Would two years be too long to wait to start my Masters after completing my Bachelors?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 21:02:28 -0400

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 9:10 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 21:10:55 -0400

I waited a year. I felt that amount of time gave me a chance to relax and focus on other aspects of my life.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Jul 26 at 2015 9:11 PM

SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 21:11:35 -0400

Most people can find it very difficult to return to school if they take more than a year between degrees. Work and family obligations can be a big factor.

Response by SFC Jacob Hinkkanen made Jul 26 at 2015 9:18 PM

SFC Jacob Hinkkanen — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 21:18:11 -0400

I finished my associate and went straight into my bachelor program. It's worked out for me so far. I have to keep on it as best as I can so I can get my Masters before retirement. I don't have the time to take a year or two off.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 26 at 2015 9:21 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 21:21:20 -0400

It depends on you. Some do well to start right away. Others find a delay and life experiences are helpful. Only you can decide.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jul 26 at 2015 9:25 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 21:25:22 -0400

Not at all. I waited (quickly does math....) 18 years between completing my BA and starting my first Master's. True, I picked up a couple AA's in the meantime, but they were really more in the realm of vocational training.

The main thing is to do it when you are both motivated and can commit the time to completion.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Jul 26 at 2015 9:26 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 21:26:42 -0400

why wait? Take some time off, but I think two years is too long...I know you've been working hard and you are exhausted....take six months off...start up in the spring semester and take it easy...just take one or two classes a semester...lighten up your load.

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Jul 26 at 2015 9:54 PM

MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 21:54:52 -0400

depends on your financial situation and if the program you want is available. When the MBA program opened--I jumped

Response by SGT Ray Grooms made Jul 26 at 2015 10:01 PM

SGT Ray Grooms — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 22:01:37 -0400

I only took one summer off from my Bachelors before starting my Doctorate. Two years is fine, or none at all. Whatever helps you succeed is what you should do.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 10:05 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 22:05:19 -0400

I don't know if you have children or not, however, if you do, take some time to enjoy them. Coming home every night from a "day at the office" is tiring enough without having to hit the books. Don't miss them growing up. As COL Vincent Stoneking says even after 18 yrs... However, if you don't have children and no other commitments, 3, 6, 9 months maybe right for a break, but you need to set a target date in a suspense file. Good luck!!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 27 at 2015 1:04 AM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 01:04:57 -0400

Situationally dependent...

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 2:14 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 02:14:44 -0400

It's never too late, depending upon what you intend your Master's degree to do for you. For promotions, the sooner the better. For teaching, Ditto. For S & Gs, anytime is good.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 9:49 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 09:49:21 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member I got my bachelors in 2002. Didn't start my Master's program until 2008.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jul 27 at 2015 9:51 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 09:51:10 -0400

I graduated with my BSN in May 1997. Started my MSN in 2006....graduated in 2009. Sometimes, waiting allows you to gain "real world" experience that will assist you with the course material...you can look at it from different perspectives....

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 27 at 2015 10:00 AM

SPC David S. — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 10:00:56 -0400

I wouldn't think so - It might actually be a good thing to catch a little breather, spend time with family and just recharge the batteries before you go back for a masters. If you just got your bachelors reward yourself - However reengaging in for a masters can be tough - "I'll do it this fall" turns into "I'll do it next year" and so on. Set a date and stick to it as there will always be stuff that gets in the way. Best of luck in you academic endeavors!

Response by MSgt Aaron Brite made Jul 27 at 2015 11:19 PM

MSgt Aaron Brite — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 23:19:12 -0400

Some programs will not accept you into the Masters program without experience after obtaining your bachelors degree. With that in mind, 2 years is not to long. I waited 6 to gain experience.

Response by SSG Lisa Rendina made Jul 27 at 2015 11:24 PM

SSG Lisa Rendina — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 23:24:00 -0400

I waited 3.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 11:25 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 23:25:34 -0400

I waited ten years. I will say that starting sooner is better because of less transition to the academic environment. Another thing to look at is the financial part of the process.

