PhD or JD? Masters?

cudvig · 10-31-2012

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

**JET** · 10-31-2012

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.

**Trogdor** · 10-31-2012

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.

A//// Guy · 10-31-2012

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.

cudvig · 10-31-2012

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

niterydr · 10-31-2012

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!

**JET** · 10-31-2012

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.

niterydr · 10-31-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by JET

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.

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

Speedfreak · 10-31-2012

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..

Super Bleeder!! · 10-31-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedfreak

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..

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.

cudvig · 10-31-2012

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

-Colin

**asshanson** · 10-31-2012

^ 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?

cudvig · 11-01-2012

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

tehehodi · 11-01-2012

Better start applying for scholarships and create your own math!

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

**Goat Blower** · 11-01-2012

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.

**Tachyon** · 11-01-2012

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

cudvig · 11-01-2012

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

polishmafia · 11-01-2012

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

A//// Guy · 11-01-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by polishmafia

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

lmfao! Prolly attainable while sleeping as well!

**Goat Blower** · 11-01-2012

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