Are u an older adult going back to school?

Question

If u r an older adult going back to school, what are you going back for? What persuaded you to go back and why for whatever you have chosen?

Answer 1

I'm a non traditional (older) student. My major is Business Administration - Information Systems. I have an Associate of Science in a similar degree so it was cheaper to transfer those credits and not have to begin all over. I also like computers/programming so it was a good fit. I had dreamed of being able to go back to complete my BBA and perhaps my MBA. A friend finally asked me where I would be in 5 years. Then were would I be in 5 years if I went to school. I went back to school. Only have 5 classes left to graduate!

Answer 2

I have four degrees: BS engineering, BS physics, MS systems management, and PhD business admin. I got both the MS and the PhD while working and supporting a family. I was 57 yo when I earned the doctorate degree.

There were two overriding reasons for going back for my PhD: to pick up skills in research and analysis; and to be more employable in those skills. The major difference between undergrad courses and grad courses is that there is no expectation for undergrads to come up with innovative concepts new to an academic or professional discipline. There is no expectation; so the undergrad courses generally fail to provide the tools for breaking into new ideas.

On the other hand, a proper PhD program will expect the student to explore new ideas in whatever discipline the PhD is in. That is, in fact, a major difference between the MS thesis and the PhD dissertation. The thesis need not be adding new concepts or ideas to the discipline; while the dissertation must add new, never before presented knowledge to that discipline.

I retired from the military when I was 42 yo...I had a whole new career in research ahead of me. But I learned early that I lacked the math and critical thinking skills to compete with my better educated colleagues. So I went back for my PhD and got those skills. I had a very successful career in systems analysis; something I attribute in large part to getting my doctorate and the additional analysis skills it provided.

Answer 3

I returned to school in my mid-40s to get two degrees in behavior analysis. (A BS and an MS.) I finish this year. I had attended 6 universities in the past but none of the degrees I started really seemed worth finishing. When I discovered behavior analysis I knew it was the right way to go for me.

I had always felt "unfinished" because I didn't have a degree. After staying home with my kids for several years and occassionally taking college courses, the career I had before had changed so much that I would have had to go to school to get up to speed to return to that field. But I'd never really loved that work. I decided if I had to go to school anyway, why not study something that really moved me? So I did.

I have never regreted the decision. I'll start teaching as an adjunct professor in a few months. I'm writing a book, and I feel like I'll be happy doing this for the rest of my life.

Answer 4

I am 40 years old! Due to marriage separation, not sure if relationship will work out or not . In event relationship ends in divorce would like to be able to support self with out living in skid row. I chose property management because every company that hires property managers are just crying for them its an indusry thats really tough on ones nerves!