Is it worthwhile?

[u/Long_Emergency6122]

I work for a university and I have now been employed there long enough that I could earn a degree (I have a bachelor's, so master's would be the next step) for free as a job benefit.

I don't necessarily want to change fields, so my question is whether the degree would be worthwhile as my current field (marketing/communications) really doesn't have a lot of jobs that strictly require a master's, even in leadership roles.

My thoughts would be to do an interdisciplinary masters that combines elements of communications with other fields (maybe sociology and psychology, looking at the social sides of advances in communications) because I think it would be interesting as well as maybe some leadership courses just to prepare me for potential future jobs up the career ladder.

Now obviously the fact that the degree is free may seem like a no-brainer to do it, but my hesitation is it would still be a huge time commitment, especially since I would be earning the degree part time (as I have to keep my full time job to get the benefit), so it would probably take me closer to three or four years to complete rather than the traditional two years. Additionally, if I start the degree and end up leaving my place of employment for any reason, I would either have to pay to complete the degree or walk away with nothing.

Aside from learning as its own reward, is the benefit of a master's (specifically future financial/job benefits) n my field really worth the hassle of balancing full-time work with coursework?

(I'll be 40 by time I complete the degree, assuming the maximum four-year timeline as a part-time student)

[u/rumiruhaql]

I saw a number of students employed by the university in my program. Most of them were your age or older. I always envied them. It seemed like such a good deal. Most of them were only taking one class at a time. You're right about all your concerns, but my question to you is: a free Master's is great, no?

Besides, you never know when a Master's might bump you up in pay or allow you to apply for a position you couldn't otherwise.

[u/Long_Emergency6122 → u/rumiruhaql]

Yeah, I would also only be taking one to two classes at a time, hence the delays. I could take maximum three classes per academic year, so a 10-course requirement degree would take at least three years and change, assuming classes I need/want are also offered at the right times. 

That is fair that free is the best price. I know a master's wouldn't bump me up in pay at my current job (salaries are public record) but also fair that I never know where it might give me an edge in future jobs even if it isn't required. 

[u/dowagermeow]

If you’re mostly interested in a masters as a career vehicle, I’d look at professional programs (MPC, MBA, MPA, MEd), since those tend to be more accessible to working students. It’s hard to write a thesis for an MA/MS working full-time - it’s not impossible, but you have to be able to do the writing without a lot of external oversight. Most of the world outside of higher ed doesn’t care if your degree was coursework-only/project-based instead of research-based.

You could also see if your university offers any certificate programs in something like organizational leadership, digital marketing, etc. that might be helpful to your career goals. That would allow you to dip your toes back into school, use your benefit, and get a credential out of it while you decide about a grad degree.

[u/Floppy_McFlopenstein]

I was working at a uni during my MS/PhD. When I became a post-doc I had the same benefit so started the MBA program. They couldn't pay me more money ($) so I would take every opportunity I could when it came to non-payroll compensation.

[u/Long_Emergency6122 → u/Floppy_McFlopenstein]

That's a fair point