NationStates Jolt Archive

Thinking a lot today about picking up my Ph.D. program again, but also thinking about what field to focus on and what school to attend. What do you think of this:

http://www.waldenu.edu/c/Schools/Schools_724.htm

Wait...you want to go back to school again? What did you do wrong?!

It's what i've done... but juggling work, education, and a private life... not easy.

I'm not saying don't doit, tho... my attitude would be go for it! :D

But know you REALY want to do it?

Mind you, i've just read the bit that says

"Most Walden students receive some form of financial assistance, either through federal financial aid or employer tuition-reimbursement programs. "

so if ur funded, then no worries :p

psychology... good stuff. nowt more intrinsically interesting than the study of people. if you got the time (and the money), go for it!

edit: ooh counseling, too. kudos!

It's what i've done... but juggling work, education, and a private life... not easy.

I'm not saying don't doit, tho... my attitude would be go for it! :D

But know you REALY want to do it?


I've gone back to school, too. Although I don't work and I have no private life.

Wait...you want to go back to school again? What did you do wrong?!
Uh ... nothing, that I know of that is. I have always wanted to be able to put "Ph.D." after my name and be referred to as "Doctor." It's been a goal of mine ever since I can remember. I would be the very first person in my family to have a Ph.D., so far as we know. Plus, I'm a firm believer in the adege that "when you cease to learn and grow, you begin to die."

Obviously, at my age, it's not going to pay me much in a monetary sense, which is about the only reason I'm hesitating.

It's what i've done... but juggling work, education, and a private life... not easy.

I'm not saying don't doit, tho... my attitude would be go for it! :D

But know you REALY want to do it?
Yes, and since I don't have to work to support myself any longer, that's one less problem to face.

Mind you, i've just read the bit that says

"Most Walden students receive some form of financial assistance, either through federal financial aid or employer tuition-reimbursement programs. "

so if ur funded, then no worries :p
As a disabled veteran with cancer, I could probably qualify for some sort of grant, I would imagine.

I've gone back to school, too. Although I don't work and I have no private life.
Other than my children and grandchildren, I don't have much of a "private life" either, and as I said above, I get a disability pension from the military and a pretty good Social Security payment, so I don't need to work either.

Uh ... nothing, that I know of that is. I have always wanted to be able to put "Ph.D." after my name and be referred to as "Doctor." It's been a goal of mine ever since I can remember. I would be the very first person in my family to have a Ph.D., so far as we know. Plus, I'm a firm believer in the adege that "when you cease to learn and grow, you begin to die."
Doctor Eut.... Dr. Eutrusca... it's more improbable than Dr. Rotovia. :eek:

Although, if it is your ambition, I'm not standing in your way. *walks well away from North Carolina*

what would make you decide not to?

You should study a PhD in Rotovia Kicks Ass.

You should study a PhD in Rotovia Kicks Ass.
ooh i have a Masters in Kicking Rotovia's Ass... does that count ;) :D

ooh i have a Masters in Kicking Rotovia's Ass... does that count ;) :D
Damn you for being older, I've only got a BA in that so far. But planning to get my master's soon. :p

Thinking a lot today about picking up my Ph.D. program again, but also thinking about what field to focus on and what school to attend. What do you think of this:

http://www.waldenu.edu/c/Schools/Schools_724.htm

Just wondering, why psychology? For that matter, why counseling? It seems that a counseling degree would be more useful for actually being a practicing counselor than for expanding your knowledge.

Uh ... nothing, that I know of that is. I have always wanted to be able to put "Ph.D." after my name and be referred to as "Doctor." It's been a goal of mine ever since I can remember. I would be the very first person in my family to have a Ph.D., so far as we know. Plus, I'm a firm believer in the adege that "when you cease to learn and grow, you begin to die."

Obviously, at my age, it's not going to pay me much in a monetary sense, which is about the only reason I'm hesitating.
I'll tell you what, it's tough preparing for exams, it's tough taking the exams, it's tough doing the research, and it's tough getting the thesis done. Then it's tough presenting and defending the thesis. On top of all that, it's tough getting a Ph.D. type job.

There's some good reasons for having a Ph.D. Teaching is one. Treating patients is another. There aren't many physics patients out there, and teaching wasn't what I do best. I would have been better off just taking the consolation prize of my M.S. and going to work. Lot's less stress and a lot less wear and tear on the family. Now I can put Dr. on my checks, but I don't write checks anymore.

If you want to learn more, that's a great reason for taking classes. If you want to practice psychology, you will probably need to get that sheepskin. They really are at Georgia Tech, you know.

Good luck and get a good committee. I was older than most of my committee and they liked hearing my war stories. You probably won't have that luxury with the liberals in psych.

