Are Master's Degrees considered a sign of "overqualification?"

<p>I have read often in this forum that PhD's are looked down on the job market because they indicate overqualification. How about Master's degrees? (Terminal Master's or Master's in the process of PhD) Are they viewed as "overqualified" as well?</p>

<p>In my field (engineering) this is definetely not true. Master’s will give you a better job.</p>

<p>I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. If overqualification because of a graudate degree is truly an issue, then just don’t list the degree on your resume. You are not required to list everything you have.</p>

<p>Now, some might argue, what about the official ‘job application form’ that some firms may require you to fill out and that may specifically request that you list every degree that you have? First off, I would say that that’s hardly a universal practice, as many firms (especially smaller firms) do not use such job application forms. But even so, at the point at which such a request is made - which usually happens when they’ve already decided to hire you and are just asking you to fill out such documents on a pro-forma basis - you can then just list your degrees honestly but then not mention it or otherwise advertise it. Many (probably most) hiring managers won’t even bother to look at your job application form at all, and will make a hiring decision purely on your resume and your interview.</p>

<p>I know in education, my girlfriend is getting her Masters free at her college but was told by other teachers that starting with just a BA is perferable because they have to pay you less and you can get your Masters over time. She didn’t want to pass up the opportunity or experience and I’m sure she will find work.</p>

<p>If you are considering a job where a masters would be a liability, you are not looking at the right jobs. The difference in pay between a masters and a bachelors holder is very minimal, not more than the bachelors plus a few years of experience.</p>

<p>I agree with belevitt. I have an MS and have a good job (the only reason i’m in this job is because of the MS)…I’ve been looking for a second, part-time job and have been applying at local retail stores, and a hotel to work at the front desk.
I’m trying to pay off our debt so we can go into graduate school without big payments every month.
Anyways, I haven’t been able to get a job at ALL after looking for months and trying. I think it’s in part because I have a Masters–they think they will have to pay me more or I don’t “need” the job that much.
So…get a Masters and then apply for jobs that call for a graduate degree, or some years of experience.</p>

<p>Suppose the name value of the Master’s degree school far exceeds that of the undergraduate school. In this case, will the Master’s degree help you look better in your resume?</p>

<p>^^^ Yes! Several professors, including one at Bowdoin, have told me they plan on sending their kids to lower-rated undergrad schools, and saving their money for better grad schools. That’s what we’re thinking about doing, too.</p>

<p>In that case, does the field of Master’s degree really matter for employers?</p>

<p>Does a Master’s degree matter much in a engineering field like Electrical Engineering?</p>

<p>Do employers kind of prefer a master in some senior engineer position? Suppose a master does get some research experience from the univ.</p>