When is the best time to start working on a masters degree?

2016-05-31T23:22:27-04:00

I am WAY ahead of the traditional time-line to even start thinking about a Master's Degree, but what would be the best time to start getting it knocked out? Post-command? I would most likely pursue an online program simply due to Active Duty requirements. Also, if there are any recommendations for any very good degrees/programs or schools they would be greatly appreciated as well, thanks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 11:31 PM

2016-05-31T23:31:39-04:00

I wish I would have taken more advantage of TA. You could probably at most get 2 master's classes a year on TA, I barely had enough GI Bill left to finish my bachelor's and master's.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 1 at 2016 1:07 AM

2016-06-01T01:07:50-04:00

Before your education benefits run out! Finish it with time to spare.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2016 1:17 AM

2016-06-01T01:17:58-04:00

Look at http://www.excelsior.edu, very svc friendly, and their 2nd Bach options, they used to have that, I did a 2nd Bach in math through them, a friend got a Bach in math and went to an OCS while they were part of NYS govt before privatizing. Also, http://www.uopeople.edu, no tuition nonprofit, only admin and exam fees, has MBS, also Assoc Bach in comp sci (IT), bus admin, and health science. If you can do USAF USMC Navy, USCG, corrspondence PME programs, do them now do not put them off. Submit packets for AF Inst of Tech or AFIT , as well as naval postgraduate school or NPS, and if you get them , go keep submitting them until you're taken seriously, just a thought. I do t know if UoPeople is accepted by the svcs or VA, if it is find out, they just got accred by DETC formerly NHSC, look all that up on Google, you should find it, honest. This tablet is temperamental, I'll send this, then try to send more in few mins hope usefu, many thanks.

www.excelsior.edu

Excelsior College, an online college with degree programs, courses and exams in Business, Technology, Nursing, Liberal Arts, Health Sciences and Public Service.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 1:27 AM

2016-06-01T01:27:27-04:00

There is no requirement in the military to obtain a Masters but it will make you more competitive among your peers and give you a step up on the civilian sector.
There is no time like the present. Take advantage of your TA benefits while you have them. Use what time you have even if that means 1 class at a time.
Online programs are self paced so you can do what you can handle with your schedule. I do not feel command time has an influence unless your company has a lot of issues. As an officer you are a supervisor, let your NCOs lead.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2016 1:36 AM

2016-06-01T01:36:03-04:00

If you want to be what was termed when I was in a fast burner, do not not not put off doing a master's while in now, ASAP. If you can go to USAF squadron ofcrs school or SOS in residence do it by correspondence first, then apply for in residence, to do intersvc cross training. I did USMC command and staff also by correspondence, as well as USAF SOS by correspondence , I also looked at naval waer college command and staff by correspondence though time consuming, I did try I didn't get to do it, though I was approved to start, they may be masters level now, I don't know, they may also be online. The uscg auxiliary has theirmaux Univ prog or AUP , as well as their auxop program , and a master's for uscg auxiliarists I did see the site for it, at a component of NPS in Monterrey CA. If you can do research for your MOS, publish papers, especially in, I gather you're army, in the journal of the assocmof the US army, also subscribe tomus naval institute proceedings. If there are profesnl development seminars, for your svc, or those of other svcs, incl usphs and NOAA commissioned corps, go, by all means, look at the encyclopedia brittanica great books series, and start reading serious mil just classics, start with Thucydides' just of the peloponesian war, the host of the Punic wars, the works of Caesar , cpon war by Clausewitz, the best treatise on Napoleonic warfare. Read war as I knew it by Gen Patton , reminiscences by Gen MacArthur and American Caesar on him bymwilliam Manchester, both books on MacArthur. Read Nimitz by e.b. potter, and wo on http://www.Gutenberg.org and get the memoirs of grant, Sherman, and Sheridan, as well as the memoirs ofmtje nacy Secy under Lincoln I forget his name right now. Get Day One on the Manhattan project, get ALSOS bynsamuel goudsmit, get The Escape Factory by Lloyd r shoemaker, and t
Compare with The great Escape by Paul brickhill. Start with all I've suggested thus far, then if you want, I can give you more. Also, read about ADM Rickover, I have others, start with those for now. Apply to overseas exchange programs with allied nations, to try to do tours in ,e.g. the UK, any of the NATO countries, etc. I have other thoughts if you might find them useful, as well, many thanks.

