Can I Get Another Bachelor's Degree after Graduating?

When you graduate from college, you have several options. While many people enter the workforce, many continue their education. That can look like attending grad school, taking an apprenticeship, taking individual classes at a community college, or earning a second bachelor's degree. 

Earning a second bachelor's degree after you graduate is not the same as choosing a double major during your undergraduate years. Still, it is possible to do and offers many benefits. You can use it to set yourself apart from other job applicants at interviews or learn more about a subject that interests you. If you've been out of college for a while, you can earn a second degree to change your career. 

Use this guide to help you understand if you can get a bachelor's degree after graduating, why you might want to do it, and other choices you might have if you want to continue your education. 

Can I get another bachelor's degree after graduating?  

Yes, getting another bachelor's degree after graduating from college is possible. It's a great opportunity to learn new skills and gain knowledge of a new subject. It can also benefit your career in many ways, whether starting out in the workforce, wanting to earn more money, or making a career change after decades in a certain industry. 

You should ask a few questions before returning to school to get a second bachelor's degree. For example, how will you pay for the additional schooling? Financial aid may be available, but it's more limited to a second bachelor's degree. You should also consider whether a master's degree or a certificate would be a better option for your personal goals.

Reasons to get a second bachelor's degree 

You have many reasons to consider a second bachelor's degree, from personal enrichment to career development. Depending on your personal needs, some of those reasons might include: 

• Working toward a promotion or advancement in your career

• Learning new skills after being absent from the workforce  

• Completely changing careers 

• Helping get into grad school 

• Earning more money in your industry 

• Staying up to date on your field of study

• Learning more about a subject that is of personal interest

• Continuing your education in a way that's potentially more affordable and less time-consuming than earning a master's degree

How long does it take to get another bachelor's degree?

The time it takes to get another bachelor's degree will vary from person to person and school. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credit hours, which takes about four years to earn if you attend school full-time. In some situations, a second bachelor's degree may take less time (two to three years) since you might not have to take your core education courses again. Some schools offer accelerated bachelor's degree programs. 

Alternatives to getting a second bachelor's degree 

While earning a second bachelor's degree offers many advantages, it's not the only option if you want to continue your education, gain new skills, or explore a new subject area. You might prefer to earn a master's degree, go for a certificate, take specific courses, or gain some work experience in their fields.

Getting a master's degree

The next step after graduating with a bachelor's degree is often to get a master's degree in the same or a related subject area. This graduate degree shows that you have advanced knowledge about that subject. While it can generally be beneficial to your career to earn a master's degree, some specific careers may require one. 

A school may require you to take up to 60 credit hours of courses to earn a master's degree, plus you may need to complete a capstone project like a research paper or professional project. Master's degree programs can also require a high GPA, among other graduation requirements.  

Earning certificates 

Another option for pursuing more education is earning a college-level certificate. Certificates are usually less expensive and take less time than a full degree. They can help you build skills and stand out from the competition when you apply for certain jobs. They can also help you gauge your interest in various topics before committing to a full degree. Rather than receiving a well-rounded education like you would with a degree, you'll spend your time focused on a specific subject or area of expertise. 

Taking specific courses 

Another option is to take a few classes. You can do this to enhance your skills and knowledge or to understand whether you truly enjoy a particular subject. If you're passionate about it, you can decide whether to earn another bachelor's degree.

Gaining work experience  

A common choice is to work after you finish your bachelor's degree or before making the decision to continue your education. Taking an entry-level job in any field, even if it's not your dream job, can also help you gain valuable skills and knowledge. It can help you build a resume and save money for returning to school to earn another bachelor's degree.  

Master's degree vs. second bachelor's degree

If you're still intent on earning a degree, you may want to weigh the pros and cons of choosing between a master's degree and a second bachelor's degree. Both can be beneficial, depending on your ultimate goals, but you might find that you can relate to some reasons to choose one over the other.  

Reasons to choose a master's degree include: 

• You want to gain further knowledge in a field you already work in or have a bachelor's degree. 

• The job you want may require a master's degree.

• Many master's degree programs offer flexible scheduling for working students. 

Reasons to choose a second bachelor's degree include:    

• You want to switch careers and start over in a new field. 

• It may take less time than a master's degree. 

• It generally costs less than a master's degree. 

• Earning a bachelor's degree isn't quite as intense as earning a master's. 

• It's typically easier to get into a bachelor's degree program.  

Tips for getting a second bachelor's degree 

If you have decided you're ready to get a second bachelor's degree, you can start exploring opportunities immediately to find the right school and program for you. These tips can help you begin the process.  

• Look into your schooling options: You can return to your college and complete another traditional four-year program, transfer to another school, take courses online, or attend a community college that offers bachelor's degrees. Find the option that best suits your needs and lifestyle.  

• Think about your personal goals: Why are you getting another bachelor's degree? Is it something you're interested in, or do you want to enhance your education for career purposes? This can help you decide which program to pick.  

• Determine how you'll pay for it: Can you afford tuition alone or need financial aid or a loan? You'll discover some laws and rules that may limit how much aid you can receive. Your budget may also play a role in your decision.  

• Do your research: If you know your intended major or program, look for schools with a positive reputation or highly-regarded programs for that subject matter. Also, keep in mind that every school has its own unique prerequisites, so you may need to make sure you meet them before making a decision. 

• Talk to someone: Before making a commitment, meet with an advisor or other representative from your desired school or program. They can help you determine if you're making the best decision for your needs. 

Getting started with Coursera 

Before you go back to school to earn a second bachelor's degree, consider taking an introductory class to the subject that interests you so you can ensure it's the right track for you. On Coursera, you'll find thousands of courses offered by some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Consider some introductory courses, such as Introduction to Machine Learning, offered by Duke University; Introduction to Statistics, offered by Stanford University; and Introduction to Electronics, offered by Georgia Tech.