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
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Go for the Masters degree as it usually carries more professional gravitas, as long as the program is accredited and recognized in your chosen field.
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Depends on who is paying for your second bachelors degree. I would pursue your masters.
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Honestly, the CJ BS, hard as it seemed to achieve, is not worth squat in my experience. A master's, preferably in another field entirely, would be more advantageous and frankly, easier. If you plan on staying in LE, emergency management or government administration will help you more so than a master's in CJ.
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Masters will always bring you more reward. It's a more specific study than a broad undergrad.
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Zuniga, only you can answer your question. You're climbing a ladder when you make progress in a career field, and earning a Masters is progress. It will make you more competitive for jobs, and hone your skills. However, only you can decide if your ladder rests against something you actually want to climb. Getting a bachelor's in another field is a little like moving the ladder. Is there another career field you'd rather put your time and effort into?
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SGT Robert Zuniga
Not too sure at the moment. I am content with my current situation but I guess I need the military mindset and someone to tell me where to go and what career path to follow. If that makes sense.
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PO3 Maureen Ruane
Don't be a follower, be a leader. The only advice I can offer is do what your heart tells you. Change of career? Then another BA/BS, same career, MS/MA. Good luck with your studies!
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Master's for sure.. I'm at Argosy University Twin Cities.. gives life experience credits, takes JSTs, accepts VA benefits, and gives 20% deal for active, reserve, or vets. Has accredited 100% online too! Associates-Doctoral.
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What are your long term goals? Where do you want to be? How will each help you reach your end result? Your Call!
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I plan on getting a second bachelor's degree. But then again i am going into a completely different field than my first bachelor's degree.
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PO3 Sarah de Groot
I also plan on using what i learned with my psychology degree and applying it to my work towards a BS in Biomedical science degree.
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It has to support your end goals. I would recommend that you get a masters in leadership with an emphasis on Criminal Justice in your electives. I thought about it myself and opted for the masters. I will use my GI Bill for a second masters when I retire.
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If that is the field you want to work in then pursue your masters. At the rate of education growth and online access grows, the higher your degree the better off you'll be.
Get the MS degree and pursue your Doctorate and specialize in something you like, i.e forensics, law, or home land security etc. Just an idea for you best if luck.
Get the MS degree and pursue your Doctorate and specialize in something you like, i.e forensics, law, or home land security etc. Just an idea for you best if luck.
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