Can You Get a Second Bachelor's Degree?

Whether you love your job or are looking for new options, you may be thinking of going back to school. You have a bachelor's degree, but you're wondering if it's possible to get a second one to improve your job prospects.

Not only is getting a second bachelor's degree possible; it can have many benefits. Choosing a major to complement your first bachelor's degree may qualify you for job promotions, potential salary increases, and a wider range of career opportunities.

Why It's Beneficial To Earn a Second Bachelor's Degree

The benefits of getting a second undergraduate degree are numerous and varied. Some of these benefits include:

• advancing your career: Those who are happy with their current career path may find they need a more specialized bachelor's degree to continue moving up in their field.
• starting a new career: If you're looking to move into a new field altogether, a second bachelor's program can give you the skills and credentials you need to make the switch. It can also signal to potential employers that you're serious about your new field of study.
• improving job skills and knowledge: Getting a second bachelor's degree can help deepen your knowledge of your industry and help you build new marketable job skills.
• returning to the workforce: If you've been without a job for an extended period of time, getting a second bachelor's degree can help you refresh your skills and give you a better chance of landing a job.

Why Get a Second Bachelor's Degree and Not a Master's Degree?

Whether you choose to pursue another undergrad degree or a graduate degree will depend on your specific career goals. However, there are several reasons why a degree-seeking student may opt for a second bachelor's degree rather than going to graduate school.

Some of these reasons may include:

• Bachelor's degrees can usually be completed in less time.
• Bachelor's degrees are less intensive than master's degrees.
• Undergraduate coursework typically costs less than graduate coursework.
• Bachelor's degree programs may have fewer prerequisites than master's programs.
• A bachelor's program may provide a wider array of options if you're looking to make a career change.

Steps To Earning a Second Bachelor's Degree

Let's talk about the steps you can take to earn a second bachelor's degree.

1. Determine Which Major You Should Study

Take some time to think about your career goals and determine which major will best complement your first degree.

2. Find a College or University Offering That Major

Research various schools offering your chosen degree program to choose one that's right for you. Find out about the admission requirements to make sure you qualify for enrollment.

3. Enroll in the Major of Your Choice

You may need to take some prerequisite courses to ensure you meet all degree requirements, but many of your general education courses may transfer to your new program. Talk with an academic advisor to ensure you take all required courses.

4. Obtain a Second Bachelor's Degree

Once you have completed all of the required coursework, you will graduate with your second bachelor's degree.

What Are the Best Secondary Bachelor's Degrees To Get?

Let's talk about some good bachelor's degrees to pursue as a second major. These programs offer lots of career advancement opportunities and a wide variety of options.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Getting your BSN enables you to become a registered nurse. With this degree you can work in many clinical and non-clinical settings and potentially advance to leadership positions.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Psychology is a good complementary degree because it pairs well with many other types of degrees. It has a wide variety of professional applications in various industries.

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

An engineering degree allows you to pursue an exciting line of work. It may pair well with other types of STEM degrees, such as mathematics or computer science.

Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance

A BBA in finance teaches business skills while focusing on financial topics. This degree can help you pursue advancements in various industries.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Computer science degrees can lead to many lucrative jobs. If you're tech savvy and want a job with a high level of job security, this might be a good secondary degree for you.

FAQs About Second Bachelor's Degrees

Still have questions about getting a second degree? Read on for answers.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Second Bachelor's Degree?

it's usually possible to finish a second bachelor's degree in less time than a master's degree because you may be able to transfer many of your general education courses into your new program. The more transfer credits you have, the sooner you'll graduate.

Can You Get Two Bachelor's Degrees from the Same School?

Yes, it is possible to get two bachelor's degrees from the same school. In fact, it may even be preferable because it will likely be easier to transfer credits from one program to another.

Is It Normal To Get a Second Bachelor's Degree?

Yes, many professionals go back to school for a second degree to advance in their career, change their career, or learn new skills.

What Is It Called When You Get a Second Bachelor's Degree?

A second bachelor's degree is simply called a second bachelor's degree. That said, when you are working on or have completed two bachelor's degrees, you will be considered a double major.

Can I Get Another Bachelor's Degree Without Repeating All My Electives?

Each undergraduate major has its own course requirements. Some electives from your first program may transfer to your second one. Contact the office of admissions at your prospective school for details about the transfer credits they will accept.