More students than ever before attend school beyond the bachelor’s degree level. What is the best path to achieve your career and education goals? Many of the most competitive and highest-paid positions demand more than just a bachelor’s degree these days. Here we will discuss earning a second bachelor’s degree online: pros & cons.
But do you always have to attend a graduate program? Some students wonder whether a second bachelor’s degree is worthwhile. Today, let’s look at second bachelor’s degrees in detail. We’ll list the pros and cons of earning a second bachelor’s degree compared to earning a graduate degree.
Article Navigation: Bachelor’s Degrees in a Nutshell | How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree | How Long is a Bachelor’s Degree? | What Jobs Are You Qualified for with a Bachelor’s Degree? | Online vs. In-Person Bachelor’s Degrees | Why Get a Second Bachelor’s Degree? | Pros & Cons of Getting a Second Bachelor’s Degree | Why Get a Master’s Degree? | Is a Second Bachelor’s or Graduate Degree Better? | Earn a Second Bachelor’s Degree Online Today!
Bachelor’s Degrees in a Nutshell
Bachelor's degrees are frequently considered the “default” college degrees. These degrees come after associate-level degrees but before graduate degrees like master’s degrees.
In a nutshell, bachelor’s degrees mark someone as being reasonably specialized and educated in a specific field. For example, a bachelor’s degree in business qualifies someone to handle business matters for a company. A bachelor’s degree in engineering prepares a person to work at engineering firms.
Bachelor’s degrees are essential for many Americans, especially those who want to maximize their earning power. For example, some statistics indicate that individuals with bachelor’s degrees earn up to $30,000 more per year than people without degrees.
Even though more people than ever have four-year degrees, they are still valuable. Less than half of Americans have any degree, so getting a bachelor’s degree can be worthwhile for most people.
Most of the time, people pursue bachelor’s degrees to:
- Better their career prospects
- Qualify for specific positions
- Qualify for promotions
- Expand their knowledge
- Learn specific skills for their enjoyment
How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree
Getting a bachelor’s degree is relatively straightforward. However, there are some hurdles to obtaining a bachelor’s degree, given the requirements for this diploma.
High School Diploma, GED, or Associate Degree
First, an aspiring bachelor’s student must get either a high school diploma, GED, or associate degree. Associate degree programs typically need a high school diploma or GED. One cannot attend a bachelor’s program without one of these certificates.
Furthermore, the diploma, GED, or degree must come from an accredited institution. Most community colleges or other universities are accredited, like most public high schools.
Grade Requirements
For most bachelor’s degree programs, simply graduating from high school is not enough. Students must also reach specific academic benchmarks to qualify for their programs of choice.
The exact GPA, or grade point average, requirements vary from school to school and program to program. That said, most bachelor’s degree programs require GPAs of 2.0 or above, roughly equivalent to a C average.
If students don’t have a 2.0 GPA from high school or their GED program, they can take other classes and improve their grade point average over time. The same holds if a student has an associate degree but doesn’t have a high GPA. Taking single classes at a community college is a great way to boost one’s GPA over time.
Under some circumstances, bachelor’s degrees are available to those with lower GPAs, but not always. Students can be admitted on a probationary basis where their grades and performance are closely monitored to ensure they can complete the program. The more competitive and desirable the bachelor’s program is, the higher the GPA requirements are. More prestigious or desirable universities also usually have higher GPA requirements.
Tuition and Other Costs
In addition to GPA and diploma requirements, bachelor’s degree applicants must consider their decision’s financial implications. The average bachelor’s degree costs over $35,000 in total. However, this presumes that one attends a bachelor’s degree for the entire four-year length. There are ways to minimize the cost of a bachelor’s degree program.
For example:
- Two-year associate degree programs at a community college. These programs are much more affordable than bachelor’s degree programs. After receiving an associate degree, the student can transfer to a four-year university. They only need to pay for two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree program.
- Financial aid by filling out the FAFSA. The FAFSA allows students to apply and qualify for federal student aid programs, like grants or loans.
