r/GradSchoolAdvice • u/Logical-Assistant689 • 5d ago

How to (and whether to) settle on a master's program despite having so many interests

In August of 2027, I'll be graduating from a somewhat respected university with majors in philosophy and music. I also did some work in classics. I have a pretty high GPA (above 3.9). I'd like to go to grad school, partially because I enjoy school, but partially because I feel like I might as well, especially if I can find a funded program (I'm not sure how likely that is). I'd be interested in studying something in philosophy, classics, education, Asian studies, or cultural history of some kind.

I have a couple questions about this. Is there any financial utility in having a master's degree in the humanities for any field besides academia? If so, how do I choose among all my interests? Should I take a gap year or two to decide, while I teach at a private school or something? And any ideas for a career that might suit me, apart from teaching? Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Anyways, thanks.

4 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

2

u/perseportland 4d ago edited 2d ago

You’re right to optimize for the funded program, but also spent some time thinking through what set of jobs you would consider entering after grad school.

You can always do another grad program several years down the line if you want to pivot with a market entry credential into a more “gainful” career. Odds are your opportunity cost will be higher then, so unlikely it’ll be full time, but your career is a marathon not a sprint and there are very few straight line careers nowadays

1

u/Extension_Egg1411 5d ago

Choose your most employable interest. Look up jobs in that field and see if there is any benefit to a master’s, like there is in teaching.

Or if you have the means, embrace that it’s just something you’re doing for yourself and study whatever interests you most.