2 of the same kind of degrees

I was talking with someone who has decided to go on and get a second Bachelor's degree. I asked her what the first degree was and she said that it was a Bachelor of Science. I assumed that she would do a Bachelor of Arts if she was going to do her second Bachelor's degree, but she stated that the second degree is a Bachelor of Science as well. Is this common for someone to get the same kind of degree? I know it is in a different subject matter, but it just seems kind of strange getting the same kind of degree -- 2 Bachelor of Science degrees.

 

It's not really two of the same kind of degrees... as the thread subject suggests. It's the concentration/major/subject-area that matters, not whether it's a BA or a BS. Though it's not supposed to be this way, with some schools the designation of a bachelors degree as in arts versus sciences is almost arbitrary. Usually not, mind you, but I'm just saying sometimes.

Personally, I always question second bachelors degrees... and wonder why the person considering it doesn't just go on for a masters. I'm not saying there's never a reason to go for a second bachelors, but I sometimes see people thinking about getting them when an MS or MA would benefit them more (but would also be harder and more expensive, of course).

A typical masters is 30 to 36 semester hours, though, of course at the more difficult (and expensive) graduate level. A second bachelors is usually around the same number of hours (typically 30 to usually no more than 60), though, of course, at the less difficult (and less expensive) undergraduate level.

If your friend is simply looking for a credential in a specific area to evidence knowledge and expertise therein, tell her not to forget about certificates and diplomas. Undergraduate, and post-baccalaureate certificates are for precisely that. For example, a person with a BS in Nursing may want some management training so s/he will be considered for clinical supervisory positions. S/he may, therefore, get a Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Business Administration or something like that which s/he can list, alongside her bachelors, to show that s/he's knowledgeable in both areas. A typical post-baccalaureate certificate or diploma is around 12 to maybe 24 credit hours -- usually every one of which is very specific to, and concentrated in, whatever is the title/designation of said certificate. If said certificate/diploma is also from an accredited institution, then it's as accredited, and credible, as the original bachelors degree as long as it accompanies said bachelors degree and is not offered instead of a bachelors degree.

Many graduate certificates -- normally available only to those who already have a masters degree -- are also available to those with only a bachelors.

Just something to think about. Hope that helps.