Grad School

**spmetla** · 10-01-2008, 19:40

Howdy all!

As my final semester of my undergrad in History is half through I begin pondering the future that people with 'real' degrees have already pondered. Some of my friends want to go to grad school and my parents are encouraging me to do the same. I myself would rather do more military service by volunteering to go overseas and then get a 'real' job when I get back. I enjoy studying history but know that I will probably never be able to apply my degree in it in the real world and personally think that try for a master's would be a waste of money, my parents though tell me I'll regret not going to grad school which of course makes me reconsider my thoughts on it.

I'm just curious as to your opinions on grad school. Is it worth it for a humanities major?

**Hosakawa Tito** · 10-02-2008, 11:56

I think you've already answered that question yourself. What would be the sense in investing the time & money in expensive schooling if one isn't going to apply the knowledge gained to a career.
Unless one is looking at an academic career in teaching, archeology, anthropology, etc. I would not. You mention getting a "real job", and that means different things to different people. Your indecision and not really knowing specifically what career path you want to take is certainly not uncommon. After all, how can one decide without trying a few things first?

**Lord Godfrey** · 10-02-2008, 23:37

I spent 8 years working before I went back to grad school for my MBA. Be smart with your money and have enough savings so that you can be without a paycheck for a year and you can go back to school anytime you want.

I have a lot of friends with graduate degrees that they never really needed, unless you are going to go the academic route and teach (Masters or PhD), figure out what you want to do first and then get the education that supports that career.

**spmetla** · 10-03-2008, 00:59

Thanks for the replies. Yeah, I'm pretty much just considering my options and agree with the idea of first having the money available. Doing my undergrad with my savings and military assistance has made it much easier to focus without the hassle of a part time job or student loans.

@Tito: My intentions to get a 'real job' are like you say, to see what's out there first and see what I want for myself. Reason I asked though is like I said, outside input had told me to just go for it and they speak with the experience I don't yet have.

Godfrey, what type of degree to you have if you don't mind my asking?