Editor's Continuing Education

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Heslin on October 14, 2008 at 5:14pm

I found myself in a similar situation about 15 years ago. The MBA seemed a safe choice, but I earned an M.S. in Technical Communications (1999). I took some graphics courses to address some shortcomings in that area, and then set about trying to learn what the Internet would be about. I never did learn how to design a web page, as I surmised that software would soon make that an easy task. Rather I took some time to learn about computer networks, user interfaces, and communications.
I know I am much more effective dealing with challenges in webinars, blogging, social media, website design, etc. than I would have been taking more Journalism or an MBA. The more visionary publishers and IT folks seem to value my perspective, and I prefer working with these people any way.

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Permalink Reply by Katy Ryan on October 21, 2008 at 8:04pm

Seiche, are you going to pursue an online program and stay in your full-time position, or are you going to attend on-campus and immerse yourself in your education? I've thought about getting my master's in journalism, too -- my alma matter, University of Missouri-Columbia, now has an online program that seems enticing. I'm kind of afraid to leave the workplace, though, with jobs being so few and far between, but who's to say that I couldn't get something better with additional education under my belt? Such a dilemma!!

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Permalink Reply by Seiche Sanders on October 22, 2008 at 8:49am

Hi, thanks for your reply. I'm definitely staying on with my full time job--but I would like to gain some additional skills/knowledge that would help me in my career now and in the future.

Since I posted this, I've looked into some graduate "certificates" you can earn, and I'm going to talk to a career counseler to see what might be the best fit for me.

With the move to electronic publishing, I'd really like to expand my knowledge in that area--the technical side. I might try to focus on this.

But, I'm still definitely in the research phase, so anything is possible!

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Permalink Reply by Perry Glasser on December 14, 2008 at 7:30pm

No one ever had too much education, and if someone else is paying for all or part of it, they cannot take it back!

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Permalink Reply by Lauren Rinker on March 16, 2009 at 1:52pm

Hi Seiche,

I too am debating going back to school. I have been looking closely at the Masters in Publishing degree at Pace University. The program offers courses in all aspects of publishing--books, magazines, online--and you can choose your focus. There will be an online discussion about the program on April 6 from 6:30-7:30pm on the Pace University website for those who are interested and would like to ask questions. You should look into it: http://www.pace.edu/academic_psearch/display_program.cfm?School=GAS....

I hope this helped you think more about your options! Let us know what you decide to do!

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Permalink Reply by Phillip M. Perry on April 9, 2009 at 5:06pm

You might also take a look at the MA in Humanities from California State University, Dominguez Hills: http://www.csudh.edu/HUX/ This long time offering is fairly flexible and allows the student to concentrate on fields such as history, literature, philosophy, art history and music. It's all done by mail and phone. I earned my own MA from this school a few years ago and my experience was most positive.

I believe the MBA is now the most popular degree offered by distance education, because of its career-enhancing potential. (I think Cal State, come to think of it, offers one also) You can access a lot of good advice at the following discussion board: http://www.degreediscussion.com/ Respected education author John Bear posts regularly there.

Some distance ed programs are entirely off campus; others require one annual visit or more.

Distance ed doctorates are few and far between. I have just signed up for a D.A (Doctor of Arts) from Harrison Middleton University: http://www.chumsci.edu/

Hope some of this helps. Feel free to popst or IM any questions. And best of good fortune to you in your search.

My own goal in furthering my education is to improve my analytical powers and writing quality. They go together, no?

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