Degrees? At what level do you feel you've earned enough?

2018-07-17T12:53:06-04:00

Everyone knows that if your. “Lifer” that at some point you’ve went to school. Started with the Associate’s, then worked up to your bachelors. Now for the few who have received there Masters at what point did you ever think about getting a PhD? What makes a Senior enlisted/Officer want a PhD or Multiple.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2018 1:17 PM

2018-07-17T13:17:34-04:00

The more initials behind your name the more marketable you become.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2018 1:27 PM

2018-07-17T13:27:26-04:00

Unless you plan on being a doctor, lawyer, or some other rare career field with speciality education, getting a masters is a waste of money. I know finance MBAs working as baristas because they invested in a piece of paper AND NOT THEMSELVES. Don’t be a sucker kid...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2018 1:27 PM

2018-07-17T13:27:40-04:00

I stopped at J.D., which is the minimum needed for the job I wanted to do.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2018 1:52 PM

2018-07-17T13:52:42-04:00

I came in with a Bachelor's. I got my first Master's two years ago. I'm working on my second. I doubt I'll go for a PhD.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jul 17 at 2018 1:58 PM

2018-07-17T13:58:05-04:00

I wanted a PhD because 1) I wanted a specific Army assignment that required one (faculty in the Army Baylor MHA/MBA Program) and 2) I desired pursuing an academic career after retirement. If I hadn't wanted that specific job and that specific career path, I never would have went for the PhD.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 17 at 2018 2:07 PM

2018-07-17T14:07:12-04:00

Sure I punched the pedigree tickets. But I got my MS so it could help me do my job better. Funny thing is the "system" didn't care much about the degree. It's your performance that gets written about, not your I Love Me Wall. That said, many officer pedigree requirements for O-4/5 stipulate a Masters. Since engineering has morphed into a 6 year college prerequisite in the engineering field you'll register in, getting a feel good rug is a distraction. Now if you really want the big bucks, you have both an engineering registration and JD in patent law. I was fine stopping at MS as piled higher and deeper really wouldn't do much more for me, unless I wanted to be a big time Structural Engineer. Bottom line, you do what you need to do to do what you want to be. (Sounds like the Sinatra song).

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2018 2:11 PM

2018-07-17T14:11:48-04:00

I am a bare minimum kind of guy when it comes to school. I would've stopped at kindergarten if they had let me. While I love to learn, I only love learning what I am interested in. The rest of the stuff they make you study in school bored me. So at this point, a bachelors is enough for me. I've looked into a masters for the sake of getting promoted but again, I'll only do it if I feel that I have to.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Jul 17 at 2018 2:29 PM

2018-07-17T14:29:16-04:00

SPC Sword,
I think it boils down to what your goals are, and where would you like to be later in life. Some do it for the knowledge, some do it to get promoted, or even as a stepping stone for other things. Me? I'm trying to finish a bachelors on Engineering Management, because I hate to leave things undone or unfinished. And also because I like the ethics part of it. I always told my Soldiers, if that what you want to do? Go for it brother! But make sure this is what you want because sometimes is not about that paper, it's about performance and experience.
I have a sister who has a Masters in Psychology and guess what, she hasn't been able to find a job because not enough experience. Maybe she's looking on the wrong places, I don't know. But I'm just saying.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2018 2:31 PM

2018-07-17T14:31:54-04:00

Ph.D is good if you want to do research, write technical papers. Once you have a Masters degree you truly are a master at your craft. A Ph.D contributes to the field, educates and creates new.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2018 3:40 PM

2018-07-17T15:40:51-04:00

At this point in my career, understanding the competitive nature of transitioning to the private sector all but beckons education. I have attained my Associate's and Bachelor's and completed half of my Master's degree program to ensure a competitive edge against other job seekers. I have also thought long and hard about attaining a PhD in my field and wondered (1. is it worth it? 2. What do I get out of it besides a cool title? 3. what will I do with it?) If it is not a medical degree one seeks, a doctorate in a distinct category can lead to a few things: academic or technical consultant or professor, to name a few. If it is worth the hassle and time (and funding, let's not forget cost) to attain doctorate, by all means go get it. If you can achieve your desired goal with a masters, bachelors, or even a technical certificate in something, by all means go for it. All I ask while you are serving is take advantage of your TA benefits while you still can; pay attention to the MILPER messages concerning transferring GI Bill as well. I will you all the best of luck and set yourself up for success no matter your plans.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Jul 17 at 2018 4:07 PM

