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That's a good answer. :)

I graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering from a small but respected engineering university. At the time (oh, my, was it really that long ago?) I looked into pursuing an advanced degree, and actually did work on obtaining a second Bachelor's degree (in Computer Science) but eventually dropped that in favor of going to work and making money. The funny thing is, in doing my current job I don't use anything I learned in college. Everything I know and use in my current job I learned on-the-job.

In my opinion, if your goal is learning and research, then the Ph.D. would be the way to go. If your goal is a good job as a programmer, then it may be better to complete your undergrad degree (BS or BA) and go and get a job with that. I think programming is like any other kind of writing, you only improve at it by doing it; and, your work experience will count more on your resume than an advanced degree. At least, it used to be that way...

I think you are right about her not needing an advanced degree, I almost asked the same thing, but she is so young. She'll be competing against people the same age with a Bachelor's.

Jen, Once you get out of school you will never get a chance to go back. and you will be working the rest of your life (Unless you stop to do the baby thing eventually I suppose), so there is no rush IMHO. College was the best time of my life so far. Go for what you want!

Everything I know and use in my current job I learned on-the-job.

In my opinion, if your goal is learning and research, then the Ph.D. would be the way to go.

Ditto! FWIW I think you should have a pretty good idea of what you want to do when you "get out" before you put all that time, effort, and money into advanced degrees. You wouldn't believe how many recent Phd's we get applying for lab tech jobs.

You can do lifelong learning without a degree.