Which masters degree would be best when seeking a future career as a narcotics or homicide detective in LE?

Does having a Masters degree give you a competitive edge in your career in any way? If yes, how? Would you have used the funds for Masters degree for something else (e.g: investments, travel, to set up a new business)? If you could turn back time, would you do it again?

• I am currently considering whether I should go for a Master's degree (MBA in particular) and I am weighing the opportunity cost as I currently have a job that I love -- something that I can see myself doing and be good at in the future. Not only that, I am lucky to be having great bosses who are great mentors, also equally wonderful colleagues. Also, I would have to fund for the degree by myself, which is why I am weighing whether I should use the money for something else.

• Answer:

  Yes it did and still does. Years ago when the Educational reform movement began to build steam there was a notion that all schools should have a curriculum on paper. A school district should develop a written curriculum guide. It seemed obvious to me that curriculum development was the field to go into. I spent three summers and lots of money getting my Master's degree in Curriculum from the University of Missouri in Columbia. I made many new friends and gained lots of knowledge. I learned to study and write. I learned a lot about myself. Unfortunately the state of Missouri under Governor John Ashcroft did not appropriate funds for Curriculum development. It became another unfunded state mandate. My local school board decided my Master's degree made me too expensive and they "released" me. Untrained classroom teachers were recruited to develop the curriculum in my district. By this time I was quite disillusioned and refused to speak at the Curriculum meetings I was forced to attend. I left teaching for 20 years. Fast forward 19 years, I discovered my brother is engaging in practices that are illegal and endanger our company. The company revenue is spiraling downward. I am tired of doing his job and mine too and being played for a chump. I fear going back into teaching but feel I need to make a change. I know i do not want to teach art again. Doing some research I discovered a Masters degree and 5 years experience enabled me to test for a Special education certificate. My wife insisted I take the test and she paid for it. I passed. I got the certificate and began a job search. Two years later I find a job in a neighboring state. I am now in my second year as a special education teacher in one of the best high schools in Oklahoma. The curriculum focus of my degree helps with my teaching style and helps me understand the Marzano teacher evaluation model. If I had not spent the money and time to get the Masters I could not have exited the miserable job situation and re booted my life. It was definitely worth the money and even the time I spent away from my family. People can steal your land, you money and even your wife but no one can take your education away from you.