I am working on my Masters degree. The job I just started doesn't need any degree. Think I will like it better and make better money.

So, does a masters degree matter?

I am not asking for myself. I really wonder if anyone cares about a masters degree.

There really isn't a title for a masters. And generally speaking any job that talks about a masters degree, is saying "XXX Or masters degree will suffice."

I think that in this economy it doesn't matter as much b/c people with Masters are considered over qualified...

When the economy is going well a Masters gives a person a leg up on the competition...

I have two of them. Neither one of them did me any good in careers. That's not because of the degrees. It's because of who I am.

(Yikes, Princess! What have you done to yourself)?

Why Artlo I've tried a new lipstick....

The question would be, Does the Masters matter to YOU? Is this a degree that you are obtaining to gain better employment or is it an accomplishment that you want to make for yourself?

Well, lets see...

Yes and no
not anymore
and kind of.



Ok, It matters to me in that I tend to leave things about 85% complete. Don't like completing things for some reason. Example: last week of the spring semester this week. Have two take home finals to do and a couple short papers. They have to be done by Friday. I could do it today but didn't want to. But other than the completion portion of it, no it doesn't matter.

I started on the masters for my career, but I have since changed careers so it no longer matters.

I like to be able to say I have completed it. But at the same time, I don't like bragging. so, other than a few people that know I am working on a masters and now everyone in this thread, I probably won't talk about it again after I complete it... So, no one else will know, ok, my future wife will know at some point.

I was actually more curious about people that work in positions where they would actually hire someone with the masters tipping the scale in their favor.

Education is valuable. A degree doesn't necessarily prove you know anything (how many "educated" people do we know who are idiots and smart people we know without a degree at all?) But a degree DOES open doors.

I got my MBA without promise of a raise, promotion, or any other benefit except what it meant to me. I'm happy I did and the truth of the matter is that it has opened doors, even if it didn't "apply" to the job directly.

Congratulations on your quest and yes...IT MATTERS!

I still think it helps. I've been looking at a lot of jobs lately and there are several out there that do require a lot of experience/higher education. While many people are going for the jobs that don't, a masters could help speed up the job hunting process if it comes down to that.

Hmmmm...a Bachelor's degree gets you qualified and recognised to work in your field as a professional... we get a degree for employers

A Master's is a personal thing, I feel...usually we return to our field and achieve our Master's for us....and our academic peers, moreso than employers.


A Doctorate....to be a leader in our field...to be veiwed as accomplished in the field, acknowledged by employers AND peers.


that's how I see them.

I used to hire 40 men a week at
the phone company.
When I saw a Master's Degree it
told me the person had discipline,
that was about it.
The reason was, the over-schooled
did not have the experience that
the under-schooled did.

And, it proved out, they would
not stay as long, always searching
for something better.

So, I think, MLT, the degree is for
you to savor.

Most people I know who get masters degrees do so while working a full time job. How does that show they don't have experience?

I have a master's degree and the job I have only requires an associate's degree. In this economy, education seems to be irrelevant.

I remember hiring a guy with a MBA. I asked if he knew how to do a specific task.

He says: "Sir, I have a MBA?"
I said... Oh good, I better show you how then

I'd finish the Masters if I were you. Personal satisfaction goes a long way!

Back when I hired, the degrees came
before the job. Hence, they had all
been in school while others were
working and gaining experience.

Yeah, I don't think that's necessarily the case these days. I'm sure it still can be, but for the most part, many people who are working on masters degrees already have a full time job as well.

Hey Jesse,

That is pretty much how I see at as well at this point. The only difference being, I was an accountant without a CPA. I had no hope of getting a CPA and would be difficult at this point in my life. So, the masters would be taken in lew of a CPA - for some jobs. There still are others that require a CPA only. So, it would open doors.

But, that was previously. I have change professions now and it really is the way you describe it for me now.

haha...don't procrastinate your way out of it...lol :) The economy seems to be putting a strain on job availability for those with master's, but personal satisfaction is key. Education is something people can't take from you!! If you are close then I would say go ahead and finish so you don't feel like you gave up on it.

I agree even in this economy it matters. I worked in a office for 12 years only one in it ran it myself. Got laid off 2 years ago try looking for a office job they all wanted some type of degree regardless how many years I had worked in one and knew just as much as those with a degree....

So does it matter hell yeah it matters..........

I have finally found a place that took me for my experience instead but they are far and few between.....

If you are a teacher in Michigan, a Master degree will give you better pay. But of course, most of the teachers are getting pink slips so I guess those Masters didn't amount to a hill of beans.
Go for it! What the heck...at least you can say to yourself "I did it!"