Dilemma regarding FALL 11' (2nd Graduate Degree or NOT?)

Graduate School
1

<p>Background:</p>

<p>-I work in the fine arts
-I finished an MA in my field last year at a well respected American University
-I am an international student (or was in this case)
-I will be applying to the top schools in my field for a PhD/DMA this upcoming year (for Fall 12’ start)
-I would like to remain in the country UNTIL my PhD begins
-I have interests that fall outside of my own field / my work in my field is influenced by subject matters that lie outside of my concentration</p>

<p>Which of the following options seems most interesting? </p>

<p>-I could stay in the country by requesting an O-1B VISA (individuals with an extraordinary ability); outside of the bureaucratic mess, this wold not be that difficult for me to get. I would be allowed to stay in the country for an additional three years. I could then simply drop the O Visa and switch to an F-1 once I am admitted to the PhD Program for a Fall 2012 start.</p>

<p>-I could start a 2nd MA degree, this time in Liberal Studies, that allows me a deeper academic look into other subjects that serve to influence my work. This is the plan that most interests me, but there are obvious obstacles. Going this route takes more money than getting the O VISA, as I would be paying for the majority of the degree out of pocket. The course SHOULD take two years, and I cannot transfer credits from my previous MA… so it likely will take two years. If I was admitted into one of the PhD Programs I will be applying for, I would be forced to leave. The PhD spots are all paid fellowships, meaning that it would make most sense to simply drop the 2nd MA and move on. If the PhD programs don’t work out for 2012, being in the MA program would be best, as I would be engaged with academia on some level inside of 2012. This scenario is preferable to me, as opposed to working solely on my own projects. </p>

<p>-I could leave the country. </p>

<p>Additional information: </p>

<p>-I am somewhat skeptical about the prestige of “Liberal Studies Programs”.
-Money is not an issue per se, I can afford all of my options. Still, no one wants to waste money needlessly. </p>

<p>Thanks to those who take the time to read over my thread. </p>

<p>Best,</p>

2

<p>Option 4: stay here without a visa! Just kidding. </p>

<p>If the O-1B visa isn’t difficult for you to get, than why not?! If you are able to get the O-1B, during your time off you could take a few random courses to satisfy your curiosity about a subject, but you wouldn’t be locked into a degree.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for your response, I am happy to have as much feedback as possible from anyone else as well. </p>

<p>I appreciate it guys,</p>

4

<p>

The main benefit of a Master’s degree in liberal studies would be the experience you get out of it, not the piece of paper at the end.</p>

<p>If you qualify for an O-1B visa, you probably have a very successful career right now. Is it worth to put that on hold for a second Master’s degree? My first thought was that of mantidguy: why not get the O-1B visa and take (or audit - much cheaper :)) a few classes on the side?</p>

5

<p>Thank you for your response, </p>

<p>I have scheduled a meeting with an immigration lawyer to look over all my options. </p>

<p>To answer your question, I do not really have to put anything on hold, because I work on my field from home - during my free time. The MA would require some hours per week away from my projects, but that would not be a substantial problem. Point being, I don’t really see the MA getting in the way of my work too much.</p>

<p>The real issue is that the PhD Programs I want are all very difficult to secure fellowships in (1-3 spots world wide per year). Because I am holding out for a few specific schools, things can get rather bleak! If things were to fall apart with the PhD for 2012, I would be happier completing a new degree as opposed to being totally out of school while in the country. </p>

<p>But, thanks again your your input. I am trying to weight all my options accordingly. </p>

<p>Best,</p>