E Y ⋅ Cerritos, CA ⋅ 8 years experience

Hi Maria,
Did you call or inquire with the specific engineering department? The reason is that engineering graduate level studies involve many pre requisite engineering courses that aren't offered at community colleges. Please check with the specific department/school you wish to study at. The secretary at that department can give you more specifics. They may refer you to the registrars office, but in any case contact the engineering dept first. If they say that you should apply for the graduate program, then I recommend being very selective in the schools that you plan to apply to. Many TOP ranking schools will cover your tuition and also give you a stipend. These "funds" normally come through professors who have received research funding. You probably won't find these types of financial packages at the lower ranking schools. Good luck!

John Nerison ⋅ Boise, ID Retired from POWER Engineers, Inc. www.powereng.com ⋅ 40 years experience

I would go with an engineering career. very stable field and good starting salaries after graduation. I tutor engineering students on a volunteer basis. My webpage is www.engineeringtutor.biz Good luck. John

Susan Weber ⋅ Easton, PA AIG ⋅ 30 years experience

Thank you for your service. You received some great responses and I have to agree that the Masters would make more sense than a second bachelors in another field. So many jobs (especially if you wanted to teach) require the higher degree to get ahead. Would definitely look for job where they might assist with the tuition. Best of luck.

Ravi Kallianpur ⋅ Hammond, LA Louisiana State University ⋅ 28 years experience

Dear Maria,

The obvious answer may be to apply to grad program in Engineering; however, you will want to know the number of prerequisites that would be needed to get into the program; and knowing that your Bachelors is in an unrelated field you will have a considerable number of hours. Further, there is the question of specialization and the pre-reqs that might need. You might find that it may be easier getting in for a Bachelors and completing it and then enrolling in Graduate School. Before you make a decision, I would definitely talk to a Graduate Advisor at the school of your choice and examine their recommendations.

Good luck to you.

Gordon Lum ⋅ Elk Grove, CA Willdan Engineering ⋅ 30 years experience

I like to address what is a reasonable amount of student loan. My son is considering a law degree, and I keep telling him to borrow no more than 50% of his expected first year's salary. This rule of thumb was backed up by an article in the Wall Street Journal. I've been a licensed engineer for over 24 years. As an entry level engineer (with a Master's Degree), I think you can expect to earn ~ $60,000/year. Based on this figure, I wouldn't accumulate more than $30,000 in student loan debt.

Bryan Pigott ⋅ Chicago, IL IBM ⋅ 15 years experience

Maria -thank you for your service! I would echo the rest of the team here...a master's will serve you better, but make sure it aligns with where YOU want to go in your career. There are general programs as well as specific (chemical, structural, civil, etc.). As for the cost, if you stay in state you will be saving some money...and why would anybody want to leave IL anyway? Best of luck :)

Wesley Calhoun ⋅ New York, NY The Bachrach Group ⋅ 5 years experience

100% Master's over second Bachelor's, provided the Master's Degree is pinpointed to the career you are interested in pursuing.

Paul Trejo ⋅ Austin, TX University of Texas at Austin ⋅ 40 years experience

Hi Maria,

Many thanks for your years of service. Although I agree that a 2nd Bachelor's degree isn't necessary anywhere -- you are hesitating with taking Grad School. That suggests that you aren't happy with a Career in Communications.

The only reason you'd consider a 2nd Bachelor's degree is because you want to ensure that your career will focus on your "dream" job, right?

If that's the case, then I'd advise you to FIGHT for a career closer to your true desires and aptitudes. Your life will be more fulfilled by it in every way.

You didn't tell us what that 2nd Bachelors degree would be about. Is that also a clue? Is it in the Arts? Is that the hesitation?

Yet the Arts can be (and to some degree always are) self-taught. A technical position in the Arts is more secure, and can offer more opportunities than an anonymous garret.

Getting that job, getting that income, getting to know the Civilian world out there, and how it works -- one can do that from ANYWHERE. One can rise to the top of ANY field, and once there, pick and choose any life one wishes.

Best wishes,
--Paul

George Oestreich ⋅ Fort Lauderdale, FL First Service Residential ⋅ 40 years experience

I agree with Colin, where is your passion? I can add the word "focus" to your inquiry. The two degrees may show that your professional vision is "not-yet-in-focus-focus".
My professional background in hospitality management has never had a boring day---I enjoy (maybe a distorted view) the idea of dealing with different situations everyday but the basic goal/vision is keeping folks happy by solving their problems----my passion.
Find your passion and focus on it.
Thank you for your service and much success.