Project Gutenberg

50,000 free ebooks to download (epub, kindle, android, ipad).

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 2:28 AM

2016-06-01T02:28:04-04:00

Yesterday.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 3:37 AM

2016-06-01T03:37:47-04:00

What are you looking at getting your Master's in? I'm currently in Afghanistan as a contractor and I just started working on my MSA through Central Michigan University Online (they have really good rates for service members). I would try to find a program that offers a lot of online/phone support in case of deployments or the like. I've heard Columbia Southern University is very good. I would also research "Life Pace" programs. They will give you all of the work up front (worksheets, papers, etc.) and you can turn it in at your leisure. They cost a little more, but you are saved the hassle of having to make sure you are home in time for a test.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 6:52 AM

2016-06-01T06:52:29-04:00

Now. There's no perfect time to do it. And it will take longer than you think. I took two years off between Bachelors and Masters, and the curve of getting back into school was profound. As far as schools and courses of study: start by asking yourself, "What do I want to do?" Then, work your way out from there.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 7:24 AM

2016-06-01T07:24:57-04:00

Right away....Don't procrastinate with it. If you have the time take some courses to close the distance.

Response by Nicholas Efstathiou made Jun 1 at 2016 7:58 AM

2016-06-01T07:58:47-04:00

Depending on what you want to study, Lieutenant, Norwich University has a great graduate program. Not only are they extremely professional, but since they have a military foundation they understand the realities and challenges of obtaining a degree while being active duty.

Response by COL Jonathan Cohen made Jun 1 at 2016 8:52 AM

2016-06-01T08:52:28-04:00

Michael, I did my first masters post battery command. The key is to start. I did one class at a time and for three years and eventually earned it! I also used several military schools to get graduate level credit (CAS3 which does not exist any more and non resident CGSC...). I attended American Military University which is an on line university. It has improved immensely since I graduated (1999) to include virtual classrooms which did not exist during my time there. Bottom line: Start now!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 9:43 AM

2016-06-01T09:43:24-04:00

junior captain is the best time in my estimate. Post command your free time is far harder to come by, and family, kids and other things increase the longer you wait.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 10:23 AM

2016-06-01T10:23:45-04:00

Sir, I started my Masters just a Year after completing my Bachelors. Now that I have completed my Masters back in March I am already looking into my PHD. There is no strict time line, you have to do it when ever it is best for you.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 10:39 AM

2016-06-01T10:39:23-04:00

The best time is whenever you have the time available. Most programs allow you up to 8-10 years to complete, so the hardest part is just getting started. I went to Webster University since they had a "deal" and credited 15 credit hours worth of classes from my CCC. Research what your branch CCC offers and if it has any deals with schools.

Response by CPT Michael Moffeit made Jun 1 at 2016 11:24 AM

2016-06-01T11:24:34-04:00

Thank you all for the profound insight and knowledge. So far, I am interested in a MS in leadership or a MA in history/military history or something along the lines of intelligence and national security studies. I see a lot of Master's programs that interest me but I have to narrow it down somewhere. My BA is in Criminal Justice but I don't really have the passion for that to pursue a master's in that area. I've looked into Norwich, AMU, as well as some other online military friendly schools. For right now, I'm trying to get into a not to hectic routine (hard to come by on AD) to actually get SOMETHING started so I'm ahead of the curve.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jun 1 at 2016 12:35 PM

2016-06-01T12:35:06-04:00

It really depends on your career goals. Having a degree just to paper the wall is not very beneficial. But if there is a specific Army or civilian goal you have in mind, that is what you should pursue. You should definitely NOT do it during an operational tour - you won't have time to do it justice.

Also, be very careful about online programs. Arizona State, USC, etc are good but there are too many out there that will take your money and give you paper whose only value is in the toilet...

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jun 1 at 2016 12:40 PM

2016-06-01T12:40:49-04:00

"Best" is relative Sir.

It took me 12 years to complete my 2 Bachelors degrees, and that was in '03. I begin my Master's program--part time MBA--this fall. I know I'm behind the power curve regarding my education with respect to my age and others who are in the field(s) I was and will be in. Despite this fact, I can't honestly tell you what constituted a "best time" for me to get my Masters because of everything over the years that went into the decision. You'll just have to evaluate your work/life situation, financial considerations, and programs that will not only give you the education you want, but work within the constraints you have; which it seems to me you're doing.