Response by MAJ Monique Ruiz made Jul 27 at 2015 11:27 PM

MAJ Monique Ruiz — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 23:27:41 -0400

Don't wait...take one or two classes a semester to lighten your load and still enjoy life. If you wait, it will get harder to get back into it and life doesn't wait for you to catch your breath. Once you're done, you're done and will never worry about it again. You may come across an opportunity for promotion or employment that requires you to have the degree; you will kick yourself for missing out on it because you did not finish or were close to finish. It is a huge relief and self-motivator to know that you got it done and can look forward to achieving others instead of worrying about where to fit your degree in.

Good luck with your degree! Keep those grades up!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 11:28 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 23:28:07 -0400

I think it varies by the discipline. As a science major, I had a real hard time getting my masters five years after my bachelors but with some extra referesher it worked out. It's never "too late". I want to make a huge plug for TA over using your GI bill. It's free money and leaves your GI bill intact. Check it out!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 11:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 23:31:19 -0400

I think it's a personal choice. I went straight through with two masters (12 years of college). I have heard and known people who have said they wanted a break but never went back and got their degrees, others took the break and was able to start back but found it difficult because they had lost the ability to study again and get motivated to continue. I really think you have to look at your own situation and decide what is best for you and your life. Good luck!!!

Response by SSgt Anthony Parmenter made Jul 27 at 2015 11:33 PM

SSgt Anthony Parmenter — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 23:33:16 -0400

It depends on what is at stake and what is realistic. For me the best option was to continue right on from one to the other, but it had been 10 years since I first entered college, I was married, and didn't want my momentum to die. I figured that if I were to wait before going to grad school, I'd never do it... and I think I was right.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 12:21 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 00:21:28 -0400

I started my masters 3 years after my bachelors and finished it 5 years later.

Now if you did your bachelors in some technical field, say Physics, and want to do your masters in that same field, then less time is probably better.

If your masters is in a subject you deal with at work, or a general more MBA type, it is less important to start it right away.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Jul 28 at 2015 12:24 AM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 00:24:58 -0400

I am a firm believer in striking while the iron is hot!!

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 28 at 2015 5:51 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 05:51:51 -0400

It is all up to you. How you're feeling, how much time, energy, etc, you have to do the work, how your finances are, etc.

I got my BS in 1982, my first Masters in 1997. But there are myriads of people who go straight into grad school from getting their BA/BS...

It's totally a judgement call based on your personal priorities.

An additional question, if you have a BA/BS, have you considered a Mustang track? I am amazed at the huge number of personnel who stay enlisted after getting a degree. I know that being an officer isn't for everyone, but it has its advantages (even though it means you have to be a Butter Bar - nearly everyone survives those two years)...

Response by SPC Greg K. made Jul 28 at 2015 7:16 AM

SPC Greg K. — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 07:16:50 -0400

I finished my BA in 1999 and my Masters in 2014....though we didn't have this new fan-dangled technology thing with everything being online. But, if the ball is rolling, you may not want to stop. If the family concurrs. I spent 2.5 years hiding in my room studying, and I missed out on some things, but I was home, with my family. Time managment is super important between family, work and school. But if "I" can do it anyone can do it....really!!!!!

Response by SPC Anne Miller made Jul 28 at 2015 7:18 AM

SPC Anne Miller — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 07:18:03 -0400

I don't think so. I didn't begin on my Masters until seven years after my Bachelors. It gave me time to have more life experiences which gave me certain advantages when I went back into the classroom. I'm a big advocate for "life-long" learning. One day, I will go back for my doctorate, but I feel I still need more time to experience life so that I can bring some real "meat" into my studies instead of just theories. I'm not quite there yet, but one day.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Jul 28 at 2015 9:12 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 09:12:30 -0400

Not at all. But if you have the opportunity to continue go for it.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 28 at 2015 11:29 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 11:29:04 -0400

It depends on how much of your BA/BS is used in your subsequent coursework. If heavy, fresher is better. I did my MS program 11 years after my BS and a Systems degree wasn't a technical challenge with a BS in Engineering. I didn't feel "behind". Just exhausted.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jul 28 at 2015 12:03 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 12:03:47 -0400

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Look at where you are, what you want to accomplish and them make a plan and stick to it. Is two years too long? Yes, then start sooner. No, then start in two years...or four or never...what is right for you?

