Going back to college?

[BD2003]

Alright, here's my deal. Im 24, out of college for over a year, with a degree in psych. I went into psych because it really interested me, primarily the cognitive/biological aspects of it. After I'm done with the degree, I realize that there is no way in the world I am going to continue studying psych. So going to grad school for it is out of the question.

I still feel like I want to do some sort of science. When I was in school, I was a bit of a party animal, but if I'm going back, it will def be different. I got all that out of my system already. So I've been considering going back. I was thinking of doing biology, and possibly taking that into grad school, for a masters, maybe even a phd. I'm a smart bastard, but my problem isnt so much understanding things but doing homework. But Im sure I can overcome that the second time around. Id have to be that older serious student...but I suppose I'm ready for that.

I have no debt from my previous degree, and I will have no trouble financing it if I decide to go back. But basically, is there anyone who has had a similar experience? Money is not an issue for me, I dont care so much about how much I make now, or after I go back and get out etc. I just want to do something that doesnt make me hate getting up in the morning, and gets me enough to feed a family. Right now I'm just kind of floating.

I suppose I would have to go back and get a second bachelors in order to have any chance of proceeding in another science field? Im sure I could hop into history or some other liberal arts grad school, but I want to stick with science. If so I could probably knock it out in 2 years. Time isnt the issue though, Im not in any sort of rush to be done.

Anyways, any input or advice would be appreciated. Im not thinking of going back until next year, so there is more than enough time for me to properly think this through.

And BTW, unless you like working with retards, crackheads, alkys or listening to people's problems all day long, dont major in psych.

Cliff Notes:
- I'm out of college, nothing I am qualified for interests me
- Thinking of going back to school, but want to make sure its worth it
- Not concerned with time or money
- Dont major in psych.

 

[notfred]

What interests you? If you want to make money, major in archetechture or engineering or something.

 

[BD2003]

Science, particularly bio definintely interests me. Not looking to be a doctor though. Engineering definitely isnt my thing.

Money is not the concern here though.

 

[Leetman]

I'd say it's worth it if you're unhappy with your degree in psych.

 

[CanOWorms]

I'd get a Masters in something instead of another undergrad degree. Why don't you look around? I'm sure there are a lot of interdisciplinary fields that you can go into. These fields can even be related to science, engineering, etc. Some universities even have graduate programs that offer catch-up for people switching from other fields.

I wouldn't waste my time on getting another undergrad degree!

 

[classy]

How about being a teacher or a professor?

 

[Turkish]

Can't you get a masters in a field that you are interested in?

 

[HamSupLo]

A Masters program usually has a list or required classes you have to take. I'm sure you can work something out with the admissions people at that program.

 

[BD2003]

Well, from what I can tell, just about every field that Im interested is way over my head at this point. If I wanted to get into genetics, Id need a year of biochem, for which I would need a year of bio and chem...etc.

Sure I could get a masters in psych, or in history, or in philosophy or any number of things. But then I'd probably be stuck back at square one.

Also, I didnt schmooze any of my professors at all, and didnt really take anything but the most basic science courses when I was there. I primiarly took psych and philosophy, with a bit of CS on the side.

So I'd have a tough time getting those letters of recommendation, and my gpa is only a 2.7. So I'm not quite sure that they'd even accept me as I am now.

 

[Shanteli]

Well my story is a tad different but it sorta applies I suppose.

Graduated 2 years ago with MIS. No jobbies. A lot of unemployment. Still liked computers but it did not seem like much of a future in it anymore. Got coaxed by parents to try to get a BS in Nursing or at least get a ton of units out of the way for Pharmacy School. Went back to school as a non-degree grad student...took a ton of science classes...did ok in them but hated it. Stopped. Secondary option was accounting but landed a job in a University...working for them and now will be starting grad for MIS in fall. What will happen after I get out? I dunno...the MS in MIS will prob mean nothing just like my BS did but we'll see I suppose...I know I could not go back to biochem/microbio/A&P classes again though *cringe*

Other stories:

1 friend graduated with Econ 2 years ago...been floating for a long time...hates money and doesn't care for econ. Wants to go for PhD in Philosophy (just be a professor cuz philosophy is a joke). Is currently working some crap job while taking prerequisite coursework.