So again, "best" is relative. Don't beat yourself up over it. Good luck!

Response by SPC Joshua Heath made Jun 1 at 2016 12:49 PM

2016-06-01T12:49:36-04:00

Don't be afraid to look into good schools that offer online options. These are usually the same degree and they are often military friendly and great to put on your resume. I work for The American University (top 10 international relations school in the world) and we have a great MBA program that is also online. https://onlinebusiness.american.edu/

There is also UNC, Syracuse University and others that are excellent schools that have options.

Online MBA | American University | Kogod Online Business

The online Master of Business Administration program offers career-focused concentrations and live classes taught by Kogod faculty.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jun 1 at 2016 1:40 PM

2016-06-01T13:40:27-04:00

I'd recommend that you subtly restructure your thinking about a graduate degree. First decide what you want to achieve down the road (20-25 years), and then use that information to decide what type of graduate degree best helps you to accomplish that goal. In other words, your long-term goals should drive your short-term decisions. Then, look for the graduate schooling options that can fit within your short-term constraints.

If your goal is to be a career military officer (with no follow-on civilian career), then pretty much any graduate degree will work. You just need to check the box. Some degrees will help you be more effective in the various jobs throughout your military career, such as management-related degrees, technical degrees (if you pursue a functional area), etc., so that may adjust your preferences somewhat. You just need to decide where/how to fit those options into your military career path. Many options exist for executive, online or hybrid programs that will enable you to fit your schooling around your military job. You can chip away at it as early as possible, but don't go so fast that you undermine success in the job, and you might want to delay the heavy lifting until after command. A successful command will set you up for many things later on in your career. An unsuccessful command could quickly undermine your career.

If your goal is to have a long-term civilian career after your military life (meaning more than a handful of short-term jobs), then you may need to take a different approach. You can still consider the executive, hybrid, and online programs, but you should branch out to look at some of the civilian schooling options that the military provides (where they send you to a traditional program). I went to Syracuse to get my MBA because I was focused on my post-military career, much more so than how I'd use that degree within the military. The military had a program where they sent me (and my family) to Syracuse to focus full-time on my graduate studies. I have a good friend who was sent to Georgia Tech. Both of us eventually went back to school again (under another military program) for our PhDs while still on active duty.

The bottom line is that I'd recommend pursuing a graduate degree more strategically, with letting your long-term goals help you select the appropriate discipline, academic institution, and mode of delivery for that graduate degree. Regardless, best of luck to you!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 1:51 PM

2016-06-01T13:51:33-04:00

Hi, Lieutenant Moffeit.

At one time, a Master's degree was for people, but of course not limited to, that had already been in an industry for a while. They would learn as much from their peers in the class as they would from the class itself. Now, in a job market replete with Bachelor’s degrees, people are starting the Master’s right after their undergrad.

Start it now. It can’t hurt. Mine only took a couple of years. I know in the AF, it goes a long way to making LTC, if not imperative to do so.

Response by SGT Larry Michael Bleckler II made Jun 1 at 2016 2:50 PM

2016-06-01T14:50:30-04:00

Immediately while you are still in the groove having good study habits with go far getting your masters degree is difficult there is a lot of writing but everything is still fresh. Seek out an accredited college whether it is online or on campus, check out there graduation success, career success and academic overall ratings. Good luck

Response by LT Louis McKellar made Jun 1 at 2016 3:04 PM

2016-06-01T15:04:23-04:00

There's no time like the present. However, there's nothing that says a reporting senior will recognize your accomplishment in your fitness reports, and subsequently, before a promotion board.
Did mine during a shore duty and my readiness commander didn't put it in my fitrep. He didn't view it as important.

