Expert: Todd Johnson - 5/1/2009

Question
I have an AS in Management and have recently graduated with a BA in History. I have been looking at graduate programs for six months or so already and am curious about getting a MALS. The University of Oklahoma has a MALS in Museum Studies and one in Integrated Studies that interest me. I have no interest in majoring in anything business anymore but am also hesitant about furthering in solely history or humanities (like from AMU) as I do not have intentions in becoming a teacher and see those as a limited job market (ok maybe not the history so much). The liberal arts interest me; while I have read opinions that liberal arts degrees are useless, I have also read the same amount on them being better because they allow the employee more versatility to change careers and to be trained whereas specializing does not.

Being a military spouse who is always moving, I do not always know what I will be doing. Having to be so flexible, not knowing what jobs are available at each new duty station, leaves me unsure what to continue my education in. I guess one might say to stop here and go no further, but there is no way I want to stop my education at the 4 year level.

Answer
Lianne,

Thanks for writing. Unfortunately, there is no right or wrong answer here. If your real interest is the ability to have a transferable job regardless of where you might be posted, I don't think the MALS is really the way to go. It is true that your liberal arts degree in history might not do you much good as far a history goes, it is the ability to analyze different areas and the ability to write that are very helpful from liberal arts degrees. So, don't limit your job options just because your degree is in history.

For instance I would guess that most bases have libraries. You might be qualified to start work in a library doing some basic things. If you like that you could consider a Masters in Information Science which is the advanced library degree. There are programs that have this online. This would allow you work as a librarian which is an area that is expected a lot of need in the next 5-10 years.

There are some jobs out there that are universally likely to be available regardless of where you are at. Nursing is a good example. Almost everywhere there is a big need for nurses. That of course would require your returning to school in an entirely different area but it is a very transferable skill. Also, you can get the first RN degree after two years of school. Then if you are interested can go on to a BSN or MSN.

Engineering and computer science also have had fairly good placement rates in the past although they do not tend to be as reliable as nursing. But again, very different backgrounds than you currently have.  

Keep you mind open and try to determine what sort of work you might like to do that is generally available on the bases. Then see if you can get the additional education you might need to work in those fields.

I hope that helps.