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Jul 28 at 2015 12:14 PM

TSgt Gwen Walcott — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 12:14:17 -0400

nope. Would provide some intermediate real world experience to bring into the fray

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 1:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 13:19:53 -0400

I took about 15 months off between the two... took a few assignments to get my head back in it... but I got an a in my first class. Starting my second next week

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Jul 28 at 2015 1:26 PM

SFC Gary Fox — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 13:26:12 -0400

I think it all comes down to personal choice. I have several friends who started their Master's program right after they completed their Bachelor's. I am currently working on my Master's 15 years after completing my Bachelor's.

Response by SGT Allison Churchill made Jul 28 at 2015 1:45 PM

SGT Allison Churchill — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 13:45:06 -0400

Absolutely not! Ten years passed between when I got my bachelor's and started my master's. For me it was actually perfect timing--when I got my B.S., the internet was just picking up steam and media organizations were just starting to figure out how they were going to work with it.

So when I returned for my master's, there was enough new information in my field that I wasn't just using school as a way to network in New York City. I spend a lot of time with my graduate school alumni group, and there's a really good mix of people who start grad school right after graduating and people who wait a little bit.

Enjoy!

Response by Sgt Courtney Swanson made Jul 28 at 2015 3:11 PM

Sgt Courtney Swanson — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 15:11:16 -0400

I don't think so. I finished my BS at UNC in 2009 and worked for about two years before starting my Masters program at the beginning of 2012. Didn't seem to hurt me too badly

Response by Sgt Andrew McFall made Jul 28 at 2015 4:17 PM

Sgt Andrew McFall — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 16:17:10 -0400

I would say it depends on your field of study. As an IT professional, I waited just over 6 years to start mine, working in the field since 2004 (completed AAS in 2006, BS in 2007, just completed MSIT in Feb 2015). IMHO, the Master's Degree is supposed to signify that you not only understand the basic concepts, but also the subtleties and nuances of various situations that you might find yourself in.

Response by 1LT Gerald O'Hare made Jul 28 at 2015 4:33 PM

1LT Gerald O'Hare — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 16:33:37 -0400

The sooner the better.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 6:55 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 18:55:36 -0400

No, I will be starting my Masters in the Spring, I received my bachelor's degree in 2001.

Response by CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 7:29 PM

CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 19:29:15 -0400

It depends on whether or not you are going to continue on the same education path. I started my education path leaning toward criminal justice with the idea of spending some time in the Corps, then as a police officer and eventually going into the FBI. that didn't pan out, and once selected for WO, I continued my education and started my MBA 3 years after I finished my BS. So if you are going to continue on the same education path, I would not wait.

Response by SFC James Massey made Jul 28 at 2015 7:37 PM

SFC James Massey — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 19:37:42 -0400

I say no. It was I received my Bachelor's degree (BBA) in 92'. I started my Masters degree in 2001. I dropped drop right in and picked up on the advanced courses like I had never had a break. I completed my MBA in 2008, yes I know it is a long time but I found I could not handle a full case load while deployed. I had to drop to 2 classes at a time, because with the 16-18 hour days I found I did not have the time to study, do papers, and get enough sleep (4-5 hrs.) for the next days mission. Besides helping me get promoted faster up the ranks, it was still very useful when I got out.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 8:39 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 20:39:11 -0400

Really it's a personal choice when you continue. Any higher education takes commitment so it should be based on when you're ready to start grad school. If you believe you need/want two years then by all means take two years. I waited a year, but that was what was right for me.