Doctor Eut.... Dr. Eutrusca... it's more improbable than Dr. Rotovia. :eek:

Although, if it is your ambition, I'm not standing in your way. *walks well away from North Carolina*
LOL! Boy ... you ain't right! Heh!

what would make you decide not to?
Just the fact that it seems to be a lot of work and expense for something I don't need at my age. :(

Just wondering, why psychology? For that matter, why counseling? It seems that a counseling degree would be more useful for actually being a practicing counselor than for expanding your knowledge.
Perhaps so, but it's such a good fit with what I do now that it seems to be the only thing that makes sense.

Thinking a lot today about picking up my Ph.D. program again, but also thinking about what field to focus on and what school to attend. What do you think of this:

http://www.waldenu.edu/c/Schools/Schools_724.htm

If you don't pick up your Ph.D. (Piled higher and Deeper) program this retired Air Force weenie will be forced to come to your house and drink you under the table. :D

Go for it Eut.

I'll tell you what, it's tough preparing for exams, it's tough taking the exams, it's tough doing the research, and it's tough getting the thesis done. Then it's tough presenting and defending the thesis. On top of all that, it's tough getting a Ph.D. type job.

There's some good reasons for having a Ph.D. Teaching is one. Treating patients is another. There aren't many physics patients out there, and teaching wasn't what I do best. I would have been better off just taking the consolation prize of my M.S. and going to work. Lot's less stress and a lot less wear and tear on the family. Now I can put Dr. on my checks, but I don't write checks anymore.

If you want to learn more, that's a great reason for taking classes. If you want to practice psychology, you will probably need to get that sheepskin. They really are at Georgia Tech, you know.

Good luck and get a good committee. I was older than most of my committee and they liked hearing my war stories. You probably won't have that luxury with the liberals in psych.
Heh! Well, "tough" was never a show-stopper for me before and I certainly don't intend to let it become one now. I know I can find work with a Ph.D. in counselling. The VA has already told me they would welcome me with open arms. I would love nothing better than helping my bros cope with things.

It's just that I'm so old to start something like this. Sigh.

...Obviously, at my age, it's not going to pay me much in a monetary sense, which is about the only reason I'm hesitating.

Hell Eut, at your age even if you got paid an additional $6.50 per hour it is a lot more than sitting there and saying, "Welcome to Walmart." :D

LOL! Boy ... you ain't right! Heh!
I may not be right, but I'm never wrong! You and your puny minions that call themselves "humans" can just get back to Venus where you belong! Hail the dancing cauliflower strawberry!!! Bwahahaha! *maniacal laughter*

Just the fact that it seems to be a lot of work and expense for something I don't need at my age. :(

what the fuck else do you have to do? it seems perfect for you. you get to stuidy, meet hot university chicks, get that phd that you have wanted for a long time and then be able to work in your field as much or as little as you choose, in public or private practice.

or maybe you could take up shuffleboard down at the senior center.

As a disabled veteran with cancer, I could probably qualify for some sort of grant, I would imagine.

How about VA rehab? Not only will they pay 100% tuition but you get additional money to pay for books and other expenses. Think of it as a pay raise and all you have to do is have fun going to school, doing research, and writing a dissertation.

ooh i have a Masters in Kicking Rotovia's Ass... does that count ;) :D
No, Such a degree would contradict all we know to be true about the universe and me arsekicking abilities.

Damn you for being older, I've only got a BA in that so far. But planning to get my master's soon. :p

Don't plan on it, do it. My masters program was a blast, M.S.Ed. specializing in Occupational and Adult Education.

If you can concentrate on getting well & doing your studies, then good on you.

Heh! Well, "tough" was never a show-stopper for me before and I certainly don't intend to let it become one now. I know I can find work with a Ph.D. in counselling. The VA has already told me they would welcome me with open arms. I would love nothing better than helping my bros cope with things.

It's just that I'm so old to start something like this. Sigh.
Then just don't let the kids and the liberals get to ya!

Just the fact that it seems to be a lot of work and expense for something I don't need at my age. :(

When have you ever shunned a lot of work? Remember those 14 to 18 hour days? Remember working all those "holidays?" Remember all that weekend work? Hell, college work is a piece of cake compared to all the work you have done in the militarty. Oh, and remember how great the feeling was and how proud you were when you got that promotion because of all the hard work you did?

No more excuses. Go for it.

what the fuck else do you have to do? it seems perfect for you. you get to stuidy, meet hot university chicks, get that phd that you have wanted for a long time and then be able to work in your field as much or as little as you choose, in public or private practice.

or maybe you could take up shuffleboard down at the senior center.
Heh! You really know how to hurt a guy, don't ya! :rolleyes:

When you put it that way, it almost seems like I would be a classic phoole to NOT do it! :p

How about VA rehab? Not only will they pay 100% tuition but you get additional money to pay for books and other expenses. Think of it as a pay raise and all you have to do is have fun going to school, doing research, and writing a dissertation.
Not sure if I can qualify for that, but might be worth a try. I've used up all my GI Bill benefits getting my MA, so that's right out.

It's just that I'm so old to start something like this. Sigh.

