BrokenRecord

This!! I love pearls, cardigans and floral patterns too! Right there too. I'm not too partial to sweatpants but I LIVE by the yoga pants

If he was across disciplines-- go for it with no hesitation (other than the usual caution about entering in any dating situation). But within the department, perhaps you should stay clear or at least slooowwww down the speed at which you enter this engagement. Not only, as Fuzzy so eloquently stated, do you have to be prepared for your emotional state should things turn sour, you also have your own professional reputation to think about. The academic environment is still a workplace environment and the worst thing is when work and personal are mixed---in the eyes of your superiors. In short, #1 would be my go IF he is in the same department as you AND you both have a considerable amount of years to go in your degree program. Just something to think about, but ultimately you know what is best for you.

I'd say the best job prospects with the highest earning potential in public health are generally the ones that are a bit more math and science intensive like biostats, epi, and environmental health. Health policy and management as well as MCH also have decent job prospects, but that is contingent upon your work experience.

What is your entering class season (Fall 2012 or Spring 2013)? Usually, for fall semesters in the US, the time that most graduate programs like to solidify their class rolls is by tax day (April 15th). Once someone accepts, there is financial aid and course registration to contend with; which I don't see the waitlist moving this late in the game if this is your case. Maybe it is different because it is a professional instead of research based masters so there is no adviser or research project to contend with.

Gorgeous!!!! Too bad my on campus apartment won't permit dogs I'd love to have one but don't think I'm ready for such a responsibility!

Everyone has to start somewhere, although you are far behind in math as most come into college having already taken AP calc. Not to discourage you or make you feel bad, but to implore you to this reality as I've gone through the same in transitioning from a no-math high school curricula to struggling through college math in a science field. I don't think it would be a blemish provided you do well and continue to do so for all your other math pre-reqs. You'll more than likely have to take two courses in algebra (skip pre-calc), 3 courses in calculus and analytic geometry and perhaps a couple of courses on differential equations. Especially for someone who isn't math savvy, your upper levels will be very difficult. I'd suggest to reserve a seat in the tutoring center and really take time to master the material. It isn't impossible by far, but you are starting from the beginning and have plenty of catching up to do. Best of luck to you!

Shockwave, For starters (assuming you want a job outside of academia), employers of now don't look at resumes, they google your name and if nothing comes up; your resume' goes in the trash, regardless of how smart or qualified you are. Creating an insightful, expansive and respectable online presence is key to giving yourself a one up on the competition---especially if you are in a discipline that is over-saturated or not easily marketable. If your field is your passion and you are computer savy, write a blog, join a few professional message boards (with your full name), sign up for a social networking website (twitter, facebook) and engage in articles. When you Google your name, these attributes will come up and give the employer a more well rounded insight into who you are. Secondly, I don't think the PhD itself should be discouraged, but rather incorporated with a technical skill set that is marketable in this economy. Esoteric disciplines, even those in the natural sciences like general biology, organic chemistry and classical physics, won't get you anywhere---contrary to the popular belief that science is the path to job security. Here are some applied science and humanities disciplines that have fairly marketable sub-fields: Chemistry --> Toxicology Biology ----> Pharmacology, Environmental Health Physics ----> Paper and materials science, Nanotechnology, petroleum engineering Political Science -----> Quantitative methods, International development, Security Studies History ------> Digital archiving I graduated with two degrees in political science and environmental biology and would also suggest being as interdisciplinary as possible, especially cross-disciplines (quant field and humanities for example). Since you are in a social science field, I'd suggest taking as many statistics and math courses as you can handle. My current field is exposure sciences (occupational hygiene) which commands proficient knowledge in physics, chemistry, biology, risk assessment (statistics), engineering (especially hvac systems) and government/law (OSHA and EPA regulations). Even though we technically have less "lab training" than a biology or chemistry MS who starts out at $35k in industry, an MS in my field nets an average $70-80k starting range precisely because of the applied, "real world" skill set. I'm not sure how well PhDs in my field fare, but I would say unless they want to go into academia, it would not be worth loosing 3 years of work experience--which is crucial for being a CIH (certified industrial hygienist). Whatever you do, I'm all about the mantra of do what you love and find a way to make money off of it. No use in going into a field because of its perceived/temporary job security of now. But also know that you do wish to take that leap into a field with job insecurity or known over-saturation, that you will have to work thrice as hard to distinguish yourself and make the career you wish to have.