Dawn Billings ⋅ Marion, VA ⋅ 2 years experience

Hello Maria! Great answers above!

Besides the "What do you want to do?" which is the most important question- ask around. There's more than one way to get into a field, and not all of them are traditional. Most companies are aware of the Master's degree vs debt debacle everyone is facing. Some companies prefer to train new hires "their way".

Find out if the *specific* job you are aiming for can be obtained through a certification program (which may be a 5-10 week session) or on-the-job training. Ask a few companies what they expect from optimal candidates. Ask the employees how they broke into that field.

You could also look at grant funding. Establish your goal and how you plan to obtain it- be detailed and cover every single second of how you plan to spend your time and the money. You can use funding for classes and equipment paramount to your research and career.

Good luck and Best Wishes!

David Gilbertson ⋅ San Antonio, TX Hewlett Packard ⋅ 26 years experience

Often times job announcements will include minimum qualifications. It is not unusual to find a Masters degree as a minimum qualification for some higher level jobs. So I would definitely punch that ticket if you can. A second Bachelors is like having two high school diplomas - not very helpful. Career goals, life situation, personal satisfaction - all important - but there is nothing you can't get from a Masters program if you take the time to research the program that fits you.

Nelson Bax ⋅ Orland Park, IL Worldventures ⋅ 6 years experience

Hello Maria,
The question is "what is your goal"? I find that if you research your goal to the finest degree we all want to find a career in a field that will provide financial security. In today's economy and what appears to be the future economy, more education only means additional debt. Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V122ICNS8_0

If you have a FREE tuition plan then go for it. But if you are looking for one the best choices for financial freedom then consider being an entrepreneur. There are numerous opportunities for veterans with the skills necessary to be successful.

Colin hintz ⋅ Auburn, MI U.S. Army, Second Lieutenant ⋅ 10 years served

General Rule:

AA/AS degree: Workers
BA/BS degree: Workers, Supervisors and Lower Level Management
MA/MS/MBA degree: Management and Executive Level
PhD/DBA degree: Researcher, Author or College Instructor/Professor

What are your goals at this time... for work?

Also, PLEASE do not dismiss the idea that many people attend college and obtain a degree for personal reasons as they LOVE a particular subject. = College is not just to "Get a Job" with a degree or certificate. Some of us actually appreciate some subject material... the real question is... What are you Passionate about?

Good Luck, God Bless and Get Some!

Po Wong ⋅ Orlando, FL Johnson & Johnson (retired) ⋅ 40 years experience

Hi Maria,
I master degree in Finance, project, engineering management, organization management, (not MA in Sociology or history…) …..is always better than 2 undergrad degrees. Also assuming you already thought through about your career field and goals as other advisor suggested.….

Remember today, most recruiting or major company uses computer sort. A check mark on a Master (advanced) degree block could bring you to the second round vs. just 2 bachelors.
Good luck!

Al Pozos ⋅ Las Vegas, NV American Automobile Association ⋅ 30 years experience

In general it is better to go for the Master's degree. Corporations will look at your BA as an additional benefit since many engineers have difficulty in communications. Yes to previous advice regarding internships while securing your Master’s. This will provide prospective employers with a gauge of your performance in the actual job. Sometimes these internships turn into early job offers and [rarely] some companies offer to pay for your Master’s. It would be pointless, in my view, to secure a second BA/BS. A Master’s in engineering for those seeking an engineer would be more impressive and relevant. This is the case since your BA is in a completely different field yet you qualified and are either in a Master’s in Engineering program or obtained said Master’s. This would demonstrate to me significant intellectual capabilities as well as career and aptitude flexibility.

Robin Wagner ⋅ Vail, CO LSI Corporation ⋅ 32 years experience

Hello. If you are interested in a technical role (design engineer, systems engineer, etc). Then I believe an engineering degree (undergrad) is your best prep and will help you land a job. If you are interested in communications or marketing for a technical company, the MBA might be a better choice. I worked in technical environment for many years and most hires had the engineering degree. Let me know if you want to talk more.
Robin

Ronald Waltz ⋅ Fox River Grove, IL Benchmark Automation and Drives ⋅ 38 years experience

Hi Maria, I would add to the list of folks who first ask " what do you want to do?" If you do want to go into the technical disciplines I would suggest you get the Engineering degree with some eye on what field you would like to be in when you schooling is complete..

