Second bachelors degree in my case?

Question

I majored in political science as an undergrad. with an atrocious GPA of approx. 2.25. I just got denied from a state school's masters program. I an interested in marketing, PR, or possibly computer science. Would a second bachelors make sense? My employer would pay for 95% of it (school costs around $35,000 a year).

Tution per credit hour is $1050, and I likely wouldn't take 15 credit hours per semester. I'm not currently taking any classes, so even a second bachelors would at least take some advantage of the benefit.

I applied to an alternative admissions program at a state school and they rejected me. I'm not sure where else to try.

Would applying to my employer's school (higher ranking, private school) make me get in easier because I'm an employee?

Thanks for your comments. I actually have done web development, graphc design, and programming for years. I have some experience, but nothing really to back up it degree-wise. I did like college the first time around, though, it would be tedious, if not hard, to do it in 4 years working full-time.

Interesting. That's the problem I'm running into-- for schools that accept low GPAs, they seem to want you to have been out of school for years. I haven't been out that long.

Answer 1

Try to apply to a different masters program, and if that doesn't work go for a 2nd bachelors. If your employer is willing to foot the bill it would be silly of you not to take advantage of it in some way.

Answer 2

I'm not sure that the second BA would really be of help. I wonder if, instead, you should get a graduate certificate.

Often, admissions for grad cert programs are more liberal than those for Master's degree programs, and if you get your cert from a school and do well in those classes, they sometimes give you extra consideration when you then apply for their Master's program in that field.

For example, at Rensellaer Polytechnic, if you apply for the MS in Human Computer Interaction you need good GRE scores, transcripts, etc. But you don't even need the GRE for their grad cert program. And if you get the cert, you can apply for their MS program without taking the GRE.

Speaking of standardised tests - how did you do on the GRE or GMAT? If those scores were low, you may do better focusing on those specific areas, rather than getting an entire BA. If your math was weak, for example, take continuing ed undergraduate math classes. Get good grades. Include those transcripts when you next apply. It's a way of saying that yes, you did poorly in undergrad, but all the classes you've taken since then, you've aced. Also take a GRE prep class and bring up those scores.

Lastly, see if you can make an appointment with admissions at that state school. Tell them you want to reapply in a couple of years, and ask them to look at your file and tell you, if they can, what you need to improve (ask specifically what would make you a stronger candidate) so that you can focus on those areas.

Because, honestly, it wasn't the low GPA alone that did it. I know a woman with a 2.5 GPA who got into Harvard MBA. The rest of her application was so darn strong. That's why I think there may be ways for you to improve your app. After all, you can't go back and fix the old GPA, but you can try to prove to admissions that those issues are now ancient history.

Answer 3

Unless you have a strong core in math and science, computer science will be difficult. Much more than political science. You'll have to take physics, advanced math, etc. Unless you are really motivated to work in that area, I would advise not to. I took a few programming classes during college and they were extremely tough. Marketing falls under a business administration concentration so you might have better luck with that. However, just realize that business degrees are very popular so you'll have to stand out in the job market.

Finally, you have to decide if you think it's worth it. Did you enjoy college the first time? Good luck.

Answer 4

Maybe. You could start taking classes again and bring up your overall gpa. They may reconsider you after a few semesters. What I would do is talk to your advisor to find out what kinds of things you could do to get back in the good graces of the state school. Then try applying again next year.

Answer 5

Second Bachelors degree and Employer pays

Answer 6

it would not hurt.