I thought I was to old to start a Masters program. My boss cured me of that by asking me if I wanted a pay raise next year. When I said, "Yes." he proceeded to tell me I wouldn’t get one if I didn't go to school.

Heh! You really know how to hurt a guy, don't ya! :rolleyes:

When you put it that way, it almost seems like I would be a classic phoole to NOT do it! :p

oh im pretty sure youve already decided to do it.

If you can concentrate on getting well & doing your studies, then good on you.
Which is another argument in favor of going for it. I'm sick and tired of vegetating here while waiting to heal up or die, whichever comes first. At least I would be occupying my mind. :)

Not sure if I can qualify for that, but might be worth a try. I've used up all my GI Bill benefits getting my MA, so that's right out.

Yes, GI bill is out. Put in for an increase in VA disability, unless you are already at 100%. If they grant the increase you can get voc rehab. If you are already over 20% or 30%, you already qualify for voc rehab. Talk to your DAV NSO about it.

oh im pretty sure youve already decided to do it.
Pretty much, yes. But there's still that lingering thought that it's a waste of time, effort and money at my age, that I should be concentrating on spending time with my family, etc., etc. Sigh.

Yes, GI bill is out. Put in for an increase in VA disability, unless you are already at 100%. If they grant the increase you can get voc rehab. If you are already over 20% or 30%, you already qualify for voc rehab. Talk to your DAV NSO about it.
I will. I owe him a call back anyway. :)

Pretty much, yes. But there's still that lingering thought that it's a waste of time, effort and money at my age, that I should be concentrating on spending time with my family, etc., etc. Sigh.

pffft. the last thing you need to do is become the old grandpa. this will keep you young and active. youre not the "coast your way to the grave" type.

Wait...you want to go back to school again? What did you do wrong?!

Wrong? I'd kill to go back to school again! It's a helluva lot easier than actually working for a living.

I've gone back to school, too. Although I don't work and I have no private life.


Hmmmmmm.... that doesn't sound too good? :(

Sometimes i sit back and watch everyone else storming ahead with their jobs etc, but then i remember that I started doing this simply 'cos I wanted to learn something for me. It's all the diference between going through school then uni, or going back to something because you enjoy it for your sake.

I still go by what I said earlier... Go for it, and be happy that it's something you can do for you, that'll one day make you smile that you made it. :D

Wrong? I'd kill to go back to school again! It's a helluva lot easier than actually working for a living.

Try working full time and going to school 3/4 time. That aint easy.

Heh! Well, "tough" was never a show-stopper for me before and I certainly don't intend to let it become one now. I know I can find work with a Ph.D. in counselling. The VA has already told me they would welcome me with open arms. I would love nothing better than helping my bros cope with things.

It's just that I'm so old to start something like this. Sigh.

If that's your motivation, go for it. If it's just to expand your knowlege, think twice about actually going for the degree. Being a graduate student is hard work even if you have a good faculty advisor. I've seen too many professors who treat their grad students as their own personal slaves, or who abuse their power over their students simply because they can. (Which, in your case, would result in one dead professor, I have no doubt.)

:p

Try working full time and going to school 3/4 time. That aint easy.

Try working full time, and going to school full time...

Eutrusca, go for it. You've got the intellect (as what I can gather from reading your stuff on here in all my time here), and you've got nothing better to do. If anything, it's to put that Dr. on your name, and then you really could give "professional advice" to those on here whining about their pitiful lives!

Try working full time and going to school 3/4 time. That aint easy.
To get my Masters while I was working for GE, I went to school full time in the evenings and worked full time during the day. If I was ever going to have a nervous breakdown it would have been then.

If that's your motivation, go for it. If it's just to expand your knowlege, think twice about actually going for the degree. Being a graduate student is hard work even if you have a good faculty advisor. I've seen too many professors who treat their grad students as their own personal slaves, or who abuse their power over their students simply because they can. (Which, in your case, would result in one dead professor, I have no doubt.)
LOL! Well, let's just say we would have ... words. :D

Try working full time, and going to school full time...

Eutrusca, go for it. You've got the intellect (as what I can gather from reading your stuff on here in all my time here), and you've got nothing better to do. If anything, it's to put that Dr. on your name, and then you really could give "professional advice" to those on here whining about their pitiful lives!
LOL! True. God, that drives me nuts! LOL!

Other than my children and grandchildren, I don't have much of a "private life" either, and as I said above, I get a disability pension from the military and a pretty good Social Security payment, so I don't need to work either.


Also disabled (though not a veteran), living off SSI, and going to school off financial aid. No real worries yet, although at 38 now and damn near 40 by the time I graduate, I'll be paying off financial aid until I'm 90! :D

Doctor Euty! Doctor Euty! What's wrong with me?! I'm so depressed! My life, although short in years, is a complete mess! My love life is nonexistent! My self worth when I'm all alone in the bedroom is horrible...


Wait...ignore that last bit... :P

ROFL! Go on Eutrusca...if only for the kicks...