Second Degree Thoughts

[Lemurian_Spirit]

Thanks. I know you mean well. However, I don't start things I have no intention of finishing, and that looks bad on a rèsumÃ--not to mention that even if it is reasonably priced (and I have already explored it) I have no idea how I'm going to come up with money for two 1/2 years of school when I seem to only be able to be employed for 2-3 months at a time before I spend the next 5-6 months looking for work. I live alone. There is no stability. If I don't work I am on unemployment (rent is going up for the second time this year next month). Pay for school on that? I don't think so. Sorry.

[Lemurian_Spirit]

Sorry for another post, but I just thought of this. There is a colleague I know with more years of experience in my field than I have (at least 30--likely more). She has a master's degree and is close to getting her doctorate (if she hasn't gotten it recently). Before 2011 or so she was unemployed for a year and a half--18 months. Seems like I can do that without going into debt (not to mention sacrificing my life for 2 1/2 years). Sorry if I sound bitter. It's just that last year my contract ended the week before Thanksgiving (at least this year it goes until the first week of December--not that I'm ungrateful, but apparently two years to get certification and one year to get two additional degrees equates to being employed an extra two weeks at this time of year). I had really hoped that at least having a bachelor's degree would get me a full-time job in my field. However, it is really frustrating that with or without a degree, 25 or 30 years of experience in one's field counts for nothing. Please pardon me if I'm angry, but I'm angry.

[Lemurian_Spirit]

Sorry for yet another post, but it has been suggested that I get a master's degree instead of another bachelor's degree (and that I might be able to get one in six months). I am in discussion with an Enrollment Counselor at WGU, who has graciously agreed to waive the application fee for me. As a result, I do plan to apply by tomorrow, but from what I can see it is looking more and more like I won't be able to do this in under a year, though I am willing to learn more. I am also trying to find out if work I have done for a company that has been approved to be used toward a degree would be allowed to be used. So far, I have been told that it must meet certain requirements. As far as I can tell, it does. I have an appointment to discuss this with her on Monday. However, another point brought up was that being in process of completing a master's program can go on my rèsumÃ.

At this point, I'm not even sure if I will actually enroll in a master's program or not, but my question is this: If I apply for the master's can I put something like "Master's degree applicant" on my rèsum� Do you think that might increase my chances of getting chosen for interviews for full-time jobs and potentially getting hired? The school says they keep all applications indefinitely, so I could in essence be a permanent applicant. Just a thought.

[ajs1976]

Daydreaming about a possibility of a 2nd degree in BSBA General Management, and I have a question about this requirement, "must complete a minimum of 24 additional credits in the area of study/core beyond the date your most recent bachelor’s degree was completed"

For the BSBA in General Management would the area of study/core include A. Business Core, B. Area of Study: BSBA in General Management, and C. Business Electives?

thanks

[bricabrac]

Daydreaming about a possibility of a 2nd degree in BSBA General Management, and I have a question about this requirement, "must complete a minimum of 24 additional credits in the area of study/core beyond the date your most recent bachelor’s degree was completed"

For the BSBA in General Management would the area of study/core include A. Business Core, B. Area of Study: BSBA in General Management, and C. Business Electives?

thanks

It states the answer in the language. For the BSBA, Business Core is Section A (27cr) and Area of Study/Specialization Section B (18 cr). The 24 NEW credits required for second degree must be earned between those two areas for conferral.

Not to confuse you but you can still earn any additional extra credit you want included on your transcript, it will just not be tallied in the required NEW credits. For example, I also wanted to take medical terminology, psychology and small business management even though the courses were not needed for my second degree. Hope you understand the difference.

[ajs1976]

So credits under C. Business Electives wouldn't count even though it is part of II. Professional Business Requirements? I guess it might not matter if things can be moved between sections.

I'm ok with the extra credits. I would need to meet the new credit requirement and the residency credit requirement and don't mind filling those with TECEPs i'm interested in like Psych, Poli Sci, and Medical Terminology. eventually I would have to decide between taking more class equivalents but possibly easier ones or fewer but possibly harder ones.

Previous, I was working on a technology management degree but it didn't work out, so I have a lot of business classes that I do not want go to waste. I would like to end up with Bachelors in Information Systems and Business Administration and a Masters in Info Sec and an MBA. Hoping to start the Masters in Info Sec this fall, but if that gets postponed, the BSBA is plan B.

[bricabrac]

So credits under C. Business Electives wouldn't count even though it is part of II. Professional Business Requirements? I guess it might not matter if things can be moved between sections.

No, Section C does not count. The policy does not refer to Section II Professional Business only Core/Area of Study. Good luck!