I don't expect that you remember me; I took your Medieval Lit class in my last semester in 1990. Since that time, I have often kicked myself for not listening to my inner voice, the one that tried to tell me to consider earning a Master’s degree in English. But as is often the case, youth is wasted on the young. While I have had some great experiences in my varied career, I now find myself at a point where I desperately wish to go back to school.

First of all, is it even feasible for someone in mid-career to make such a drastic change? Is it acceptable to start school part-time and then transfer while pursuing a Master’s degree? Or is it better to earn your Ph.D. and Master’s from the same school? A number of friends I have spoken with on this matter have suggested that I look into distance learning. Is this considered acceptable by the academic establishment? I haven't found many programs in English literature; they seem to be mostly concerned with education or general humanities programs.

Another concern is my college GPA and letters of recommendation from professors. Would letters from work supervisors be equivalent? Do admissions committees take into account “life experiences” in lieu of a high GPA? I am planning to take the GRE in the next month or so. As far as writing samples go, the bulk of mine are work-related; the most pertinent one is a research paper I completed this year on hunting with hounds as practiced in England in the Renaissance and late Middle Ages. Would it be better for me to audit a class locally to get back into the swing of more analytical writing, or is some independent research and writing possible for someone in my situation?