Terminal Masters - Am I Making a Huge Mistake?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi -</p>

<p>I am pretty sure I'm going to get an offer from either Dartmouth for their MAPH program or Chicago for their MALS program. A doctorate is perhaps in the future, but as of right now, I am not ready to make that commitment (so poised am I on paper to go for a PhD that my professors/mentors are pretty upset that I am not doing so immediately). I felt however that it would be irresponsible to do so without genuinely wanting to be there. My plan is to get one of these degrees and then spend some time in the working world - maybe I'll return for a doctorate or maybe I won't. My only concern however is that people whether in academia or not are going to see these as legitimate. These degrees ARE NOT part of the continuing education schools and to contradict the idea that they are cash cows, DO give substantial financial aid. What is the general perception or take on these? Am I making a dumb decision? </p>

<p>Thanks! </p>

<p>-Jill</p>

2

<p>What do those acronyms mean - Masters of Public Health? If so, most campuses only offer a terminal degree in that; since it really is a professional program.</p>

3

<p>Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies
Masters of Arts Program in the Humanities</p>

4

<p>These sound like fine programs but I’m not sure that these are really “terminal” Masters degrees in the same way that an M.F.A. or M.Div are the end of the line for art or religion professionals respectively, but rather enrichment degrees. They may offer substantial opportunity for growth and intellectual fulfillment but based on what I’ve seen are probably not stepping stones to a Ph.D. program.</p>