I am in factory automation and manufacturing is starting to come back and we are in great need of controls engineers. Also think about the connectivity part of it as well. There are 1 billion devices connected in factories today and by 2020 the number is forecast to grow to 26 billion.

Which raise another area to consider, security.. Great measures will be needed to insure that factories with remote access for trouble shooting are also secure... Hope this helps

George Wilhelmsen ⋅ Rochelle, IL Sargent & Lundy ⋅ 38 years experience

Hi Maria,

The big question has been asked. What do you want to do?

We are regularly hiring engineers at my company. There is an acute shortage of engineers with an Instrumentation and Control background in our industry, and Electrical Engineers (power and electronics) are both in high demand. We generally see enough mechanicals and civil structurals.

So, what do you want to do for the rest of your life? A Masters Degree is generally going to be more expensive by the time you are done with it, and generally provides a higher starting salary.

With that said, I'd strongly suggest focusing on what you like to do. As an engineering design manager, I've worked with people who can do engineering, but don't enjoy it. It's better that you get into something you enjoy.

So, not to flip the question back to you, but I guess I have to: What do you enjoy doing?

George

Cheryl Stith ⋅ Elk Grove, CA Comcast (last company) ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Maria,

My first question is, what is your career goal? I am guessing it's changed since you have a Communications degree and now you are pursuing engineering.

Regardless of that answer, I believe a Master's is always better but, there are some employers who are willing to pay for that degree for you. My daughter just graduated with a Master's but she's about $70,000 in debt. So... back to the 1st question, I would really define my career objective before going any further. Take care! Cheryl

Robert Brockman ⋅ San Diego, CA San Diego State University now Self Empl ⋅ 52 years experience

These days you can find folks with Masters degrees still looking for work but as to your question, I also agree it is the way to go. If you are going to spend the time and financial assets, use them to move forward. As to the GRE, they are no dang fun at all but unless you are a whiz kid, make the effort to take a Prep course. It will help and probably get you through the gate and tame any jitters. I took it 3 times over the span of 12 years with 3 wildly different results. Go Figure! Good luck

Omar Sultan ⋅ Elk Grove, CA Cisco ⋅ 25 years experience

I guess I might come at this from the other end. What is your goal regarding a career and what does the typical hiring profile look life for that position--what are typical degree requirements, what is the desired mix of academic work and real-work experience, etc. If you are not sure about these answers, post a question here, use a site like LinkedIn or simply call the HR/Recruiting departments at a couple of companies where you might like to work.

I see many folks on this site that have invested a lot of time and effort in doing graduate work that does not actually move them closer towards their desired career goals. A grad degree might be the right move, an internship to gain practical experience might be the right move--it all depends on where you are trying to go.

Louis Schwarz ⋅ Somerville, NJ AIG ⋅ 43 years experience

One more thing, you may be able to skip the GRE. Check out the schools or enroll in some graduate level courses and by your performance i those courses, the GRE may be waved.

Louis Schwarz ⋅ Somerville, NJ AIG ⋅ 43 years experience

I agree with Moses, and not in the biblical sense. If you have time to spend, it is better spent in an MBA program. There are many MBA's you may pursue, Finance, e-business, communications, marketing, check out the arena. Your competition will have an MBA. Two Bachelors are not equal to one MBA. A good MBA program will broaden your experience and identify even more opportunities for you. Go for it and do not look back!!

Moses Altsech ⋅ Middleton, WI Moses Altsech Consulting ⋅ 23 years experience

Maria, if you're looking into the engineering field specifically, find out whether the prereqs at the community college are enough to qualify you for an undergrad or grad program in that field--that alone may determine your path. If you'll actually meet all the requirements for a grad program, going that route will be a better option for you; a graduate degree will increase your "market value" and allow for greater upward mobility. One area of deficiency will be the lack of internships that you mentioned; those who have a BS in Engineering will have already completed an internship in their field. However you can compensate for that; you can get an internship between now and your admission to grad school, or even have one while in graduate school. You can join one or more professional associations for Engineers or Engineering students, which will add more "engineering stuff" to your resume and your grad school applications. Finding a mentor in the field of engineering you're interested in (mechanical, electrical, chemical, etc.) is important too; they can give you field-specific advice that I may not be able to provide. It's possible to find one through LinkedIn, this site, or even a networking event for engineers; most people would be glad to help a vet. Ask to job-shadow them for a day, which will give you a lot of one-on-one time. I hope this is a little helpful, and thank you for your service!
moses