Master's Degree

So, I just applied to Indiana Wesleyan University, to their Master's program. I'm planning on earning my Master's in Accounting. The plan is to start in August and go part-time, all online. They said it should approximately a year and a half. It will be difficult while working full-time, but definitely doable. The end result will be well worth the time I put into it.

I had applied and been accepted to Bradley University in Peoria, IL, but they are not very conducive to the working professionals who are trying to go back to school. This is disappointing for a couple of reasons, but I think it's better to earn the degree at a school more geared toward my situation than trying to push through something that isn't a good fit and getting stressed out and possibly overwhelmed.

With the Master's in Accounting, I intend to expand my job search, possibly even to Las Vegas, or the surrounding areas. I'm ready to get out of IL and leave this corrupt state behind.

Just thought I'd share with everyone...it's a big step and I'm excited!!

 

Congrats and good luck. I've been doing a Master's (in-person) and it's not easy, but worth it.

 

Not to get personal, but what age group are you in? I'm looking for motivation to get into my masters, but I feel like I'm too old. As well, a bit of me is concerned about taking on debt to finance more education. Decisions, decisions, decisions...

 

I'm not sure how old you are but I decided to completely change careers when I was 38 and started back at school for my undergraduate degree. I'm 41 now and almost finished and will be starting on my master's in the fall. Right now it is busy, I work a full time job, 3 part time jobs, take 5 classes, coach both my kids hockey teams and play hockey. I essentially do school work and some type of work everyday. If it wasn't for my once a year Vegas getaway I don't know if I'd have made it. For me it has been worth it as I'm now doing something I love and I have a great chance at a great job once I finish my masters.

 

Never too old. I'm 53, retired and am eight credits shy of my masters in European History. I was a Finance and Economics major in college. Had to get another degree in history at a local college before I could pursue my masters but it has been fun and definitely worth it.

 

I have a friend who wanted to change careers at 48 and go back to school (for 3 years). He was wavering with "if I go back to school I'll be 51 in 3 years when I finish". I told him "how old will you be in 3 years if you DON'T go back to school".

It's never too late. .

 

I got my Master's degree 2 years ago at 48. It was a technical degree and the majority of the students were young and international students. It did great and was treated fine by professors and students alike. Was kinda odd being the only old American lady in the classes. Don't let age stop you.

 

Congrats and good luck!!

 

My mom and I did our masters together I went right out of undergrad, so, 21, and she was mid-career mid40s. I lived with her a year and a half while we were in school. She was working full-time and I worked part-time.

I am ABD for a PhD but left the program - we were not well matched and I wasted way too much time figuring it out and I don't need it in my career as it stands right now. So my dream now is to do a fun PhD in my retirement

If Bradley doesn't want to work with working professionals/adults, there are PLENTY of schools that do - choose one of those!

 

I finished my masters two years ago, an MBA in Information Technology. I did it all online, in one year, while working full time. I was 36 at the time. I had no social life, and I went from my work desk to my home desk to bed (rinse, repeat), but I got it done.

 

I'm 38. I just finished my Bachelor's Degree 2 years ago. I'm not ecstatic about incurring more student loan debt but I know it'll pay off in the long run. Not to mention, the additional educational will certainly help me achieve my future goals. Once I get the Master's, I intend to sit for the CPA exam.

 

As I said above, I'm 38. I don't think this is too old to continue my education, although I am anxious to finish and be able to look for a better job.

 

Thanks!! I intend to concentrate and work hard....If I'm gonna do this, I may as well do it well!

 

I'm just soooooo happy I'm not in the rat race. Retired, enjoying it and wouldn't trade anything for the rat race.

 

About age - I received my associates, bachelors, and masters all over 40 years old. I believe I received my masters in my 50's and liked it so much I went back for a second one! You are never too old.

 

Congratulations!!!

 

+1 on the "never too old"! When I was in college (if you can call Chico State a college) in the early 80's, I was in a Sociology class sitting next to a lady who let's say was 42. She was moaning one day to the instructor that it was going to take her another 5 years to finish her 4 year degree, because she could only go part-time and just didn't know if she should keep at it with her age and all.

The instructor, who was always a witty guys anyways, asked her, "how old are you gonna be in 5 years?" She replied, "47"... to which he immediately responded, "and how old will you be in 5 years if you don't keep at it?" Point being, she's gonna be 47 either way in 5 years, might as well have a degree with which to celebrate! Since I was early 20's at the time, not sure why I remember this exchange, but it made an impact.

 

Is your undergrad in accounting? Do you really need a Master's or just your CPA?

 

I didn't get around to going to college until the ripe old age of thirty (1990).
I spent the first decade out of high school in the Army and working for the Feds.

At the age of thirty-two, my junior year, I did a co-op with GTE Data Services (now Verizon). After getting my BA at the age of thirty-four, I clocked another twenty years as a mainframe software developer and was oh-so-fortunate (google Y2K) to be able to retire at the age of fifty (2010). The Mrs. and I often ponder what our lives would have been like had I not gone to school and done the MIS thing. I reckon my point is, it is better to have and not need, than to need and not have - when it comes to credible post-secondary education. I just hope that if there's financing involved, that there is sufficient ROI at the end of the endeavour.

 

My wife completed her Master of Science in Nursing at 46. It was a tough two years with a job and kids, but she got up at 3:00 am to study and made it through the program also leaving the kids with a great example of hard work paying off as her salary nearly doubled as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner...plus she totally loves taking care of kids...

It was worth the struggles...good luck!!