Second bachelor's degree? (Microbiology to Accounting)

sierra863
Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:19:14 +0000

I’ve already done some research on the advantages/disadvantages of a second bachelor’s degree and the concensus seems to be to enter a graduate program instead. However, I am not sure I want to go that route.

I graduated summa cum laude with a BS in Microbiology in 2006 with the hope of entering veterinary school. For various reasons, I decided not to pursue this path. I was unsuccessful finding employment in my field of study after graduation, so I have been working a ‘temporary’ job at a credit union for the past 3 years until I could find something in the Microbiology field. There are jobs about there, but I’m lacking job-related experience and am restricted by my geographic area. My current position is low paying and I really dislike the work EXCEPT for the tasks that involve assisting the accounting department. I would like to pursue a career as an accountant; however, I’ve discovered this a little too late.

I was recently accepted into a university program to obtain a second bachelor’s degree. I will need an additional 57 credits to obtain the degree - so it seems doable. However, I am a leary about obtaining a second bachelor’s and be unable to find a job afterwards. I also understand there is limited financial aid available. I have saved enough to take care of my living expenses for two years, but will definitely need help with tuition. I know grants are unavailable, but can you obtain scholarships for a second bachelor’s?

My degrees have basically no overlap (aside for gen ed reqs), so I would essentially need to get a bachelor’s in accounting to qualify for a master’s program. I am not as interested in taking individual courses (non-degree seeking) as it will probably take 3 years before I can complete the prerequisites and a graduate degree. If for whatever reason I didn’t get accepted into graduate school or something happened where I did not pursue a graduate degree, I would have nothing to show for those courses.

Anyways, I guess I’m just looking for any thoughts/advice anyone has about my situation… thanks!