In June, assuming all goes as planned I will graduate with a B.Sc. in History with a minor in Political Science. It’s been five years plus a bit in the making, going to school part-time and evenings while working more-or-less full time.
I’m finishing spring break now and after spending several days at the seaside playing with my kids and staying in old motel on the beach I returned home to an email that informed me that I have been admitted to graduate school: a Master’s of Arts in History program. 15 months, fully online.
First reaction: Yay!
Then: Gulp. Holy shit. What have I gotten myself into?
So on one hand here I am—a 10th grade high school dropout with a GED who never took the SAT—about to start grad school: something I never, in all the years I have been whittling away at my bachelor’s, thought I would be able to accomplish.
On the other hand, I need to find a way to pay for it. And since History isn’t exactly one of the top-10 in-demand degrees, I’m concerned that if I take out loans to pay for it I’ll simply be saddled with an ever-increasing amount of debt that I may not be able to easily pay back.
I’m conflicted, scared, worried, and excited all at once. I need to find a job after graduating in June (Any Oregon dopers have any good leads?) but I’m not confident that will allay my sudden newfound fears regarding school. I sacrificed much to finish my undergrad—I moved 200 miles away from my wife and family to ensure that I had continuity in my education. My wife was finishing her associate’s degree at a community college and staying together would have meant one or the other of us would’ve had to quit school temporarily. Now, in a few short weeks, it will be over and I’ll be home and hopefully I will have a normal family again. That’s good. Maybe grad school will pale in comparison? I don’t know.
But I’m ready to take the plunge and to join the ranks of the college instructors that gave me so much encouragement and strength and many cheers as I struggled my way forward. I have no clue what this next chapter in my life will bring, but I welcome it.
In my past, storied as it is, I was a grad student in history. I received an income by TAing (leading sections, lecturing, and grading). I am not completely sure how this would work with an online program but I think something similar may be possible. I had a friend who worked at a community college and her classes were online. First stop, talk to the financial aid people and the folks in your department at your new school and see what they offer.
I know… I’m really having a hard time believing it. I feel almost like they haven’t realized what a dumbass they now have on their hands, or maybe it’s some horrible practical joke—seriously, it took me a while to convince myself I haven’t fallen for some hugely elaborate scam.
This means a lot. You know more than most here what struggles I’ve had to deal with the last several years, and your cheers are much welcome. I may not be on my way to being a mathematician or IT pro, but I’m doing what I love.
High school grad to Air Force. Not enough scholarships to make University. GI Bill. Starved, Sweated, Worked my ass off to get my BS in English Lit, Dad says “get a degree or you’re nothing”. That from an alcoholic, closeted homosexual. 6 years for a BS, U of O '83. Worked as TA, Associate Prof at JC’s, never earning enough to support anyone. (Joke: What is the difference between and English Major and a Large Pizza? Answer: A large Pizza CAN feed a family of four.) Went back into the mechanical field (HVAC) where I earned my tuition/living money and am doing wonderfully. Married an RN. Have a great son and great life. Took me 3 years to pay off student loans. There’s something Shakespearean in there but damned if I can see it.
In hind sight I should have gone for Mechanical Engineering or some engineering field, but my dad was a Political Science/English dual major and as the first born, I was expected to go into the “Family Business” as it were. My next brother is a master cabinet maker and the youngest one is in Public Health, worked to eradicate Small Pox and other nasties in Africa. (Both sisters are Government Employees. But I love them.)
Congratulations! It’s a fantastic feeling to be accepted into grad school, and you’ve certainly earned it.
I originally graduated from college with a BA in History and planned on getting my PhD and teaching college. I was accepted into my #1 and #3 grad schools. But I couldn’t get enough funding and would have needed to take out more student loans.
In the end, I chose not to go. I was looking at another 7 years of school. If I could find a job after graduating, starting salary was forecasted to be about $30k.
I stumbled into another line of work (accounting), and made $30k that first year. My yearly salary is now substantially higher.
Do I miss history? Definitely. Do I wish I had pursued my PhD? Honestly, no. From a financial standpoint, my current income is higher and I’ve been able to start saving for retirement a full 7 years earlier than if I went to grad school.
I’m in school part-time now working on getting enough hours to qualify to sit for the CPA. I do wish I had either gotten an accounting degree to begin with, or gone back to school soon after first graduating.
There isn’t a right answer for everyone. Pursuing your masters might be the best decision for you and your family. I would recommend looking long and hard at all of your options before making a decision.
This is a huge freaking deal. And yes, you’ve earned it. I know how hard you’ve been working.
And yes, it’s also scary. I’m going to try not to dissuade you just because of my own bitterness toward academia (though I don’t regret my Masters for a second, it’s the Ph.Ds I look upon with suspicion.) But these are financial realities to consider, you will be challenged to find a job and you may not make much money. But if it’s what you love doing then it doesn’t really matter. It is a calculated risk. But what’s life without risk?
Just curious, what were you planning 5 years ago when you started down this path? did you look into career prospects?
Hey, I’m also a history nut and I’d love to get a degree in history. But sadly I know it doesnt pay anything so I will just live out my hobby thru books, movies, and visits to museums. If I had more time I’d do historical recreations.
With a Master’s degree in History, you should be able to find a job as a teacher’s aide somewhere in southern Malheur County, perhaps Lakeview if you get lucky.
