[kictanet] [Skunkworks] Masters Degree Program: Is It Worth It?

[Betty Obura Ogange]

Hi Kivuva, 


I like the ‘bragging rights’ bit;-).

Self-study is cheaper as you say, but
perhaps more expensive in the long run. Going to class, be it an online or
physical class, has some added value as you become part of a ‘community of
enquiry’ where learners collectively construct meaning as they engage in
collaborative learning activities of various kinds. This is why group work is
encouraged in many learning contexts. 


Self-study in its purest form sets you on a lonely learning
path and one definitely misses out on the added value that comes with the diverse
abilities that will naturally exist in a more social learning context.

I would choose Masters in a set up where I learn alongside others.


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On Tuesday, 15 October 2013, 14:14, Adam Nelson <adam at varud.com> wrote:
 
Michael,

A Masters is potentially a program that can teach you a broad set of skills including how to think critically, how to communicate effectively, how to teach yourself, and how to work with others.

A certificate is going to teach you how to do a specific set of tasks in a certain domain (i.e. Window Server management).

The thing with certificates is that they last for no more than 10 years and typically only 5.  In addition, some people view certificates as an anti-credential and count them against the candidate with the theory that certificates aren't demonstrative of true comprehension of the subject matter.

I would choose the Masters since it's a credential that lasts a lifetime but of course it's also far more expensive that just a series of certs.

Cheers,
Adam


--
Kili.io - OpenStack for Africa: kili.io
Musings: twitter.com/varud
About Adam: www.linkedin.com/in/adamcnelson



On Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 1:44 PM, Michael Bullut <main at kipsang.com> wrote:

Greetings Listers,
>
>
>I've been wrestling with a quagmire for sometimes now about pursuing a Masters Degree Program. As an Information Technology professional, would it more pertinent to seek vendor certifications as they instruct on what technologies the industry is using? In my humble observation, professionals of all fields pursue a Masters either because it is fashionable or they have no other choice but to do so. My question to my brethren: What would your advice be in such a situation? Did you pursue a Masters because it was a means to an end or it enhanced your knowledge and passion in the field? 
>
>
>Help a wandering young man out?
>
>
>
>Warm regards, 
>
>Michael Bullut. 
>
>
>---
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>Cell: +254 723 393 114.
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