So, I'm pretty much not going to get a job, huh?
Question:
So give it to me straight . . . I'm pretty much screwed, aren't I? Degrees from online schools aren't worth much, even if you work for them, and even if they are accredited?
Answer:
You know what, you've got some good things going for you, and some bad things going for you.
On the plus side, public health is desperate for people is MPH's as you probably know, because almost no one in the field actually has a masters, and the field as a whole is "growing older" and is retiring soon. If you can hold on for a little bit, get some certificates -- even online ones from brick and mortar schools like USF or Dexel -- to help your case, hopefully the old generation will leave and you'll be in good standing.
The bad side is that while they are desperate for health educators, health educators don't get paid anything at all. It's pretty pathetic what they make with a masters. If you want to eventually teach, you'll have stiff competition from people from Johns Hopkins who managed to snag one of the, uh, 2 CDC fellowships they offer yearly.
So, in short -- you're not screwed depending on what you want to do. Augument what you have with certificates (they don't take long) from CEPH accredited schools -- check out ASPHA.org for listings. However, if you want to teach or play with the big boys at the CDC, it will be difficult. I still wish you all the best!
You may have a more difficult time however, you do have the double bachelors which should help your case considerably. Remember, there are so many people in the world that don't even have that much. Online and distance learning is becoming more commonplace so there may be employers who understand that fact.
Don't give up hope. Your degrees and work ethic will speak for themselves. You have a good foundation and I wouldn't worry about your future. You will be fine.
Congrats on your masters.
Finish your Masters, and congratulations on doing something to transform your ambitions into reality.
No, you're not screwed. Start your prospecting now for the job you want, and be prepared to move to get it. Your chances will be much better than if you didn't have the Masters degree at all. And it is not just about credentials, anyhow.
I know a girl who was just out of college when she applied for a job that required a Masters. She had only an undergraduate degree, but had both a brilliant academic career and some practical experience in the field. When she mailed in her application and resume, they called and said "Forget it, the job requires a Masters, can't you even read?" She asked if they would do her a favor and let her interview just for the practice. They did, and were so impressed that they hired her. That was several years ago; she has since been promoted once, and it looks like she soon will be promoted again.
Good luck!
Yeah, you're pretty much screwed.
But at least you didn't "go to" the University of Phoenix.
Everyone KNOWS that it isn't a REAL university. Ha ha ha.
More Questions & Answers...