BA General Studies - Concentrations Choice

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by LilKatie24, Mar 22, 2016.

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  1. LilKatie24

    LilKatie24 New Member

    Currently attending SNHU, I am trying to choose a concentration for my general studies degree. I want to eventually teach at a college level and my adviser tells me my concentration is not "that big of a deal" because I have to continue for my masters and then grad school. Until then I am hoping my BA will help me to at least continue my retail job and MAYBE help me make a few more bucks.

    Does it really matter what concentration I choose?

    Here is a list of them just for your reference: Accounting , advertising, political science, business administration, business administration systems, business studies, communication, computer information technology, creative writing, English language and literature, economics, history, human resource management, international studies, journalism, marketing, mathematics, psychology, public administration, sociology, sport management.
     
  2. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Are you trying to say that you would be equally happy getting a grad degree in Economics or Creative Writing? Math or Psych?
     
  3. LilKatie24

    LilKatie24 New Member

    Well currently my major is psychology but that's mainly due to my adviser sticking me there. Now that I have had a bit more time to think on it, I dont know if that's where I want to be. Honestly? If it were up to me I would be over in English Literature, or Computer Information Systems.

    I think mainly I am wondering if ya'll have any guidance for me....does a "concentration" in a BA General Studies truly matter that much in the long run if you are continuing on towards a masters and then grad school? Its all very confusing and speaking to my adviser didn't help too much.

    Edit: Ahhh now I see what your asking, I should get my concentration in what I plan on going forward with in life. I want to be a college professor one day and would love to teach literature, I also have many classes in the computer science field so perhaps I could dual major eventually. I think my fear is getting a Bachelors that simply doesn't matter, but to be honest I have already read how a general studies degree is not very valuable its basically a stepping stone degree or for those like me who had a bunch of credits with little direction.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 22, 2016
  4. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    In fact it is up to you.

    You might want to think about it backwards. "What PhD do I want?" then "What Masters do I need to get into that doctoral program?" then "What Bachelors (concentration) do I need to get into that Masters program?" A concentration in Literature is not going to get you into an Economics Masters. Etc.
     
  5. LilKatie24

    LilKatie24 New Member

    Thank you. I think I will do some research and see if I can come to a conclusion, its such a big decision and to be honest it feels like it could be the end of the world if I make the wrong choice. If it were up to me I would teach Literature at a college level, maybe computer science (because I have many electives in it) or one day even get my Masters in Library Science. I do want a Bachelors degree that is marketable I think that's my biggest worry. I will need a job in while finishing up my masters etc but I do not know many people who list their concentration on their resume.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 22, 2016
  6. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    Some graduate programs require a basic foundation in the subject. Business comes to mind; just about every M.B.A. program I've seen requires basic prerequisite coursework, or you have to take "leveling" courses before formal admittance.

    If your interest is to be a college professor, my suggestion is to decide which academic field is your passion, then pursue that field with a vengeance. If it's Literature, then I would suggest the English Language & Literature concentration at SNHU, which will be good preparation for a graduate program in that field. Fear not, though; your Psychology courses will likely fit into social science or free/open electives.
     
  7. LilKatie24

    LilKatie24 New Member

    Thank you both, you have been very helpful. Don't get me wrong I like my adviser but ehhh sometimes its better to ask on here (I have learned) than to just go with what my adviser tells me.
     

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