Master's Degree

It seems like we've got quite a few people here pursuing PhDs. You guys are in for a commitment!
Not to be left out, I'd also like to know how many people in this group are going for or have gotten master's degrees. (Library science for me--I graduate in December) What have your experiences been like and what academic field did you study?

I'm doing the whole masters thing too - I'm in the dual-degree Library Science (Archives)/History program at Simmons. Beyond that, maybe PhD, who knows. I'll be starting my second year in a few weeks.

I'm just starting an M.T.S. (Master's of Theological Studies) with a concentration in Moral Theology at the University of Notre Dame in a few weeks. Beyond that, Ph.D. is possible, as is (who knows!) an M.L.S.

If all goes according to plan ("all" meaning my thesis), I'll graduate with a master's in film studies next May. In a month or two, I'll start with the PhD applications.

I have a Masters in Political Science, English, and Library Science (yes, 3 of them).
Library Science was by far the easiest of the three, and the one that has kept me employed (oddly, not as an actual librarian, but that's another story). English was the most interesting and challenging.

Sigh. Except for the being poor part, sometimes I wish I was still in grad school!

I'm another beginning M.T.S. student (Systematic Theology), though the plan is to continue on to a PhD after that. Oh, the never-ending applications...

I've got an MA in Spanish and an MFA in literary translation, and am (very slowly) working on a PhD in comparative literature. I've been slowed down by a spinal cord injury, know I'm very blessed to be where I am, and still have moments when I almost absolutely loathe graduate school. Don't take me too seriously. ;)

I'm getting my MA.Ed and teacher certification in high school English, and at this point next year I should be certified and hopefully have a job. That's frightening, considering how little I (think I) know now...

Well, I have my £20 MA from Oxford (merely the product of having been around long enough!), and also an M.St. in Theology (Ecclesiastical History). The Masters was never intended as the end result - academically it was a bit of a joke, to be perfectly honest...

Got the MSc in astrophysics some years back, now going for a PhD in history. Yes, of course it's a logical progression, why do you ask ...

Yay for degrees in unrelated subjects! I just finished my thesis for an MA in Spanish and Spanish American literatures and cultures, and I'm starting a PhD in math this fall.

In process of getting my Masters in Museum Studies (with emphasis on museum education) at San Francisco State University. I'm a "second career" student. Had a mid-life crisis, instead of buying the fancy red sports car, I decided to change careers - so now I'm back in school again!

I am in the process now of completing an online app to enter a Master's program in History at a university in San Francisco. Believe it or not, I've been applying to grad schools for nearly a year! Repeatedly, I've heard from admissions committees that my application was declined because of a "record number of applicants." Anyone else experience that? Any suggestions how to overcome this macro-cosmic phenomenon?

PS. You can read about some of my academic adventures on my blog -- see my LT profile for the URL.

Hey, Erin! I'm applying to grad school in SF; also a non-traditional aged student. How 'bout that!

What can you tell me about your experience at SFSU?

Hi! I'm pursuing a Master's in Liberal Studies part time. Much like Erin, it's a program for non-trads and working people. I'm a bit younger than most of my colleagues (25) but I love it! Next week, I start a class on The Canterbury Tales.

transmutations: It's probably a combination of two things. 1. Interest in graduate school is increasing, therefore schools get increasing numbers of applications every year, 2. There were other applicants who were a better fit for the department.

Grad applications are like job applications. You may be qualified, but if they do think you'll fit in well with the goals of the company, they won't hire you.

I'm another one who has moved between fields. I'm doing a Master of Public Health, which is a bit of a deviation from my undergraduate major, history. A PhD (in history and public health) is one of the options I'm considering for 2008 and beyond.

transmutations: I just read your blog, and I think the route you're going right now is a great idea. Making connections in the department (and actually working with them prior to applying) will definitely boost your application. Good luck with your apps!

I'm also finishing my LIS masters, and I'm thinking of getting another in ... something. :D And, someday, a PhD, but I'll wait until I have a nice job that is willing to help me out. ;) (Student Loans are breaking me!!!!)

