A common question I am asked by mentees is if they should get an additional master's degree in public health (MPH). Below are a few questions I walk them through to help find the answer.
You want to get your Masters in Public Health too? Nice! Pursuing higher education is admirable, but before dropping an extra $60k-$100k on ANOTHER degree, consider asking yourself the following questions:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⚠️Why pursue another degree?
Is there an actual use for it or just something you want? If so, that’s an expensive “just because,” especially if borrowing student loans 😕⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⚠️What do you plan to do with it?
How are you going to put all of those degrees to work? What’s the game plan? 👀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⚠️Can those career plans be done w/o the other degree?
In other words, is the degree mandatory for the plans discussed above? If not, can experience be gained in place of the degree? Employers love experience, degrees mean very little without It 🙃⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⚠️What resources are available to finance the degree?
If the degree is mandatory, is it possible to start gaining entry-level experience w/ an employer that offers tuition assistance ? If they are willing to pay for some or all of the degree, why not let ‘em? This arrangement is typically followed by guaranteed employment upon graduation 🤗⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⚠️Cost & ROI/Salary increase?
Another critical question is, what’s the incentive for the degree? School isn’t cheap 😒 If going for another degree, determine whether or not it’s worth both the time & financial investment.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Ex: Tori, is a full-time PA-C & mom of 3. For her, going back for a $65k MPH degree paid for w/ student loans results in a $5,000 increase in salary… 🤔 worth it or nah?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Suggestion: Discover existing job titles & descriptions requiring both degreeS, then perform a job search. If at least 3 job openings posted within the last 30days aren't found, then maaaaybe reconsider? 🤷🏾♀️ Unless, once again, this is a “just because” degree … But as always, ma’am, the final decision is up to you, do what you want 🙂⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
P.S – same advice goes for #DMSc … any additional degrees, really. School is soooooo damn expensive 😩
In a Nutshell
Education is valuable. Knowledge is power. I’m all for self improvement and people wanting to earn their degrees. I also believe that time and money should be spent wisely. As always, be smart and do you!
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