MA vs MSc.. Stuck between my two loves. Life struggle vs. Life Interest

[mtee]

Advice needed! I feel somewhat stuck at the moment.

Let me start by sharing some information about myself. I am an undergraduate Life Science student with a minor in Gender Studies. I am also receiving a certificate in Sexual and Gender Diversity. I have been very involved with the department of Gender studies whether in student council or departmental organization. I've also conducted a research fellowship with the department of gender studies. I love this department. However, I also love my sciences. I've volunteered in a gynaecology lab for the past two years. I felt that going into gynecology allowed me to use both my gender studies and life sciences knowledges. 

Personally, I have struggled as a LGBT youth. I want to translate this into an MA project. I want to be able to help future generation LGBT youth. I have completed some applications and have got references from professors already. I was so set on doing this.. UNTIL my gynaecology lab approached me to tell me that they are looking for a MSc student in their lab next year. They already have a project and funding put aside for this project. The project is also really interesting and in some form or another I could use my gender studies knowledge within my project. this would be specific to women's studies and not LGBT studies. I would just have to apply. Do I do what is comfortable and already set in the sciences (getting in) or jump into the deep waters and apply for an MA to hopefully get accepted? My issue is that the doctor in charge of the gynaecology lab would need to know ASAP so they wont go looking for another student. I can't wait too long. If I told him I am applying to the MA program so I might have to wait on it.. he would think that MSc is my second choice.. since he already agreed to take me on.

In the far future, I would someday like to become a gynecologist (yes, med school) whilst being an activist in the LGBT community. So here I am caught between my two loves. One is my life struggle and one is my life interest. Which one would you choose? Would you choose to grow professionally or personally? Any advice would be appreciated.

[TakeruK]

I can't make the decision for you but my point of view is that if you want to be a gynecologist while also being an activist, it makes more sense to pursue the MSc and scientific training now/first. I am sure the MA program would also advance your understanding and your ability to be an effective activist but at this point, I think the MSc will do more for you. You will have more opportunities and resources in the short term so that you can become a more powerful ally and activist in the long term. Or, another way to look at it: you don't need an MA to be a LBGT activist, but you will need a MSc to become a gynecologist.

Also, you can also consider how much good and activism you can do as an activist/ally while in fields other than LGBT-related work. I personally think it would be great to have activists for diversity studying all the fields out there! Of course, this is just my personal opinion and personal take on things but hope it helps you decide for yourself! :)

[Oshawott]

I agree with TakeruK as I don't see what precludes you from continuing being an activist while gaining the skills necessary for your future career. And think about it this way--you may be able to do more good as a doctor who is active in LGBT activism rather than being an activist alone, especially if you want to advocate for LGBT issues within the medical community as well. A less obvious benefit by taking the MSc path in conjunction with being an activist is that you set yourself up as a role model for LGBT youth, especially in a STEM discipline (I haven't seen much research on the issues LGBT youth face in STEM fields, but I've seen some movements to promote both gender and sexual diversity in STEM so I'd assume its an issue).

[fuzzylogician]

I think in general you get an MA (or MSc) for professional growth, not personal growth. The programs will be designed to treat you and train you as a professional, not as someone who is in need of personal support. You can seek ways to grow as a person and activist without getting an MA, but it sounds like you can't pursue your professional goal without getting the MSc. If so, I think it's pretty obvious which way you should go.