Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with continuingeducation

1. ??? 2. Ph.D. 3. Profit!

ailouros08 — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 12:05:09 -0800

The eternal question: A 2d bachelor's degree, or straight to grad school? Another rehash of a fairly common question on AskMe, but with a fun, crushing-financial-burden? spin.

My darling girlfriend is considering going back to school for a Ph.D. in Ecology or Environmental Science. She is currently the not-so-proud owner of a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (her particular brand includes a mixture of biology, chemistry, environmental science, sociology and anthropology). She's been out of school, working in retail, for about five years. While she has managed to avoid the lay-offs so far, the chances that her company will still be around by next February are vanishingly small. So, she's finally mustered the courage to take a stab at her dream: Getting her Ph.D. in Environmental Science.

Complications? Her graduating GPA was a mere 2.3, so it would be difficult, if not outright impossible, for her to get into grad school without some prep work. So right now she's trying to decide between getting a 2d bachelor's in Biology, taking classes as a Post-Bacc at a local university, or taking classes at a local community college in order to boost her GPA.

Her question really revolves around the cost-benefit of each of these paths. The financial considerations, while still significant, will lessen considerably once I finish school in May 2010. Though I won't be earning the big bucks, I'll be able to replace her earnings (we live quite frugally) and she'll be able to focus entirely on being a student.

1. A 2d Bachelor's would take longer, but it would be easier to get financial aid. All the past AskMe's we've looked at suggest that its effect on admissions to a graduate program would be negligible.

2. Post-Bacc classes would be the fastest way for her to beef up her GPA. Additionally, she would be taking them at one of three great research universities in the area, so she'd have networking opportunities. However, Post-Bacc students aren't eligible for financial aid, so this would be the most expensive option (and she would probably have to work part-time to help defray the cost.)

3. Taking community college classes is the cheapest option by far, but unless she actually enrolls in an Associate's Degree program, she won't be eligible for financial aid. Her worry with this option is that the rigor of the classes (or lack thereof) may hinder her when she applies to a grad program.

I apologize for the long question, but she is at a very big crossroads in her life, and needs all the advice and encouragement she can get. So, fellow mefites, have you taken any of these paths? What would you recommend? Should she focus on quality or affordability? Advice/warnings? Alternatives?

Psych 101

sweetkid — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:38:36 -0800

Where in NYC could I take an intro psychology class just to see if I like it? I tried googling this but all I find are masters/phd programs. I'd want a night course or something I could take, just to learn more about it. I looked at all the related questions and only see books and blogs in this category. Thanks...

Getting college right the second time around

Anonymous — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:39:09 -0800

How do I get college right a very belated second time around? My college experience sucked. I chose a very small, church-affiliated college for all the wrong reasons and it was a terrible fit for me, largely because I was 16 years old and had no business on any college campus, especially not one 800 miles from home. Anxiety, homesickness and a sense of not belonging led to mediocre grades, poor social connections and I lasted through an academic year, took a year off, stupidly went back to that same school for a semester, then gave up and dropped out in defeat.

Fast forward. It's now (a shameful) 17 years later. I took one semester of classes at the local community college about 12 years ago. That was my last experience in a classroom. I'm now 35 years old, single and working as an administrative assistant, not my life goal. I want to go back to school, do it right this time, get a degree, actually accomplish something. I know what I want to pursue, but I'm not any more sure how to find a school which is a good fit for me now as I was back then.

Beyond the academics, what should I be looking for in a school? I won't be living on campus this time around so my "needs" are quite different, but I'm honestly not sure what my needs are. Do I need a specific "non-traditional students" program? I have a mobility-limiting handicap, should I look for a school with the most accessible campus/best services for students with disabilities?

I know which schools are my first to look at (because they're all local and I won't have to move) but I'm at a complete loss as to what I'm supposed to be assessing. Ultimately, I'd like not only earn a BA, but also a Masters and a professional certification, and I don't want to get derailed and messed up again. How do I avoid that?

Looking for good universities for baby boomers who need to work.

Pacrand — Tue, 08 May 2007 10:14:54 -0800

What decent universities exist for baby boomers who need a degree but have to keep working? My friend, 58, wants to go back to school. She has an ancient AA degree from a community college in the SF Bay Area, and currently lives in Los Angeles. She has some money (enough to buy a house, but not enough to retire) and a decent job, but nothing that keeps her tied to LA.

I know a lot of people are immediately asking "Are you certain that college is for her?" In her case, for more reasons than I'll go into here, it is. She's older, so she only has a certain amount of time to work until retirement, but sometimes there are more important things than money.

However, such a limiting factor can't be ignored. I'm basically looking for the following:
- Some major university/ies (not Harvard, but I've heard that University of Phoenix is as worthwhile as DeVry) that offers courses appropriate for working professionals
- Advice on who we should talk to about admissions (obviously, the admissions office, but I'm concerned that they're geared only towards 18-year-old high schoolers)

Location doesn't matter; I'm casting this net nationwide. Cost doesn't matter too much. I'm just trying to get an idea of where someone might be able to take classes nights and weekends or online towards a real, worthwhile degree. Her career as a highly-paid professional doesn't allow for too much flexibility in work schedule, so I need to find a school with a flexible schedule.

I should also mention that difficulty is not an issue. If it's realistically possible for her to get in with an old AA degree and plenty of recommendations, she will, and she'll excel.

Back to school at 40?

TochterAusElysium — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:57:45 -0800

Should I go back to school at 40, and get that degree? Even though I have a good career, making more than adequate income, and a lot of experience in my field, I never actually earned a college degree. I took some community college classes in my 20s, but now I'm 40 and wondering whether it's a good idea to at least go earn a simple AA degree (and maybe transfer to a 4-year school).

I work in print production (e-pro) and graphic design; I'd probably go back for a degree in graphics and/or fine arts. Money is more or less not an issue. I would be doing this for my own personal satisfaction, and as a resume builder should I ever need to look for a new job (though it's less necessary in my field than a good portfolio).

I'd have to stick with evening classes, possibly at a community college to start; does anyone have experience with starting over in college at my age? Can this even be done with a full-time job? Any recommendations for the (preferably North-) Seattle area?

Where to go in NYC for cheap arts programs?

GilloD — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 12:00:03 -0800

I'm looking for a way to keep busy and pick up some new skills in NYC. I'm sure that if you look at my posting history you'll pick up on the fact that I'm a bit lost at the moment. I recently graduated college, found myself completely aimless and stuck in a dead end job. Well, I'm still in the dead end job, but I moved to Brooklyn. This is great for me, I have an active social life, I get to see all my favorite bands and eat great food.

But I'm someone who likes to keep busy. I'm really looking to pick up some new skills. I'd love to give woodworking or metalworking a go or follow up on my pottery. The problem is, most of what I've found is either far too expensive (I pull in around 2K a month and 1100$ of that is in rent and living expenses) or at the wrong time of day (I work Mon-Fri, 8-5).

So, NYC MeFites, I appeal to you: Are there any cheap/free/modestly priced arts programs in the city? I'm not above apprenticeship, if it's an option. Location isn't a huge issue, although the closer to home (Williamsburgh, Brooklyn), the better.