<p>I'm looking for an opinion, preferably from those involved in graduate admissions, about obtaining a second B.A. in preparation for a M.A. in another major. I have a Sociology degree from U.C. Davis and want to pursue a graduate degree in history. However, I have been receiving mixed opinions about this from some professors (non-admission types). My desire to do so is based on my passion for the discipline and I also believe it would provide a better foundation for graduate study. The main concern expressed is that this may be viewed as a means of bolstering my GPA. My cumulative GPA is 3.5 and while that is not stellar I don't view it as deficient. Additionally, I have been employed in a profession for 16 years and am not being fickle in my pursuits but rather looking toward a post-retirement teaching goal.</p>
<p>Why don't you just go for a masters in history if you love it so much?</p>
<p>How much history coursework do you already have? How long ago did this coursework take place? </p>
<p>If you have NO history coursework, I would suggest taking a few courses in history at the upper level (junior or senior level courses) as a non-matriculating student before applying for an MA in history. Look in particular for courses that focus on your planned subfield of specialization (American history, Asian history, whatever), for courses in method and theory in the study of history (including historiography and some exposure to archival work), and a senior seminar (or the like).</p>
<p>If you have SOME history coursework, I would suggest the same, but only adding whatever your transcript is missing.</p>
<p>If you have a LOT of history coursework, including some in your area of intended focus, then the only undergraduate coursework you should take is a methods course (historiography, archival work) and a senior seminar of some sort. </p>
<p>Another entire BA seems quite unnecessary. Depending on your current level of preparation, some additional coursework may be in order.</p>
<p>Regarding the "GPA bolstering" phenomenon: It does not often happen in humanities and social science disciplines. However, two BAs would look odd on an application, and thus raise some questions for a graduate admissions committee, unless one was completed many years after the first. So in sum, I simply recommend some additional coursework as needed.</p>
<p>Best wishes to you.</p>
<p>Thank you both for your responses. I do have all my lower division coursework for History completed so I may earnestly look into matriculating into a Master's Program.</p>