2018-07-17T16:07:47-04:00

PhDs are for people who want to be an expert in a particular field. If your career or life goals are to be a certified expert in any field of study, then go for it. If you have no need or desire for it, I'd recommend not getting it. You definitely don't need a graduate degree to be a senior NCO, but if your ambition is to get a doctorate, go for it.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2018 4:20 PM

2018-07-17T16:20:32-04:00

I considered a PhD, but the only value I could find would be in correcting people when they call me Mr. Lamb. That, or calling ex-girlfriends from high school and saying "remember when you thought i would never amount to anything?" I stopped with one MBA. That was plenty.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jul 17 at 2018 4:53 PM

2018-07-17T16:53:40-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member sorry I,left you the double period. My marking system to return to the post later as the RP search engine is wonky.

Degrees...I give you the liberal arts professor answer "It depends". If you are seeking a career that requires a PhD, then you need to get one... external motivation. Some feel it is a life goal to earn a masters degree and are internally motivated. For me, two masters kind of fell in my lap. Both were in fields that were relevant and interesting to me. My bachelors was a means to an end in earning a commission. I want to earn a PhD because I want to teach at the University level. It is very difficult to teach without one unless you possess really unique and documented experience OR you are connected and they let you in the back door.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 17 at 2018 5:21 PM

2018-07-17T17:21:48-04:00

I earned a couple of degree in I’ve 30 years. When I retired I worked toward a PHD, then I looked at my quality time and Family realized, what for! It truly depends on what you plan to do with it. For each person it is different. Most folks that I know with PHDs are not all working in related fields. For most it is a matter of personal accomplishment. Thank you for your service.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 17 at 2018 5:27 PM

2018-07-17T17:27:17-04:00

You’ve earned enough when you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to support meeting your Life goals. These goals change during your lifetime so your educational goals may change also. I completed my first masters degree because the Air Force said it would make me more competitive for major. I got my second masters degree because I wanted to work in IT Management. I didn’t get a PhD because I saw no need for it.

Response by SGT Robert Pennington made Jul 17 at 2018 6:59 PM

2018-07-17T18:59:47-04:00

I have often thought that you may as well continue your education until you can't or you have a good reason not to. Tuition Assistance is an amazing thing that anyone outside of the military would probably be ecstatic about if their employer offered something similar. For me it allows me to chase goals outside of my military career which gives me a sense of purpose on rear D or other slow seasons. I just completed my Associates, and am close to a bachelors. I plan to get a Masters Degree eventually. Getting a bachelors opens up so many opportunities for you inside and out of the army. I know there are a lot of career thresholds that are much more easily attainable with a degree, and for me I will eventually be required to have a degree to progress in rank (assuming I make it through WOC and flight school). But in my opinion, it is always good to keep pushing forward unless there is something legitimately holding you back, especially since it's free!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2018 9:39 PM

2018-07-17T21:39:28-04:00

If you are a knowledge worker, or want to be, get a bachelors degree. Beyond that, a degree helps you pursue your passion. While you may be glad it is over, it shouldn’t ever be something that you ever regret doing. In fact, I recommend that you keep up your education in the field after graduating. After all, if it is not enjoyable why would you want to confine yourself to it forever?

For example, I have two Masters. One in IT management and one from War College. It may seem obvious, but I have a passion for military leadership, and getting the degrees helped me adapt to change, get promoted, and keep working in a job I love. I genuinely love what I do, and I strive to keep pace with my profession by continuing to read and learn.

Good luck in the future.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Jul 17 at 2018 9:57 PM

2018-07-17T21:57:34-04:00

SPC Douglas Sword, when I was young (20 something) I was interviewed and I gave that an answer that all I wanted to be a CPT was an Associate Degree, because I that; and I was the first one in my family that was able to go to college, thats the reason why I came in military. I didnt know if I could get a Bachelor Degree or higher.

Years later, I am tasked with or asked to work or be apart of virtual team because I did go ahead with the education in IT, and working on my Masters Degree working in Cybercrime and other Military, Federal Issues.