I'm about to start an MSc in Library and Information Studies in September. I looking forward to doing the academic thing again. My brain seems to have stopped working

I'm kind of suprised that almost no one posted on here is a science person. I'm getting a masters now in biological oceanography and, in theory, going straight into the PhD, or combining the two in half the time if I can keep up the pace. Granted this is all if I don't go insane from too much time in a cool, dimly lit lab. *sigh*

Sure, no suprise there are so many english and library studies, but scientists need literature, too.

Hey, M. in Architecture. Don't know about PhD, that's a lot more schooling than I'm willing to pay for right now...

Snivell: thanks for the encouraging comments. I have also heard that Fit into a program or college is another reason for acceptance or declination. Based on the informational interviews that I had earlier this month at a prospective university, my impression is that both the department chair and I think I would be a good fit for their history program. Meanwhile, I have to wait a couple of months to hear if I've been officially accepted there for the spring semester.

erinmuse: last week, I asked about your experience as a non-traditional aged grad student at your university. If you prefer to answer off the message board, go to my LT profile and post a private message. Thanks.

Hi, all!

It's so great to see the range of people here (even with all you Library Science students... ;) ).

I'm working for my M.Ed. in Elementary Education at Boston College... one more year! Oooh, just can't wait until May 2007. It's going to be busy, that's for sure.

Best of luck to everyone who will be starting up again for Fall semester!
Chelsea :)

Hello all! I got my masters in American history at The College of William and Mary in 2005. I am approaching ABD status, but I'm starting to wonder about writing that dreaded dissertation...I fear I am one step past the burnt-out stage. I want to finish my program, but at the same time I need a break! Are any of the rest of you in the same boat?

I have a Masters in English and I am a speechwriter. I've also taught a good bit, although these days I teach very little. Advanced degrees come in handy.

I'm a master's student in Biology right now at Eastern Illinois University. I am feeling the burn-out actually, which is unfortunate because I'm not even half-way done. I love learning, don't get me wrong, but the bureaucracy of university combined with the tedium of uninspiring required courses is really wearing me out. I'll be glad when it's done. I'm not sure I can go on for a Ph.D., haha. We shall see...

Who the heck is flagging messages? The three with flags are on point and responsive to the opening message. I don't get it.

I have a Masters in International Relations from the University of Chicago, and am starting law school in London next week. Found the MA pretty hard, but still felt the urge to get back to studying again!

readingmachine: My guess is that they're being flagged accidentally. Perhaps someone someone meant to hit "post message" but clicked the wrong link.

I just finished my M.A. in speech-language pathology, and I was definitely burned out by the program there. I escaped to a new school to work on my Ph.D., and it's amazing how much the change is doing to remind me why I started out in the first place!

I'm doing the Ph.D. in speech-language pathology as well, but I'm a neurolinguist at heart... (at mind?)

lucidtheory et al.: Burn out is common, and it makes me wonder (a lot) about the way our academic system works. Getting the Master's and Doctorate is a long, drawn-out process. I ask myself more often, Is it worth it?

It depends on goals. I want to be a teaching and researching professor. But I could be satisfied, focused on teaching, if I finished a Masters and worked at a Community College. Ok, that's not glamorous, but am I trying to impress someone? No -- I want to teach.

We must all ask ourselves what's really important, at each stage in life, and then try to live with the answer.

I am working on my second masters degree. My first is in Philosophy, and my current is a Masters in Education, first time licensure for secondary school. I am planning on being licensed in both Physics and mathematics (my BA is in physics.)

Glad to be here and find so many other friendly (virtual) faces.

Hi all,

I have a Masters in Library Science from State University at Buffalo.

Thinking about getting another masters in the next couple of years. I want the other degree in something that involves education, instruction and technology; I'm just not too sure about what kind of program I want to pursue.

I completed a dual-masters in May. Both degrees are in English: literature and composition studies from Virginia Commonwealth University. I am currently enrolled in Antioch University in Los Angeles in an MFA program, creative non fiction.

In a few months I will complete my MA in Asian Area Studies. More specifically, I do research on the history of the South Asian diaspora.

