Should I get my Masters before applying?

[alrazavi]

Hi guys,
this is my first post, nice to meet you all.

I had a question and was wondering if someone here could give me some advise.

I am 21 years old and am currently finishing my 3rd year undergrad at the University of Toronto. I am majoring in Psychology and double minoring in Sociology and Philosophy. I am conversationally proficient in Farsi, German, English and Spanish. I would consider myself fit and I do work out 4 days a week, but I am not really the most muscular guy in the gym; I am average compared to the other guys that are my age. Also I have run 10km in less than 60 minutes before on several occasions,but I would still not consider myself a marathon runner either. If everything goes well, I will graduate and receive my bachelor of science in about 2 years from now.

My question is: I really want to receive a Masters degree in Social Psychology afterwards, but I was wondering whether it is smart to do it before I look into applying for a job as a Law Enforcement Officer. My wish is to join the Toronto Police Department. I should add that I am a Permanent Resident, not a Canadian Citizen.

If anybody has some suggestions, comments or other general recommendation, please let me know I would truly appreciate.

Thanks guys!

Sorry I forgot to add: I have been working in sales now for 5 years (Comission Sales Person) and also have done some volunteer work within my university as a Frosh Group Leader and as part of my Fraternity with the Canadian Blood Services (Blood Donor Clinics and Stem Cell registration events)

[GPZ]

If you want to be an academic, be an academic.

If you want to be a cop, apply before you spend another nickel on university. Post-secondary is great but university is too bloody expensive unless you are going for a professional designation (teacher, engineer, social worker, etc), or are independently wealthy.

Just my .02 cents.

[goaliegibson]

I disagree. If it's a goal to get your masters do it now. It will be much tougher (if not damn near impossible) if/after you get hired. I know 3 guys in my outfit who have their masters in various fields.

[dira necessitas]

Should I get my Masters before applying?

Yes.

Your 21. Stay in school and have fun. Apply later on. You might change your mind anyway.

[A.T.R.]

No.

Apply, continue process of education.

Get hired, continue Masters later on and have employer pay for it.

Degrees for Policing in my opinion are a waste of time for the application process. Get them later on when you can apply real life experience to your mentorship.

[goaliegibson]

My service only pays for a minimum and would not cover near the amount for a masters. At that point you're paying for an online master's course which is more expensive anyways. I think your options for a masters in social psychology would be limited online. Do it now. You're young anyways.

[alrazavi]

I appreciate for all of your helpful responses, thanks guys!

[Toonces]

You're so young! Continue school full time and get your post grad. If you really want it, do it before you get a full time career, family, etc.

Best of luck.