In tough economic times like these, getting a master’s degree online can give you a real competitive edge. But don’t kid yourself—getting a master’s degree is hard work—online or off.
Thinking about getting a master's degree online?
Thinking about getting a master's degree online?
Before you make the commitment to getting your master’s degree online, put some serious thought into it. Do a gut check and make sure an online program is the right choice for you.
The master’s degree online and you.
Online master’s degree programs are a great choice for working professionals. But it’s a different sort of graduate school experience. Before applying, ask yourself:
How self disciplined am I?
Online master’s degree programs offer a level of flexibility that can’t be matched by most traditional schools. Often, you’ll be given a syllabus, access to pre-filmed lectures and an assignment list, and simply be expected to complete the necessary work by the end of the term.
That means you can study whenever it’s convenient for you, whether that’s before your morning Wheaties or after your kids are finally in bed! But, as an adult going back to school, if you can’t commit to a regular study schedule—and stick to it no matter what—getting your master’s degree online might not be the best choice for you.
Do I have the right personality to go to school online?
There can be no doubt about it—the experience of getting a master’s degree online is very different than that of a traditional graduate program. While you’ll probably participate in regular online discussions with your peers and may even chat with a study group over Skype, it can feel rather isolating.
So if you’re the type of person who needs regular, in-person interaction to feel fulfilled, studying online will be challenging for you. If, on the other hand, you just want to learn at your own pace, on your own time, getting a master’s degree online might be just the thing for you!
The #1 question to ask yourself before getting a master’s degree online.
Once you decide that yes, you do think an online master’s degree program is the right choice for you, there’s only one question you need to ask yourself:
Will getting a master’s degree online pay off?
For most professions, the answer is an unqualified yes! For careers ranging from business to education, an advanced degree usually translates into a bigger paycheck. But there are exceptions. So before making the commitment, take a look at your industry and make sure getting a master’s degree online will enhance your job outlook.
And if it won’t? Maybe you should consider using your online master’s degree as a way to transition into a better paying field!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, lauren-janelle.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on master’s degrees online that will get you on the road to the right career for you!
The master’s degree online and you.
Online master’s degree programs are a great choice for working professionals. But it’s a different sort of graduate school experience. Before applying, ask yourself:
How self disciplined am I?
Online master’s degree programs offer a level of flexibility that can’t be matched by most traditional schools. Often, you’ll be given a syllabus, access to pre-filmed lectures and an assignment list, and simply be expected to complete the necessary work by the end of the term.
That means you can study whenever it’s convenient for you, whether that’s before your morning Wheaties or after your kids are finally in bed! But, as an adult going back to school, if you can’t commit to a regular study schedule—and stick to it no matter what—getting your master’s degree online might not be the best choice for you.
Do I have the right personality to go to school online?
There can be no doubt about it—the experience of getting a master’s degree online is very different than that of a traditional graduate program. While you’ll probably participate in regular online discussions with your peers and may even chat with a study group over Skype, it can feel rather isolating.
So if you’re the type of person who needs regular, in-person interaction to feel fulfilled, studying online will be challenging for you. If, on the other hand, you just want to learn at your own pace, on your own time, getting a master’s degree online might be just the thing for you!
The #1 question to ask yourself before getting a master’s degree online.
Once you decide that yes, you do think an online master’s degree program is the right choice for you, there’s only one question you need to ask yourself:
Will getting a master’s degree online pay off?
For most professions, the answer is an unqualified yes! For careers ranging from business to education, an advanced degree usually translates into a bigger paycheck. But there are exceptions. So before making the commitment, take a look at your industry and make sure getting a master’s degree online will enhance your job outlook.
And if it won’t? Maybe you should consider using your online master’s degree as a way to transition into a better paying field!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, lauren-janelle.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on master’s degrees online that will get you on the road to the right career for you!
