Can I Complete an Additional Major/Concentration After Graduating?

Shelby_Balik
Sun, 25 Feb 2024 17:55:54 +0000

I don’t know about Columbia specifically, but in general, three option might be open to you (though all are not open at every school):

1. Get a second BA.

2. Take a post-Bac or certificate program

3. Enroll in an MA program.

Sounds like the company won’t support a postbac? What about a certificate (as opposed to general coursework that you take post-BA )? If the company would support a non-degree certificate program, then this is probably the option that will give you the most bang for your (or the company’s) buck, in the least amount of time.

As to a second BA, you could do this, but I would recommend it only if it were the only option. And you would want to find a university that fast-tracks second BAs. In other words, it’s absolutely not worth the time if you have to repeat general studies programs, etc, and do another four years of course work. The university where I teach supports second BAs but exempts them from all general studies requirements, which basically means these students just have to complete a major (as long as it’s different than the one they already have) and its prerequisites. If you can find a program like this, and your employer will only pay for a degree program, then this might be the best deal you can get (if you don’t have the academic background to start an MA program in CS). But a second BA, even from an Ivy, is not especially prestigious – you already have an Ivy degree. Another one won’t matter for prestige. And a second BA might be the least efficient way to advance your career, even if you do find a fast-track program.

I agree with others that an MA would be preferable to the other options, because it would advance you in your field. If you don’t have the training to enter an MA program in your desired field, then maybe a few postbac courses (on your own dime, it looks like) might give you the experience and academic background you need to apply. I don’t think the two-year commitment to stay at your company in exchange for a fully funded MA program is a bad deal at all! Think about the long game - those two years are your investment to match the company’s investment in your advanced degree. They will enable you to make a lateral (or upward!) move in the future and command a higher salary due to education and experience, and a two-year delay in your career track is, frankly, nothing compared to the benefits.