The Value of a Master’s Degree
The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn. - Alvin Toffler
Is College Becoming Passe?
Growing up in the 1980s, there was very little question about whether or not I would attend college. It was assumed that any person who was capable would go for at least a four-year degree. Even through the early 2000s, when I raised my oldest children, that assumption remained.
Michelle Obama said, “You have to stay in school. You have to. You have to go to college. You have to get your degree. Because that’s the one thing people can’t take away from you, is your education. And it is worth the investment.”
I do not disagree with the sentiment, but I do, however, disagree with the path. Education does not only happen in a four-year or eight-year degree program. While I do not regret getting my bachelor’s degree, the jury is still out on whether or not the master’s degree was worth the effort and investment. I enjoyed the program because I enjoy learning, but did I need to pursue the degree in order to do either? I’m leaning toward probably not.
Bill Beattie tells us, “The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think, than what to think — rather to improve our minds, so as to enable us to think for ourselves, than to load the memory with thoughts of other men.” I do not know who Bill Beattie is, but I agree with him!
The Value of a College Degree
The world is changing, albeit slowly in some circles. Some companies still consider that piece of paper worthy of more income or a step on the leadership ladder. I find that disappointing, mostly because while I enjoyed my master’s program, I learned more in my 25-year career than I did in the program.
I mentioned that my oldest children did go through four-year programs, and my second daughter continued through her master’s. My third daughter went to trade school and became a welder, and my youngest completed a programming bootcamp. My oldest two have a great deal of student loan debt, and both are currently stay-at-home moms (and very happily so). My third daughter, 25 years old, is now in management at a steel processing plant, just bought her own house, and lives fully independently without any debt. My son recently got married and, at 23, is just finishing up his program, but also has zero debt and several job prospects. My oldest daughter regrets her college degree decision, but my second still believes it was right for her. My younger two are extremely grateful they chose to go against the grain and skip the four-year degree.
To Pursue a Master’s Degree or Not?
Perhaps it isn’t so much to do a master's degree or not, but instead to consider the why behind either decision. There is, of course, practical knowledge, as in if we want to become a physician, there is practical knowledge required. However, there is also theoretical knowledge that is sought for its own sake.
Concepts such as the nature of the soul, truth, goodness, and beauty can be learned through literature, philosophy, and art. These pursuits have value beyond any practical application and are the reasons why my second daughter does not regret her English B.A. or her English writing master’s degree. In fact, she earned a scholarship for writing about Thomas Aquinas’s belief that education has an innate value, not merely practical value. The founding president of Thomas Aquinas College says, “Liberal education, as we have understood it, is the cultivation of the mind with no other end than the truth itself.” (Dr. Ronald P. McArthur)
When considering whether or not to pursue a degree, I suggest asking some pointed questions first.
What are the reasons for pursuing the degree? Does your company still assert that such a degree would make you a more valuable employee? Do you believe you will have more to offer with the degree?
What is the investment, both in time and in resources? As working women – and oftentimes working moms – there is precious little “extra” time or money in our lives, so that needs to be considered.
Is this a personal goal or dream? Have you always wanted to pursue a higher degree, and is it more of a bucket list item than a career move?
Do you simply love learning and desire to continue your acquisition of knowledge? If this is the case, can you find other ways to pursue more knowledge, expertise, insight, or whatever you dream of attaining through a less rigorous, more enjoyable, and – most likely – less expensive way?
My greatest advice for someone considering pursuing this path is to be very honest with yourself about your reasons. Plutarch says, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” If getting another degree will kindle a fire for you to become more impactful or more personally fulfilled, go get it! However, if the reason lies in someone else’s perception of what you need to do in order to achieve, gain, or find value, consider the source and blaze a new trail for yourself.
Laryn Weaver is a Catholic writer and speaker whose current focus is a ministry of availability and prayer. Her greatest joys are her marriage, her adult children, and her four grandbabies! Find out more about Laryn at larynweaver.com