What is the best masters degree for the civilian sector?

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 13:45:13 -0500

While the date is a ways away, I'm trying to keep myself competitive for employment in the civilian sector post service. To that end, I've been looking at picking up a masters degree, most likely through AMU. My question is, how do companies view a masters from the online schools, that are primarily for military members to get their box checked, as opposed to a more conventional University?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2018 2:01 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 14:01:15 -0500

From my experience, if the online school is accredited, then they are viewed as a "normal" in-seat school. Schools that do not have accreditation tend to be "looked down upon" by businesses as degree factories.
I obtained my masters mostly in-seat, but did have to take a course online due to scheduling w/ the job I had at the time.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Dec 31 at 2018 2:45 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 14:45:19 -0500

Avoid for-profit schools. Several who cater to veterans or current military often cost more, but have weaker reputation. https://youtu.be/LpbKV1ECmgo

Are for-profit universities taking advantage of veterans?

Since 2009, the G.I. Bill has paid up to $21,000 a year of college tuition for those who served in Iraq or Afghanistan. Much of that money, though, goes to f...

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 31 at 2018 6:06 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 18:06:13 -0500

MS programs which meet a licensing credential would probably be more competitive vs. general stuff. MBAs are a dime a dozen. So much is done from accredited online options nowadays that having a rug from them is normal. If you're interested in a CS job over at FEMA, there are EM and other programs which give you a leg up there. Same for Homeland Security. Be careful, a lot of snake oil out there too.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Dec 31 at 2018 7:59 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 19:59:47 -0500

Part of earning a masters degree is having the money and time to earning it. Depending on who you talk to, they may value one (online, traditional) over the other in terms of effort, balancing family, work, and school.

My experience with small companies is that they value the education, it is respected, but not the silver bullet to get in. Unless it requires a specific credential. In larger organizations, credentials like PMP or a masters degree may be a requirement. Education and certifications are used as a screening criterion.

As yourself why you want a masters degree. (1) To get the next level educational credential, (2) curiosity and desire to learn about a new area of studies (no career path in mind), or (3) to gain credentials and education for a specific career path.

Storytime: when I was a young Army CPT, I went through the Masters of Distance Education program with UMUC. My idea was that I would work with online universities after the Army. I am retired now and not in the education field. I am currently in the construction technology & project management.

Final thoughts, as mentioned by MAJ Eugene Chu, stay away from For-Profit schools. Also, do your research to make sure the school and program are accredited like A1C Nathan Roberts mentioned.

Best of luck Capt Jason Brown

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2019 12:15 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:15:09 -0500

In the software world, we don't even slightly care if a degree came from a brick-and-mortar school, a online school, or wherever. Most of us don't really think a degree should be required at all. What we DO care about is whether a candidate gives good solutions to problems posed during the interview and demonstrates sound reasoning. But that's the tech world - I don't know what the "business side" looks for.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2019 2:25 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 02:25:58 -0500

This could help:
https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2018/article/mobile/graduate-degree-outlook.htm

Also, UNC has a great tool to see all of the online degree offerings from 17 of their colleges and universities. It also lists their in/out of state costs.

https://programs.northcarolina.edu

Employment outlook for graduate-level occupations : Career Outlook : U.S. Bureau of Labor...

Which occupations that typically require a graduate degree for entry are projected to have the most openings? Find out here.

Response by SSgt Chuck “Gunz” Gundlach USMC Ret., MBA made Jan 1 at 2019 3:03 PM

SSgt Chuck “Gunz” Gundlach USMC Ret., MBA — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 15:03:25 -0500

I receive my Masters, an MBA in Management completely on line via what was Touro University International TUI, and since is Trinity University International. A university that was advertised a lot in Military Rags and still is now. I finished my last two courses after I retired at 20 years. No one questioned it. I used it along with my 20 year experience to land my first job after the military, and to compete against Officers who I know graduate from more prestigious universities and colleges including West Point, Navy, etc. it’s not so much the school unless you are looking for a ring bump from an alumni hiring manager. It’s about knowing what you’re talking about and presentation.

Response by SSgt Chuck “Gunz” Gundlach USMC Ret., MBA made Jan 1 at 2019 3:05 PM

SSgt Chuck “Gunz” Gundlach USMC Ret., MBA — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 15:05:22 -0500

As to picking a masters degree. That depends on the field your wanting to get into, and coming from. Engineering, Business, computer sciences, web design, organizational leadership, Human Resources...

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jan 1 at 2019 7:47 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 19:47:30 -0500

I think it really depends more on what industry you are possibly going to be going into. There have been a good handful of CEOs (Elon Musk included) who would rather hire those with undergrads and experience rather than those who wasted time and money with MBAs. Going into a science-based career, it would probably benefit you to have at least a masters. Going into education (primarily university) a PhD is best.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2019 1:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 13:00:57 -0500

Lots of factors here - but if its accredited, compliments your military career - do it.
Make sure it is something xfrable to civilian life. For example - executive officer is like a project manager. So a MS degree in project management would be great.

Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made Jul 3 at 2019 7:22 AM

MSgt Neil Greenfield — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 07:22:35 -0400

Just recently, there appears to be some momentum where companies are stating “degree preferred, but not required”. There are some companies that now have intern programs for veterans, mine included.