Associates vs. Bachelors

[Am]

Originally Posted by AvonleaMAF I'm kinda wondering right now if this is one of those moments where, "UGH I just dont want to anymore." Cause in the back of my mind, I know if I do this, I'll get to be with my man sooner. But at the same time, I'm thinking it really might be a better career move. If I get my associates, get real life experience with it, then pursue my bachelors- having experience like that is gold to some employeers. I just worry I won't be able to even get a job with an associates.

There's been so many times when I've thought I was done. The only reason I'm still getting this stupid degree is because I'm so stubborn and it's too late to go back.

What are you looking to do with your degree (either of them)?

[Avonlea.]

Yeah, let me give specifics since maybe some of you might have more information on this.

I'm currently going for my bachelors in Government: Military Strategic Intelligence. I wanted to work as an analyst..(or at least work my way up there)

I am looking into getting my associates first in Criminal Justice.

[eelo]

A lot depends on the field and on where you're headed.

For example, if you plan to be a nurse or a teacher or a business manager or an accountant, it would be a good idea to get an AA/AS or a certificate first. That way you can be employed in the field and gain valuable experience until you're ready to go back to school.
examples:
nurse- get AA/AS/certification as an LPN or LVN
teacher- get AA/AS in Early Childhood Education
Business Manager- AA/AS in Business, IT, or Office Automation
Accountant- AA/AS in accouning, business, or IT

Now, if your goal is to be a counselor or psychologist or engineer, those don't really have good AA/AS programs that are helpful. You can DO all the requirements for an AA/AS, bu since you'd be required to get at least the bachelor's (or maybe further), all it would be is an additional expense (graduation/matriculation fee) with nothing to gain.

What's your field?

[eelo]

Originally Posted by AvonleaMAF Yeah, let me give specifics since maybe some of you might have more information on this. I'm currently going for my bachelors in Government: Military Strategic Intelligence. I am looking into getting my associates first in Criminal Justice.

You posted while I was posting.......

Sure, get that AA/AS. I don't know that it would do any good to actually attend graduation or pay for cap/gown/etc unless you really want to, but I think having hat particular AA/AS will show that you took some specialized courses on top of your GenEds, and it will dovetail nicely into MSI.

[Am]

Originally Posted by AvonleaMAF Yeah, let me give specifics since maybe some of you might have more information on this. I'm currently going for my bachelors in Government: Military Strategic Intelligence. I wanted to work as an analyst..(or at least work my way up there) I am looking into getting my associates first in Criminal Justice.

DF just switched to that (bachelors). I'd ask him about it but he's at work. I don't know much about that field.

[Avonlea.]

Originally Posted by eelo You posted while I was posting....... Sure, get that AA/AS. I don't know that it would do any good to actually attend graduation or pay for cap/gown/etc unless you really want to, but I think having hat particular AA/AS will show that you took some specialized courses on top of your GenEds, and it will dovetail nicely into MSI.

I feel like such a newb with this, so thank you SO much for helping me out here.
Do you think that getting a job with the associates in CJ will be easy or difficult? I've heard so many stories about how people don't give Associate holders a 2nd glance on applications.

[Del]

I have a bachelors and am working on my masters right now.

For me, I've always known I wanted a PhD eventually, and I am in science... so there was never really a question of whether or not to get at least a bachelors.

However, I have a bunch of friends who have done their associates. Some have later gone forward for a bachelors; a few others took their associates and then it led to other options.

E.g. I have one friend who got an associates at a CC, then went for her bachelors at a really prestigious private school for Social Work stuffs. She got a great scholarship and it's worked great for you.

Another friend got her business associates at a CC, and then took some time off. Worked. Discovered that she really loves cake baking and decorating and is now in a program for that.

It seems like the associates is a good way to make sure all your credits will transfer if you later do a bachelors, and it's also a good way to get a quicker degree, especially if you're not sure you want/need a bachelors.

I imagine it can be a lot cheaper too.

I think it all depends on what kinda job you want and what will help you most in that field. Cake decorating? Doesn't need a bachelors. Social Worker? Well, she's planning to go through for her masters.

I'd go with whatever feels right, personally. I know sometimes that last year or two of a bachelors can be brutal and long - mine sure was!

[Avonlea.]

Originally Posted by Del I have a bachelors and am working on my masters right now. For me, I've always known I wanted a PhD eventually, and I am in science... so there was never really a question of whether or not to get at least a bachelors. However, I have a bunch of friends who have done their associates. Some have later gone forward for a bachelors; a few others took their associates and then it led to other options. E.g. I have one friend who got an associates at a CC, then went for her bachelors at a really prestigious private school for Social Work stuffs. She got a great scholarship and it's worked great for you. Another friend got her business associates at a CC, and then took some time off. Worked. Discovered that she really loves cake baking and decorating and is now in a program for that. It seems like the associates is a good way to make sure all your credits will transfer if you later do a bachelors, and it's also a good way to get a quicker degree, especially if you're not sure you want/need a bachelors. I imagine it can be a lot cheaper too. I think it all depends on what kinda job you want and what will help you most in that field. Cake decorating? Doesn't need a bachelors. Social Worker? Well, she's planning to go through for her masters. I'd go with whatever feels right, personally. I know sometimes that last year or two of a bachelors can be brutal and long - mine sure was!

To the bolded. This is another reason I think it's a good idea. I can complete my associates here through my current school. work. then I can complete my bachelors in CJ through the online program my school offers.

[Laurie119]

I currently have my AAS in Early Childhood education. I have a great job, working with the Head Start program and I make good money. When I worked full year, I made 37,000/year. If I went and got my Bachelors (which I have tossed around occasionally), I could go into the Human Services field, or stick with ECE, or go a completely different route. I am actually considering going back to school, getting another associates degree in psych or soc and possibly pursuing that further.

[Avonlea.]

man, i just keep thinking up questions for you guys.
this is a little OT, but does anyone have any information as to whether or not military spouse's can get civil service jobs on base?