Wife looking at Master's programs - recommendations?

[DegreeSeeking]

Okay, I (the wife - taking over my DH account) am looking at options for getting my Master's degree. First, I have a B.Arch so I have about 30 hrs of 5000-6000 level courses (why isn't that a Master's already, I don't know). But, anyway, I went into residential practice years ago, never got my architectural license (which is a major job to do with 7 exams over 2 years, continuing ed, etc - although I have been approved to take the exams - another feat of 3 yrs of internship after college, but I digress....). I haven't worked in a firm doing commercial work for most of my career..... THEN in 2008 I started staying at home with my kiddos. I've been home now for 4 years. It's definitely put me off-track of going back into architecture unless I basically start over and brush up on the latest and greatest software. And have you seen the pay? I don't know if it's worth it. I sometimes question why I chose a path that is the same years if I went to med school (5 yr college, 3 yr internship...) all for a starting pay of 'what was I thinking' and working my way up to 'I'm going to die penniless and overworked'? Haha!

So, I'm considering going back to college and getting my Master's degree (online), but I'm not even sure where to start. I want to keep it affordable (not outrageous), but when I'm done, I want to be able to do something with it OUTSIDE of architecture (which is such a small niche market). I've thought about an MBA or Project Management or even Organizational Leadership. But, what does a person do with those degrees? Can I go from architecture to another industry altogether? How hard is it to change careers? Should I look at something like Accounting or Math (which would be a challenge since it's been so many years since I took math)? I'm just not sure what would be a good fit and would love to hear some ideas. THANKS! :confused:

[Prloko]

Hi,

I'm by no means a subject matter expert as I'm still working on my Bachelors, but to keep the thread going here's my take. As you know, the US job market is extremely tough. You're at a disadvantage being out of work and also having specialized experience. If you are looking into marketable careers, the best bet is to get a second bachelors. With Sarbanes-Oxley, the need for auditors has increased. Getting a degree in accounting with an auditing or forensic accounting background will but you in demand, but at entry level of course. With all the baby-boomers going into retirement, anything supporting that generation is going to see huge demand; leisure, travel, health-care (admin, nursing, hospice), etc. That last industry with increased demand I can think of is technology. Everything is on line and only more is going to come of it. Maybe you can go to school for adult education delivery systems. I believe Indiana State had a degree like that.

Getting an MBA will increase your marketability, but you may have to start at the bottom anyhow. You seem incredibly smart, maybe opening a franchise would be a good fit for you (if you have the start up capital). In that case, an MBA with a specialization in entrepreneurship is something you might be interested in.

[marianne202]

My recommendation is to look at careers that interest you and see what degree is desired or required. I would think you would benefit from some area that would also allow you to use your previous education and experience. Project management may be something that could do that. What about utilizing CAD and going into design? The bureau of labor has statistics on most careers with expected growth potential, average salary and educational requirements. You may want to look at those as well. Talk to people you know who do jobs you would like to do, that is the best information! Good luck!

[ryoder]

I agree with marianne on this one. Talk to people with interesting careers and ask them how they got into it. I am surprised people don't do this more. I see people working in low level technology jobs and sometimes ask what they would like to do and where they would like to go. Many don't have a clue and don't know anyone who is in the position they seek. Thats a problem. Find someone who is where you want to be in 5-10 years and ask them what path you should follow.

The MBA Project Management job is a great fit for someone doing project management already. Project managers have specialized skills. They manage projects, not people. Its really a different thing. The people working on their projects may be working on other projects and usually report to different managers so they have to rely on communication and organizational skills to get things done.

[DegreeSeeking]

Great advice. Thanks! For whatever reason, I'm in a funk about what I want to do now. I'm just going to have to take some time to think on it and hopefully, I will find a direction.

[Tweedlefish]

Take advantage of the degree you already have and find another way to use it. Do you like to teach your subject to others? Get your masters and teach other up and coming architects. Or, get your master's in business and help others get started in architecture businesses. I'm a career changer, too. I hear you on the funk! Good luck!!

[rebel100]

Ive been rather impressed with the format of the Western Governors University MBA . Its cheap if you have time to devote to getting it done (self paced). At just $3000 ish per term with each term a full 6 months. Someone not working could add that to their resume in <1 year. With the number of students they are turning out there is a strong alumni network growing that will serve to make it a continually attractive option IMO. I plan to start September /October.

[valsacar]

MBA, with Project Management as a possible focus, is a good choice. WGU, as rebel100 mentioned, is a great option for getting your Masters. I'm currently doing one there (not MBA, but the process is all the same) and it's been a good experience so far. I'm on track to finish in my 6 month term, and that's with a family and a full time job. I worked in my field for a while, so instead of wasting time in courses for subjects I already know I can just jump straight to the projects and complete them at my pace (sometimes a week or less, for a whole courses worth of projects).

WGU has some downsides, it takes a lot of self-disciple and the ability to learn mostly on your own. That shouldn't be new to anyone on this forum, as CLEP/DANTES/etc are all about the same thing. Expect to do a lot of writing with WGU (and Masters level courses in general), as well as work in MS Project (you should get that for free) and some Powerpoint work.