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[Jennifer_H]

I have decided to pursue a Masters degree so that I can teach at a Community College. I currently have a job where I spend a lot of time on these campuses and really love this population and the challenges it also provides.

The problem is- I'm not exactly sure WHAT to get my Masters in. I was considering either an MBA or something in Communication Studies, Technology, or Educational Technology... I've also heard there is a degree that allows you to be in Adminsitration but you can also teach- I might be interested in this...

I was hoping to get some advice on the following:

1) Which disicplines in the general areas I mentioned tend to have the highest starting salaries? (I anticipate taking a pay cut from my current career but want to take potential salary into consideration when choosing a degree)
2) Which discplines have the highest demand for instructors?
3) I'm overwhlemed trying to look at different programs- advice on choosing a graduate school?
4) Any suggestions for working full time and attending Graduate school? Your thoughts on Online programs?

Thank you for sharing your advice and thoughts.

[Keith Palmer]

Hey Jennifer,

An MBA almost certainly offers the highest starting salary. Business programs tend to be better funded than communications or educational technology programs... I'm not sure about a technology program in general, that's a pretty broad field.

I'm not sure about the demand for instructors.

I work full-time and am pursuing graduate studies. Many of the universities near me offer graduate classes at night, so I take night classes when I can. Many employers will be flexible about schedules if it's for like a twice-a-week graduate class as well, especially since upgrading your education may be to your employer's benefit in some way.

[Jennifer_H]

Thanks for the info! That makes sense that business programs have better funding. It might also be more versatile in life since I'm already in a business career....

Thanks!

[Keith Palmer]

Hey, on the other hand... do what you love!
Money isn't everything, sometimes loving what you do is more important!

[Jennifer_H]

I completely agree! That's why I'm wanting to teach at a Community College even though I will make quite a bit less. I LOVE teaching and I love this population! I'm just in a position where there are a lot of interests I have and a lot of it overlaps so I'd rather get the most marketable degree I can- where there is high demand and salaries are on the better end. I'll make sure I stick with something that interests me but what I really love is teaching.

[mikel]

thanks for this advice