Master’s Degree?
Posted by brothermendel@reddit | marinebiology | View on Reddit | 6 comments
Seeking some advice here, I am considering going back to school for my masters. I got my degree a few years back and the idea of returning to school has me anxious as I am a little worried I’ve been out of school too long. I got my B.S in Marine Biology and minored in environmental science. I don’t have much of an idea of what my thesis might look like, though I am particularly interested in hydrothermal vent ecology, coastal/estuarine sciences, and phytoplankton ecology.
Some questions I have for anyone that went back to get their masters:
-Did you feel this significantly changed the outcome of your career? Was it worth it?
-How long did it take you to obtain?
-Did you get your masters in marine biology or a related science? I’ve been looking into some local programs and saw a few options that were environmental science with emphasis on estuarine ecology that seemed pretty interesting.
mandyrabbit@reddit
I went back a few years later and did mine online while working. It helped me get the job I'm in now. I work in aquaculture so there are frequent good career opportunities.
It took 2.5 years as it was part time distant learning. Was hard going on top of a full time job but I couldn't afford to leave and relocate to study. I might do a PhD some day and it would open opportunities for that, but I'm actually quite happy (usually) in my job and I've got life and family commitments too.
Symphurine_dreams@reddit
I went straight into a Masters program after graduating with my BS in Marine Biology. My Masters degree is in Marine Science, with an emphasis in fisheries. My first long term job was actually as research faculty at a university studying freshwater fishes...my thesis dealt with life history, so it also made me available to study fish in various environments. I currently work for a state agency working with marine fish life history and stock assessments. Current pay is ~$90k; not spectacular given my time in but pretty comfortable. I feel that my Masters was worth every penny. Disclaimer: i paid under 8k for my degree and it took 3 years...it was 30 years ago! You can get a permanent, well paying job with a Masters, where I am now a BS can get you a seasonal job with substantially lower pay.
badmunke@reddit
I'm about to study for 3 years in marine bio and qas wondering if it was worth it to immediately go for masters before starting work or getting work in the field first then going for it. Is it better to immediately go for masters?
Symphurine_dreams@reddit
That depends. I graduated with high marks and was able to get into one of my top 3 universities straight out. At the time I thought it may have been harder to take time off to work and then go back to school in that I'd lose study habits. Looking back, maybe getting some experience first wouldn't have been a bad option either, it would have been easier to craft a thesis project for sure. Sorry for such a crappy answer, but I really do think it depends on your situation.
GoosicusMaximus@reddit
Have you been working in marine science in the meantime?
You pretty much need a PhD to get anywhere serious in the field now
brothermendel@reddit (OP)
I’ve been working in aquaculture and marine biology for the last 1.5 years, at my current job I am a contractor for the government doing marine bio work but my pay is minimal. If able, I would continue to work for the government to expedite my career path so that I don’t have to work endless seasonal minimum wage positions for the state. That said, I’d like to further my education in case that doesn’t work out for me.