Response by SSG Drew Cook made Jul 29 at 2015 9:27 AM

SSG Drew Cook — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 09:27:08 -0400

Why wait? I'm about to graduate with my BA this fall, and I'm jumping right into grad school the next fall. I figure I'll still be in "school mode" and with a year left on my GI Bill, might as well use it up and make a little extra money getting a head-start on that masters.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jul 29 at 2015 10:00 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 10:00:15 -0400

Absolutely not. In fact, many civilian jobs prefer that your masters degree is earned recently so your skill set has the latest and greatest intel. On USAjobs, many positions state that preference goes to recent graduates (within 3 years). If anything, my advice is to retire with a masters within that short timeframe.

Response by SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD made Jul 29 at 2015 11:46 AM

SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 11:46:42 -0400

It all depends on your make up. Are you a highly motivated person, a procrastinator, or one who likes challenges. There are those, who have waited too long, resulting in zero MA. I waited 8 months, before going for my MA. I was ready, as I was getting older. I enrolled in school at age 35, and pursued my MA at age 38. I didn't want to wait too long. At age 50, I decided to pursue a PhD. Don't ask me why. It took me 5 years. My advice. Don't wait too long, if you can. The best to you. blessings.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jul 29 at 2015 11:57 AM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 11:57:06 -0400

I don't think so i waited 20 years

Response by 1LT Robert Green made Jul 29 at 2015 12:16 PM

1LT Robert Green — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 12:16:59 -0400

SSG Herpel,

It is never too late to start your masters. However, look to it as any investment. What will it cost you to complete it vs what it will do for your bottom line. For example, if the cost is $40,000 and you make $10,000 more with it over the next few years, a 4 year ROI is probably a good deal. If it takes 20 years to recover the cost, then from a cost/benefit perspective maybe not so good a deal. If it brings you more skill, confidence and commitment to your craft and career and that is something we all value, then the value may be priceless and a cost/benefit analysis, although practical, may be irrelevant in your case.

Never stop learning.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Jul 29 at 2015 1:50 PM

SPC Brian Stephens — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 13:50:03 -0400

No evidence that it would be. I began my Master's degree almost ten years after i finished my undergraduate degree. I found that the work experience really helped in understanding and applying the material especially in classroom discussions. Even though I was ten years out, I aced all my classes and graduated with a 3.93 GPA which was much better than I did in high school and as an undergrad where I maintained a B average.

Response by Sgt Michael Kieloch made Jul 29 at 2015 2:27 PM

Sgt Michael Kieloch — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 14:27:10 -0400

I think the primary deciding factor of when to tackle an advanced degree should be whether or not you have the time necessary to dedicate to pursuing it. I would suggest its better to wait a few extra years and pursue the degree when you will be in a better position to dedicate your time and focus to it, as opposed to rushing into a degree program based on a timeline when you may not be able to sufficiently handle the added workload.

I finished my bachelor's in 2005 and didn't start my master's until 2009. I didn't feel like that was too long of a break, and I chose the timing based on what made sense for me and my career at the time.

Response by CPO Michael Railey made Jul 29 at 2015 2:58 PM

CPO Michael Railey — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 14:58:17 -0400

I would say it is dependent upon you. I will be starting a Masters next month and completed my BBA in 2008. Sometimes life gets in the way but never to late to late to continue your education.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 3:45 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 15:45:45 -0400

I am almost four years out from my Bachelor's and have not done my Masters yet. I think as long as you are in a good place lifewise to start your Masters then go for it, but don't force it if you aren't ready.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Jul 29 at 2015 8:14 PM

PO2 Peter Klein — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 20:14:58 -0400

Why wait. You are in he study routine, keep it up, assuming you have the finances, or Uncle Sam does. A friend of mine went from his freshman year at a state college straight thru to a PhD.

