u/paleasthemoon

Hi everyone,

I’m graduating this summer with a B.S. (3.9 GPA) and have already been admitted to several master’s programs at ASU.

My end goal is to earn my master’s with as little debt as possible (I was fortunate to complete my bachelor’s debt-free), and I recently learned that graduate students can sometimes participate in ROTC and commission after graduation.

I may need a few medical waivers, so I know there’s no guarantee I’d be eligible. I’d also have to relocate from Texas to attend ASU, so I’m wondering if it would make more sense to pursue ROTC there or apply to master’s programs in Texas instead.

Or would I have better luck commissioning after my bachelor’s through OCS/OTS and then using my education benefits to pursue graduate school later?
I’m also open to different branches, not just the Army, so I’d love to hear from anyone who’s taken a similar path.
I’d really appreciate any advice. I’m exploring all my options after a bachelors. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’m graduating this summer with a B.S. (3.9 GPA) and have already been admitted to several master’s programs at ASU.

My end goal is to earn my master’s with as little debt as possible (I was fortunate to complete my bachelor’s debt-free), and I recently learned that graduate students can sometimes participate in ROTC and commission after graduation.

I may need a few medical waivers, so I know there’s no guarantee I’d be eligible. I’d also have to relocate from Texas to attend ASU, so I’m wondering if it would make more sense to pursue ROTC there or apply to master’s programs in Texas instead.

Or would I have better luck commissioning after my bachelor’s through OCS/OTS and then using my education benefits to pursue graduate school later?
I’m also open to different branches, not just the Army, so I’d love to hear from anyone who’s taken a similar path.
I’d really appreciate any advice. I’m exploring all my options after a bachelors. Thanks!

Hi all,
I recently received several MS offers and I’m feeling a little overwhelmed trying to decide which path makes the most sense.
I’m graduating soon with a bachelor’s degree in Counseling and Applied Psychological Sciences. One program that has really stood out to me is the MS in Human Systems Engineering, particularly the User Experience concentration. What attracts me is the research and experimentation side of the field, since those have always been my favorite parts of psychology.
From a career perspective, Human Systems Engineering seems like it may offer more flexibility and earning potential than a traditional behavioral sciences graduate degree. However, I’m concerned about funding and whether relocating would be worth it.
For those currently in the program or who have completed it:

How difficult is it to find research assistant (RA) positions?
Do RA positions typically come with tuition waivers or other funding?
Is prior research experience required to be competitive?
What kinds of jobs did you end up pursuing after graduation?

I’d love to hear about your experiences and whether you feel the degree was worth it. Thanks!