I am a working mom and I have been thinking about going back to school for a long time. My dream is to get a PhD but I don't have a master’s degree. I have a BS in accounting, but I like technology (like web design). I can't seem to find a masters program that might lead eventually to a PhD. Also, even though I like math a lot, I am not that good with writing beyond a very simple program in basic language. So do you think its ok to pursue a master’s degree when one is not so good in programming? I took a few classes. I did well in the 1st level and 2nd level but not the 3rd level. But I still want to work on web pages while getting a PhD!
I have not seen any masters programs that specifically state web design and the school needs to be online since I am a mom and I work full time and drive average of 4 hours per day commuting. The other issue is how to pay for it? I know I need to focus on a master’s degree first but which one should I choose?
I can' t afford to go to school for a masters program and then find out it will not help me get into the PhD.
If you have any comments its appreciated.
Wow. With all due respect, you are all over the map. Let me see if I can provide you with some guidance based on what I know.
First of all, there is no PhD having anything to do with web design, and very few (if any) having to do with technology that is offered online. If you like web design so much, I think you would be much better off doing it on the side, making money where you can and gaining experience that way.
You also need to take one step at a time. You need to make some serious decisions about your goals in education. With a BS in accounting, you might be a good candidate for an online MBA program. After that, if you are not completely burned out on school, you can look at PhD programs. Keep in mind that most PhD programs are designed for clinical or research application. They can also be used to teach at the college level.
Take your BS in accounting and build on that with a master’s in the same field or get a MBA. The only real link I can see (at a master’s level) to what you might want to do could be a master’s in computer science. Those degrees are not offered online to the best of my knowledge.
If you are set on taking online courses only, my suggestion would be to go the business route. You have something to build on. Do not be fooled. The MBA from an accredited institution is hard. Get past that and then we can talk more. If you do get the MBA, you may have a completely different perspective on going any further in your education.
I hope this helps.
Do you have any questions about distance education
or anything in this post? Feel free to contact Scott anytime!