For those of us who feel like our career needs a boost or a change, going back to school is one way to do so. The question then becomes: “What kind of degree should I pursue?”
According to a recent Pew Research Center study, nearly four in 10 Americans ages 25 and older have earned a bachelor’s degree. Starting a master’s degree program is a logical next step when going back to school, but in some cases, a second bachelor’s degree may be just as helpful for your career.
In this article, we outline two main reasons to pursue a second bachelor’s degree, then we explore the major considerations when deciding between a second bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Finally, we also discuss some alternatives to a formal degree program.
Reasons to Get a Second Bachelor's Degree
1. Changing Career Fields
If you feel unfulfilled in your current job and industry, you may start pondering a career change. Changing jobs is not uncommon; the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median number of years that workers stayed with their current employer was 4.1 in 2022. Although changing career fields is more difficult to quantify, it’s reasonable to assume that a significant amount of those job changes were outside their original field.
College degrees remain a reliable pathway to employment, and if you already have a bachelor’s, that may be enough to meet the requirements to get a job in a new field. Every industry is different, however, so you’ll want to do your research and read job postings in your new field to identify if employers seek candidates with specific kinds of degrees, even at the bachelor’s level. For example, if you already have a degree in education, but you want to switch careers and become a military intelligence officer, you may want to pursue a second bachelor’s degree, this time in military studies.
2. Adding a Specialization
Alternatively, if you enjoy your current career field, you might strive to earn a higher-level position that gives you more responsibility or better opportunities. While gaining experience and improving your skills can help, earning a second bachelor's degree can boost your chances as well.
In this case, pursuing a second bachelor’s degree makes sense if you’re aiming to either broaden your knowledge of the overall industry or focus deeply on an area that’s tangentially related to your first degree. For example, a safety professional who already has a bachelor’s degree may be interested in transitioning to industrial-organizational psychology; a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in I/O psychology would be a good choice in that scenario.
Second Bachelor's or Master's?
When you already have a bachelor's degree, it may make sense to pursue a master's degree instead of another bachelor's-level program. Consider the following factors when deciding whether to pursue getting a second bachelor's or a master's degree:
1. Time and Effort
Earning a second bachelor's degree can take an additional four years, while a master's program can typically be completed in less time. Also, keep in mind that the advanced courses and information provided in a master's program may require more attention and work outside of classroom hours. Consider how much time you can afford to dedicate to your classes and education without compromising your current career, financial situation or home life.
2. Deeper vs. Broader Knowledge
Put simply, a master’s degree program – such as a master's in human resource management – allows you to explore an academic topic in greater depth than a bachelor’s program. The high-level thinking and advanced course load in a master’s program build on your existing knowledge and sharpen your expertise.
Alternatively, if a broader knowledge base would benefit you more, a second bachelor’s degree may work for you better. Professionals working in careers in which every day is different – such as generalists – may benefit from a more broad academic background.
3. Purpose
A second bachelor's and a master's can serve different purposes. Earning a second bachelor's works best when you want to switch careers or pursue a different kind of role in the same career field. This option allows you to select a new major that doesn't necessarily need to be related to your first degree. You can learn the foundations of an entirely new skill set through a bachelor's program.
In comparison, a master's degree can offer you a way to build your expertise and pursue higher-level positions in your current industry or field. Typically, you select a master's program that expands on what you studied in your undergraduate program. This option allows you to show specific and higher-level knowledge to employers in your industry and help you qualify for senior-level positions.
Other Alternatives to a Second Bachelor’s Degree
Going back to school and enrolling in a full degree program – whether it’s a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree – isn’t for everyone. Two alternatives offered by many universities are certificate programs and continuing education courses.* These options take less time to complete than traditional degree programs, but they may be the right fit for your situation.
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Conclusion
Furthering your education in any form can offer valuable benefits for your personal development and your career. Pursuing a second bachelor's degree can provide the freedom to expand your career in new directions, whether you're looking to enter a new field or reach a higher level in your current field.
Here at Columbia Southern University, our online degree programs are designed with you in mind. Additionally, our Career Services team provides invaluable resources and career coaching, and our admissions team is available to help you receive academic credit for previous experience, including work experience.
To learn more, visit our website today.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.
*These programs are not eligible for Federal Student Aid, military tuition assistance, VA funding or Learning Partner discounts.