Response by CAPT Douglas McDonald made Jun 1 at 2016 4:26 PM

2016-06-01T16:26:39-04:00

Depends on the type of degree..
Technical ASAP for skills
MBA /management later

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made Jun 1 at 2016 4:48 PM

2016-06-01T16:48:31-04:00

CPT Michael Moffeit ,
Most certainly the ideal time is soon as you finish your Bachelor's so that you don't get idle or cold. Well I can at least attest to that being my continuing factor, because I knew the longer that I sat on my Undergrad graduation, the further away I would be pulled away from wanting to complete a Graduate degree. If I did not go straight through, I would have never went back. With life responsibilities between family and work and all coupled with becoming complacent. As far as finding the ideal time to complete your degree while serving on Active Duty, you can forget it because it does not exist. The drive has to come from you willing to make the sacrifice and MAKE your own ideal time to complete it. I completed my MBA in the midst of PCS, Deployment, and reset. So glad I did (with enhanced encouragement from my wife) because it is over with and I can relax for bit. Only for a short bit though as I start my Doctorate later this year. Nonetheless, I wish you nothing but success in your academic endeavor and of course I am going to recommend the institution that I am an alumni of. Best of luck moving forward.
http://www.post.edu/

Post University-Learn Online or On Campus

Post University, part of the Waterbury, CT community for over 125 years, offers both the traditional college experience and online learning.

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made Jun 1 at 2016 4:49 PM

2016-06-01T16:49:31-04:00

CPT Michael Moffeit ,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sumk08eFFkQ

Derrick Lewis #PostAdvice for online students

Derrick Lewis, who earned his MBA through Post's Online Education Institute in 2015, offers advice for online students! #PostAdvice

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made Jun 1 at 2016 4:51 PM

2016-06-01T16:51:58-04:00

CPT Michael Moffeit ,
I also walked for both of my degrees, beautiful campus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl5P-w59agI

Post University 2015 Graduate Commencement

Post University celebrated the Class of 2015 on May 9, 2015! Hear what some of the recent graduates, as well as faculty and staff, had to say about the memor...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 5:04 PM

2016-06-01T17:04:26-04:00

I'll disagree with many of the other posts; I don't think LT or even pre-command CPT time is the time for extra education. I believe that "extra" time in that phase of your career should be focused on honing your leadership and tactical skills.

As far as opportunities, does your CCC offer a masters in conjunction (many do)? If you attend resident CGSC, there are myriad options for masters degrees. Advanced Civil Schooling is another option along with fellowships and internships.

I worked at USMA post command and they sent me to grad school. Lots of options/opportunities out there, but (again) I'd push that out to the end of your company-grade years.

Response by Maj William W. 'Bill' Price made Jun 1 at 2016 6:40 PM

2016-06-01T18:40:50-04:00

Sooner rather than later, CPT Michael Moffeit. I only obtained my Masters when it was clear one was needed to even be considered for a new civilian job. I expect that will only get worse. Online programs can be your friend, but be careful. Look for programs that match what experiences you have so far (that's how I settled on University of Fairfax and their Information Security curricula). Stay away from those that reek of degree mill. Good luck with your continued studies!

Response by SSgt Brandan Neal made Jun 1 at 2016 6:48 PM

2016-06-01T18:48:12-04:00

Honestly, the only person who can truly answer this question is you. The simple fact is that you are the only one who knows your schedule, knows what motivation you have, and so on. I took a few months off in between completing my Bachelors, and starting my Masters program. I am glad I did it back to back. However, I already knew they career path I wanted to head down, and was already separated from the military when I actually completed my Bachelors. I worked a full time job, was a single parent, and went to full time school. It can be done even if your life does seem really busy. Its all about how much time you can allocate to your studies versus work or family. I am now 1.5 classes away from obtaining my Masters degree, and glad it is almost done.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 10:15 PM

2016-06-01T22:15:50-04:00

If you plan to finance your own Masters or use TA I would do it as an LT. You have less responsibility and a commander who will give you the flexibility to complete your degree. I finished my MBA in Healthcare as a 1LT and Company XO. Now if there are programs in your branch, I would consider applying for them post company command. We in the AMEDD have excellent education programs called LTHET (Long Term Heakth Education and Training). Some programs are required if you hope to earn an AOC of your choosing. For example, as an MSC officer if I hope to track 70A (Healthcare Administrator) I would need to compete for a spot at Baylor and try to earn an MHA. Just something to think about.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jun 1 at 2016 11:40 PM

2016-06-01T23:40:28-04:00

It is up to you if you feel ready to put in the quality time. I share that deployment, KD job, command, and family were a balancing act that is possible. It is all about time management, discipline and commitment.

