Master’s Degrees: Are They Worth It?—Part VI: Investment

I’m concluding my series on graduate writing programs with the one piece of advice I would give anyone pursuing a master’s degree: you get out of it what you put into it.
So, go to class, apply the tools and techniques you learn, and carefully consider any feedback you receive. Go to all the events sponsored [...]

Master’s Degrees: Are They Worth It?—Part V: Professionalism

Perhaps this aspect of my graduate education was unique to my degree—a Master of Professional Writing—but during my time in the program, I learned how to make a living as a professional writer.
To be fair, I had already been making a living as a professional writer for more than a decade—before and during the program. [...]

Master’s Degrees: Are They Worth It?—Part IV: Opportunity

Here are all of the experiences I wouldn’t have had if I hadn’t enrolled in a graduate writing program:

I met and studied with Janet Fitch (White Oleander), John Rechy (About My Life and the Kept Woman), and L.A. Times film critic Kenneth Turan, among many, many other esteemed writers.
I oversaw the launch of [...]

Master’s Degrees: Are They Worth It?—Part III: Community

One of the most valuable benefits of a master’s writing program—what I hear cited again and again and again by those who have gotten degrees—is the sense of community it provides. Writing is an isolated activity, pursued by introverts (like myself). Entering a writing program is a good way to remind yourself that you’re not [...]

Master’s Degrees: Are They Worth It?—Part II: Commitment

One of the reasons I joined a graduate program was I needed to make a commitment to my writing. I needed to demonstrate in a real way that it was important to me, that it was worth investing time and money and effort in. And invest (especially time and money) I did …
Let me know [...]

Master’s Degrees: Are They Worth It?—Part I

This morning my master’s degree program held its new-student orientation. After nearly four years, I am finally writing my thesis and nearing completion of my degree—I’m hardly a new student. But I was asked to attend to introduce the literary journal published by our department that I oversee.
On the one hand, I am ready to [...]