Has a master's degree been worth it?

[EvanGPetrie]

I am beginning to set my mind on earning a masters degree. I am two years removed from college and am two years wiser with GIS experience. I am starting to feel prepared for more education, but I have reservations...

1. Is a masters in GIS worth it? And if so, what masters was worth it for you? Is there a masters you wish you pursued instead?
2. What program worked for you? I am in search for a remote program that allows me to stay at my current position. From some research it is clear UCLA, Penn, and until recently, Madison (RIP) have some of the best remote masters programs. Which programs are overlooked?
3. The cost and time. I am prepared for a difficult course. However, I intend on maintaining my full time position while taking courses. What course load is reasonable? I am an average person that has a life outside of work and have hobbies. I don't expect I would finish in a year or maybe even two. How heavy of a course load did you take on? Would you have done it differently if you could do it over?

That was a lot of questions. I have done research and seen the tier lists but I appreciate advice and opinions on matters I haven't experienced, especially from real people like you! Know that all answers and advice are appreciated in advance and will be taken into genuine consideration.

[RyanUthoff]

It's always tough to help answer these questions because there isn't a "one size fits all" solution. It ultimately depends on what you are wanting.

The first thing that I will say is that a master's degree needs to be something that YOU want. You need to have a desire to get it. Otherwise, you will get burnt out.

Next, you never said what your bachelor's degree is in. If it is GIS (or GIS concentration), then I would say a master's degree isn't as necessary (that is a very broad statement and exceptions apply). But if you have a degree where you didn't have much coursework in GIS, then a master's degree might be better for you. 

Next, it depends on what your career goals are. If you're looking to go more into a research role, then a master's degree will probably be very helpful. But if you're looking to do more "standard" GIS work, then I'd say a bachelor's is probably good enough. Again, that is a broad statement, but that's how I think about it.

Also, one thing to keep in mind is that as more time goes by, the less a master's degree is necessary. Essentially, you'll get diminishing returns as time goes on. A master's degree might unlock more opportunities faster, but as you gain more GIS experience as the years go by, you'll be able to unlock those opportunities through experience as opposed through education.

Other options are getting a degree in something GIS "adjacent", like computer science, if you're wanting to be a GIS developer.

With all that being said, I don't have a master's degree. I've considered getting a master's degree, but I just don't think it is worth the huge time and cost at this point. Everything I've said above is what I've thought about when considering going back to school. At this point, it's been 8 years since I received my bachelor's in GIS, and I've already unlocked what I want to do in my career just through work experience.

One university that I've heard that is really good is John Hopkins University. That and Penn State are some of the best schools.

Obviously I can't answer your last question, but I'd say you'd probably need to do part time coursework if you're going to stay at your current job full time.

[FrancescaSala]

Hi, did you decide to get your masters degree?

[EvanGPetrie]

@RyanUthoff Thank you so much for the input and response! My degree is in Geography, but my coursework involved a lot of GIS work, as I received a GIS Certification. As it happens, my current role is pointed towards development as you mentioned. Maybe it could be more beneficial to go for another undergrad in computer science.

[EvanGPetrie]

@FrancescaSala I have yet to decide if I want to go for my masters degree. So many things I need to decide on before making such a big decision!