Which masters degree would most help a career-oriented maneuver officer (I assume something along the lines of a MPA, but open to guidance)?

2017-12-22T15:58:26-05:00

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 22 at 2017 4:28 PM

2017-12-22T16:28:52-05:00

Good question, I knew a LTC that had 4 Master's degrees in various areas.

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Dec 22 at 2017 5:16 PM

2017-12-22T17:16:29-05:00

You may think this crazy - but Masters in Systems Engineering would be applicable

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 22 at 2017 5:19 PM

2017-12-22T17:19:36-05:00

MBAs are a dime a dozen so what does a MPA get you? A generalized one can be a get a job issue. However specialization within that degree can be a plus. Emergency Management is one if you're looking to work at local, state or Fed level say for an Emergency Operations Center all the way up to a major FEMA response. I had a retired Senior Chief who used to be my Emergency Manager who credentialed her way through the FEMA development program and then completed the MPA program. Voila, she has a ticket that's in demand. So take a look within at the specialties within the various programs out there. The FEMA site has a great list with links of various accredited programs with the EM concentration. There are many online programs too.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2017 5:24 PM

2017-12-22T17:24:28-05:00

Look into something that will benefit you in the civilian world after leaving active duty. Promotion boards generally prefer that you have a masters degree, but not necessarily in a specific field.

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Dec 22 at 2017 6:38 PM

2017-12-22T18:38:29-05:00

Look at a Masters in Education Training and Development.

It's the route I'm taking instead of an MPA. The versatility is there. I m going through central Michigan.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Dec 22 at 2017 11:41 PM

2017-12-22T23:41:48-05:00

Do one that interests you and remember, the time we serve in uniform is usually small compared to the time we spend out of it. Career oriented just does not mean you always focus on your job in the Army but a job after the Army. If you focus all your civilian education on what you do in the Army, what will it do for you at age 46 when retired?

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Dec 28 at 2017 1:03 AM

2017-12-28T01:03:36-05:00

An MBA. Most officers are already well prepared for these programs and they will just increase your organizational skills and ability to be efficient.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2018 3:28 PM

2018-01-06T15:28:47-05:00

Whatever interests you and can provide you with a salable skill in a post-Army life. The Army doesn't care: to them it's not a tool, it's a ticket. All the Army cares is that you have one to stay competitive for promotion. Unless you have a specific secondary MOS that has a related Master's Degree, choose something that you can sell after you leave the Army. Remember, it isn't if, it's when: you will leave the Army one day, even if it never leaves you.