All I can say, I never limited myself and I hope you don’t, I was put in for OCS, but the WAR stopped that, so I switched to another agency,

Response by LCpl Brooklyn Waser made Jul 17 at 2018 11:51 PM

2018-07-17T23:51:03-04:00

Honestly, for myself, I am planning on pursuing my PhD in both Psychology and English. I want to be able to work for myself, or in a prison. I also would be the first in my family to obtain their PhD. I am dual majoring in both. Since I like to write, I decided to follow an English degree as well as a back-up plan as well as, in the event I ever want to write a book. lol Honestly, it is a personal choice and it truly is up to you. If there's a career where you don't need to have a PhD etc. then you don't have to. Mine is more career and personal preference. Hope this helps!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2018 12:01 AM

2018-07-18T00:01:23-04:00

I want to thank everyone for there response. One day I hope to obtain a couple master degrees for the competitive edge as an officer one day.

Response by MSgt Dale Johnson made Jul 18 at 2018 10:19 AM

2018-07-18T10:19:17-04:00

I hate to differ with you right off the bat but in my mind a "Lifer" would not expend the time or resources to get a degree or any additional schooling. Maybe its changed wince I was in but we used the term to describe someone who wallowed in the security of the military system because they probably couldn't make it anywhere else. A "Career" NCO or Officer was someone who did the extra things needed to promote ahead of their peers, make themselves a better leader and/or person, and assist those below them to also improve themselves.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jul 18 at 2018 7:35 PM

2018-07-18T19:35:03-04:00

I'll start by asking what your goals in life are? We'll get back to that.

I got a AAS while on active duty. The Air Force makes it easy to get one. I got another AAS with the GI Bill and am working on a third (in Gunsmithing) right now. I took 2 other courses that were certificate only even though together they were 2+ years combined. So I could've gotten a Masters I guess and close to a PHD. Instead I took classes and courses that I actually enjoyed and would like to work in. Unless you're going Green to Gold or want to come back later as an officer, WHAT you take isn't a big deal to the Army. What does matter is what you want to do.

So, SPC Sword, what do you want to be when you grow up?

Response by CMSgt Mark Lewis made Jul 18 at 2018 8:49 PM

2018-07-18T20:49:17-04:00

The answer to that question is a decision that each individual has to make for themselves. The degree (or degrees) you earn typically support your immediate and long term goals in life. Some degrees, as mentioned, by other respondents were required for their military service, a particular position, or for promotion to specific ranks. Bottom - line is you have to decide which degree and what final level is going to satisfy your needs and wants in life.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2018 8:58 PM

2018-07-18T20:58:40-04:00

Can only speak for myself, but as a chaplain, I had to have a 4-year Masters. So to be competitive, I had to get a doctorate.

That said, there are different types of doctorates. The professional/vocational are the level required for entry into a profession(4-year masters theological degree, JD for law, MD for medicine, etc.). There is the weird in-between that mixes vocational with research, like the Doctor of Ministry (what I have) or the Doctor of Dental Science (note, NOT doctor of dental MEDICINE, that’s the vocational degree). Finally, there’s the highest level, the academic/research doctorate, like the Ph.D. or the doctor of theology.

While my expertise in the military is as a chaplain, and I want to teach at a college or seminary one day, I would need to get at least one of the highest doctorates (ph.d. or th.d.). Th.D. is more theological, Ph.D. is more religious studies. In civilian life I’m a history teacher, as my bachelors is in history. So, I would, given time and money, love to get a Ph.D. in history.

That’d be a Bachelors, a 4-year Masters, a Doctor of Ministry, a Doctor of Philosophy in history, and a Doctor of Phliosophy in Theology/Doctor of Theology. BUT, not only would I do it for the career field, I honestly just love learning. Well, as long as I’m interested in it. History, Southern history, military history, naval history, industrial labor history, anthropology, Southern culture, Hawaiian culture (my wife’s Hawaiian), Cherokee, Swabian German culture, Scottish, Irish, Pentecostal-Holiness theology, Appalachian Studies, pastoral care, church history, ecclesiastical anthropology, music.........just, a lot of interests and wanting to learn. I’m fortunate my military and civilian jobs give expression to my interests.

So, I guess I feel like I’d EARNED enough when I finally LEARNED enough.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2019 5:54 PM

2019-12-19T17:54:31-05:00

When Ph.D is behind my name (hopefully in the next few years) I’ll have enough.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 2 at 2021 10:31 AM

2021-03-02T10:31:59-05:00

Never enough