Posted on Jun 7, 2016
Having a tough time deciding. Finish my masters degree, or go active duty?
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This post is pretty lengthy so I apologize. Won't blame anyone for not wanting to read my self absorbed dilemma but anyone who does and wants to help.. You're awesome.
There's a few reasons I'm having such a tough time deciding. Some background info, I'm 25, working on a master's degree in forensic psychology. The degree is more to be applied when I get out of the military though, because for now all I want to do is be a pilot.
Why I'm having such a tough time is because the degree I got into really is a great program. Rare, hard to get into.... And I was told if I take a few years out of the program, I'll lose most of my credits. Usually this by itself would make this a no brainer to stay in it... But my goal to fly is in the way.
I was Pretty close to getting it in the Army. Passed the sift, flight physical even got a unit willing to take me... Then big army said no. Fought for it for a bit, then started exhausting other options, and it seems jumping ship to the marines is my best option to fly. They offer a OCS aviation option in itself to apply for. If I don't get accepted, I'm right back where I started no mos branch transfer. Only problem.... Can't get it if I'm 27. I won't be finished with my degree by then. And that's my dilemma. Act now for it, or that opportunity is gone. Any insight, advice at all is appreciated. Regardless if you're in aviation, college or what. Most of you guys have more life experience than me anyways.
There's a few reasons I'm having such a tough time deciding. Some background info, I'm 25, working on a master's degree in forensic psychology. The degree is more to be applied when I get out of the military though, because for now all I want to do is be a pilot.
Why I'm having such a tough time is because the degree I got into really is a great program. Rare, hard to get into.... And I was told if I take a few years out of the program, I'll lose most of my credits. Usually this by itself would make this a no brainer to stay in it... But my goal to fly is in the way.
I was Pretty close to getting it in the Army. Passed the sift, flight physical even got a unit willing to take me... Then big army said no. Fought for it for a bit, then started exhausting other options, and it seems jumping ship to the marines is my best option to fly. They offer a OCS aviation option in itself to apply for. If I don't get accepted, I'm right back where I started no mos branch transfer. Only problem.... Can't get it if I'm 27. I won't be finished with my degree by then. And that's my dilemma. Act now for it, or that opportunity is gone. Any insight, advice at all is appreciated. Regardless if you're in aviation, college or what. Most of you guys have more life experience than me anyways.
Master's Degree
Aviation
College
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 31
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None of us can answer that question for you. You have to decide which you want more, the degree or flight school.
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LTJG (Join to see)
I've considered that to be the case. Thank you sir. That likely will be what it comes down to
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CPT John Sheridan
I agree with Capt Gregory Prickett. Choose one path or another and put your full effort into it. If you choose aviation, then do so to make a career out of it. If you just like the idea of flying, but don't want to do it full time, then finish your degree, get employed, and get a private pilot license. If you choose flying, you can always go back to school if that doesn't work out.
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You will still have the academic skills if you defer school for later. You need to weigh your academic interest in this career, versus the cost and debt for this education with the rocking chair effect. When your 80 years old what would you feel most proud about having done ? Perhaps you can do both. Compromise can be the death of your dreams or enable you to truly have it all. Consider, finish degree and FY transport for AF or non combat helos for Army. Combat pilots are the toughest jobs to get with the hardest requirements. Decide exactly what is the minimum and max you need out of each decision to be worth it for you.
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LTJG (Join to see)
Had alot of good notes to consider here. Great opportunities on both ends, both that I feel I'd have alot to be proud of. Thanks for all the insight sir
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LTC (Join to see)
Is flight school age limit the same for the Air/army national guard or reserve? I became an Officer at age 33 yrs 9 months to become a non-aviation MP Officer in 1996. My suggestion is to be a pilot in fixed or rotary wing in the type they are short of. I don't have a Masters Degree and I made Major. I work as a delivery driver for Ups when not in uniform.Get your commission and your flight school and then if you have time get the Masters done. win/win
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LTJG (Join to see)
Does it? I'm new to the military. And even still it's just reserve time. I understood it as having a bachelor's degree gives you pretty much the same standing as having any level of education?
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SSG (Join to see)
LTJG (Join to see) - The higher you go in the Army the more education you will need. To make Colonel you will need at Master's degree.
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PO2 Skip Kirkwood
When I was getting my MS, I attended classes at McGuire AFB. The courses were filled with captains who needed a grad degree to promote major, and majors who wanted to promote to LTC. Once you've got it, you've got it and nobody can take it away.
Only concern would be bumping up against an age restriction for pilot selection, or an age-based physical limitation if you wanted to do SOF.
Only concern would be bumping up against an age restriction for pilot selection, or an age-based physical limitation if you wanted to do SOF.
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