Second bachelor’s degrees make the most sense if a career change or other factor requires you to acquire a body of knowledge in a substantially different field. [2] X Research source Some potential employers or others who review your credentials might see earning a second bachelor’s degree as showing a lack of commitment, so be prepared to explain your reason for earning one if you decide it is the best plan for you. Many graduate programs don’t necessarily require an undergraduate degree in the same field as a prerequisite for admission. For instance, you may be able to enter a graduate program in Sociology even if your undergraduate degree is in Anthropology, or a program in English if your bachelor’s degree is in Computer Science. With this in mind, consider whether a graduate program or a second bachelor’s degree is the best option for your plans. You can contact the graduate coordinator of the program you’re interested in for details.
Generally, the intention of most colleges and universities is to award first bachelor’s degrees to students. [6] X Research source
You can find information about costs of attendance at a particular college or university via its admissions website. Private loans may be available to fund a second bachelor’s degree program, but can have high interest rates. Contact an institution’s financial aid office about particular sources of funding that might be available to you as a second bachelor’s degree student.
You can search for colleges and universities in a particular area using online databases. [8] X Research source [9] X Research source [10] X Trustworthy Source College Board Organization that administers standardized tests and provides college admissions resources Go to source Then, check the admissions website for an institution you are interested in to see if it admits students seeking a second bachelor’s degree.
Completion of a four-year college course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree. Most colleges and universities require your first bachelor’s degree to have been awarded by a regionally accredited institution. Previous good standing at the last college or university you attended. A good GPA. Many institutions require second bachelor’s degree applicants to have maintained a GPA above a certain threshold, particularly if the intended concentration is in a high-demand field. If you are an international student, there may be additional admissions requirements for you, such as certifying language competency or showing proof of accreditation for your previous bachelor’s degree. [12] X Research source
Most institutions have application fees, including for those seeking a second bachelor’s degree. [14] X Research source [15] X Research source You may have to submit special documents as part of your application, including transcripts and/or proof of your previous degree, a statement of purpose or admissions essay, etc. If you are seeking a second bachelor’s degree at the same institution which awarded your first one, you may be asked to complete an application for readmission instead. [16] X Research source
Even if you received your first bachelor’s degree from the same institution you are attending to earn your second one, you may not be able to get credit for previous courses taken, since institutional and program requirements can vary. [19] X Research source Institutions that allow you to transfer credits from a previous degree program may still require you to take at least a certain number of credit hours for your second degree program. As a second bachelor’s degree student, you may also be required to maintain a certain GPA. [20] X Research source
