Most people get their Bachelor’s Degrees at 21 or 22, which means that they would get their Master’s Degrees at 23 or 24, granted they start straight out of undergrad and finish on time. I’m wondering, because I’m about to finish my Bachelor’s Degree and I feel way too burnt out to go to grad school right away. I already have a job lined up. If I do this, I’ll finish my Master’s Degree at 25, almost 26. Is that normal? Will I be the oldest, or will other people have done the same thing?
Yes, lots of people take a break between undergrad and graduate degrees.
I’d say most students are more like 22/23 by the time they finish an undergraduate degree. Plenty of folks don’t pursue a Master’s right out of undergrad. You won’t be the oldest. Personally, I think it is smart to get off the academic treadmill and get a few years of work experience first. Don’t worry about what others do. Do what is right for you.
It’s FINE. I finished law school at 24 with a few months to spare, but I’ll be the first to admit I was not as mature or focused as some of my classmates who were a bit older. Some were quite a bit older. One woman had a son of about 11. She brought him to school events and social gatherings and we all LOVED him.
No one cares about age in grad school. Seriously.
Definitely, it is very common for people work for a few years before going to grad school.
I worked for two years in the middle, then went back and got a Masters. I was a MUCH better student after working for two years and I am very glad that I did it.
A number of companies encourage their employees to go back and get their masters degrees on the company dime. That’s what my daughter’s company did. Age doesn’t matter in grad school.
Yes. I finished my MBA at 27, and I was among the younger graduates in my class.
My daughter started her PhD program at 27… and there are a couple people in her program who are older.
I also finished my MBA at 27. My DH started later and finished his at about 39. We were both working and our employers covered the costs. Most of my peers were the same age or older. The ones who were not had gone through a combined BBA/MBA program.
Incredibly common, most people in my masters program were around 28. At 21, I was the extreme child of the group, but got along just as well as everyone else with the 30+ year old people in the program. You’re all in it together, age isn’t a real division there.
It doesn’t matter! Different fields have people do it at different times…but even then there is disparity. For example, my DD got a Master’s in Teaching right out of undergraduate. But some people work part time at it and do it much later.
I think the economic opportunities make a difference, also. If there are jobs available, undergrads may directly enter the job market. If there is a higher unemployment situation, grad school is a good way to delay a job search and add credentials.
I was 33, I think some work experience is in order before pursuing graduate degree.
Depends on the field. Some employers pay for their employees’ graduate studies.
I’m starting my bachelors at 25 and won’t graduate until i’m about 29. So my masters won’t be complete until i’m in my 30s. There’s a lot of other people that are in the same boat, so don’t worry you’re among similar people in that situation.
I agree. It doesn’t matter. Depending on your birthday, you may graduate at 22. So, getting a masters degree by 23 may be a challenge because of the number of hours, thesis or project and field work for a particular graduate degree. Masters degrees are not like additional grades a in elementary through his high school. How will you fund graduate school? Parents often make financial contributions to college. I believe, because my parents were very clear (Whatever you can afford, baby.), college graduates should be responsible for funding their graduate work because you can be gainfully employed with a college degree and grad school is more expensive than undergrad. Oh, and younger siblings. Many work and take classes in the evening and summers to complete a masters degree.
If you are offered a fellowship, assistants, or whatever to go to grad school, enroll now while you are a par ticked learner with fewer demands on your time and energy. Financial assistance is not granted to everyone and your obligation centers on learning and earning good grades. If you want a degree in a related field that expands your opportunities and horizon, I suggest now so you are up on one topic and will be ready to incorporate another. If you are a perpetual student, just go and enjoy learning, reading and writing.
If you are planning on earning a doctorate also, attend graduate school at the same institution to get the full program and perhaps get more or better financial assistance along the way. That will also plan and organize your entire grad work.
How old do you look? I find there can be more concerns about younger looking or are appropriately mature for a young age life me 22. It all depend on your goals and preferences. There are no obligations other than performing well.
For what its worth, I earned my Masters at age 44. I first looked at doing it in my mid 20’s then again in my 30’s but there was always something that prevented me. Finally, I had an opportunity and decided to do it. I don’t need it for what I do other than its a nice marketing tool that recruiters seem to like but I had already obtained a pretty high level through just hard work and experience. I only did it because it was something I always wanted to do and I didn’t want to have it as something I looked back on and wished I had done.
I know several people that have obtained their Masters in their 30’s, 40’s or 50’s.
No one cares about your age; it’s your competence that matters.
My step-dad received his MBA through a deal with his work. He was 34 when he graduated with it. A lot of times employers will pay for all or part of your education to go to a master’s program. It is completely normal. Some programs require you to be in the workforce for so many years before you can enroll in a master’s program.