Option A: MA in General English
This is a 36 credit hour program that would basically result in me having a more advanced version of the degree I have now.
PROS
- This is the subject matter in which I am genuinely interested; I LOVE English!
- Short program; I could finish it in 3 semesters easily.
- Would be advantageous in seeking a job in publishing or editing.
- As far as editing jobs go, most require experience; however a higher degree usually compensates for not having experience.
- Can be done completely online, so I could still work full time, and if I moved before I finished school it wouldn't be an issue.
CONS
- I don't actually know how useful this degree would be in job seeking or how I'd use it after I graduated. Granted I could research that more while I was in school but it's risky.
- Acceptance into this program requires 3 letters of recommendation; as I didn't really stay in touch with any of my professors from my undergrad, those would be a challenge to get.
- I'm not sure if I need a higher degree to end up working in editing or publishing. I can freelance edit for experience and references and work from there.
- What I really want to do is write creatively and I don't actually need a degree for that.
Option B: MA in Early Childhood Education
This program is 36 credit hours and . . . well, it's an education degree. With it I'd be able to teach babies through . . . I think 2nd grade?
PROS
- This one has a very clear job plan and a very clear career path. No question about how I'd use it after graduation or whether I'd use it.
- I could work anywhere in the country (because I'm not planning on staying in AZ forever).
- Offered online, so I could still work full time and location wouldn't be an issue.
- Short program; probably 3 semesters.
- Summers off. I know that is a totally ridiculous thing to point out (especially if you're a teacher and are reading this) but honestly, working as a teacher would give me summers to focus on my writing, and I like that--because whatever I end up doing I still want to be a novelist.
- My first job ever was as a gymnastics instructor working with younger kids, and I know that if I go into education this is the age group I want to work with.
- Easy application process--no letters of rec or anything like that.
CONS
- I don't actually know if I want to be a teacher. I've never been a huge fan of going into education, and I worry that I'm only doing it because I want a career of some kind, and that I'd hate it.
Option C: MA in Counseling
This is a 60 hour program and at the end of it, I could work as a LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor).
PROS
PROS
- Obviously this is something close to my heart. As someone who deals with mental illness personally I would love more than anything to help others going through it.
- My own history would lend me empathy; I could relate to my clients/patients better.
- I could get a job anywhere.
CONS
- Despite my desire to help others with these issues, I almost feel like, I've spent so much time fixing myself, I don't know that I really want to spend the rest of my life fixing others. Selfishly, I'd rather continue working on myself, if that makes sense.
- This is a long program. I'd probably be in for three years.
- Not offered online. I'd be locked into either Flagstaff, Tucson, or Phoenix. This also means I wouldn't be able to work--at least not full time, anyway--while I was in school, and that's a little scary.
- I don't know what the admissions requirements are (because the NAU grad website is complete crap now).
- I would not be able to start until Fall 2013.
OK, I think that's everything! If you know me, please give me advice, and even if you don't . . . I'd like advice from you too! And after you read this, feel free to vote in the little poll on the right.
Again, like I said, I really am up in the air about all of these, and while advice and poll results won't be the absolute deciding factor, I would love love love some input from outside of my own mind. :)
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