Oscar Said:

Finish master's degree or start a professional job?

We Answered:

What an exciting time in your life!
I think you should transfer your credits to a program that might challenge your mind more. And what an adventure travelling across the country! (you should make it a road trip!!!)
I worked while I was working on my teaching credential, it was hard, but worth it, I was able to earn money while learning and doing what I love.

Good Luck with everything!!!

Mathew Said:

Master's in Higher Education Administration?

We Answered:

There's an "artificial" market, in that many Boards of Education insist on ordinary teachers getting Muster's and Doctorate degrees, and rewarding these degrees.

However, graduate degrees aimed at teachers have a very bad reputation — odorous, in fact. The doctorate in Education (Ed.D/DeD) is a joke, and the MHEA is not much better.

You won't learn much with an MHEA — but you may get a pay raise.

Andrea Said:

What type of graduate school experience did you have?

We Answered:

I had a terrible graduate school experience. Maybe because I went into a history graduate program and I thought I would learn a lot about history. But it was nothing like that. It was very politcal. The professors who had tenure were not helpful. They all wanted to write books and articles and did not care how long or even if we ever finished our Masters degrees or PhDs. Not all of the professors were like that, but enough of them were like that. Enough of them to make for a miserable experience. And we had to go to these meetings all of the time where they would tell us that because we were graduating from a state university we would probably never get jobs because the only people getting jobs were from big schools like Yale and Harvard. As I said this may be major dependent because I talked to other students at other graduate schools in history and they said the same thing. But I have talked to people at smaller colleges who have had a good experience. So maybe the key to a good graduate school experience is going to a smaller school.

Harvey Said:

Will I get into grad school?

We Answered:

The GRE is only one part of the application process so you still have a chance, especial being in the honor society. Just address what went wrong in your essay. Don't make excuses what happened; own it. Just explain what happened and anything you can do to mitigate what happened from repeating itself.

There's a decent chance you'll get in. It depends on where you apply. Schools weigh the test differently. Some schools only require that you take it; others may not consider you at all (depending on how bad you really did). Do research before applying. Don't be afraid of calling or sending emails asking the individual schools policies.

Can you retake the GRE before applying? I realize the deadlines are close, but there's still time if they're mid-Dec.

Good luck.

Alice Said:

If I want to pursue a career in Higher Education, should I get a Law degree?

We Answered:

There are a few jobs in higher education where a law degree would be the better choice. They often hire people with law degrees to be campus judicial officers--the person who coordinates student disciplinary proceedings. Law schools often want someone with a J.D. for most of their administrative and student services positions. And of course, there are college-level teaching jobs you can get with a J.D.

Otherwise, if you want to do higher ed administration, you're probably better off with the M.Ed. In most cases, it's the degree that search committees prefer to see, and it's going to give you better preparation for the work you'll be doing.

Either way, you will probably want to work for a few years after getting one advanced degree (J.D. or M.Ed.), before going on for the Ph.D. Jobs at the level where they want a doctorate will also require some significant work experience in the field. A doctorate without the experience will be an awkward combination, and not that marketable, if you're looking for an administrative job.

Jose Said:

HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION?

We Answered:

Hey there, I looked over your question and to answer some of your questions. I`m doing my PHD at the moment on Interior design. Why am i doing this? Because Company`s no longer recruit simple graduates. The economy is so bitter that they want the best for a small price.

Do the programme that interests you and your qualities. If you for example pick a course in Physics but are very bad at it, you will not excel to your maximum potential.

You wont be limited, Don't worry. Its unusual for someone to be limited with masters gpa higher than a 3.0

I think you need to think a little about the specific course you want to go through. Remember, courses take a minimum of 4 years. That's 4 years wasted if your not into the subject that you`ve chosen.

I think the best route for you is clear. What you`ve said and you sound very interested in it, Go for it. Don't be afraid that you wont get into the course.

Hope this helps and good luck in the future.