PhD or JD? Masters?
 

Does anyone on here hold a PhD, JD, or masters degree? I am interested in grad school and have about a year left until I apply, does anyone have any pointers on what to do? I am thinking of Financial mathematics or economics, I was also contemplating taking the LSAT and maybe going to Law school although the job outlook is horrible for lawyers currently.

I want to become an actuary, but also would like to attend grad school, so anything mathematics based would be helpful towards that goal.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

-Colin

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

Normally you will do a Master's first, then go for a PHD after that if you want to continue. I believe the JD is for lawyers only. My wife got her MBA last year and I am looking at getting mine in the near future. There are drastically different prices, so be sure to check that out. Most MBA programs are an 18 month program, 2 classes at a time. Hers was through Minot State and was pretty cheap at $12k, Metro State was one of the best deals around here at $18k and I really liked the school for my BA.

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

A friend of mine is an actuary. She did not need a graduate degree. They have their own tiered system. It's a series of tests that you take over the course of your career that work you forwards Fellowship. Once you are a Fellow that's more or less then actuarial equivilent of a PhD.

That said, graduate degrees are a fair bit of money, and a big time investment - especially if you're working full time. If you're not sure what exactly you want to go to school for, I would highly recommend you figure it out first before you make that commitment.

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

My GF has her JD and law is tough right now, I wouldnt advise that route. Do you have your masters already? Otherwise go for that first. That is my next plan, either in Technology or an MBA.

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

Within certain programs, like math and economics you do not need to earn a master's degree first, in fact there are very few masters programs that are not applied economics or similar in that field.

The JD degree was just a thought I guess. Most likely I won't go down that path.

I am fully aware of the requirements to become an actuary and the difficulties in the rigor of the exams. The masters degree is for my own personal goals, I also enjoy numbers and applying them to real world situations. That is why I was thinking either financial mathematics or economics.

I would like to complete my degree before entering the working world which is why I want to focus on that now, rather than working a bit, trying to obtain my MBA down the road once I've been working for a few years. Although that route would be nice because some employers pay some towards an MBA.

I currently do not have my masters but I am majoring in mathematics, statistics, and mathematical economics at SCSU. I have 3 semesters left before I graduate. Just for a little background.

-Colin

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

I'll be done with my MBA in Project Management this upcoming April. I decided to continue on so the "paperwork" is out of the way. Now to get the 5-10 years of experience that dictates this degree mandatory before I can put it to use!

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

Where are you going Swanny? Project Management is the area I ideally would like to end up also. Metro State has an MBA with a concentration in Project Management, but that doesn't get you a PMP certificate.

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

Herzing University (Online), I plan on funding my own PMP cert after graduation most likely. Granted I can't use it in my current role, but always open for other opportunities :)

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

My brother is an Attorney(JD), and has been for twenty years. It's always a tough market. You make decent money, but not doctor money.

I do have a friend who is a patent attorney, and that is the only route I'd go if going the JD route. You have to be an engineer first though for that route I think? These guys can do very well..

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

Yea, patent law is a friggin money tree. The private sector as well as the US patent office have been looking for people to fill positions for a long time.

You do indeed have to have an engineering degree as well as a patent law degree, but the base pay is NUTTY.

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

engineering is weak sauce I could obtain that in my sleep.

-Colin

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

^ I lol'd.
I was about 15 credits short of a masters in information assurance, I guess I never saw the advantage of getting it for what I want to do in my career.

What do you want to do with a Masters or PhD in math or econ?

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

Well it would be more of an applied mathematics rather than pure math. Pure math is a little abstract and I'm unsure if I want to pursue that. What I would be doing is financial mathematics. It would be helpful in my actuarial career.

Pursuing a PhD in Economics would help as well, obviously not as much. I just find economics fascinating! Not sure about what I could do to pay for it maybe become a TA or get some sort of assistantship for the program. That is my only worry at this point. I will be exhausting my GI bill later next year.

-Colin

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

Better start applying for scholarships and create your own math!

I suggest starting at where Einstein left off. Or dive into string theory.

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

My brother inlaw is an assistant county prosecutor, has been for 15 years, makes less than me. Another friend of mine is a patent attorney, and yes, they make stupid money. There's a big range in the law practice, just depends on which direction you head.

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

Wow Patent Attorney for the win: http://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/pa...RCH_KO0,15.htm

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

Yeah I'm not too worried about salaries... although they do make some crazy dollar amounts. Doesn't seem too out of reach either..

-Colin

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

I'd stick to a career of a criminal. No degree needed, no taxes need to be paid. :hah:

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

lmfao! Prolly attainable while sleeping as well!

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

I'd go more for what you love than the dollar, that comes when you do what you love.

Re: PhD or JD? Masters?
 

I'm likely going the similar path as Swanny. I've got my BSBA with a Finacne Major and my with my transition into a business analyst role, project management has become a large piece of what I do. It's also a very large part to taking the analyst role into a larger role down the road be it surrounding managing people or not. I'm in an industry where letters after your name does get you into doors when tied to experiance, so the financial payoff is there if you can get past just getting through a door.