Pursuing an MPA/MPP Part-Time

[K.Ash]

I'm curious to hear what others think about pursuing an MPA or MPP part-time. As admissions and funding decisions are starting to roll out, I'm thinking a lot about what I'll do if I don't get significant funding anywhere. I'm not really comfortable taking out 100k in loans, so I've been toying with the idea of only attending grad school PT and working FT. I'm not in a huge rush to get my degree, I just feel that I'm ready and that the time is right for me. I'll have approx 3 yrs post-undergrad FT experience if/when I go to school, and don't feel I could easily move up/transition into a field more directly connected to my interests without a graduate degree (in part because I have looked without success).

One of the main questions I'll need to answer is if the schools that I get admitted to even offer evening courses. I applied to all of my schools as planning to attend full-time, so I'll have to find out if it is a problem to switch to part-time. And of course, if I do decide to do this... then I'll have to find a job in the area of whatever school I decide to attend.

Is anyone else thinking about this? What are the reasons you're seriously considering it or have discredited PT study as a reasonable option?

Edited February 19, 2012 by K.Ash

[TypeA]

I have a friend who's currently getting his MPP part-time at GWU (ETA: Trachtenberg). I don't know all the details of how/why he came to that decision--although it was certainly financially-motivated--but I do know that he's taking two classes per semester (always in the evening) while working full-time on the Hill, and it'll take him 3 years to graduate instead of two.

Edited February 21, 2012 by TypeA

[CJ Scudworth]

I am planning to pursue my MPA part time while working full time. It comes down to a few different factors for me. One is that yes, I am hesitant to take on debt to pursue a career in a sector that is not known for its high pay. Another is that I'm slightly on the older end of the spectrum (29) and already working in a position directly related to my professional interests, one that I (mostly) enjoy, so I'm hesitant to drop out of the full-time workforce for 2 years. It helps that my employer is very supportive of my decision and has promised some flexibility, although I know that the program I will attend offers most of their courses at night.

Edited February 20, 2012 by CJ Scudworth

[K.Ash]

CJ Scudworth - what program is that, if you don't mind sharing?

At this point I guess I'm going to wait and see what happens with funding, and then try to get myself a job near whichever school I decide on. I wonder how much notice you need to give about planning to enroll part-time instead of full-time.

If any others are considering this/doing this, feedback is definitely appreciated! The only drawback really seems to be the extended timeline, but I think that much like TypeA's friend I could probably still do it in 3 years. I worked PT during undergrad FT, and currently work FT with a PT job as well. Might not be a walk in the park but definitely not impossible.