Part time Masters with Full time job

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of pursuing a master's degree while working full-time in the U.S., particularly in California. Participants explore various aspects such as class schedules, employer flexibility, and the potential for online programs, with a focus on physics and electrical engineering fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that many community and state colleges offer night programs for working professionals, while others mention the possibility of online degree programs.
  • Concerns are raised about the difficulty of leaving work early due to traffic in major cities like Los Angeles, with one participant noting that companies typically expect employees to work their full hours.
  • There is a suggestion that some master's programs may allow students to work if there is a partnership between the employer and the university.
  • One participant shares their personal experience of managing a full-time job while attending evening classes, indicating that it is possible with good time management.
  • Another participant mentions the potential for companies to offer educational benefits, such as tuition assistance, for employees pursuing advanced degrees.
  • Questions arise about the eligibility of non-U.S. citizens to enroll in state universities, with at least one participant confirming that they are allowed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of concerns and suggestions, indicating that there is no consensus on the best approach to balancing work and study. Some believe it is feasible to manage both, while others caution about the challenges involved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying institutional policies regarding evening classes, the impact of traffic on commuting times, and the specific arrangements between employers and educational institutions that may affect study opportunities.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering pursuing a master's degree while working full-time, especially those in STEM fields, as well as non-U.S. citizens exploring educational opportunities in the U.S.

phys_student1
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Hi everybody

I have applied for a job in a company in California (I am from outside US)

Now, I was just thinking..

Suppose I will work in "San Jose" or perhaps "Los Angeles"

Will I be able to complete my master studies ?

In my city, things goes like this: Almost all universities' composes are in the city

center, so usually one would ask for a leave request at 2:30 , reach the university

at 3:00, just in time to join the lecture.

But in USA, I know cities are very big, so I don't know how usually one could arrange

these things...Is it usually allowed to leave the work before, say, 4 or 5 pm ?

When does evening master classes begin ?

Thanks !
 
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It depends on the institution, but many community/state colleges have night programs oriented towards working professionals. You could also try enrolling in an online degree program.

I don't think you're going to be able to leave work early to go to class. Traffic is fairly bad in major US cities like LA, and if the company is paying you to work, they expect you to work.

In any case, I wouldn't worry about it unless you actually get the job (and visa) to work in the US.
 
What masters program are you interested in? Very few of them offer night classes or would let you have a job at the same time, unless the company has a deal with the university for their employees to study the masters program, in which case the company will let you leave to take the classes.
 
@fss:

Thanks, but I've already been selected for the interview, so I think I should worry.

Regarding leaving the work, I think I should contact the company and ask them before anything. Ask them if the employee is allowed to study or not (and that neccissate leaving
the work early some days).

@eri:

Let's say it's either physics or EE...

--------

I am really concerned because If there's no chance to complete my studies then I may not
accept such a job..
 
one more question: Are non-US citizens allowed to enroll in state universities ??
 
ali8 said:
Thanks, but I've already been selected for the interview, so I think I should worry.

Why? Your energy is better spent looking for a different job if that one doesn't work out.

Regarding leaving the work, I think I should contact the company and ask them before anything. Ask them if the employee is allowed to study or not (and that neccissate leaving
the work early some days).

I wouldn't do this if I were you. This will be seen as presumptuous.

I am really concerned because If there's no chance to complete my studies then I may not
accept such a job..

Seems like you need to decide what's (more) important to you; your job or your education.

ali8 said:
one more question: Are non-US citizens allowed to enroll in state universities ??

Yes.
 
I am doing exactly this right now, plus I am married and have a little girl and we are expecting our second baby next June. I work full-time M-F 8am-430pm, and my classes start at 5pm (others at 530pm, 7pm). I live in Los Angeles and am attending CSULB for a master’s in applied physics; I work close to CSULB so I leave promptly at 430. So yes, traffic is hectic, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll know how to get there in 30 min by taking side surface streets or other shortcuts. It’s stressing because its’ an adventure getting to class, but its very doable to get a masters while working full time as far as organizing your work schedule is concerned. Why don’t you try looking for a job at a local city/public agency or a business that has an early morning shift where you can work say from 6am to 2pm (if you don’t want to hassle with late afternoon traffic) and go to school in the early afternoon and evening?
 
If you look in the "Benifits" section of company websites, you'll often (for the bigger high-tech companies) see an Honors Coop benifit, to help you get your Masters degree, if it also helps the company. The company helps you get admitted to the program at a local college, and generally pays the tuition and fees.

This program at Stanford is used by many Silicon Valley companies as a benifit to both them and the employee:

http://ee.stanford.edu/admissions.php?p=2

It's a fair question to ask the companies you are considering what the options are for you to get your Masters degree with their help.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I think I got the idea now :)

Thanks everybody for your helpful posts.

Ali
 

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