I'm working on my MA in Journalism at Wits University here in Johannesburg, South Africa.

I'm studying the South African media's representation of an Afrikaans punk band who call themselves Fokofpolisiekar, and who have pretty much taken on the entire notion of Afrikaans identity. It's fun, justifies going to gigs (research, I have discovered, is an infinitely flexible term) and is keeping me much busier than I thought it would. I'm just a bit worried about having to finish it - I'm having such fun, I don't want it to end.

I did my Honours degree in English Literature, and Beat writing to be specific.

I think my parents have given up on the idea that I will be able to look after them in their old age, and are now encouraging me to 'marry well'.

I'm about to start my second year of my part time MA in English Literature next week. I absolutely love it, but sometimes it kills my social life as I work full time as well.

Edited to add text *g*:

Another nat. science person here. I have got a degree (diploma, the german equivalent of the masters for nat. sciences) in Agriculture and Environmental Studies. I got that many moons ago, and have been working in software companies for the last 8 years. I'd love to combine my degree, my experience with document management systems and my love for books and libraries, but haven't figured it out yet (changing careers also isn't as common in my country as it seems in the USA).

I'm in my second year of a PhD program in math, leaning towards specializing in topology. I like it mostly, but I feel doubts a lot over whether math is really want I want to make my life's work, especially every time I read a book and remember how much I love reading and thinking/writing about books. I figure I have some time to get that all figured out, though.

Whoops! Way to read the post topic :) I am however, still in the masters portion of my degree right now, so... that counts, right?

I'll complete my MA in Writing this year- YAY. Would love to go on to do the Phd in Creative Writing but the funding problem rears its ugly head there.

Hey there. I'm just getting started on my MSW, that's Master's in Social Work. I'm looking to eventually head overseas to work in international relief with it, but who knows where I'll wind up??? lol. i just wanted to say hi to everyone! So HI!
--Justin

Hey-

It's nice to see someone from Eastern Illinois University on here. That's where I got my undergraduate degree in English.

I am currently a second year graduate student in social work at Washburn University in Topeka, KS. May of 2007 and I'll have my masters and my husband will have his PhD in cognitive psychology.

I have secret fantasies of becoming a librarian! Maybe someday I'll end up in a library science program, who knows.

I am currently working on a MA in Old Testament Studies @ Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. There is so much to wrap your head around.

I just finished my MA in Egyptology in May, 2006, at UC Berkeley. I'm a first-year PhD student there now.
My primary interests are ancient languages (all phases of the ancient Egyptian language and ancient Greek), Egyptian religion and art, and Ptolemaic Egypt (especially the temples built during that era).

Keeps me busy. :)

Now I need to get offline, quit procrastinating, and do my homework!

Yes indeed Kristen. With 5 years to write the diss. I am taking a couple of years to just "chill". Although Ph.D. (d=done) is cool there is one thing that's for certain -- whether you've got the "sheepskin" or not they can never take away the knowledge we possess.

I'm pursuing my master's in library science too! This is my first semester, so I'm just getting started! What has your experience been like? Do you work currently work in a library?

I just finished the first semester in my program, master's of human sexuality education. I'm 95% sure I am going to go on to the Ed.D. program.

M.T.S here too. Systematic Theology. I want to pursue a PhD after that, since I think there are too few Standup Comedians that do doctorate in Theology... :)

Hi everyone! I'm just getting into the message boards on this site, loving every second of it. :) I had to post, though, because I noticed that some of you are doing the "second career" thing, and mentioned not being the "normal" age. I feel the same way! I am an MLS student right now, just finishing my first of 4 semesters, and I feel like the abnormally aged one at 22, as most of my classmates are at east if not more than 10 years older than me. I love the different points-of-view and the enthusiasm that they bring to the class.

I'm 2 years into a PhD in engineering - information theory and wireless communications. With all the nerds about me all day i have to read books to keep sane.
Thinking of taking up yoga too (thats popular with the ladies right?)

I'm in my first full semester working on an MLS, though I started this summer. I also feel much younger than my classmates much of the time, though not too out of the loop because I've volunteered with a library for years. I also love the opinions of the returning (or "non-traditional") students in my classes.

