Graduate School?

I've wanted to go for my Masters Degree for the past 6 years.  Finances and geographic location have hindered this dream of mine.  I miss being in a campus setting, and all the benefits of living in academia.  

If I do go back to school, I want my degree to be in something interesting,  not just something that will make me more money.  Which brings us to the debate of Urban Design vs Public Administration.  With Public Administration, I could become a City Manager and make a salary that ranges from $90,000-$200,000 per year, depending on location.  Urban Design would be a lot more creative, however, I would have to find a consulting firm, and work my way up through the ranks.  BUT I WOULD ENJOY IT MORE (potentially).

I have always been artistic, and creative.  Urban design and architecture have always been very interesting to me.  Am I "good" at being creative?  Would someone want to buy my creative services or ideas?  Is this what I really want?

Many of the graduate programs I have researched advertise that their programs prep you for the AICP exam, and ____%  of their students pass the AICP exam on the first try... well, I already did that in 2012... I am a certified professional land use planner, which is great for me!  And some would argue that I don't "need" a Masters Degree.  I don't think going to get my masters degree is about fulfilling a financial/career/promotional need.  Continuing education is a passion of mine, always has been.  Getting my Masters would fulfill the need to better myself, help me find purpose, as well as, feel important, and successful.  I would be proud of myself if I obtained a masters degree!!  Even more proud than I was for myself, for achieving AICP at 27 years old.  

Knowing that I want to challenge myself and pursue this goal, is half the battle.  And now, to find out the Where, and How.  The 10 schools I would consider attending which offer a masters program in Urban Planning:  

• Eastern Washington University, Spokane, Masters in Urban and Regional Planning

• Portland State University, Masters of Urban and Regional Planning

• University of Oregon, Masters of Community and Regional Planning

• University of Washington, Seattle, Masters of Urban Planning

• Cleveland State University, Masters of Urban Planning, Design, and Development (sister lives in Cleveland)

• California State University at Northridge, Los Angeles, Masters of Public Administration with an emphasis on Urban Planning

• Michigan State University, Masters of Urban and Regional Planning (Have an undergraduate from MSU in Urban and Regional Planning)

• University of Michigan, Masters of Urban Planning

• Wayne State University, Detroit, Masters of Urban Planning

• University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Masters of Art in Planning

Public Administration graduate programs are more widely offered by Universities.   My only concern is that I will HATE some of the aspects of PA, like the financial part of municipalities.  I am not an accountant, I have no interest in learning tax laws, etc.   However, I know it's an important aspect of how cities function.   Many schools offer online degrees in Public Administration as well.

Decisions, decisions.  Why do I always have to take the hard route in life?  hahaha because I am constantly looking for ways to better my life and find my "purpose"?.... but the "what's your purpose" discussion is for another day, and another blog post!