The Secret to Earning a Second Degree
Students have frequently contacted me about pursuing a second degree, whether it is a second associate or bachelor’s degree. Perhaps they want to gain new skills and broaden their knowledge in two different fields. Other times, students are looking to make a career change and have identified that a second bachelor’s degree can help them in that goal. It’s important to assess which situation best fits your academic and professional goals, and decide if a second degree, second area of study or graduate degree is a better choice for you.
If you are transferring in a large amount of college credits, it makes sense to get the most out of those credits. However, you must also meet all the requirements to earn any degree, which can significantly increase the amount of time and money you spend on its pursuit. So how do you know which academic avenue to take? Consider your options and the requirements:
Second Associate Degree
If you wish to earn a second associate degree at TESU and have already earned one at the University or at another regionally accredited institution, you must complete a minimum of 12 additional credits beyond the date your most recent associate degree was completed. You must also satisfy all the requirements of the degree as indicated in the Thomas Edison State University Catalog.
Second Bachelor’s Degree
If you have earned a previous baccalaureate degree, and wish to pursue a second, you must complete a minimum of 24 additional credits, including the required capstone, for the degree. These credits must be in the area of study and/or core of the degree. They must also be earned after the date your most recent degree, regardless of academic level, was conferred. All the degree requirements indicated in the current Thomas Edison State University Catalog must also be completed.
If you have earned your first bachelor’s from the University, you must apply again for the second degree; however, your application fee will be waived.
Whether you earned your first bachelor’s degree at the University or at another institution, the application process still requires an academic evaluation of your transfer credit with room for at least 24 credits and the required capstone relative to your area of study.
Two Areas of Study Within One Degree
Similar to declaring a double major, you are able to pursue a second area of study within your degree program. For example, you can complete a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Arts in English because your general education requirements would remain the same (as opposed to pursuing a second degree, where you would need to fulfill another set of general education requirements). You would only need to complete the Area of Study requirements as outlined in the program’s credit distribution guide. No more than 9 credits that are used in the first area of study may be used for the second area of study. All related required credits for each area of study, as well as all degree requirements, must be met at the same time. To pursue this, all you have to do is contact your academic advisor, and it will be added to your degree plan.
Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Program
As a student at Thomas Edison State University, you are able to earn 12 graduate credits, or four courses, that will apply to both your undergraduate degree and a master’s degree at the University. If you are serious about earning a master’s degree, this program gives you a 12-credit head start toward that goal. You can apply for the program if you are an enrolled undergraduate student with at least 60 undergraduate credits toward an undergraduate degree at the University, a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least three years of degree program relevant experience. If admitted, you are eligible to take your first graduate course after you have completed 90 credits toward your undergraduate degree with an overall GPA of 3.0. Learn more about the Bachelor’s to Master’s Program here.
A student would have to complete an additional 24 credits at minimum to complete a second bachelor’s degree. For that reason, whenever students have asked for my advice on the subject, I have always suggested they pursue a master’s degree. My experience has led me to believe that, generally, an employer would rather see a degree progression (i.e. associate to bachelor’s to master’s) than two degrees at the same academic level. If you are willing to put the time and money into pursuing an additional 24 credits for a second bachelor’s, then I would consider it a better use of your resources to pursue a master’s degree at 36 credits. However, sometimes it is a better move professionally to obtain a second degree. Whatever you choose, always discuss your degree changes, plans and options with your academic advisor. They are there to help you with whichever path you choose.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace or supersede the official Thomas Edison State University Catalog. Policies, requirements and procedures are subject to change, and the catalog in effect at the time of your enrollment governs your academic requirements. Please refer to the current catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding degree requirements, academic policies and regulations.
Written by Donald Cucuzzella
Donald Cucuzzella is the assistant dean of the School of Applied Science and Technology, specializing in the University’s aviation and allied health programs. Between helping students figure out how professional certifications can apply as college credit and what it’s like taking online courses, his goal is to help students feel comfortable coming back to college.