Is it doable/possible/feasible to get two concurrent BAs, through distance learning?

Say, a BA in Social work concurrent with a BA in Psychology?
Or a dual Psychology/Elementary Education one?
Or Social Work/Elementary Education?

Is that a realistic goal?

How would that be different from say, a degree that has a Major in Education and a minor in Social Work?

What are the nuances and differences between a dual BA and just a BA who happens to have a major/concentration and a minor?

 

I know somone who earned two BAs simultaneously. Psychology and Art Therapy. It delayed her graduation a bit but she got it done.

Are you talking about doing two degrees at the same school at the same time or are you talking about doing one degree at one school and the other degree at another school? I'm asking because some schools have policies about such things. So, the answer is: It depends.

I should also mention that she was a full-time resident student. No distance learning was involved.

 

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If you are at the same school, you will want to look up the procedure for a "double major." That is two degrees, you just double dip the gen ed requirement and do a second 30 credits (or whatever amount) in the second area at the same time. You graduate once in that process.

I would just throw out there, that if you are going into a field that might require a master's degree- keep your sites on THAT goal. Master's degrees are about 36 credits, so while you are taking 30 credits on a second bachelor's degree...you could have been finishing your master's. Of course, master's credits can cost more- and you have limited to no access for testing, so you could argue that the undergrad credits are significantly easier/faster/cheaper too. Just something else to mull over.

 

Is Western Governor's University a good choice?

DO they take as many CLEPS and DANTES as you guve them for credit?

Would COSC, TESC or Excelsior be a better choice?

Are WGU as flexible as the above-mentioned "big 3"?

 

I can't comment on WGU's credit-via-examination policy so I will let others cover that. I don't believe that WGU is as flexible as the "big 3" with respect to residency requirements or credit transfer but I could be wrong.

Note that WGU charges by 6 month increments, currently around $2800 (so $5600 a year). That doesn't include examination fees. You could easily pay for a degree from COSC or Excelsior WITH examination fees AND learning materials for around this amount.

I had thought you were interested in a degree that would let you pursue social work. WGU offers teachers college, business degrees, IT degrees and nursing degrees. Which would you pursue?

Cookderosa's comments are very pertinent - by making an efficient choice you will achieve your goals more quickly. If you're taking courses or pursuing degrees for personal interest that's different.

I had thought about getting a second bachelor's degree by taking the Psych GRE, but after some thought realized it wouldn't get me anything. Instead I'm finishing my MBA and will consider an IS/IT masters or doctorate at a later stage, which will open me up to teaching opportunities. Of course, I might decide to do something else down the road for interest's sake.

 

I am still deciding what my exact plan of action will be, but what I want to do is get a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education (English or Spanish) and then work towards a Masters' in Social Work (with a focus on child development) while at the same time working on a Juris Doctor. Crazy, eh?

I am still hoping to get all the advice I can get as far as how to map out the strategy...

 

There seems to be several schools offering this type of dual degree combination, however none are DL.

Do you plan on completing the MSW via DL? JD?

 

I am still not sure...probably not, but by the time I'm done with the undergrad I could change my mind...

 

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I would suggest finding a mentor in your field of interest. Sometimes what's interesting isn't a match to what's best for the training/career.

 

I would start ask what your ultimate career goal is before planning from the BA - MSW - JD. Do you want to be a teacher, who can also work as a social worker and later as an attorney or judge? Have you interned/volunteered in these fields before? Do you know anyone in these fields that you can talk to? Are you trying to get more bang for your buck (as far as options) in this economy?

A BA in Elementary Education can be very limiting IF you find out you don't want to work with elementary aged children. However, if you combine it with a language, Spanish/Bilingual, etc you may find that you can teach from K - 12th grade.

Being a teacher, I would say don't go too crazy with taking out student loans for these degrees because the income is limited in education as a teacher and also in social work. Try to find a program that will allow you study what you like AND allow you to live AND pay back loans while working. If you find out elementary is not what you want, then try a content area degree like Spanish, English, Art, etc.

Nowadays, you don't have to have an education background to teach. Most states have some alternative education program to assist non-education majors. The downside is you have to work AND study, which can be daunting at times. However, from my personal experience I find that most elementary schools like teachers with elementary education backgrounds. On the flip side many urban or rural areas are willing to work with people who are passionate about teaching children in their specific areas (i.e. Teach for America and various other city programs like Miami Teaching Fellows, etc.).

If you take out a Federal Stafford Loan, after 5 years of working in a low economic or Title 1 school, you can get $5,000 or $17,500 of your loan forgiven, depending on if you teach in a high needs area (these change every year),or if you teach special education or secondary math or science. So there are options for you.

Hope this helps!