzo. 
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Im in grad school right now, also was a criminal justice major in undergrad. My program is within the social sciences but not directly related to criminal justice. You graduate major doesn't have to be related, but it just depends what you want to do. If it was nursing or engineering or something then you'd have to get all the undergrad pre-requisites. If you want to go for an MBA or something, you should be fine.
My classes involve lots of student/teacher interaction, a couple papers/projects per semester and you are expected to read on your own. I tend to have 2 books per class and keeping up takes a lot of time. I'm thoroughly enjoying it though (not enjoying the student loans i've had to take out). It's been nice taking a break from the working world to do school again though (it takes all my time to keep up with school), and despite the work, I feel like it is easier than undergrad, which i thought was easier than highschool. Im really glad in high school they made it out like everything gets harder, because in my experience, it's been the opposite. I don't know how kids manage 7-8 classes and 35 hours in-class time per week. My classes are 3-6 hrs and that is longgg enough. |
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An MBA is applicable to most management career paths regardless of discipline. I got mine in 2001. Grad School is a completely different (and better) experience from undergraduate studies. Having an MBA will differentiate you from others and will open doors for your career.
Do it. |
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I am infantry in the army. As for ideal job I got the cj degree because I wanted to be a cop but after doing the army thing I have no interest in wearing a uniform and playing the game anymore. Really just want a 9-5 desk job that'll pay the bills. But I'm not gonna pass up the opertunity to get tuition paid for and housing allowance on top of it. Thanks for serving our country. My dad was career infantry. Some MS degrees to consider: Vocational Rehab Counselor. MBA Technical Writing |
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I received my BFA in design in 1992 and worked in the design field for 19 years. I fell into a job in higher education about 5 years ago through a buddy. He said I didn't need a masters but in education it is tough to move up when everyone around you has a Masters or a Phd.
I went back to school at 45 years of age and did an online program in instructional design. It was perfect for me because there is huge component in the program that teaches visual communication and I am already strong in that area and my degree is pretty specific to online instruction. The online thing fit my old guy lifestyle. The thing I learned about gradschool is that the programs expect you to already know the drudgery shit so its a bit easier than undergrad, just a shit-ton of writing and research. I'm glad I got the degree because I scored another job making $15k more than at the college just as jobs were being cut. It really helped me solidify my new career and earn more money |
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I got my MS in CJ this past December. I don't need it for my current job but I view it as a resume-builder for a future opportunity. And the program was actually really cheap compared to my BS. I'm planning on going back to school and work on IT or something in case I want to jump ship. |
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Grad school was the best years of my life!! I think the advice to have a career goal first is a good one but I don't know if you are on a time crunch to use your GI benefits. If it's a use it or lose it situation, get in grad school and take advantage. You've earned it!! I found grad school to be much easier than undergrad and my program allowed for a "creative component" in place of a thesis. A thesis would have made the program much more difficult for me (I hate research and writing). The entry requirements (undergrad GPA and GRE, GMAT, etc...) can be significant obstacles, as well. I was just thinking yesterday that I got my Masters degree 19 years ago.  Holy Shit!!! A Masters + is the minimum requirement for my job so for me, it was a no-brainer and worth it. That's not necessarily true for all fields in which you might get a graduate degree. You'll just have to do the research to find out. Good luck! |
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Thanks for the advice guys. It sounds like an MBA is the best option for me. Sounds like it would open the most doors and doesn't require any specific prerequisites. You may not end up running Goldman Sachs but you will have a leg up on the majority of people looking for a position. Best of luck and don't forget about your local hospitals when looking for jobs. Plenty of bin medical people in the admin departments |
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Grad school is a lot of work. Public Administration only works once you are in a management position and even then, politics dictates over efficiency. Suggest you get into nursing which is a profession that won't be outsouced overseas. From there, go FBI like former Special Agent Candice DeLong. She was the criminal profile agent that the Jodie Foster character was based on. At the FBI, you get to use your criminal justice degree and the nursing is something that the FBI will want in a special agent. Read DeLong's book to learn more.
Another good profession if you want to get into the FBI is accounting. Our member, Sherrick, is a former cop (honorably retired) and is now an accountant. Accoutanting is held in high esteem because they want agents who can go through books to find the crooks. The final profession which I recommend is computer science. That's another field that the FBI and other federal level law enforcement agencies strongly desire |
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I have no interest in working for the fbi or any other fed job. The army stole all my hooah. I really just want a job where I can live where I choose and come home to my boys everyday.
The plus of the MBA is they offer a lot of night classes so I could stay home with my boys during the day now while they are still young and save child care costs while the wife unit is at work then go to class when she gets home. |
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Do NOT get a Masters in CJ. A Bachelors alone is worthless, let alone getting an actual Masters in it. This man speaks the truth. If I could change anything about my education I would've gotten a different degree than CJ. I wouldn't go any further down that road. |
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You may not end up running Goldman Sachs but you will have a leg up on the majority of people looking for a position. Best of luck and don't forget about your local hospitals when looking for jobs. Plenty of bin medical people in the admin departments Quoted:
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Thanks for the advice guys. It sounds like an MBA is the best option for me. Sounds like it would open the most doors and doesn't require any specific prerequisites. You may not end up running Goldman Sachs but you will have a leg up on the majority of people looking for a position. Best of luck and don't forget about your local hospitals when looking for jobs. Plenty of bin medical people in the admin departments I agree, healthcare is a huge field and doctors/nurses only make up a small segment. |