Posted on Oct 22, 2015
Pursue a masters degree or get a second bachelors?
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I obtained my BS/CJ last summer and have enrolled in the masters program. Is this a good decision or should I look into another degree program.
Higher Education
Bachelors Degree
Master's Degree
Advice
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 49
Unless you want to go in a completely different direction than Criminal Justice, I recommend going for the graduate degree. Go up, not lateral.
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MSG Randy Rucker
Ok think about it this way.... Did you get another high school diploma or a b.s./b.a. degree? Next!!!!!
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I wouldn't waste your time with a second bachelors degree unless it is in a significantly different area. Even then, in most cases, your masters does not have to be in a field even closely related to bachelors so it doesn't matter. Also, doctorates are of less value outside of teaching and research than you might think so multiple masters degrees are probably more valuable to the average person. Just my two cents based on my experience.
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I actually debated this recently. I was a "few" classes from a second BS (like 5~). But I decided that working towards the MS would likely benefit me more in the long run. It's not that the additional BS would hurt, but why burn limited resources unless it would give me a VERY clear advantage. The MS is a solid step up. The BS is a lateral.
My wife however decided to pursue a second (&3rd) MS degree however rather than a doctorate. The two programs she was looking at had significant overlap, and were in line with opportunities she was already pursuing so although it was a lateral move, it was still a clear advantage, and doubling up on resources (time & money).
My wife however decided to pursue a second (&3rd) MS degree however rather than a doctorate. The two programs she was looking at had significant overlap, and were in line with opportunities she was already pursuing so although it was a lateral move, it was still a clear advantage, and doubling up on resources (time & money).
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Lots of answers here, mostly either branch out or keep specializing. My advice? Do what makes sense for what you WANT to do. I completed a B.S. in Computer Science while I was serving, and now I'm getting a Master's in Integrated Marketing Communications. While this seems like a complete shift to most, I work with cybersecurity firms in a PR/Marketing role, so both degrees align perfectly with my career trajectory. Go for the Master's in whatever you think you'll want to do in 5-10 years, not today.
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Whitney Southerland
HI. I have my bachelors from being a student athlete in Public Relations. I am looking into joining the military to get one more bachelors in Computer Science... furthering my education using the GI bill for group management once I am out. I have met someone like yourself and am trying to replicate the path. My test scores are solid, I do have a little bit of a background being my own guidance across the country as a first college grad to the family. My question is, how do I ensure that I will be able to take on a degree program in computer science before I make the decision to enlist or join as officer? I am a natural leader and civilian of service. My priority is trying to get specialized so cyber security with outstanding proof of leadership experiences.
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I think it's always more beneficial to go up in education versus staying parallel in degrees. I am even considering going for my Master's but I can also pursue a Doctrine degree as well. So my challenge is which degree would be most beneficial for me, that would also be the question you need to ask yourself as well Robert.
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It all depends on what you want to do. I went after a masters in criminal justice administration rather than get a second bachelors in criminal justice. I am, however, now considering a second bachelors now that I have my masters - in another field, though.
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The market is saturated with bachelor's degrees. A Master's degree and your experience sets you apart from the competitors for the position in which you apply.
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Get your Masters Degree. I would even recommend looking outside of the CJ field. Even if that is what you want to do professionally, many Federal Law enforcement agencies are looking for advanced degrees in other fields like accounting, computer science, maybe even poli-sci. It is good to expand your horizons a little while also getting a more advanced degree.
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When I got my criminology BA, with that and 50 cents I could buy a Coke. Now I'm in the hole for a Coke but I do have a masters degree. Choose wisely for your masters and don't look back.
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LTC (Join to see)
I agree 1000%. CJ degrees are a dime a dozen. Unless the second bachelors is intense (BSN, dietetics, etc), it's a waste of time.
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