I have a Master's in English and almost done with getting another Master's in Communication. I am contemplating a PhD in Communication.

Hi all! My MA is in College Student Services and I'm at the tail end of applying for PsyD programs. Aps are all due the first couple weeks in January, so there's only a mild amount of stress right now. If, by mild, I mean gigantic.

I'm in the middle of my 2nd year of the MA program in Systematic Theology at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA. I'm giving myself a third year, though, to focus on my thesis - and PhD applications! The weather's just too nice around here to rush through this degree. ;)
My BA (dual major, Philosophy and Communication) was from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. I'm from Michigan originally. That's why I love San Francisco Bay Area weather.
As far as I know, my goal is to teach and write. What else can you do with a degree (Master's or Doctorate) in Theology (without being ordained)?

I'm an M.A. in English at Case western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. I absolutely adore my program and the people in it. I just started this fall, and I'll finish in May 2008. After that, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in English, probably at Case.

I'm an MLIS graduate student at Pratt Institute in New York. I'm only in my second semester, but so far, so good!

I'm in what is (allegedly) my last semester of library science at the U of A in Tucson. This, after swearing on a stack of Dead Kennedys records that I was too "punk" to ever go to grad school. I'm hoping that my will will be stronger when it comes to staying out of a doctorate program.

I'm looking forward to starting grad school next week! I'll be working on a M.A. in History, specifically pre-1500 European, with a second emphasis on religion.

Like many of you, I am a "non-traditional aged student."

My plan is to go on for a Ph.D. and then to teach and research as a professor.

Good luck to everyone this semester!

I am a 'mature' - in years if not in judgement - part-time student just about completing my PhD dissertation, but am appallingly susceptible to displacement activities such as librarything.com. If I had a plan I would tell you what it was.

It appears I've stumbled into a group of like-minded individuals.

I've collected a few graduate degrees. My first is in library science, and like a previous poster, it was my easiest and the one which has kept me employed, but in a non-traditional library field.

I also have degrees in Education & Human Development and most recently the M.T.S., with a focus on Spirituality.

I just finished applications for the PhD at Catholic University (in Spirituality) or the ThD at the University of Toronto (focus on history of spirituality). We'll see where things go from here...

I've only recently begun cataloguing my personal library via LT and ...yes I am geeking over the process.

Wow, talk about a late response! Sorry about that. I quit the group right after my first posting. Now have decided to join again. Low and behold, there was a message. I wasn't ignoring you, just didn't realize I had a question.
I've enjoyed my experience at SFSU. The museum studies department is very small. They only take about 22 new students each year.
It is a bit odd sometimes being with younger students. They tend not to get some of my references. I forget that some of these students have never experienced a record player, 8 track, or went to school in the non-computer age.
Other than that, it has been good. My biggest shock was the difference between a public college and private school. I also got my bachelors late in life, went to Mount St. Mary's weekend college. So entirely different format. You went all day on the weekend. So attending class weekly for only an hour was different to me.
Hope this helps a bit, and again, sorry for the delay.

Nearly finished with my masters degree in Space Studies

I am working on my M A in History at U of Arizona. I get BA's in History, Latin, and Greek, now I am starting my thesis in History and plan to defend in November of this year. I am still debating a PhD. I think a job is necessary to pay all the student loans back. How is everyone else approahing the decision to go on to get a PhD?

I'm looking into MAs in England and Amsterdam. I am torn between an excellent MA on Modernism and a two year research MA in 'literature' which is very vague and exciting indeed.

Help!

I made the decision to get a PhD based on the simple fact that there is little that you can do with just a psychology degree. For a psyc major the PhD is a necessity.

I'll be finishing my MA in international peace and conflict resolution in May. My focus area is in post-conflict peacebuilding in sub-Saharan Africa. After that, it's time to stop school for a bit. Maybe a PhD a few years down the road.

Hello, bdhamilton! I'm groaning over the weight of a liberation theology course right now. More power to you...I'm just not that rigorously logical...