- A student can pursue additional financial aid through private institutions. Private schools typically offer more grants, scholarships, and internship opportunities than public universities. All these can lead to reductions in the total cost of a bachelor’s degree program.
Furthermore, students can consciously choose cheaper bachelor’s programs. Many bachelor’s programs are more affordable when pursued online, though not all. Ultimately, students need to know how they will pay for a bachelor’s program before applying.
How Long is a Bachelor’s Degree?
Most bachelor’s degree programs are four years long from start to finish. Note that this includes the program’s first two years, which typically focus on general education classes. These classes cover core topics like science, math, and English instead of the degree’s focus or major.
Some bachelor’s degree programs are accelerated, and students can often complete them in just three years. It depends on the university and the desires of the student. As noted above, students may also complete the first two years of their college education and receive an associate degree. Then they can enter a bachelor’s degree program but only spend two years in the program.
Alternatively, many students complete their bachelor’s degrees piecemeal over time. It can take five to eight years or more to complete a bachelor’s degree program. They take classes gradually and on a part-time schedule.
What Jobs Are You Qualified for with a Bachelor’s Degree?
Bachelor’s degrees qualify students for a wide variety of jobs. Bachelor’s degrees allow students to get jobs in industries including but not limited to:
Bachelor’s degrees are frequently required for desirable jobs regardless of industry. In many cases, those jobs require bachelor’s degrees with majors related to their subjects.
For example, suppose a student wants to become a teacher. In that case, they’ll need a degree in education or a related subject like math or English. If an individual wants to work as an engineer, they’ll need a degree in engineering (generally or for a specialty).
Some bachelor’s degree programs allow students to declare concentrations in addition to their majors. This further lets them specialize and learn more about what interests them. For example, many psychology degree programs allow students to concentrate on one specific area of psychology. They can focus on child psychology, therapy, psychiatry, and more.
Many industries require a bachelor’s degree to get into the field in the first place. Therefore, having a bachelor’s degree is widely considered a boon to one’s resume. It improves one’s likelihood of getting hired and enhances career prospects across the board.
Online vs. In-Person Bachelor’s Degrees
Bachelor’s degrees are available through online and in-person programs. Both programs have the same academic rigor and difficulty (assuming they come from accredited universities). However, they do have several key differences:
- Traditional in-person programs require students to show up at class at specific times. Online programs are most often asynchronous. That allows students to review course materials and complete work at their own pace so long as it is all turned in by a deadline.
- In-person programs allow students to interact face-to-face with teachers and fellow students. Online programs have less interaction with professors or classmates.
- Traditional degrees are sometimes more expensive than online programs, though not always.
- In-person classes are usually full-time. Many online programs are available in both full-time and part-time schedules. Part-time programs have more flexibility and more relaxed paces. They’re ideal for working adults or those who have busy family lives.
Both online and in-person degrees can be suitable for students. However, upcoming bachelor’s students should consider both types of degree programs carefully.
Benefits of Bachelor’s Degrees
All in all, there’s no downside to earning a bachelor’s degree if one can afford it. Even if a student must take out loans to complete a degree program, the higher lifetime earnings they’ll see should help them pay for those loans over time. Bachelor’s degrees provide many significant benefits to those who acquire them. This post-secondary credential:
- Qualifies the degree holder for higher-paying positions in many industries
- Marks the degree holder as a better employee candidate regardless of industry. Completing a bachelor’s degree program shows that a student can stick with something for years.
- Allows graduates to pursue graduate degrees, like master’s or doctoral degrees
- Increases graduates’ earnings over their lifetimes by several orders of magnitude
Why Get a Second Bachelor’s Degree?
Given the benefits of earning just one bachelor’s degree, students might ask: why bother getting a second one? The typical educational pathway usually involves getting a bachelor’s degree and then earning a graduate degree.
Not everyone must follow this model, though. Indeed, there are several reasons why one might consider earning a second bachelor’s degree instead of a master’s or doctoral degree.
