I'm a student again

[Chris M]

Well, I finally am getting onto my Masters work. I filled out all the online forms yesterday and will be attending the online American Military University.

I was looking through my classes for my Masters program last nigh and I kept thinking WTF am I doing? Of course, my school district requires you to have a masters within 10 years of starting there and they pay for $7500 of it, so it's not all bad. I'll only be out of pocket a few thousand.

The Masters will be in Military History, but I can't decide on my concentration yet. I've got an option of four, Revolutionary War era (I do love this subject), Civil War era, WWII, and war since 1945 (of which I have first hand experience). So I'm torn between the first and the last. I've also thought about going the Political Science route or the Military Studies route with a concentration in Asymmetric Warfare, but I think I'm leaning away from that as I'll be a little more marketable to one of the local universities.

I'm sure a lot of that was just mumbo jumbo to some, but we know all types of people and backgrounds make up our hobby.

[JediJman]

Out of curiousity, what do you do with a masters in military history outside of teaching military history to others?   Based on your comments, I assume you're using it for a teaching position, but just wondering if there are other applications.  Good luck going back - I don't know if I could go back to school after all this time.  Hopefully having courses online will be an easier transition.

[Paul]

Chris, let me know how it goes, I would love to get a Masters in Military History.

As far as applications, teaching (all levels), writing, research, Museum Work, History Channel Talking head (one of my goals in life)....

The best part...those pesky Student Loans would go into deferment while I was a full time student again.

[BillCable]

Congrats, Chris!  Ah, to be back in college with all the beer and babes...

[Chris M]

As far as applications, teaching (all levels), writing, research, Museum Work, History Channel Talking head (one of my goals in life)....

Paul nailed it down.  I'd love to be a consultant for the History or Military Channel. 

[I Am Sith]

Good luck Chris!  I went back to school a few years ago for my Masters after being out of school for about 12 years.  The program I'm in is designed for people who are 'working professionals' so the classes are only one weekend a month.  While this is very convenient it also means that it's going to take me about 4-5 years to complete all the requirements unless I take multiple classes a semester which isn't financially feasible.

I'd love to be a consultant for the History or Military Channel. 

That would be awesome!

[speedermike]

Wow.  In NYC, you have only 5 years to get a masters onece you start teaching, and they pay for none of it.

Personaly, the 1945 and up will be really halpful in the classroom.

[Matt_Fury]

Good luck Chris!  I just completed my last Master's course in Space Operations Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University this week!  All I have left to do is re-submit my capstone project (Thesis) and I'm all set for my Major's board next year!   

If you'll accept some friendly advice, I think you should go towards the focus in the Revolutionary War.  You have expressed interest in the subject so it will help you keep your focus on it, especially towards the end when all you want to do is be done with it.  Since you have first-hand experience in the modern era, you can always talk to your students about that.