<p>I’m a junior majoring in English (Rhetoric) with a minor in Energy Engineering. I’m wanting to work for a large energy firm doing Public Affairs. Upon reviewing the websites of BP and Exxon, it appears by best career options would come about if I get a Masters in Journalism, Communication, etc. </p>
<p>I’m paying out-of-state tuition and looking into attend the same school for my Masters Degree. Should I work a few years and gain citizenship within the state? There is a $400 credit/hour difference in cost.</p>
<p>As a senior, apply to a few graduate programs in your areas of interest (public relations, journalism, etc.), as well as to employers in your field of interest.</p>
<p>The graduate programs that accept you may offer you some degree of funding, although it is less likely for a masters candidate. Still worth a shot.</p>
<p>The employers will be able to give you an idea on (1) what graduate fields they specifically value and/or recruit and (2) what kind of tuition reimbursement plan they have for their employees. My employer paid 100% of my part-time masters and is now offering to pay for my full-time Ph.D.</p>
<p>You can apply to your current school’s graduate program for the semester directly after graduation, and if you don’t receive adequate funding defer matriculation a year while you work to gain in-state status. The school should then reevaluate your finances when you begin your degree. It would be a bummer to stay in state for so long and then be rejected for admittance, when you could have been pursuing your degree elsewhere.</p>
<p>This is my back-up plan in case none of my schools end up being affordable–I emailed the financial aid office at my school and they confirmed they would certainly reevaluate when the time came. Of course, if your school requires more than 12 months of living/working without attending school to qualify for in-state status, this might not work.</p>