<p>Hello everyone,</p>
<p>So I'll get right into it... I was accepted to both Master's programs I applied to and I am now having a very difficult time choosing. I applied to them knowing that I preferred one over the other, so I thought my choice would either be easy, or it would be made for me (eg. I'd only get into one program). </p>
<p>The programs are: Masters of Geography and Masters of Media/Public Affairs. I love Geography, I only like Media.</p>
<p>So here's where things get sticky: the media program has offered me a full scholarship. That's right, a full-freaking-scholarship.</p>
<p>So now I'm sitting here pulling my hair out trying to convince myself that (a) I'd be crazy to turn down so much money, or that (b) I'd be crazy to turn down my dreams. </p>
<p>So far, the only loser has been my sanity.</p>
<p>Can anyone think of reasons for either program? I'm just trying to infuse some fresh ideas into this process, so anything helps at this point.</p>
<p>Thanks so much, I really appreciate it.</p>
<p>^ I can only speak for Masters of Media/Public Affairs. That is such a wonderful degree; you can have jobs in Marketing, Media (i.e. Television, Radio, etc.), and of course, a high ranking PR position in MNCs, or any corporate companies. My aunt graduated with that particular degree 9 or so years ago, and now she’s a millionaire 0_0 I don’t know anything about Geography’s job prospects, but when you have an advantage of getting a free education for a great degree, i reckon you should take it. Although it could be a good thing to put in consideration if you could state the university(ies) that you’ve been accepted to.</p>
<p>What is your end goal?</p>
<p>What are you most talented in? Can you take Geography classes during your master’s program? make it compatible? These days, free grad school, at the masters level, doesn’t come easy.</p>
<p>Ticklemepink’s question is the main one you should consider. Where are you trying to get? What do you want to do? Those two degrees will take you in very different places - I’m imagining the geography degree is more academic/research focused (I have a friend in geography) whereas the media one is more professional. Do you want to go on to get a PhD in geography or a related field, or do you want to go into the workforce after you finish your master’s? I’d also imagine that positions are easier to get with the media degree. Lastly, the fields are vastly different. What do you want to DO? All the money to get the degree doesn’t mean much if you are going to try to get work as a geographer after you’re finished.</p>
<p>Does the MA in Geography offer a GIS track, or any GIS at all? If so, you’d be fairly well employable if you took advantage of that. Many masters programs in geography have GIS as a main focus, which makes them more technical/professional degrees than academic/research degrees. Combined with classes in human and/or physical geography, you would be prepared to work in the public or private sector in urban planning, community development, transportation planning, forestry management and research, water/public utilities management, marketing and market research, and on and on, possibly even public affairs.</p>