windupbird

Thanks! You're right, the full time option would add a new dimension to my experiences and resume, and perhaps make me a more marketable candidate for positions in student affairs. I would like very much to have the opportunity to explore some new areas of interest to me. However, because I am an older student, I hesitate to throw the security of my job and financial situation out the window in order to gain these experiences at such a hefty cost. Naturally, I'm also concerned about the job market I will be facing coming out of the full-time program. My goal is to work in NY after completing my degree, but I don't plan on staying in NY long term. I'm wondering also if it would make more sense to continue my career in NY or if attending Harvard would establish just as strong of a network in the field. As far as doctoral studies go, I am more interested in pursuing the administrative track in student affairs (although I may switch gears after being in school and gaining some exposure to research in the field!) In that case, I wonder which might benefit me more: to have the years of experience in my current job or the diversity of different experiences which would be gained through the full-time program and internship?

I think you're right that the most practical option would be to attend TC. My supervisor has been supportive and told me that she would be flexible should I make the decision to attend school part-time. I am concerned about having the ability to move from my position now to other areas in the field. I currently work as an academic advisor, but would like to segue into the arena of student affairs/student life/student conduct. Do you think with 5 years of experience in advising and a masters from TC I would be able to cross over into this? Or would I be better served to attend a full-time program and find an internship specifically in one of those areas? Also, would attending HGSE over TC improve my chances at getting into doctoral programs? or would both degrees be perceived similarly? TC offers an MA, while Harvard's program awards an EdM.

I have been accepted into both Harvard and Columbia's Teachers College for Higher Education masters programs, and am struggling with the decision of which program to attend! I finished my undergrad studies nearly 10 years ago. I currently work in higher education in New York, so I could attend TC while keeping my full-time job, which would allow me to avoid taking out any student loans and I would be able to complete the degree in two years. Working full-time while attending classes would be tiring, but would also give a contextual element to the theory and policy that I will be learning about in grad school. The program at Harvard is only 9 months. However, going to Harvard would mean leaving a secure job in the field, relocating to Cambridge, and taking out at least $20,000 in student loans, but being fully immersed in the educational experience. I guess my question is: is it worth giving up everything in NY and going into debt in order to attend Harvard?