Q&A for How to Get a Second Bachelor's Degree

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  • Question
    How long does it take to get a 2nd bachelor's degree?
    Katherine Demby
    Test Prep Specialist
    Katherine Demby is an Academic Consultant based in New York City. Katherine specializes in tutoring for the LSAT, GRE, SAT, ACT, and academic subjects for high school and college students. She holds a BA in History and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a JD from Yale Law School. Katherine is also a freelance writer and editor.
    Test Prep Specialist
    Expert Answer
    It can be time consuming and difficult since you have to complete twice the amount of coursework, so it may take a while. This is why a lot of people choose to double-major a lot of the time, since a lot of the requirements may overlap.
  • Question
    Is it worth it to get a second bachelor's degree?
    Katherine Demby
    Test Prep Specialist
    Katherine Demby is an Academic Consultant based in New York City. Katherine specializes in tutoring for the LSAT, GRE, SAT, ACT, and academic subjects for high school and college students. She holds a BA in History and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a JD from Yale Law School. Katherine is also a freelance writer and editor.
    Test Prep Specialist
    Expert Answer
    It really depends. I'd say that it's most worth it when the degrees are in totally different fields, like physics and English. If the degrees would be in super similar fields, like English and history, or physics and math, you're usually better off just double-majoring.
  • Question
    What about if I don't want to use my credits or units; however, I would like to use my B.S. GPA and honors awards to help me get in? Would that be allowed or overviewed?
    Brian Salazar-Prince
    Top Answerer
    Typically, when you complete a second bachelor's degree you only need to complete the new technical coursework instead of also completing the general education curriculum. I believe it is almost a universal requirement that any time you enter a college having previously earned college credit, that credit be evaluated for applicability to your new program.
  • Question
    I have a B. S. in Criminal Justice, and I have 12 credits in psychology. How many more credits would I need to earn a B.A.in Psychology?
    Brian Salazar-Prince
    Top Answerer
    The number of credits required for an undergraduate degree in psychology vary from one college to another, but a degree typically requires 10 to 15 courses in the field. It is important to note, however, that just because you have credits in he field does not mean they will be applicable. For example, many psychology degree programs do not accept credit in an Intro to Psych course or have certain distribution course requirements.
  • Question
    Can I have twp bachelor's degrees? B.E and B.Sc?
    Brian Salazar-Prince
    Top Answerer
    It is possible to earn a degree at the same level of study (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral) in different fields, yes. Before you do, however, you should consider whether it would be more advantageous for you to earn a second undergraduate degree or whether you would benefit more from a graduate degree in the second field of interest.
  • Question
    Can the credits from the first degree transfer to the second?
    Berk.Polat
    Community Answer
    If you are graduated from your first degree, you are not allowed to transfer your past credits to the second degree. The transferring process is possible with if you did not yet graduate with your first degree. Once you graduate, those credits are sealed and cannot be used for another bachelor's.
  • Question
    Is there a time limit on the when to get the second BA after I get the first?
    Jorge Hernandez
    Community Answer
    Between 18 to 22 years old there is a cap on how many loans you can receive, and typically after someone finishes their first degree, assuming you are awarded grants, you will not be eligible to receive grants for your second degree. That's why schools pressure you to finish in 4 years; to be able to reap the benefits of grants received at that time. In my case, since I am older, 24 years old to be exact; the minimum age to obtain more loans is 24 because of a recent law change. I was told that in the eyes of the law/government, that age is seen as being a full-fledged adult responsible enough for more loans. This was the case with financial aid, I don't know about private loans with banks.
  • Question
    Can I apply for a second bachelor's degree program if I am still working on the first one?
    Community Answer
    Yes. I am applying to some schools now, and on the application, it asks whether or not you have a bachelor's degree already, or are completing one before obtaining the other. What they will have you do is enter the graduation date of when you will be receiving your first degree and have you submit a letterhead from the dean of your school indicating you will have your degree before entering another institution.
  • Question
    I am interested in getting a second bachelor’s degree after I have graduated, but am wondering if I would have to fulfill general education credits all over again?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the school. Some schools have a "Second Bachelor's" program where your first Bachelor's degree will count towards a large number of your credit requirements. For example, the college I go to for grad school gives you 90 credits for your first Bachelor's degree, but you still have to fulfill an advanced writing class as well as your second major's requirements.
  • Question
    I am 47, with a BS in psychology from 1995. I'd like a second degree in organizational psychology - if I can find an online option - but they are quite similar. Suggestions? Masters instead?
    Community Answer
    A Master's degree may be a better bet. As organizational psychology is a part of psychology, some psychology graduate programs will have several different concentrations. Besides, if you want to do anything in the field of psychology, you need at least a Master's degree.
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