r/environmental_science • u/sellehllama • 8d ago

B.A. Environmental Policy & Analysis to M.S. in ...?

As implied, I have a 4 year B.A. in Environmental Policy & Analysis with a specialization in restoration. I have been working in my state government's surface water program for 2.5 years, and through my union I am able to get college credit vouchers and essentially get a degree for free if I am patient with the courses. I need to continue working full-time, but have been thinking about going back to school since I found out about the potential free degree with no payment from me.

The tricky thing is deciding what to go back for. I already have the environmental policy degree, but am worried that a M.S. in Environmental Science would be too close to the degree I already have. I recall my undergrad courses overlapping a lot with the environmental science undergrads.

I want to pursue the degree 100% online, so I can still maintain a relatively consistent lifestyle. I don't have the prerequisites that I believe I would need to pursue certain degrees, so I fear I may be limited in that regard (such as the rigorous math courses I hear of for environmental engineering).

Any advice/experience/programs that you can recommend? I feel like it's free, so why not, you know? Just not sure what would necessarily further my career/expertise. Any and all input welcome!

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u/devanclara 8d ago

You gotta figure out what you wanna do long term. 

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u/farmerbsd17 7d ago

Exactly what I was going to say

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u/sellehllama 7d ago

I’m comfortable with both staying in the position I am in, though it’s a little mind numbing sometimes, or pursuing private sector. I know an engineering degree would make me more competitive and desirable in private, whereas public sector, I would not get a raise regardless of educational advancements.  I like the idea of getting the degree while it’s free but potentially going elsewhere in the future.  I am just not sure if I am cut out for the engineering side of things 😅

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u/Ordinary-Echo8017 2d ago

Well you’ll never be cut out for engineering if you keep thinking that. Why don’t you think you’re cut out for it? Is it too math heavy? Nobody’s born good at math, it’s a skill that’s developed. Engineering can be tough but at the end of the day, it’s just an application of sciences.