1 friend graduated with Psych...did not want to go into clinical and somehow got into some marketing/advertising grad program through the college of business at some U in Chicago...doing well and happy.

My advice is to yes, do something you like...cuz even if it looks good on paper (i.e. being a doctor or something) you will still have to get there and without interest you would have to be damn smart to succeed). Of all of the sciences, go physical unless you want to get a PhD and teach...becasue that is all that Sociology, History, etc. people can do. If you do physical sciences you will have to take pre-req classes like usual and then try to apply for a MS or PhD program...eventually you'll have to get a PhD if you want to "succeed" if not you'll be a lab gopher and be limited forever in pay/status/responsibility.

Going back as a non-degree is quite depressing I must warn you becasue you keep thinking that you once were a big bad senior with one very narrow perception on how things were going to turn out...and then you find yourself stuck back in class with little mindless freshman/sophomores and it sucks. But I guess it will be worth it if you really like the subject.

Yeah but i would fish around until you found something you like.

 

I'm in the same boat. About to go back to school again.
Thinking some sort of medical field or specialized medical tech field.

Were all playing the same game.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: Shanteli
Well my story is a tad different but it sorta applies I suppose.

Graduated 2 years ago with MIS. No jobbies. A lot of unemployment. Still liked computers but it did not seem like much of a future in it anymore. Got coaxed by parents to try to get a BS in Nursing or at least get a ton of units out of the way for Pharmacy School. Went back to school as a non-degree grad student...took a ton of science classes...did ok in them but hated it. Stopped. Secondary option was accounting but landed a job in a University...working for them and now will be starting grad for MIS in fall. What will happen after I get out? I dunno...the MS in MIS will prob mean nothing just like my BS did but we'll see I suppose...I know I could not go back to biochem/microbio/A&P classes again though *cringe*

Well, regardless of how they make it sound, psychology isnt very scientific. I could attempt to take non-degree science classes, but I figure by the time I have enough prereqs to be admitted into the grad school, I'd practically be eligible for the second bachelors by default, so why not get that along the way.

Id most likely be going to SUNY Stony Brook, which is a research university, and their science programs are great...but also super competitive.

 

[Shanteli]

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: Shanteli
Well my story is a tad different but it sorta applies I suppose.

Graduated 2 years ago with MIS. No jobbies. A lot of unemployment. Still liked computers but it did not seem like much of a future in it anymore. Got coaxed by parents to try to get a BS in Nursing or at least get a ton of units out of the way for Pharmacy School. Went back to school as a non-degree grad student...took a ton of science classes...did ok in them but hated it. Stopped. Secondary option was accounting but landed a job in a University...working for them and now will be starting grad for MIS in fall. What will happen after I get out? I dunno...the MS in MIS will prob mean nothing just like my BS did but we'll see I suppose...I know I could not go back to biochem/microbio/A&P classes again though *cringe*

Well, regardless of how they make it sound, psychology isnt very scientific. I could attempt to take non-degree science classes, but I figure by the time I have enough prereqs to be admitted into the grad school, I'd practically be eligible for the second bachelors by default, so why not get that along the way.

Id most likely be going to SUNY Stony Brook, which is a research university, and their science programs are great...but also super competitive.

Oh, I know psychology is not scientific...my friends said that their most annoying class was research methods but yeah my whole thing is that if you would like to get BS on the way to getting an advanced degree in a science field then more power to ya...I would personally find it annoying and would want to get admitted into the grad program ASAP.