I'm just finishing up my MDiv and hope to graduate in May. It's been a haul, but I'm going to feel good when the time comes for hooding1
sk

dear celestria,

I hesitate to ask, but what are space studies??
Like astronomy? Physics?
sk

Dear churchgeek,

So what is the TU like? I've heard good things about it....what tradition are you working with?

I'm finishing up my MDiv at a Quaker seminary, and used to think I'd continue on for a Ph.D. (I'm compulsive), but now have decided this is a terminal degree for me. I'm enjoying working in Pastoral Care and am ready to travel and enjoy life!
sk

I'm also a non-traditional student pursing a Master's in English with a focus on Creative Writing - Poetry. I left work in the insurance industry, and a history of administrative assistant type of positions. Having been out of university for 20+ years, it's one heck of a big change! The last time I was in school, I typed my papers on a electric typewriter on onion skin paper. LOL! Not sure where the degree will lead me. My dream is to be a well-known author that teaches poetry workshops around the country. Will be happy to settle for a position at a community college or university, so long as teaching poetry workshops figures in.... Julie

It's nice to know there are other masters students out there. I'm writing my thesis for my master's theatre degree, hopefully to be followed by an MFA in Musical Theatre because I've discovered I'm more of a performer/teacher than academic. Here's to the next three years of school!
Christine

I'm in the last year of my master's in history. Don't think I'm up for the doctorate yet. I need a break!

I've got 12 more credits to go before I finally get my Master of Divinity degree next spring (it's a ghastly 96 credit degree), but I already have a Master of Science in Radiation Science, and half of a Master of Public Administration. Seriously. And one day I will actually figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I'm at the point when my professors suggest going for the Ph.D. (although I'm not sure in what field!), my head spins :-)

I'm at the dissertation stage for my PhD in medical humanities. Have a BS in Interdisciplinary Humanities & an MLS. Always wanted to do a PhD (little did I know!), and Drew U is quite close to me in NJ. The convenience of it got to me. I haven't decided what I want to be when I grow up either; I'm even looking at another MS in med history when I (someday) finish this. How stupid is that??

#75 Jwallac27 ...

Not in grad school anymore, but wanted to reply that I went back to school at age 38 (2nd BA, followed by MBA). Ended up having to take non-credit Excel course because I couldn't place out for either job experience or prior coursework. Then there was the school nurse who told me my 1966 "mumps shot" was out-of-range. I had her look again to read that was the date of diagnosis, and that I actually had the disease!

Hi Everyone!
I'm all new here. I'm beginning work on my Masters of Integrated Studies with Athabasca University. It's exciting to be back learning all new stuff again - I've been teaching for 17 years and need a mental break. I'm also new to Librarything - wow! What a fabulous place this is!

kaulsu,

You could have googled "space studies" and my department is the first link.

Space Studies is Space Studies. Space Studies includes: space life sciences, astrobiology, space history (including history of the space programs, history of astronomy), space business management, space policy and law, astronomy, planetary geology, aerospace engineering, satellite information processing, human performance in extreme environments, etc. My specialization is psychological stressors during long duration spaceflight.

We also apparently offer a class in cosmonaut training in affiliation with the Russian Space Agency. Our department is also affiliated with NASA, ESA, and one of the others and I think the fledgling Indian space agency. Many of our alums work for NASA.

I did somehow get accepted into a PhD program for Space and Planetary Sciences. That isn't that far off from space studies, just minus the space policy and law and history and human performance. It still isn't just astronomy though. I can't do math.

I am in the last semester (finally!) of my Master's in History and then it's on to a doctorate. I sometimes feel like I'm going to be a student forever (I'm about to turn 27 and I've got three more years ahead of me,) but I think in the end, it will all be worth it. Plus, I get to go over to Europe to do my doctorate, so that will be fun!

By the way to celestria: Space Studies sounds like one of the coolest things ever! I have this fascination with space, but I was a terrible physics student, so that took any and all hope of me ever doing what you do out of the picture by the end of my junior year of high school.

