I’m 24 now. I got my bachelor’s from an art school (big mistake) at 22. The degree has been useless, in some cases even detrimental to finding employment. I now want to get a degree in something more useful, like engineering or computer science. I’ve researched all the schools where I live, in California, but I’ve hit a roadblock. Most of the CSU and UC schools are not accepting students applying for a second bachelor’s because of state budget cuts over the past few years and the fact that they are operating at very high capacity. That only leaves me with one option, private universities. The problem is that they’re prohibitively expensive. I plan to take out loans for this degree (don’t currently have any debt) but I don’t want to borrow the ridiculous amount of money I would have to for a private university. Is there any way I can still get into a state school? If not, are there any other options for me? I really hope I haven’t screwed up all my chances of any success in life because of my stupid choice in major…
It’s nice to hear from other people that made the same stupid mistake as myself.
Although, you seem to be in a better position than I am. I’m guessing that you didn’t party away your undergraduate years like I did. I did the 5/5 program - Five Years, Five Majors. I have the GPA to prove it! So, at least you have that going for you.
I, as you, have zero job prospects with my worthless degree. Remember the movie Animal House? “Zero-Point-Zero.” Yep, that basically describes it.
But yeah, dude, I’m looking at doing the same thing. I actually majored in Electrical Engineering for two semesters. I did fine the first semester, I failed every class the second.
I’d really like to give it another shot as I actually enjoyed E.E. but at the time I was more interested in partying and sports. I only went to half of my classes and it’s still a source of wonderment that I got through one semester of engineering with my lack of commitment.
That was four years ago now and I’ve grown up a lot since then (well, at least some :D). I think I could handle it this time around. I’m not sure what it would take, though. And there isn’t a good source of information for people like us who already have degrees.
I feel you about the budget cuts situation. I looked at registering at the University of Florida, but they are in the same boat as your California schools - no repeat undergrads. I’m open to moving just about anywhere. So, if someone out there in forum land wants to recommend a school, speak up.
It sucks, dude. 
But, I’m sure we’ll both figure it out.
“The degree has been useless, in some cases even detrimental to finding employment. I now want to get a degree in something more useful, like engineering or computer science.”
I’m assuming you’re not really a quantitative/science-y person and don’t really have a major in mind and need a degree that will get you a job.
I suggest getting an associate degree in a service-related/vocational field.
<a href=“http://www.austincc.edu/pres/communications/TimeACCArticle.pdf[/url]”>http://www.austincc.edu/pres/communications/TimeACCArticle.pdf</a>
Read this article if you have time. It’s principally about the role of community colleges in state of education and labor in the US, but it also profiles Austin Community College and its very cool looking renewable energy associate degree.
“To earn an associate degree focusing on renewable energy–enough prep for a job as a solar-installation team leader, which can pay up to $28 an hour–an ACC student has to take a total of 69 credit hours of courses, including solar photovoltaic systems, programming, physics, algebra, English composition and lab work.”
I’m sure California/Florida has CC’s that offer something like this.
Also, the Austin Community College students featured in the TIME article ran the gamut of fresh out of high school, to Stanford grad with 2 graduate degrees and everything in between.
Hey I got an art degree as well. what happened? Did you go for a second bachelors or get an associatez?
Post-Baccalaurette option or a Master’s degree.
Was surfing the internet and came across this. Wanted to share a little bit, if you’re still interested.
If you have an art degree and are interested in engineering, you can do your basic engineering courses at your local community college like Statics and Material Science. You’ll also most likely need Chem 101, and Physics 1 & 2 (electromagnetism). Calculus 1, 2, 3 and Differential Equations. These are required for most engineering programs (as far as I know). Prerequisites for engineering may take a lot of time, so make sure you like math before you get into this.
If you take those classes, you can’t enter an Engineering Master’s degree program without extensive engineering coursework first, but you can enter Architecture programs that have an emphasis in engineering. Cal Poly SLO for example has an Architecture program with an Architectural Engineering specialization which would be perfect for you (although I’m not sure about the prerequisites for the program, this is just an idea).
You can also enter Master of Arts Architecture or Master of Science Architecture programs. Not really engineering, but you can definitely get into those with your BA degree and maybe some preparatory coursework. Otherwise, I’d go with programs like Architectural Engineering instead.
Just for background, I just graduated with my BS in Civil Engineering, I’m entering an Environmental Engineering Masters program in the fall, and I’m currently looking into Architecture programs for after. So I’ve done lots of research on these kinds of things