[firengineer]

We were in the process of moving to NH but can't sell our place in CT. We're hoping the market picks up by 2013 when we plan to put it back on the market.

In the meantime, I'm thinking about getting my masters,and coming here for advice. I have a pre-law degree from UCSD. I've been working as a fire security engineer at a large company in CT. Can't move up anymore (hit the ceiling) and looking to explore. I'm in my early-mid 30s and was thinking about Human Resources due to my Bachelor's, IT Security or maybe going the scientific route and looking into forensics. I would need to take night classes.

I'm so confused and need some guidance by someone who knows the ins and outs of schooling and which ones to consider. Looking at UB, UNH, Housatonic, Gateway and Norwalk CCs.

[kidyankee764]

Sounds like with your background you might like the Fire Science program at UNH. A very good friend of mine just went through it and, while it was very difficult and most courses were NOT able to be done online, it worked out well for him. You can DM me and I can put you in contact with him if you'd like.

They do look at your undergrad degree though so if you didn't do well, you might have a problem getting in. But I think it's a great thing to look into, especially in a crappy economy.

[inetlom]

Originally Posted by firengineer

I'm so confused and need some guidance by someone who knows the ins and outs of schooling and which ones to consider. Looking at UB, UNH, Housatonic, Gateway and Norwalk CCs.

I wouldn't consider the community colleges for a Master's degree - I couldn't find anything about an accredited Master's program on Gateway's page (doesn't mean it doesn't exist, though). You could also look into Southern CT or another state university in the area, or even UConn.

To be honest, if I were looking at two candidates, one with a Master's from UB/UNH and one from Gateway, I would probably consider the UNH person over Gateway. My husband did a number of prereqs at Gateway for a Master's program and while it was a great, inexpensive option for what he needed at the time, the quality of education is not as good as what you would get at one of the other universities and the impact on your career might not be as good as you had hoped.

I had a friend who did forensic science at UNH and had a good experience, but came away with a LOT of loans. If you're already employed this may not be as big of an issue for you. In-state tuition at one of the other universities could be helpful as well.

[brandonfromseattle]

I'm getting an MPA from UConn. You can do that program part-time and all of the classes are in the evening. If you want to do HR or administration it is a good route to consider.

PS when you take out the yearly taxes you're paying the housing market will not come back.

[mlassoff]

Community colleges do not traditionally offer Masters Degrees-- and if they did I wouldn't get one there. That having been said, when I hire professionals (software development) I could give a rats pa-tootey about a masters degree. For the most part, a Masters seems to be what people do when they need to kill a year, the job market is slow or they are preparing for some life event-- A friend of mine got a Masters because he knew he would be marrying and moving cross country the next year.

If you want the knowledge offered by the Master's-- GREAT. If it's just to pad a resume... Save your money.

If you are looking for HR-- that's a business degree. Consider an MBA-- That's the Master's in Business Administration and it's THE professional degree for most business people. I don't have one myself, but have worked with a lot of people who have (Mostly when I worked for a venture capital investment firm). MBA programs in Connecticut are offered in all four corners of the state-- Consider U of Hartford, Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, University of New Haven, Quinnipiac College, Southern Connecticut State University.

[firengineer]

Thanks everyone.

Mlassoff, what is it about master's degrees that you don't like? I don't see why getting it if they have time to kill is a bad thing. Thats, in a way, my situation. I'm also not sure if I could pass the GMAT to be accepted into MBA program at UNH.

I doubt companies will look at you for an HR positionif you don't have specialized training in it, right?

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by firengineer

Mlassoff, what is it about master's degrees that you don't like? I don't see why getting it if they have time to kill is a bad thing. Thats, in a way, my situation. I'm also not sure if I could pass the GMAT to be accepted into MBA program at UNH.

It's not that I don't like Masters Degrees... education is great. I am saying they're not usually a factor in hiring decisions for me. I just don't think it's a ton better to have a Masters Degree than it is to have experience in industry. You can get many Masters Degrees in 10 months. It's just not an achievement that really represents mastery -- or even in-depth study-- any more.

[firengineer]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

It's not that I don't like Masters Degrees... education is great. I am saying they're not usually a factor in hiring decisions for me. I just don't think it's a ton better to have a Masters Degree than it is to have experience in industry. You can get many Masters Degrees in 10 months. It's just not an achievement that really represents mastery -- or even in-depth study-- any more.

Well no offense, but did you even read my situation? I didn't ask about your hiring decisions. I'm not advancing my career. I'm looking to get a Master's to begin a new career path (HR/Labor Relations).

[Kristin85]

Out of the schools you mentioned, only UNH is reputable across the board. UB will get you a usable degree to be a public school teacher or sociologist, but if you're looking to move into a specified industry then UNH is best. The only issue with getting an HR degree is that companies are more likely to hire someone who has many years of HR experience and no related degree than someone with an HR degree and no experience. (I've tried getting into HR as well but just can't meet the experience requirements.) You may be better off talking to a UNH Admissions employee and asking which master's program has the most opportunity for advancement and which program leads to the fastest job offers.

[JayCT]

Please stop the bickering and stick to the topic. JayCT, Moderator