Now, I am trying to apply for an MA in literature but have such a dizzying choice I am confused. The OU do a course I really would like to do - £800 for the module. They start in Januarys. I recently read up on a course at University of Amsterdam; two years research MA into Literature from hebrew stories upwards (ideal, but £10 per year over two years) or the York university MA in Modernist writings - one year taught MA and it's all over and I have the money right now to pay for the whole thing.

Gotta say, I'm off to Amsterdam in a week to do some investigating; I am very disposed towards doing a research MA into my pet Greek poetry/drama subjects and working part-time as an English tutor in the city I love best in the world (narrowly behind London and Brighton)...

asphaltjunkie,

I was the ultimate in bad physics students. You don't need math or physics to do what I do at the masters level. Heck my undergrad was anthropology and medieval studies. I gave up on space my junior year of high school too, I'm not sure how I ended up doing this again.

Medieval studies, eh? I think that I'm gaining an appreciation for "old" literature as I work my way through my masters in English. I'm interested mostly in contemporary/postmodern lit, but the medieval stuff kinda grew on me. Who knew? I'm trying to do my masters in a year. Silly me. I miss the outdoors.

I am in the writing-up year (year after the final year) of a part-time, distant, PhD in archaeology ... with two Masters behind me (English Language and Literature before 1525, and Museum Studies).

MA was a very different experience to PhD! MA is much more guided (you learn, to a large extent, what others think you should be learning).

If "non-traditional aged student" means someone who is categorized as "boomer-aged" then I guess I am one, too!

I will be starting the M.A. program at New Mexico State University in May by taking part in the Kipp Ruins Graduate Field School. If all goes well, I will earn a Masters in Anthropology with a focus on Southwestern Anthropology and Archaeology.

My original goal was to go after the Ph.D., but after thinking through my goals of working in Cultural Resource preservation, and teaching, I realized that I could reach them satisfactorily with the M.A.; and I wouldn't have to remain in college for the rest of my natural life :)

As a side note, one of the reasons I chose a much smaller university for my graduate studies (my B.A. was earned at the University of Washington, Seattle) was to lessen the turmoil of having to deal with the politics and impersonal-ness of the large school.

I majored in media studies and minored in Middle Eastern studies and Ancient American studies. I am supposed to write my master's thesis now, but have a really hard time finding a subject that pleases both me and my supervisor. I'm getting nuts over this :( So if anyone has any idea regarding a subject that brushes both medias and islam or the Middle East, or any helpful tips how to sort it out, please drop me a line!

elenasimona, I've not had the chance to write a Master's thesis yet, but have written some major research papers. I think you have a good opportunity to mesh media studies with Islam and the Middle East. Perhaps you could do something along the lines of a cultural study of Islam, and show how media can be used for unilateral propaganda; or take the wider viewpoint, and show how media can be used to communicate the Islamic culture to a global audience. Of course, there is always the historical perspective--how has media affected Islamic tradition and culture over time. Best of luck on your thesis!
aggie

I'm just finishing up my MA in English. Just one more month to go!

I start the PhD program in English in the fall.

I'm working on an MA in English with a secondary interest in Women's Studies right now, and I'm not entirely sure that I have the requisite dedication/fortitude/masochistic tendencies to advance to the Ph.D. (although surely one must have a touch of the masochist to enter a graduate program in the first place...)

I proudly announce that as of today, I am the proud owner of my very own subject for my thesis ;) Can you hear the rock dropping from my heart?

elenasimona: Me too! What'll yours be about?

I can proudly announce that as of yesterday, I am the proud owner of a finished thesis!

@jbd1- Mechanisms of War Reporting. I just need to pick a conflict to be my example to prove all the theories now. What is yours?
You know, I've been fighting with my supervisor over a subject for half a year, and now I picked something that was already subject of my midterm orals. Crazy world :)

@Sniv- congrats! I have not even started yet with a proper literature research.

Interesting! Do let us know when you've, eh, "chosen your war."

I'll be writing an analysis and bibliography of the first library of Union College, which was purchased when the college was founded in 1795. Sort of an odd collection of books which tells a very interesting story about early American higher education, students' use of libraries, &c. I'm excited to work on it, I'm very ready to be done with my work for this term so I can get started!

