Is It Worth It To Get Your Masters Or PH.D?

Question

I have a degree in sociology and have been trying for 3 years to get a decent paying job. A degree now a days is just like a high school diploma, everyone has one. I have also noticed that its not what you know, its who you no, when looking for employment. I have seen people with no education but with years of experience at CEO, Director and management positions. What should I do ? If so, what area of study should I get into, where I will get a job?

Answer 1

You need to be more specific as to your interests for anyone to give you advice on an area of study. What sort of work are you looking to do? I could tell you to go get a graduate degree in physical therapy - you'd certainly be able to find a job upon graduating successfully, but if you have no desire to do the work then what would be the point?

There are plenty of jobs out there - you just need the right combination of interest/training (education)/experience to do them. An undergraduate degree in sociology is not automatically going to open a lot of doors for you, unfortunately...you'll need to do a lot of legwork on your own to track down opportunities and creatively market yourself. (As opposed to undergraduate degrees in engineering, accounting, etc. where the degree itself brings the opportunities to you.)

It doesn't sound like you have a clear idea of what it is that you want. Which is okay - there are plenty of people in your boat. But, until you narrow down your interests a little more, its going to be hard for anyone to give you good advice.

Answer 2

What do you want to do? What are your priorities? Do you want to work in the sociology field?...then a masters of Ph.D. would improve your marketability but it may not improve your income enough to satisfy your needs. You need to find that out now. Take a look at the Occupational Outlook for various careers you're considering and get more information before you spend more time at school getting a degree that doesn't solve your problems!

If pay is very important, get out of sociology...find a field that would let you use those skills in a higher paying field such as management or marketing (sociology can help you understand organizational behavior, corporate culture, and even buying behavior). An MBA combined with an undergraduate degree in sociology would open the door to many new careers. If you want to teach at a university, a Ph.D. is the way to go if you want "decent pay"...and again, a Ph.D. in management pays a LOT more than a Ph.D. in sociology.

One thing you may want to look for is a graduate program that provides internship opportunities in your chosen field. You're certainly correct that who you know can get you a job, so find a way to get to know people who can further your career AND gain experience you can put on your resume even if you have to volunteer your services!

Answer 3

Don't spend your time getting a Ph.D. unless you want to be in charge of some serious research studies (and yes you must publish these...publish or perish still applies). You may also want to consider a PhD. if you need to work clinically with sociology or psychology (although that would typically involve the Psy.D.)
It took me almost 6 years to get my Ph.D. (albeit, not in a social science like sociology or psychology) and it's essential for a research position, but anything less than that you should be preparred to be called "overqualified". So, don't go for that degree unless you need it.
The masters degree might be something to consider if you want to further your education past an undergraduate degree, but aren't looking at a doctorate (it doesn't take as long to complete a masters program either).

Answer 4

It is worth getting your Masters or PhD, BUT make sure you get some work experience under your belt when you earn your Masters. Otherwise, you will be too expensive to hire in any capacity.

I "took-on" numerous titles/challenges that were related to may career before and after my Masters It facilitated employment in my dream career.

Its not a matter of who you know... its more like... what reputation have you made for yourself. If by the mention of your name people automatically relate it to a "Kick-A--" professional that goes beyond the call of duty... that alone will make an impression on the boss. Word gets around and it will lead you to your career.

I earned my Masters for 12 years ago and now I'm considering a Doctorate. If you are not married it will make it so much easier to dedicate time to your studies and extra effort you put into work. If you are... more than likely you have a spouse/children that understands and will support you throughout the process.

REMEMBER... your Masters Degree can be in anything! Mix and Match... customize it to make your education and experience marketable.

You have nothing to lose and much to gain! Good luck my friend!

Answer 5

It's not the degree but the major that counts. You have a degree which is (to put it politely) not marketable. There just isn't any job demand for that degree. If you want a job based upon college training, get training in areas where there are jobs available (engineering, computers, medical services, business). Or if you are really committed to sociology, get an advanced degree (or degrees) and teach. When my ex-wife got her degree in sociology, she found that with that degree and a dollar she could get a cup of coffee (it was years ago, and things haven't changed in that field). She went back to school, got an MBA and got multiple job offers before she even graduated.

Answer 6

It depends on what jobs you are interested in require. First find your own interests, then do some research to find out what degrees can help you achieve your goals. I don't have enough info from you to make a recommendation, unfortunately. But look into a Master's of Public Health... I know many with sociology degrees taking that route.

Answer 7

A masters degree would be a good idea, but don't bother to get a doctorate degree unless you want to be a college professor. There are lots of things you could try--business or something in technology would be a good idea. I cannot answer the question about where you will get a job.

Answer 8

I feel the same way. In the area I am in it is difficult to find a teaching job without knowing somebody in the school district. I am taking time to pursue my masters in hopes of developing myself professionally and I would definitely say that it is worth it. The knowledge and experience I am gaining is so valuable. As for finding a decent job, you may have to work your way up. Get to know people, volunteer, get involved in community service and activities. This could introduce you to the people you need to know to get a job, and the volunteering you do makes a great impression on them. The more you are involved in developing yourself professionally and in giving back to the community, the more successful your job search can become.

Answer 9

You could go back and get your Masters or PhD so that you can teach Sociology in a college or university...people I know with Sociology degrees couldn't find jobs either. Perhaps you may want to go into teaching or something.

Answer 10

Not only is it worth it, it's fun! I'm doing a doctorate in linguistics right now, and I'm having the time of my life. In grad school you get to design your program and focus on whatever you want to learn about. You get to become the expert. A Master's is better if you want to enter the non-academic work force in most areas. If you want to be a prof, then go for the gold and get the doctorate! Your thesis is a lot of work, and you have to be disciplined (I'm actually on answers right now in an effort to avoid my thesis), but it's amazing to really get to delve into what you want to do. Teaching as a prof is fun, and really rewarding, without most of the the crap you'd have to put up with dealing with children as a teacher.