Don't let the haters try to talk you out of it. I had my BN XO try to get me to stop college so I would focus more on making him look good.

Its up to you in the end.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 2 at 2016 12:57 AM

2016-06-02T00:57:36-04:00

The best time is when you are sure you know what you want to major in and that it is what you need. Nothing like wasting TA or a scholie on a degree that is either a) worthless to your career field or b) you hate.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jun 2 at 2016 8:23 AM

2016-06-02T08:23:53-04:00

CPT Michael Moffeit I started mine as an SSG and finished as a 1LT. Challenging for a combat arms LT but doable.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 1:59 PM

2016-06-02T13:59:09-04:00

Yesterday, while you still have time to devote to it. Many universities offer online Masters programs and having that extra degree in your pocket puts you a notch above your peers regardless of rank.

Response by CW2 Christopher Esparza made Jun 2 at 2016 3:02 PM

2016-06-02T15:02:22-04:00

Now, there really is no good time to start. Something always comes up, just take small bites and before you know it you'll be asking when is the right time to start a PhD.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 7:07 PM

2016-06-02T19:07:09-04:00

Sir, I will give you my enlisted stand point on it. I start mine next week. I am an E-6, and I am working on it not only to make myself competitive, but to also make myself marketable when the time comes where I will no longer be in the military. I am focusing on a degree that is very, very similar to what my MOS is, so hopefully it helps. But I'd assume that when you get looked at for MAJ, it'd put you at least, in my perspective, above center mass, for knocking it out as a company-grade officer. An O-2 at that. (no offense)

Response by CH (CPT)(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 8:11 PM

2016-06-02T20:11:03-04:00

Just come is as a Chaplain. A master's is required. Took me 5 years to complete, but from E7 to O3E in 1 year.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 11:08 PM

2016-06-02T23:08:22-04:00

Do your research on what school/program best influences you (a big decision if you're looking for a life after the military). I had a three-year gap between my Bachelor's and Master's and I'll say that the sooner you get it done, the better. Especially if you haven't progressed to having a spouse or kids yet. Part-time study worked for me and I was able to complete my program in less than two years by pacing it carefully. It was still a tough experience all-around. The Army still values advanced education a lot, so be vocal with your chain of command when school dates start to conflict with work and field time. School-wise, Webster University was very accommodating to when work took over my life. They're a reputable school with reduced graduate tuition for military. And they have plenty of programs offered online. Highly recommended.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 5:37 PM

2016-06-04T17:37:30-04:00

My best advice is, as soon as possible if you plan to stay in. The pace of work only gets faster and harder as you progress so it will never be easier to do than now.

Response by MSgt David Heil made Jun 7 at 2016 8:23 PM

2016-06-07T20:23:10-04:00

I would recommend selecting the field of study and getting started right away. I didn't get mine until I was 47 and I must be honest, going back to school later in life is painful. I had to relearn study habits and keeping up with my day schedule. All of my classes were in a traditional brick and mortar setting at night and on weekends. It took 2 1/2 years but in the end I was happy to have put in the effort. It does not matter what happens in your life after you have the degree, you will always have it. You are young enough in your service time that anything can happen in the next few years. Having the Masters will open doors for you in or out of the Army. Best of luck Lt!

Response by Capt Vickie Adams made Jun 14 at 2016 8:19 PM

2016-06-14T20:19:19-04:00

I started my Masters as soon as I arrived at my first assignment. Tried to take a break but my Commander wouldn't allow it. Lucky for me he pushed me. I graduated right before I rotated. Took three years to complete.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 2:10 PM

2016-06-15T14:10:49-04:00

Now

Response by PO3 Steven Stinnett made Jul 16 at 2016 4:59 PM

2016-07-16T16:59:12-04:00

NOW...

Response by Pat McCracken made Aug 11 at 2016 6:44 PM

2016-08-11T18:44:35-04:00

Begin ASAP!! If you are already thinking about it, do it. If you wait, you might possibly never get it done for many reasons.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2017 8:27 AM

2017-02-16T08:27:35-05:00

I went through Grand Canyon University to complete my MBA with a concentration in Marketing the following fall semester after completing my Bachelors from Pacific Lutheran University. I personally didn't want to take too much time off especially with the academic mindset that I had. I know myself well enough to know how the time away from the academic world would affect me and my transition back into aggressively studying again.