Going back for a Masters

[kaths]

Hey guys, so what advice do you have for someone who is willing to go back to school after a prolonged period of time? Like where can one start?

 

Any input will be much appreciated.. ask if you have any questions too.

[iphi]

Well, there are a few questions you should ask yourself:

 

1. What do you want out of this degree? Professional development? Career change?

2. What kind of degree? Not only area (looks like psych for you), but a research degree or something with a thesis that will leave an option open for a PhD?

3. Are you willing to pay for this degree? How much?

4. Are you willing to relocate? How far?

5. How will this change your life? Will it make things better for your career? Worse for your family? Balance these pros and cons to yourself.

6. Are people in your life supportive of you? If not, it will make things difficult?

7. Do you want/need to do a degree part-time or do you need to find one that works around the lives of working professionals?

8. Do you have all the pre-reqs you need, both courses and professors willing to give you recommendations (usually a requirement is that 1-2 of your references must come from people who can evaluate you on an academic level). If you need some of these things, you should look into enrolling in courses at your local community college or university's extension program.

 

Good luck! You can post on the Psychology board too, if you want to. There are usually threads broken down by speciality/concentration.

[kaths]

Thanks a bunch, iphi!