Switch Careers
Firstly, a second bachelor’s degree lets students switch their career track dramatically. Master’s degrees are the exact opposite. They further specialize students in one field or industry.
Say that a student tries business for a few years. But then that student decides that they want to work in engineering. Their business degree won’t be much help if they apply for engineering positions, nor will a master’s degree in that field. Instead, they’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering to fully make the career switch. This way, second bachelor’s degrees can be thought of as tools to open new professional doors.
Advance in Your Career
Alternatively, individuals can leverage second bachelor’s degrees to advance their careers. Like a master’s degree, another bachelor’s degree grants the graduate more information about their chosen field. Earning a second bachelor’s degree can demonstrate additional commitment to a job or company in some industries. In others, it may show that a professional is versatile and multitalented.
That said, this isn’t a universal benefit. Whether or not a second bachelor’s degree results in professional advancement opportunities is highly contingent on the job and industry. Students should consider whether a second bachelor’s will help their promotion chances before signing up for one.
Personal Pleasure
Lastly, students may choose to earn a second bachelor’s degree out of personal pleasure. Many people enjoy going to college and completing degrees to increase their knowledge.
Bachelor’s degrees, since they are frequently cheaper than graduate degrees, are perfect ways to achieve this. If one wants to go back to school and learn for the sake of it, another bachelor’s degree might be the ideal choice.
Pros & Cons of Getting a Second Bachelor’s Degree
While there are several reasons one might pursue a second bachelor’s degree, it’s also essential to consider the advantages and downsides. These pros and cons can help you determine whether the pursuit is worthwhile. Alternatively, they may convince you that pursuing a graduate degree or certificate is wiser.
Pros
First, let’s list some of the benefits of getting a second bachelor’s degree instead of pursuing a graduate degree.
More Affordable Than a Graduate Degree
Naturally, a second bachelor’s degree is almost always cheaper than earning a graduate degree. The cost difference is due to two primary reasons:
- Graduate degrees are usually more expensive overall because they represent more focused higher educational opportunities.
- Second bachelor’s degrees may (but do not always) require students to complete fewer credits. The fewer credit hours needed, the less a student pays for a degree/certificate.
In this way, students might consider earning a second bachelor’s degree a better financial choice than getting a master’s degree. This choice is especially true if the student in question doesn’t need a graduate degree for their career goals.
That said, some extra costs can be associated with earning a second bachelor’s degree.
Faster Completion Than a Graduate Degree
Again, many second bachelor’s degrees can be completed more quickly than a typical graduate degree. Indeed, most bachelor’s degrees take 120 credits. Most graduate degrees take anywhere from 60 to 90 credits. However, many students who earn second bachelor’s degrees can transfer credits from one degree program to the other. Furthermore, they don’t need to take general education or essential credit hours again, lessening their second degree requirements considerably.
In reality, any second bachelor’s degree program only requires 60 or so credit hours from attending students. If the second degree is related to the student’s first degree, they may need even fewer. The fewer credit hours a student has to complete, the faster they can finish the program.
It’s not unheard of for second bachelor’s students to complete their new degrees in one year or less. However, remember that this depends on the major of the second degree. Suppose the new degree is in a completely different subject or field. In that case, typically only general education credits will transfer over.
Potentially Short Period of Study
As noted above, many second bachelor’s degree students have shorter study periods than those attending a graduate degree program. Again, this is contingent on the degree major and what credits the student has already completed.
Even if the student is switching fields entirely, they don’t need to retake general education classes. In the worst-case scenario, it will take about the same time to finish a second bachelor’s degree as it will take to complete a graduate degree.
Cons
Now let’s examine the downsides of getting a second bachelor’s degree rather than earning a graduate degree or certificate.
Fewer Financial Aid Options
For starters, students pursuing second bachelor’s degrees have access to fewer financial aid opportunities. Scholarships, grants, and federal student aid are less common for second degree students.
Why? Financial aid opportunities typically benefit first-time college students or those pursuing their only undergraduate degree. They aren’t meant for students returning to school for another bachelor’s degree.
