[EdM and Phd in Economics and Education, advices needed]

2 hours ago, COGSCI said:

Is it the intersection of education and economics that interests you or just economics? Why the World Bank for education and not UNESCO?  You should definitely think about what you focus on. If you don't have much experience in quant methods, I guess TC program should give you some training. Again, it is an expensive degree.

I deeply appreciate your advices. I am currently in D.C, and I had several informational interviews with people who work at the WB. So far, I like what I have heard. It just makes more sense to me to explore the connection between economic development and education investment. I think I realize my career far too late. As an international student, I feel less qualified to analyze American higher education than domestic students. Thank you so much for your posts, they make me think!! I think I will go for it, and study harder than ever. The cost is outrageous... 

[EdM and Phd in Economics and Education, advices needed]

13 hours ago, COGSCI said:

Your friend's case is a bit different than yours because educational measurement is literally statistics program so if your friend did not have a sufficient background in stats, that would be a problem. For economics, yes you do have to have some stats background but I think you have enough academic training from your MA for them to consider you for PhD. Again, all you need is a semester (may be 2 econ related quant courses) at graduate or even undergraduate level.

Personally, I am more inclined to a PhD or Master in educational measurement. My first M.A provided me a general understanding of American higher education. Since my undergraduate major was English, I did not have prior experience in education, just some volunteer and summer interns. I wanted to work for The World Bank, but the chance is extremely slim. I do not have an neither economic nor international education background. 

[EdM and Phd in Economics and Education, advices needed]

On 6/1/2017 at 6:13 PM, COGSCI said:

If your goal is to do PhD and if you already have a Master's degree in education, DO NOT waste your money on TC's program unless they are providing you with full scholarship. Look for other programs with cheaper tuition that can give you better & practical experience or get a research position that can allow you to obtain these skills that you do not have. 

Thanks for you answer. Teachers college's tuition, financial aid and NYC rent are horrifying. So, it is very true that this program may not wroth it. 

[EdM and Phd in Economics and Education, advices needed]

On 6/1/2017 at 5:20 PM, jortin10 said:

If Statistics is the issue, have you considered looking for 15-18 graduate credit certificate programs in NY or online to take?

Thanks for your answer. It is much better to have a certificate program or take classes then another degree. 

[EdM and Phd in Economics and Education, advices needed]

I was recently admitted to the Master of Education Program in Economics and Education at Teachers College. I just finished my M.A in higher education administration, and I have gradually  developed interest in educational measurement and statistics. My original plan was to finish my Optional Practical Training period (I'm an international student), then apply for a doctoral degree in educational measurement. A friend of mine applied for doctoral programs in educational measurement this year, was only admitted to Master's program due to her lack of statistical training. I have very similar background, so I am concern that I may be admitted to a master's program as well. So I have to think seriously about this EdM. This EdM requires 60 credits, and is merely 15 credits less than its doctoral program. But I understand, doctoral programs at Teachers College must be extremely competitive. I still hope to be admitted to its PhD program, after I complete this EdM. If anyone has any knowledge of the competitiveness of teachers college's doctoral program, please reply. I greatly appreciate your opinions and times. 

[advices needed PhD vs. another Master]

On 4/1/2017 at 0:50 AM, emilb34 said:

If you're looking to get more research/stats experience, I'd consider taking courses for non-credit if you're hesitant to pursue a PhD. It'd strengthen your application down the line. Alternatively, depending on the doc programs you're interested in, some combine their masters and doc students for certain research methods courses and/or offer additional courses in the areas specified for those interested in expanding their skill-set.

As a personal note, I'm entering a doc program in the fall and have not completed any research/stats course since I was in my master's program YEARS ago. I even shared that as my worry about returning to school in my interviews, and the faculty never seem phased at all that I didn't feel prepared in this area. I don't know if this helps at all, but don't let one area hold you back from pursuing a degree/passion. 

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. My instructors also recommend me to take research courses or to attend a certificate program. It is no longer an option, due to my complicated visa status. After a careful consideration, I am trying to find a research related intern to expand my skill-set right now, after that, I will apply for fall18 PhD degree. 

 

[advices needed PhD vs. another Master]

On 3/31/2017 at 5:18 PM, Levon3 said:

Often, masters funding is hard to come by, whereas PhDs have a greater chance of providing funding. I wonder if this is part of your instructors' advice. 

What are the profiles of the students going into the programs you want? Do they have master's degrees with significant statistical backgrounds? You might consider reaching out to students in those programs too.

Thanks for your reply. It is a great idea to reach out student in programs that I am interested in. I am suck at math, so I am afraid my previous academic experience cannot help. 

[advices needed PhD vs. another Master]

On 3/31/2017 at 11:59 AM, forgetful26 said:

I'd be curious to know what arguments your advisors have brought forward to tell you not to pursue another master's. Do you mind sharing, please? 

 

Their arguments are:

1. Waste of money, because master's programs usually cost a lot of money. 

2. Future employers may not think highly of my second master's degree. Her argument is second master's degree cannot substitute working experience. 

3. In my case, she assumes that getting another master's degree is a way for me to avoid tough job searching due to my visa status. 

4. Overall, some of my instructors believe a doctoral degree is a more sensible choice. 

[advices needed PhD vs. another Master]

Hello all,

Thank you in advance for your reply!

I am completing my M.A in higher education administration right now. My current program has very little research or statistical analysis related coursework. I Personally, I have developed strong interest in policy analysis in the process. I want to apply for another EdM in education statistics or a PhD in education policy. Some of my instructors advice me not to pursue another master degree, but I do not feel confident to apply for a PhD due to my lack of statistical training. And my work experience is not policy oriented neither. I am currently working as a part-time career coach for international students, and I am also an international applicant. My capstone project topics are career coaching international students and academic advising first-year international students, which are not related to policy. I am certain that I want to learn more about education policy, just do not know if I should apply for a PhD or EdM.