Grad school vs. second bachelors

<p>I'm hoping some people in the know might be able to give me some advice here. I received a bachelors in architecture about ten years ago, and I'm looking for a career change now in my late 30's. I'd like to get some additional education in business or possibly even computers, but my undergraduate GPA is around a 2.5 (All the grad schools seem to want a 3.0 GPA with letters of rec). I've worked in architecture for about 8 years before leaving my job and finding myself out of work for the past 3 years due to the recession which killed my industry. </p>

<p>Should I just give up on the idea of getting a masters and instead look a second bachelors or second associates? Do I have a realistic chance of getting into grad school? </p>

<p>If anyone has an opinion based on first hand knowledge of this situation, I'd love to hear it. Thanks!</p>

<p>As far as I understand, you want a carrier change, so the best solution would be to pursue a second bachelor degree.</p>

<p>Sent from my E10i using CC App</p>

<p>You may want to look at schools that have specific programs catering to returning adults. These can sometimes be referred to as ‘Executive MBA’ or more flexible Master’s programs that target working adults.</p>

<p>They know that you have had work experience which would off-set your lower GPA, and are not in the same category as a new graduate and tend to be more forgiving. Think of it in the same terms as a transfer candidate. After two years of college, the SAt and high schools GPA are no longer as relevant for admission.</p>

<p>I personally don’t think that a second BA would be as wise of an investment as an MA, since most potential employers value a graduate degree more than an undergrad.</p>

<p>Hop do you know if you have to be working at the time of application for the executive mba? I’m worried my gap won’t work in my favor either.</p>