Alternatively, financial aid options, like scholarships and grants, are intended for graduate students further pursuing their specialties. While some financial aid options are available, students may find it harder to pay for a second bachelor’s degree than a graduate degree.
Less Ideal for Career Advancement
While a second bachelor’s degree can be advantageous for career advancement, this is no guarantee. In many industries, a second bachelor’s degree doesn’t provide additional benefits overall.
That’s because another bachelor’s degree doesn’t specialize one’s studies or skills further. It instead opens up another door into a new industry or field (even if specific sectors are related to each other).
Therefore, some hirers may find individuals with two bachelor’s degrees less appropriate for advanced positions in their companies. Thus, students should carefully consider what they need for their career goals before choosing one study path.
Potentially Longer Period of Study
While a second bachelor’s degree may require students to study for less time than a graduate program, this isn’t always true. Some graduate programs – particularly accelerated ones – can be completed in 12 to 18 months. In contrast, many bachelor’s degree programs take two years or more to finish. This completion time frame includes the reduced credit requirements since second bachelor’s students already have their general education credits completed.
Again, these potential downsides show the importance of research. No student should jump into a second bachelor’s degree program without considering all their options. They should also directly compare a bachelor’s degree program with a potential master’s program.
Why Get a Master’s Degree?
It’s important to consider why students pursue master’s degrees in the first place before attending a second bachelor’s program. Master's degrees and other graduate certificates/programs are necessary and desirable for several reasons.
Further Advancement in a Field
Chiefly, master’s degrees qualify professionals for advancements in their fields or industries. Master’s degrees showcase increased specialization and expertise in a given industry. For example, a bachelor’s degree in engineering qualifies graduates for entry-level engineering positions.
However, a master’s degree in engineering may qualify the same graduates for managerial positions. It may also let them get higher-paid jobs in the engineering industry or further specialize their talents.
Most industries require students to earn master’s degrees in their fields for progress. This fact is especially true in the hard science, tech, and manufacturing industries.
High Salary Potential
Master’s degrees are also beneficial because of their prospective salary boosts. Master’s degree holders typically earn more than bachelor’s degree holders over their lifetimes. That’s because master’s degrees qualify graduates to get higher-paid positions with more responsibilities.
Therefore, many professionals earn master’s degrees simply for the extra money. Second bachelor’s degrees do not necessarily come with this benefit.
Opportunities for Doctoral Degrees
Lastly, master’s degrees are often necessary for doctoral programs. If graduates want to earn a Ph.D. eventually, they typically need to possess a master’s degree beforehand. That’s because doctoral degrees further specialize graduates into one niche or area in their industries.
Essentially, a master’s degree is necessary to obtain a doctoral degree. A second bachelor’s degree does not qualify one to enter a doctoral program.
Is a Second Bachelor’s or Graduate Degree Better?
That heavily depends on an individual’s desires, professional goals, and other factors. Second bachelor’s degrees and graduate degrees can both be advantageous.
Generally, a second bachelor’s degree is better for:
- Learning for the sake of it
- Expanding one’s professional opportunities into different industries
- Learning more about a broad field
- Advancing in one’s career in a few jobs. Most career advancement requires a graduate degree or on-the-job experience
In contrast, a graduate degree is better for:
- Students interested in PhDs
- Professionals seeking progress in their careers/industries quickly
- Those who want to learn more specialized or focused knowledge on a specific topic or niche
Earn a Second Bachelor’s Degree Online Today!
Ultimately, second bachelor’s degrees can be worthwhile credentials to pursue. But you must consider all of the alternatives, pros, and cons before signing up for a program. Second bachelor’s degrees can be costly and time-consuming. But they can also yield substantial benefits personally and professionally.
Fortunately, many bachelor’s degrees and graduate degrees are available for online programs. Online programs are asynchronous, flexible, and frequently affordable. Whether you want to attend a second bachelor’s program or a graduate program, GetEducated.com can help. Check out our list of online schools today!