Why does one consider an additional bachelor’s degree instead of opting for a master’s in their field? Well, there are a few reasons.
You can be someone who wishes to obtain and hone new skills and broaden your knowledge of different or correlating fields. Other motivators could be a promotion, adding diversity to your resume, or you want to make a career change.
Here you’ll find out whether you can get a second undergraduate degree, how to get it, whether you should change institutions, and if it is worth it.
Can You Get a Second Bachelor’s Degree?
Cutting to the chase, yes, you can earn a second degree. Whether you’ve finished the first degree or are still finishing a degree, you can still simultaneously apply for a second bachelor’s degree.
Before going down the undergraduate road again, you should consider whether a second bachelor’s degree or a master degree can benefit you more. Ultimately, second bachelor’s degrees have an advantage if a career change or a promotion requires knowledge and expertise in a different field.
How to Get a Second Bachelor’s Degree?
If you’re planning to get a second degree at the same university, you will be familiar with the application process. Comparatively, if you’re thinking of obtaining the degree somewhere else, you should first research and choose a university that offers the right field of study based on your career plans.
Make sure to look at whether the institution you are applying to has a specific application for second bachelor’s degree students, or if it’s is the same for all students. The next step would be to look into the admission requirements and financial aid possibilities.
Admissions requirements
Admission prerequisites vary from university to university, and usually, there are no hard-set rules for second bachelor degree students. Typical admissions requirements can include:
- A first bachelor’s degree awarded by a regionally accredited institution.
- Good standing at the last college you attended.
- A GPA above a certain threshold.
- Transcripts and proof of your previous degree, and/or an admissions essay.
Financial aid and scholarships
Before pursuing a second bachelor’s degree, you should check the tuition costs. As you already have obtained a degree, many loans, grants, and scholarships are only available to first bachelor’s degree students. Other financial aid options include Federal Student Loans, Federal Grants, or private scholarships.
Should You Choose a Different School?
Students do not always choose to continue their second degree at the same institution they got their first degree. Getting a second bachelor’s degree from a different school may be a better alternative for some students. The other institution may offer the program they want to pursue, lower tuition rates, or simply a change of scenery.
Can you use the same credits for different degrees?
There are a lot of factors that play a role when it comes to transferring credits. For instance, your old course credits need to fit with the new degree’s structure, especially if you’re pursuing a second degree in a different institution. No two colleges have interchangeable degree requirements, that’s why the transfer process rarely results in a perfect fit.
Your GPA also plays a role in which credits you may transfer. Only old courses that carry a grade of “C” or better may transfer.
Is It Worth Trying to Get a Second Bachelors?
Ultimately, if you realize that the career path your bachelor’s degree offers will not satisfy you, and a master won’t make any difference, getting a second bachelor’s degree can be the best option. For example, if you have an English degree, you may be interested in pursuing an additional business degree or IT degree where there are more lucrative career options.
Also, the tuition fees for bachelor-level courses are relatively low compared to that of master-level courses. Thus, you could save a significant amount of money when opting for a second bachelor’s degree rather than going for a master’s degree that would not make much of a difference.
A bachelor’s degree, however, takes about four years as opposed to a two-year master’s degree. Therefore, assess your situation honestly, think about your long term plans, and determine whether a second degree is worth it. In the end, your dedication could be rewarded with a new fulfilling career, a promotion, or a salary increase.