Sniv, congrats indeed - what was your subject?

Wow, your subject sounds so much nicer than mine! I love libraries, especially those with a history.

jbd1: movement aesthetics in stop puppet animation, focusing on the short films of Stephen and Timothy Quay.

Ill be starting an MA in Anthropology, focusing on prehistoric archaeology, at the University of Mississippi in fall....its been a long time coming.

it's interesting that not one person here (ok, i didn't read everything but...), not one person here is going for an MBA. ???

I should apply for one in 3 years. For now, exams...CIS (stocbroker), ORACLE (my dad's idea), CFA (financial analyst).

May God have mercy on my soul.

#101: Well, I think it would be a moderately well-founded stereotype that MBA folks are not generally bookish folks. Good on you for bucking the trend!

#58 pdxwoman, sounds as if you're one of the few who've done something like my MA in Student Personnel Work in Higher Education (Ohio State, 1977). Of course I use it every day in my current job as a technical writer ;-) Now my son is working on an MSW at Columbia. He also just turned the age I was when i got married... not that I'm feeling old today or anything.

I just earned my MS in Engineering Science, concentrating in Fluid Mechanics. Yay.

Hello, fellow Grad students! I survived my first semester with its reading list and book reviews to write. So now I'm ready to see wassup with you all!

I am a late boomer, struggled with school after schizophrenia. Became aware of schizophrenia reading 30 books and hanging out with 100's of locals with this illness as a part of the consumer survivor movement. Went back to community college to study managing volunteers, did well (ask me about word processors v typewriters) so went back to the ol' U tried to get my geography B.Sc. again for the 5th time. Got interested in statistics in particular linear regression. Found a mentor. Found out the school I was living at for the past 6 disjoint years was world famous for statistics and got a three year B.Math 2002 Carleton U in Ottawa, Canada and finally exited natural science I had started in 1977. I then in a quick 4 years part time did a BA in legal studies and worked as a great undergraduate teaching assistant in statistics. Now switched to an M.Sc. in systems science at the U of Ottawa across town. I am now about a third of the way through course work. Four more courses to do part time and then my thesis may be in communities as systems or computers and community development. I work at Statistics Canada as a clerk still underemployed for now.

On summer break or I would not have time for this tool. Yes stress! Working and studying together at the same time are not the best.

I got my first Master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Missouri State University and decided it wasn't for me. So I got my second degree in Library Science from the University of Arizona. I thought about going for the PhD but couldn't pay for another 3 years plus I was offered a job and decided to take it. I finished my library degree in a year and thought it was a refreshing change from I/O Psych as well as being much easier.

I went straight to PhD instead of getting my Master's first. I'm in my final year (hanging out here instead of writing my dissertation), and I hope to get my PhD in Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology next Spring. I'll be 26 when I get my PhD!

I have a Master of International Studies, which probably means nothing to anyone reading this. It is a coursework degree, and I specialised in International Relations, Politics and Security studies.

I'm doing an M.A. in History, but I will be making the commitment to a Ph.D. (hopefully in Church History at Catholic University) in about 2 years.

I'm in a Ph.D. program (physics), and I'm going to apply to receive the non-terminal MA this spring. I'm technically missing one required course, but I've been trying to obtain a waiver for it for almost ten months now. I'm hoping that applying for the MA will force the issue, on way or another.

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Wow! I work in the public mental health sector and I have met many people with schizophrenia and I have to say that I am amazed at what you have accomplished!

I am getting my Masters in Social Work (MSW) then taking the licensing exam... eventually I will be an LCSW (licensed clinical social worker). I often ponder going all the way up to the PhD level... maybe even just a PsyD, but for now, I am stopping at M

Hi JanuaryW- I finished my MSW last May and am now not even practicing social work! I may someday, but for now, I'm not even thinking in that direction! I believe most PhD programs require you to have some years experience before you apply. Good luck in social work!

I'm doing a masters in plant biology (in Norway). My thesis is a combination of plant ecology and organic chemistry.

