Second Bachelors Degree Question

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by japhy4529, May 23, 2009.

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  1. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    After I complete my B.S. in Behavioral Sciences next year with Bellevue University, I'm considering a second bachelors at another school.

    So far, I'm looking at a B.S. in Information Technology from UMass online and a B.S. in Psychology from UMUC.

    The reasons that I'm considering a 2nd Bachelors degree is as follows. For one, if I go the B.S. in IT route, this could help me professionally. Secondly, if I pursue a B.S. in Psychology from UMUC, I'm better preparing myself for graduate level work in psychology. Lastly, either program would offer some name recognition on my resume.

    The B.S. in IT from UMass online is 30 credits in length (10 courses). The B.S. in Psych from UMUC is a minimum of 30 credits, however, their information on a 2nd bachelors is a bit cryptic, so I'll need to look into this a bit more.

    So, my question is does this make sense, or should I just skip this and continue with my plans for an M.S./Ph.D. in Psychology?

    Thanks in advance for all comments and suggestions.
     
  2. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    It would be better to get a Masters instead of a second Bachelors, unless the second Associates or Bachelors is in a highly esoteric field, such as an AS in radiology. Most Masters degrees are only 30 to 45 credits, while some can be more, such as Psychology degrees that lead to licensure.
     
  3. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I could see the Behavioral Sciences degree matching up with the IT degree, especially if you were thinking about following them with a Masters in Bio-Informatics. Otherwise I'm wondering what would be the purpose of the second Bachelors? It could be worth it if it solved a problem or gave you access to a second career track but otherwise you might be better off going straight into the grad degree world. Also, I think the BA in Behavioral Sciences coupled with a BA in Psychology would be a bit redundant.
     
  4. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

    aside from the reasons stated by others I can think of a practical reason to pursue undergrad rather than graduate level. Grade point requirements. The undergrad will only require a "C" average (with a "D" grade often allowed) to graduate, not so with a graduate degree. (Alternatively, you can also increase your grade point with a second bachelors.) While I'm not advocating to anyone to minimize education sometimes having the right degree/credential/certification can make the difference in a hiring decision.

    And, to a point that I have made in other threads, sometimes the bachelors degree is a grade out question in electronic resume/hiring systems, with no option to point out "but I have a masters in XXX".
     
  5. Griffin

    Griffin Crazy About Psychology

    Yup, exactly. You can have a doctorate in computer science, but if they want a BS, you may be SOL depending on their online setup.
     
  6. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    My GPA is currently around 3.6, so that is not a concern. I'm simply thinking of enhancing my resume (and my chances of getting into a good graduate program).

    Thanks for the feedback.
     
  7. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Bioinformatics is an interesting field. I might look into this field a bit more. I do agree that Behavioral Science and Psych are redundant.

    Thanks for your feedback. :)
     

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