Another thing....although having 2 BS degrees may sound good from some points of view, it really doesn't mean sh1t. So if it takes a lot more effort to do then it is not worth it (of course unless it is in accounting, engineering, or nursing cuz then you'd have a job with only that degree alone)

 

[CanOWorms]

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: Shanteli
Well my story is a tad different but it sorta applies I suppose.

Graduated 2 years ago with MIS. No jobbies. A lot of unemployment. Still liked computers but it did not seem like much of a future in it anymore. Got coaxed by parents to try to get a BS in Nursing or at least get a ton of units out of the way for Pharmacy School. Went back to school as a non-degree grad student...took a ton of science classes...did ok in them but hated it. Stopped. Secondary option was accounting but landed a job in a University...working for them and now will be starting grad for MIS in fall. What will happen after I get out? I dunno...the MS in MIS will prob mean nothing just like my BS did but we'll see I suppose...I know I could not go back to biochem/microbio/A&P classes again though *cringe*

Well, regardless of how they make it sound, psychology isnt very scientific. I could attempt to take non-degree science classes, but I figure by the time I have enough prereqs to be admitted into the grad school, I'd practically be eligible for the second bachelors by default, so why not get that along the way.

Id most likely be going to SUNY Stony Brook, which is a research university, and their science programs are great...but also super competitive.

I just went to their website and checked out their programs.. some of them are interdisciplinary graduate programs, you should check them out.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: CanOWorms

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: Shanteli
Well my story is a tad different but it sorta applies I suppose.

Graduated 2 years ago with MIS. No jobbies. A lot of unemployment. Still liked computers but it did not seem like much of a future in it anymore. Got coaxed by parents to try to get a BS in Nursing or at least get a ton of units out of the way for Pharmacy School. Went back to school as a non-degree grad student...took a ton of science classes...did ok in them but hated it. Stopped. Secondary option was accounting but landed a job in a University...working for them and now will be starting grad for MIS in fall. What will happen after I get out? I dunno...the MS in MIS will prob mean nothing just like my BS did but we'll see I suppose...I know I could not go back to biochem/microbio/A&P classes again though *cringe*

Well, regardless of how they make it sound, psychology isnt very scientific. I could attempt to take non-degree science classes, but I figure by the time I have enough prereqs to be admitted into the grad school, I'd practically be eligible for the second bachelors by default, so why not get that along the way.

Id most likely be going to SUNY Stony Brook, which is a research university, and their science programs are great...but also super competitive.

I just went to their website and checked out their programs.. some of them are interdisciplinary graduate programs, you should check them out.

Like what? All of the science ones Ive seen require plenty of prereqs.

 

[SP33Demon]

I was in the boat as you, decent paying job but not what I really want to do for the rest of my life. I graduated almost 3 years ago (I'm 26 now) and have been working full time, my undergrad was in GIS/Geography. My company is paying for undergrad courses in Anatomy/Physiology and Physics, because they're prereq's to a Comp Programming undergrad. Once those are out of the way I'm applying to a MS program for my Doctor of Physical Therapy and quitting my job to go full time to follow my dream... so far I'm only finishing up on the first Anat/Phys class, but I absolutely love it! Also, not to mention all the nursing hotties that surround me asking for help studying and what not. Still have 2 more Anat/Phys and 3 Physics courses to take though, before applying.

I've always wanted to do PT, but since I went to college out of state it was virtually impossible to get into their (WVU) PT program since you needed a 4.0 and even then you'd be on the waiting list. My g/f's pretty cool with my career goals since she's a teacher and can virtually move anywhere that I get accepted for the Master's.

My .02 and good luck!

 

[Shanteli]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon
I was in the boat as you, decent paying job but not what I really want to do for the rest of my life. I graduated almost 3 years ago (I'm 26 now) and have been working full time, my undergrad was in GIS/Geography. My company is paying for undergrad courses in Anatomy/Physiology and Physics, because they're prereq's to a Comp Programming undergrad. Once those are out of the way I'm applying to a MS program for my Doctor of Physical Therapy and quitting my job to go full time to follow my dream... so far I'm only finishing up on the first Anat/Phys class, but I absolutely love it! Also, not to mention all the nursing hotties that surround me asking for help studying and what not. Still have 2 more Anat/Phys and 3 Physics courses to take though, before applying.

