Masters - Is it really that easy?

[the lynx]

I've been observing in increasing frequency here in this forum that more and more random people come up having masters written all over their posts. Some are MBA, some do not specify what kind of masters they have, but we will just leave it there.

I get it that some really earned their keep. To that, I respect. But when you look at the others; the level of maturity, reasoning and intelligence expressed in their posts, gosh, atrocious! I'm sure I'm not the one questioning that.

For one thing I do not have masters. And where I come from, and the field that I'm involved in, post-graduate studies is a very expensive and painful option. People actually sacrifice to get masters degree, let alone a PhD.

So to be honest, I actually feel livid when many of them come here, flailing their 'masters' label (like sticks) around and do not do justice for the qualification that is so precious to others.

Or am I putting too much respect for masters degree?

[x9200]

A half-wit going around with a degree glued to his forehead should make you amused or embarrassed depending on the situation. You should be thankful actually there are people like this. If I see a person who for no justifiable reason flashes her or his degree and puts it everywhere it is for me a clear warning sign. On the other hand the local working culture, at least on some level seems obsessed with the degrees and I have friends, reasonable people, who put the whole set of their degrees in the front line proceeding their names in places like linkedin. But then it is clear they are looking for job opportunities.
I am not going to touch the part on what is requires to get locally a master or PhD.

[zzm9980]

There was a good explanation a few months back on what a degree actually means in a certain country that a lot of posters here originate from... The explanation was Masters degrees in non-science related disciplines from that country aren't anything special, and are generally considered lower tier than a bachelors of engineering.

From my own personal experience, anyone that can handle their undergrad degree and has the time and money can usually swing a masters. IMO, the perceived value of a masters is very 'watered down' because of this. Being able to study and do well in school does not make one "smart". I've met plenty of people I consider extremely smart, and plenty with advance degrees. I see almost no correlation between the two.

[intellectualsmuse]

I've been observing in increasing frequency here in this forum that more and more random people come up having masters written all over their posts. Some are MBA, some do not specify what kind of masters they have, but we will just leave it there.

I get it that some really earned their keep. To that, I respect. But when you look at the others; the level of maturity, reasoning and intelligence expressed in their posts, gosh, atrocious! I'm sure I'm not the one questioning that.

For one thing I do not have masters. And where I come from, and the field that I'm involved in, post-graduate studies is a very expensive and painful option. People actually sacrifice to get masters degree, let alone a PhD.

So to be honest, I actually feel livid when many of them come here, flailing their 'masters' label (like sticks) around and do not do justice for the qualification that is so precious to others.

Or am I putting too much respect for masters degree?

Having/owning something does not necessarily translate into an ability to use it-be it a gun or a degree!