Hey blissfulwitch, a fellow social worker... sort of! I went about this whole social work thing backwards and started working in the field before I went for the degree. I am pretty sure that I am going to stick with it.

Im studying for a Masters, LLM in Law. Started september 2007 finish september 2008. Other than John Grisham anyone have any ideas of good legal novels to read?

I'm currently working on my thesis for my M.A. in history. I have a decent job, so I have no motivation or reason to pursue a PhD. I have a tremendous amount of respect for people that devote themselves that much to a subject.

I am in a Master's Library Science program with five classes to go. I came from the corporate environment, and am not sure whether teaching and librarianship in the public school setting is exactly what I want to do with the degree. I am interested about what jobs you were able to get with your Master's in Library Science, can you go into more detail about that?

Stacyuh, check out "Librarians who Librarything" discussion group. There are threads on this subject.
As for me, I work in a large public library in a major city on the east coast. Pay is great!

I am doing a Masters of Education in Higher Education Administration at the University of Arkansas. Whether there will be an Ed.D someday remains to be seen.

I finish my medical law masters this year, specialising in advanced negligence. Thoroughly enjoying it. Massive amount of reading, but if you can manage your time well, research early, enjoy the subject... I think I found that, unlike my undergrad years, if you miss a week's worth of workload, you will find yourself drowning!

Hey, no PhD or want for a PhD here. I am getting a Masters of Arts in Teaching for Secondary Education in History. This means High School history teacher.

Love history, studying how to teach is interesting but can be tedious at times. Hope it all works out for me...especially since I beyond broke and have massive loans :) yay.

Dual Masters for me - Criminal Justice and Communications. I will be done next fall, then probably a PhD.

I finished a Masters in Public Health (community health education) last May. I'm working now in a research position but still have my eyes on a PhD or DrPH

I have a Master's in Social Work (MSW) as of May, 2008. I am now a crisis counselor, but social work is a broad stream, who knows where it will take me! I specialized in children and families.

I am new to Library Thing....accidently found the website while I was doing a bit of surfing on the net! This group was of particular interest since I too am pursuing an advanced degree, an MPH with a concentration in Emergency and Disaster Management from American Military University (online program). I'm excited to be finishing the program at the end of this year and unlike many of you, have no desire to pursue a PhD. Of course, if I had to do it all over again I would have chosen library science as my career path versus the path taken-Nursing. But no regrets!...the path taken has provided me with a very comfortable living!... and in these uncertain times is a career that is quite recession proof!

I'm currently working my way through a Masters in Molecular Anthropology. I'm enjoying it a lot, and aiming for a PhD in the future.

#128 What exactly is molecular anthropology? Is it part of biological/physical anth? Just curious b/c I've never heard of it -- I'm in cultural anthropology.

I am completing my Masters in Hermeneutics at the University of Stellenbosch.

I completed a Masters of Science - Information Systems through Athabasca University last summer. That took 6 years and I finished just in time to retire ;-)

Sarelslabbert,

I have some friends that are studying at U of Stellenbosch. How do you like the program?

I'll be finishing my MA in English at Georgia Southern University this December. My focus is kind of broad: Greek and Latin, world mythology, Medieval, and finally Renaissance. I also got my BA in the same subject here. Applying for PhD programs this year!

This upcoming September, I'll start my final course on my BA (Hons) with my English Uni, then I'll keep on going with an MA at a French one from September next year.

I completed a MA in Criminal Justice in 2009 and I'm currently getting another MA in Political Science. Eventually, I want to go for a PhD, but I might need a little break after this second Master's degree.

I'm currently working on my M.A. in International Studies, focusing on Foreign and Defense Policy at Claremont Graduate University. Should finish in December of next year.

I'm two weeks away from finishing my MA in Holocaust Studies.

In a year exactly (I hope) I'll have an MA in library and information science.

So, an MLIS, actually.

Ideally I want to collect an MA each in English Literature and anthropology, and then a Ph.D in one of those subjects (my two undergrad subjects).

I'm currently in the process of obtaining an MDiv degree (should take a few years yet), after which I'll hopefully be seeking a PhD in either philosophy or church history.