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made Jul 30 at 2015 8:49 AM

PO1 Kevin Arnold — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 08:49:16 -0400

No it wouldn't be a bad thing to start your Masters Degree 2 years after your Bachelors Degree. For I did that exact thing because of deployments. Going out to sea was hard enough with qualifications and watches. Also could not get online while underway. I did take a class or two underway but they were not online.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jul 30 at 2015 12:20 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 12:20:08 -0400

You can wait two years or four years. You can also take a few classes here and there to give your rater more bullets for a good NCOER.

Response by LCpl Dan McTiernan made Jul 30 at 2015 12:38 PM

LCpl Dan McTiernan — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 12:38:43 -0400

Definitely not. Interesting to read all the comments indicating a bias that advanced education is an advantage with very few comments on why to get an advanced degree as it relates to position or career requirements.

Response by SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. made Jul 31 at 2015 9:21 PM

SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 21:21:47 -0400

No, never too late! I waited 19 months and formed a few bad habits during that period (enjoying myself and family) but once I decided to go back to college for the Masters program, it was allwork and study again.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 31 at 2015 9:29 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 21:29:18 -0400

Not necessarily. It took me 10 years from completing my bachelors to starting my masters.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2015 10:06 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 22:06:37 -0400

Hell, I haven't even started my bachelors.... One of these days though.

Response by Sgt William Biggs made Jul 31 at 2015 10:54 PM

Sgt William Biggs — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 22:54:57 -0400

Not at all. Sometimes a break in education can be beneficial. It really depends on your situation and job outlook.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2015 2:03 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:03:26 -0400

Don't wait. Get er done!

Response by MSG James Douglas made Aug 2 at 2015 4:51 PM

MSG James Douglas — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 16:51:15 -0400

I started my masters about 3 months after completing my bachelor's......my mind was still fresh but it was rather intense.

Response by SFC Johnny Camacho made Aug 12 at 2015 4:44 PM

SFC Johnny Camacho — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 16:44:24 -0400

Hello,

Unless there are pressing matters, I would continue and get it passed you, they you can continue to learn on industry and its global strategies! That would make more sense! Good Luck! And take Care! Johnny Camacho!

Response by CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner made Aug 13 at 2015 7:45 PM

CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 19:45:33 -0400

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer to the question. It all depends on what you want to do with your degree and what goals you are meeting. I went straight from my BA to my Masters, but I had a 16 year break between high school and college. Do what works for you!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2015 10:12 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 10:12:57 -0400

I think it depends on your situation and what you want to study. If you are looking at doing a MS is a science or IT discipline, than I would probably not wait due to the rapid changes in those fields. Most other fields you could take some time off, in my opinion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2015 9:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 21:46:00 -0400

So, an update to my plan...Since I have about 7 years until I leave (as long as the Army will have me). I do not want to get my Masters too soon. The PLAN (I have not worked all of the fine parts of the plan out yet) is that I will pick up my next to last class in a couple weeks while I am still out here in school (ARC) and then I will actually get my BSM-PM 30 Nov. Then early next year I will probably start another BS (most likely in Paramedicine). Then a couple years out from Retirement I will get my MBA, but that way my mind stays active and I have a couple of things when I finally leave. Thanks everyone for the advice!!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2016 10:05 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 22:05:15 -0500

I must agree with LCDR Matlow. It IS ALL up to you. However, the longer you stay out of the academic environment, the more difficult it will be to re-enter. Two years likely is not too long.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2016 8:26 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 08:26:33 -0500

No. I waited two years after my Bachelors to start my Master's and another two after that to start my PhD.

Response by SFC James Wesser made Dec 1 at 2016 3:42 PM

SFC James Wesser — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 15:42:56 -0500

SSG Herpel,
That really depends on your schedule and what kind of time you can devote to your chosen masters degree program. Having said that, there are those that think you should jump right into a masters while you still have the study and writing skills. But sometimes the student can be exhausted and want or need to take a break. I personally went from my B.A. into an M.S. immediately, and although I learned a lot in my program I could have learned much more because I was very tired academically. My suggestion would be to take a break for about 6 months to a year to recharge your academic batteries.