Need help with grad school dilemma

uncjules

Hi, ladies. Sorry I'm not posting a lot lately - I just don't feel that I have much to say! But, now I need your help with something. I'm starting a grad school program at UConn in January. It's online, but I don't expect this to be an easy degree. My original plan was to take 2 classes a semester so that I could finish in 2 years, but I'm not sure how feasible that is given that I work full-time and have DD. 

DH suggested just taking 1 class the first semester to let myself settle in. But, if I took two classes this first semester, I think they would be the two "easier" classes I have to take and it might make sense to go ahead and double up now, saving 1 class semesters for harder subjects. I just don't want this program to drag out over 4 years. I would do a PhD if I wanted that time commitment!

I'm going to speak to my advisor next week, but he's probably won't understand these specific dynamics. What do you think? Should I do one class or two this semester? What's your reasoning? Thanks so much for your help!

raceyrae

I would do two classes now if they're the more straightforward ones and save the class semester for one when the class is more challenging.

Good luck!

NatPhoto09

I agree with racey.  GL

unc00ref

raceyrae:

I would do two classes now if they're the more straightforward ones and save the class semester for one when the class is more challenging.

Good luck!

 

I agree.  Also -- you'll likely be more burnt out later in the program, so it'll make more sense to just do 1 class at a time them than now when you are more motivated!

bobsbride2006

I agree with pp. Take 2 classes now while you're motivated and not burned out. Also, taking easier classes should help. What program are you studying?

uncjules

bobsbride2006:

I agree with pp. Take 2 classes now while you're motivated and not burned out. Also, taking easier classes should help. What program are you studying?

Thanks for the help, ladies. I never thought of the burn-out issue; that's a very good point.

Bobsbride, it's a Masters in Survey Research. Yes, there is such a thing! I work in a rather general health services research capacity right now, so this will just put me in a niche that should serve my career well. At least, I hope it will!

KataMarie

I definitely agree with the other ladies and do two now.  I luckily didn't get burnt out early, but that's because I only had 1 year of classes and 1 year of in the lab research.  Plus if you start and find that doing the two classes is too much for you, then you can always drop one before the deadline vs never even trying.  I'm sure you'll figure out real quick if you can do it or not, grad school classes generally don't go easy the first couple weeks like undergrad classes can.