I've always wanted to do PT, but since I went to college out of state it was virtually impossible to get into their (WVU) PT program since you needed a 4.0 and even then you'd be on the waiting list. My g/f's pretty cool with my career goals since she's a teacher and can virtually move anywhere that I get accepted for the Master's.

My .02 and good luck!

Congratz on finding what you like. You're lucky that it is lucrative too!

 

[CanOWorms]

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: CanOWorms

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: Shanteli
Well my story is a tad different but it sorta applies I suppose.

Graduated 2 years ago with MIS. No jobbies. A lot of unemployment. Still liked computers but it did not seem like much of a future in it anymore. Got coaxed by parents to try to get a BS in Nursing or at least get a ton of units out of the way for Pharmacy School. Went back to school as a non-degree grad student...took a ton of science classes...did ok in them but hated it. Stopped. Secondary option was accounting but landed a job in a University...working for them and now will be starting grad for MIS in fall. What will happen after I get out? I dunno...the MS in MIS will prob mean nothing just like my BS did but we'll see I suppose...I know I could not go back to biochem/microbio/A&P classes again though *cringe*

Well, regardless of how they make it sound, psychology isnt very scientific. I could attempt to take non-degree science classes, but I figure by the time I have enough prereqs to be admitted into the grad school, I'd practically be eligible for the second bachelors by default, so why not get that along the way.

Id most likely be going to SUNY Stony Brook, which is a research university, and their science programs are great...but also super competitive.

I just went to their website and checked out their programs.. some of them are interdisciplinary graduate programs, you should check them out.

Like what? All of the science ones Ive seen require plenty of prereqs.

Well if you want to go into a pure science, yeah you'll probably get that.

M.S. in Technological Systems Management

I have no clue what that is, but engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, mathematic people can go into it.

A lot of schools also have accelerated graduate programs for people that want to get into completely different fields. For example, you can get an MS in Electrical Engineering in 3-4 years by taking an accelerated graduate program that will cover the undergrad part very quickly.

 

[raystorm]

I always thought that any masters program you apply to must be related to your undergrad degree. I mean..going from GIS to Physical Therapy?? They are totally unrelated. Do you have to take undergrad courses beforehand that are related to PT??

I've thought about going for a masters (I have a BS in CIS, AS in CS) and get into teaching (I'm sick of working in an office and dealing with supervisors and crap). Not sure what to do though.

Either way good luck to all previous posters who are going for their masters! :beer:

 

[StageLeft]

I did psych. I'm doing fine now because I got lucky, but it's a fvcking useless degree. Anybody in university now taking a joke of a degree like psych, ask yourself what job you think you'll be doing when you get out.

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: raystorm
I always thought that any masters program you apply to must be related to your undergrad degree. I mean..going from GIS to Physical Therapy?? They are totally unrelated. Do you have to take undergrad courses beforehand that are related to PT??

I've thought about going for a masters (I have a BS in CIS, AS in CS) and get into teaching (I'm sick of working in an office and dealing with supervisors and crap). Not sure what to do though.

Either way good luck to all previous posters that are going for their masters! :beer:

Hi Ray, you mainly need 3 courses in Bio and Chem (which I have because I started college as PreMed), a couple of math courses (Alg and Calc), and the 3 courses in Physics and Anat/Phys (some even only require a min of 8 credits each for these). Of course, this will vary depending on which schools you're applying to, but it's fine for the one I'm applying to. Others will require possibly 6 credits in Humanities, English, or Psych...

Also, it's a long Master's prog, 3 years full time including summers... so you can go in "blindly" so to speak, but it's very hard to get accepted...