Thoughts on Graduate School

Today I found myself with very little to do at work. It is actually an unusual position to be in for me since most my days are usually quite full. So after asking my boss if he had anything for me to do and getting no immediate response, I sat down to begin researching the concept of returning to school again. Now it is quite known that it has been a goal of mine to return for a graduate degree of some kind, but it has always been tough for me to decide how to attend and what to pursue.

So I struck out with the intention of keeping options open. I've sort of narrowed my focus down currently to Theology or Economics. Also I think that I would like to continue in my current position at work while achieving this goal. This comes with the realization that if I were to pursue my options beyond a Masters I would probably have to go full-time. However, as some would advise, let us take one step at a time.

I try to look down the road at what would be to gain by either route, and I see both providing me the opportunity to teach younger individuals in the future. That I believe is the ultimate goal. Yet do I reach for one passion that is theological thought, or should I endeavour to succeed in a realm that I am talented and enjoy as well, economics. A friend of mine once advised me to get my PhD in Economics and then I could teach econ and finance from an ethical standpoint, and as a result reach people possibly more in need of direction that in a traditional theology class. I felt this was an excellent point, and to be honest I am probably leaning that direction currently. Yet at times I still can't shake the desire of getting a MTS from somewhere like the University of Dallas.

It is quite the quandry. I already have the GRE scores from a year ago and with my previous scholastic history and my success in the workplace I don't find it unreasonable to accept positive admission from most universities. I guess this one is going to be a toss up and I'll go down multiple avenues of pursuit. That being said, I sure would hope for some real conviction on the matter. Sometimes I wish I could fast forward, have a PhD or MA in both Econ and Theology, teaching a class on the theological and ethical impacts of various economic and financial theories. That sounds pretty cool doesn't it!?!

Step one is to get my butt in school though, so lets start there.