I'd go a little further in saying a good program in an applied hard science and not engineering (unless you're in a top program). PhD's in biology, physics and especially chemistry tend to not be as lucrative as those in toxicology, pharmacology and material science. Engineering PhDs loose critical years of industry experience on the whole which may not pay off if an industry career is the goal.

Don't take a rejection as a reflection of your ability or competitiveness. Especially when applying to research based graduate programs, if the top candidate with glowing marks across the board doesn't have a faculty research match adcoms will more than likely reject them, no matter how good their profile is.

unc.tarheel, you'll be more than visible in the department those three days so I don't think working at home for the other two should be a problem. For me personally, I like to make a clear distinction between the comforts of home and work because I get easily distracted at home. But more power to you if you can do it, wish I could!

My stipend is pretty much the same as yours per month and I have to budget even supporting just myself. But I will say while it may seem impossible to save now, you will not be making this salary forever (especially in your field). Thus, I would suggest if can manage, to get into the habit of paying yourself first-- at least 10% of every paycheck goes into an emergency fund for yourself that can't be touched. With your stipend that is $160 per month or $40 per week. You'll be surprised at how that little nest egg will come in handy.

What state are you in? Even though the payroll office can't give you tax advice, they should be able to tell you if you are an employee or independent worker of the university or you can ask your department. Considering no taxes were withheld, you may be considered a independent worker and will receive a 1099 instead of a W-2 at the end of the year. If you are an independent worker, you will have to withhold your estimated taxes and pay them at the end of the year (be sure to confirm this with payroll and your department who is paying you). In general, graduate students who are full-time are exempted from Medicare and FICA, but DO have to pay federal and possibly state taxes on a living stipend (which I am assuming the 30k/yr is). Expenses directly related to your education (tuition, fees, REQUIRED textbooks and equipment as a condition of your enrollment) are tax exempt. Here is a paycheck calculator and info from the IRS that could help you out in this regard.

23 starting my MS in a few weeks

I think it is more than appropriate, but I'd be sure to check the professors personal webpage (if he has one) or online where you registered. Sometimes professors post course syllabi and recommended readings along with their class listing on the registration. If not found, make note of that in the email when requesting that information.

Was the recommendation in writing or verbal?

Yes!! They also have a Betty Crocker line of cooking utensils and tubberware here...for $1!! I always go to the Dollar Store for cleaning supplies, paper towels, gift bags, etc. Sometimes I have to watch myself because I'll end up spending way more than what was intended, throwing stuff in the cart, those dollars still add up in the end! Lol.

*brushes dust off of thread* Working while attending graduate school? Why are you all so adverse to taking out federal loans? That is why cost of attendance is put in place for financial aid for a reason, some may need less others may need more. But we aren't talking about shopping sprees we are talking about just existing. Even if you take out $2,000 your payments will only amount to about $50/month IF you are earning a decent income. I can understand living frugally but how is it worth it to work part-time and put less time and effort into your studies or networking so you can get a good job which will pay back that loan PLUS more? It doesn't seem wise, graduate school is stressful enough to worry about compounded with financial factors.

Absolutely go for it, make sure to work on your essays!!

My department is covering tuition, health insurance and a living stipend. Thus far, I only have two required textbooks, none optional, which run me about $130 total from half.com. In terms of statistical software, I believe they may be covering that or at least giving us a few license keys for personal use, I'll know more about that during orientation.

That's very good for two people, especially as far as good dog food is concerned. I think I may also mooch off of someone else's Costco card!

I completely concur! Didn't think so in undergrad, but I am very aware of that now.

Wow! I commend you for making that last with a big family. I don't know what it is---the times I did buy groceries I would spend way more than my mother would when she bought food for the entire family. I'll have to look into the 99cent store, I didn't know they sold food

ktel, Thanks for the response. I also don't think I can skimp on food--especially good food that is nourishing, so I'm trying to accommodate and lessen the load so to say as much as possible. Athlete + Grad student? Impressive btw.

In my program we have a choice between a thesis or project. Most choose to do a thesis from my understanding and usually get a job in industry. I'd say, to cover yourself both ways going into academia or industry, a thesis can't hurt as it is what is expected of those in a masters program.