Can One Pursue a Master’s Degree and Work Simultaneously with a Scholarship?
The question of whether it's feasible to pursue a master’s degree while working is multifaceted, especially when you have a scholarship to support your studies. The answer depends on several factors, including the nature of your employment, the type of university, the terms of your scholarship, and your visa status.
University Options and Class Scheduling
In the United States, the landscape of higher education is quite diverse. Many universities cater specifically to working adults. Online classes and flexible evening and weekend schedules are common, enabling students to balance work and study. Traditional universities, on the other hand, often adhere to more rigid, daytime schedules, often limiting work options to outside of regularly scheduled class times.
The specifics of the scholarship in question also play a crucial role. For instance, I once turned down a fellowship in graduate school to work full-time, an option that is not absolute but highly dependent on the terms of the scholarship. Universities do offer a wide range of options and terms of scholarship, each of which may have different stipulations regarding work.
International Student Considerations
For non-US citizens, the situation becomes more complex due to visa restrictions. Generally, international students are allowed to work on campus, which limits employment options. However, there are off-campus work options available, but the number of hours is usually limited to 20 per week while classes are in session. Beyond this, employment may require special authorization from the Department of Homeland Security.
Strategies for Combining Employment and Studies
While a scholarship ideally enables you to focus on your studies, real-life situations often necessitate balancing both. If you must work, it's best to limit your hours as much as possible. Working through your studies can be challenging, especially if you're balancing a demanding job, but it is definitely doable. I worked all through college and graduate school, eventually reaching 30 hours a week by the time I finished. Despite the stress, I found that staying consistent with my schedule and prioritizing my studies was key.
Case Studies from Professionals
Case 1: One student, after receiving a fellowship, chose to forgo the scholarship to focus entirely on their career at HP. This approach allowed them to gain valuable work experience and complete their studies in a couple of years. Yet, the personal investment in both their studies and career was significant.
Case 2: Another individual opted to balance a full-time job with their studies, working part-time to full-time and even purchasing a house with roommates to keep costs low. This approach took ten years to complete, but it included a leave of absence during one period, allowing them to manage both aspects of their life effectively.
Case 3: I worked a graveyard shift (2 AM to 10 AM) unloading trucks and stocking at one supermarket, which was incredibly grueling, especially when I had to wake up for morning classes half-asleep. At another supermarket, I worked the late shift (2 PM to 10 PM), which allowed me to catch a bus to return home, where I would often have a drink with coworkers. This unconventional social life at 39 years old proved to be more helpful for my mental health than college classmates. I found that balancing morning classes on days I worked and evening classes on days off helped maintain a routine and stay motivated.
Conclusion
The answer to whether you can pursue a master’s degree and work simultaneously with a scholarship depends largely on the specifics of your situation. It's possible with careful planning, prioritization, and support systems. Both employers and universities offer flexible options that can help make this goal feasible. By being strategic and flexible, you can achieve your academic and professional goals.