I already have a BA...what are my options?

Hi.
This may be a very stupid question, but I appreciate any input...

I already have a Bachelor's Degree (earned in 2000) and I want to make a career change to the industry in which I have my degree.

I am not interested in getting a Master's at this point in my life, BUT do want to further my education.

My question to you is: Can I get either a Minor or an Associate degree at this point, or would I have to act as an undergrad and start over with all the general studies???

Thanks for your help!

 

Just trying to make sure I understand what you are saying...

You currently have a job in a different field than that which you already have a degree in. Now you plan to change to the same field as your degree. Is that correct?

If so, then why do you want another degree? Just for the heck of it? If so, then you could get another bachelors. From many schools, like University of London you can get certificates and diplomas, etc, at the graduate level that would put you ahead in the game if and when you did decide to go for a Masters.

If you are wanting a degree in a totally different field, then I guess working on another bachelors would be the choice.

clint

 

You might try a second bachelors degree or some continuing education. For a second degree you usually get advanced standing. I did this at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada and only had to complete 13 half credit courses for a three year degree.

Roy Maybery

 

If you do not want a grad degree, you may want to consider an undergrad level or grad level certificate program.

What do you want as far as a major.

Look here for certificate infoto get started-
http://www.worldwidelearn.com

 

Many schools will let you earn a second bachelor degree if you earn an additional 30 units (and also meet their general degree requirements).
Check out the Excelsior and COSC web sites for their 2nd degree requirements.

 

There are education programs that are "official" in that they carry designations but they fall short of a Masters degree. I'm referring to Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate programs. These are programs that can be completed in a year or two on a part-time distance learning basis. They are offered typically in the British, Australian and South African university systems. If you care to name your field of interest I'm sure we could specify one or two schools that offer programs of this sort.
Jack

 

The suggestions of graduate certificates and diplomas are well worth consideration. Often, the work done in these can be carried into the MA/MSc program if you later change your mind.

One posibility that hasn't been mentioned is non degree seeking student status. If you just want to take some courses for the educational benefit then this may be an avenue. You could use that option at whatever level you'd like. You can often use this work for a 2nd undegrad or a grad degree as well.

Another option is university level continuing education/professional development courses. These don't offer credit but then, credit is not your objective.

An issue to consider though is that financial assistance is often only available to those enrolled in a curriculum program.

 

I'm affraid I forgot to answer your question...

You can get an Associates degree at many schools once you have an undergrad degree. You may have trouble getting any financial aid and you may have to explain your rationalle.

You generally will not be required to take those general education courses again provided that they are applicable to the new degree program. Example: if you used Liberal Arts Math for your BA but the AS requires Algebra -- you gotta take algebra.

Many schools will require new coursework at some percentage of degree in order to issue a second degree (even an AA). My experience is to expect about a 25% new work requirement.

You generally can't add a minor to an existing BA/BSc but what you may be able to do is enroll in a new degree program in a different major (your proposed minor). Some schools will not award two degrees of the same type (such as two BA degrees) and some won't award a BA and a BSc. Many though will award a second and/or third degree provided they are in different majors and provided you meet their new work requirements.

Most (the Big Three aside) will require you to complete about 25% of the degree requirements at their school and some departments require higher percentages. Fine Arts departments are known for asking high percentages of the major completed in their program.