Is it good to get two of the same level degrees?

I noticed that many people these days are getting two or more of the same level degree. For example, someone might get an A.A. degree and then get an A.S. degree. Also, i.e. a person might get a B.A. degree and then pursue a B.S. degree. What are your opinions of a person getting two of the same level degrees? Have any of you done so? If so, has it helped you or not made much of a difference? Some say that it is better to just go to the next degree level. This should be an interesting discussion.

 

In my own opinion, the answer, inevitably, is "It depends." I can imagine numerous scenarios where getting a second undergrad or grad degree would be OK or even a very good thing. "What is the goal for obtaining the degree?" is a question that needs a very good answer. Also, "Is there another way?" is a question that might be considered.
Someone might simply be interested in a subject and so pursues a structured course of study. Someone else might be considering a change of career and seeking to form a foundation for that change. What is your situation?
Jack

 

There is no situation. I'm just interested in hearing input on this as this seems to be happening more frequently.

 

With all that being said, my own opinion is that it is rarely necessary to get a second degree on the level of a previously earned degree. If one has "earned" a degree from a less than wonderful school and wishes to erase that mistake, getting a second degree (this time from a "real" school) would clearly help. A radical change of careers might require a second degree on the same level. Even then, it's often possible to earn a diploma or postgrad diploma that will allow you entrance to that career on a more advanced level. To me, the concept of necessity is the key here. If there is no other way then it must be done. Otherwise, why retrace one's steps?
Jack

 

I have an instance that it applies. I work in aerospace, one of our young and very talented engineers, says one day he wants to be President. (I think he will one day). He received his undergrad and first master's in engineering, then is going for the MBA, instead of the Phd in engineering. He doesn't want to be seen to much as a technical person, and needs the business side to round out his skills for management. Not the route I would go, btu it makes sense for his goals.

 

philosophy,

I'm in pursuit of my second BA. I based first BA (Military Management) and on-going MBA on my vocational goals. The subject matter is applicable to my current career and will hopefully be relevant when I transition to a civilian career.

I decided to start working toward the second BA (Languages and Literature - with specialisation in Early World Civilisations) for a number of reasons. One is that when I was at AMU, my ethics professor inspired me to want a better understanding of the Bible and the classics of the West. I have all kinds of resources to develop this understanding including the Internet and a truly wonderful public library. However, it is difficult for me to develop such a learning program on my own, so as Jack suggested, this program gives me the opportunity to do that in a structured way. Additionally the learning is validated by exams and the program is structured so that I can major in both Biblical Archaeology and Classical Studies.

The subject matter, Biblical Archaeology and Classical Studies, is also relevant, both directly and indirectly to my career and life in general.

I chose UNISA because of my desire to be a life-long learner. I completed my A.S., first BA, and 21 credits of my MBA with the help of Navy Tuition Assistance, for which I am very grateful. My UNISA studies are paid for out of pocket. I hope that studying at UNISA will remain within my means in the future.

A short while ago I considered skipping the BA so that I could commence work on a MA in Biblical Archaeology. I have decided to stick with the BA, as I have not yet developed the foundation for graduate studies in Biblical Archaeology, and I think that I will benefit from the Classical Studies modules. I just wrote the exam for my first Classical Studies module, Greek Myth, Society and Literature. The module covered Greek history (1600-336 BC), myths and legends, and literature with a focus on Homer's Odyssey.

 

I don't see the point in earning a second Bachelor's degree. Among other things, a single RA Bachelor's degree is the ticket to a graduate program

My personal opinion is that a second degree is only useful at the graduate level. Someone with an M.A. and a M.B.A. will be looked upon much more favorably than someone with two undergrad degrees, for example.

 

A graduate program in a different field will usually have prerequisite courses that may best be taken as undergraduate courses.

I once took an accounting course with a woman who had a PhD in 20th Century French Literature. Nice degree if that's your thing but not a real job-getter. She needed accounting to progress where she worked and, I think, went on to a BA in accounting.

 

You may also consider the situation of an individual that intends to be a life long learner in many areas without feeling compelled to "master" any of them. In this case you may see two or three undergarduate degrees and 1 or 2 graduate level degrees from the same person.

Pug

 

Also, there is another possible scenario (Bruce eluded to it.) Take my situation for example: I am enrolled in the BA/Christian Studies program at Briercrest (NA). This degree will be almost universally accepted in RA graduate programs, even if the program is not religious in nature, as long as the RA school has a relious program and is also accredited by TRACS/AABC/ATS. Liberty University would be a good example. I could graduate with my NA undergarduate degree from Briercrest and then go into the RA Liberty University MBA program. That being said, if I chose a school for my graduate studies that was strictly RA and secular in nature, say Maryland University for instance, my degree from Briercrest may not be sufficient to enter the program. In this case, I may need to go back and take a core set of undergarduate courses (maybe 30 hours) from an RA school to earn a second BA.

Pug

 

Librarians

Librarians, especially academic librarians often have a second Masters in addition to their MLS.
Frequently hiring preference is given to librarians with a subject matter Masters. Look at ads in the Chronicle and you will see that it can frequently be a requirement.

There is a PhD available in Info Studies, but it does not make one a better librarian. There are few schools that offer the PhD as well. There are only ~ 50 library schools in the US, far fewer than medical or law schools. Not all of the ALA accredited library schools offer the Phd, in Florida only FSU offers it, USF the other library school does not.

 

Let me offer another view. I am required to maintain continuing education for some of my professional credentials and adjuncting requirements. Rather than taking training or refresher courses that have no academic value I try to take courses from universities. In that manner I receive credits that add up. Sooner or later I may apply these to another degree. Masters programs are good about having extended periods for completion.

 

I am doing exactly as you describe. I have a first master's degree (M.A.) in linguistics/teaching English as a second language. I am now pursuing a second master's degree (M.Ed.) in school counseling. I think one common reason for pursuing a second master's degree is moving your career in a different direction. For me, I plan on staying with the same employer, but wish a different position. The *only* way to qualify is with that second master's degree (plus a pupil personnel services credential).

And, importantly, I have no desire for a doctorate. It would make me overqualified where it matters: in job interviews. People who have the job I want have master's degrees. It takes a person with a strong ego to be willing to hire someone with greater qualifications than his own.

In addition, given my outside interests (college guide writing and an academic counseling service), it serves as a good writing credit. Perhaps more than a doctorate would.



Tom Nixon