Masters from not-so-reputable univ okay?

  • Thread starter Thread starter catsarebad
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Masters
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the challenges and considerations of pursuing a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics, particularly from institutions perceived as less reputable. Participants explore options for financing education, the implications of taking on debt, and the potential value of different programs.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to pursue a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics but is concerned about the high costs associated with programs at DePaul University and IIT.
  • Another participant suggests considering programs in other countries that may offer stipends covering living costs and tuition.
  • A different viewpoint cautions against taking loans for a math degree unless the goal is to work in high-paying sectors like Wall Street, implying that the return on investment may not be favorable.
  • The original poster mentions financial constraints and the necessity of taking loans, despite a small scholarship offer from IIT.
  • There is a repeated emphasis on the affordability of a third option, which involves taking classes as a non-degree student at a lower cost, contingent on future admission to a better university.
  • One participant encourages looking into the financial mathematics program at IIT, suggesting it could lead to job opportunities that might alleviate financial burdens.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the viability of pursuing a Master's degree under financial constraints, with some advocating for exploring alternative funding options while others emphasize the risks of incurring debt. No consensus is reached regarding the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations related to financial situations, the perceived reputation of institutions, and the potential for future job opportunities, but these factors remain unresolved in the discussion.

catsarebad
Messages
69
Reaction score
0
Hello,

I really want Masters degree in Applied Mathematics (i'm into ODE, PDE, etc). I will have to take loan to pay for it. Here are the three current options I have:

1) Depaul University
very very costly - main is Stat - very very easy to get into
http://csh.depaul.edu/academics/graduate/applied-mathematics-ms/Pages/degree-requirements.aspx

2) IIT
costly - seems decent - has couple of PDE classes
http://www.iit.edu/csl/programs/professional_masters/master_applied_math.shtml

3) take Mathematics classes as a non-degree student, get good grades, and see if I can attend a better university


My goal is to teach and community college. They all seem to want at least Masters. As an undergrad, I did double major in Math and Physics.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
If you want to do a masters why don't you do it somewhere where it doesn't actually cost you? Many schools in many countries will pay a stipend that covers basic living costs and tuition for a masters(e.g. Canada)
 
I don't recommend taking a loan for a math degree unless your desire is to work on Wall Street. Engineering would be OK.
 
I can't go out of States. I seriously have horrible finance. I got offered small scholarship at IIT and even now I would have to take huge amount of loan...probably $ 30k above in a single year.

my third option is like 10k a year w/o financial aid (given i eventually get admitted).

i don't want to take loan either but it's not like an option tho.edit: i know i'll do very well once admitted...and to be admitted i need to be able to afford tuition price.
 
catsarebad said:
I can't go out of States. I seriously have horrible finance. I got offered small scholarship at IIT and even then I would have to take huge amount of loan probably $ 30k above in a single year.

my third option is like 10k a year w/o financial aid (given i eventually get admitted).

i don't want to take loan either but it's not like an option tho.

But there are schools that will pay YOU to go there if you have the minimum requirements for their program?
 
catsarebad said:
I can't go out of States. I seriously have horrible finance. I got offered small scholarship at IIT and even now I would have to take huge amount of loan...probably $ 30k above in a single year.

my third option is like 10k a year w/o financial aid (given i eventually get admitted).

i don't want to take loan either but it's not like an option tho.


edit: i know i'll do very well once admitted...and to be admitted i need to be able to afford tuition price.

look up the financial maths msc program of iit, I hear it's a good degree and will land you a job in chicago that should help solving your financial issues.
 

Similar threads

Is University reputation considered when I am applying for a PhD in Europe?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Masters in Mathematical Physics at LMU TUM or Hamburg?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
What should I do about my academic supervisor?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Admissions Is it harder to get into a top US PhD Program with a German Master's degree?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
Other Should I Pursue a Thesis Topic That Doesn't Initially Interest Me?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Programs From a Nuclear Engineering BS, will I be able to do MS & PhD in Physics?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Advice: Doing grad school abroad and getting a masters instead of PhD
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K
Schools Germany - Masters EE/mathematics/physics online
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Programs Should I do a 'dual' masters degree?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Admissions Climbing my way to a Physics PhD 10 years after a Philosophy BA
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K