Hey guys, I’ll try to break this down but it’s pretty complicated. Any help I can get I’d love to hear it:
I am currently working in the US Navy and I have 2 years left on my contract. I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines with decent marks. (Probably around a 3.0 in American standards) I’m going to be getting out and would like to go to school to become an engineer. I’ve applied to many colleges only to be destroyed by the “You cannot be accepted because you have a Bachelors already” Which is honestly very disheartening as my degree is not accepted by most institutions as it is not accredited.
I’ve read many forums and posts saying that you should try for a master’s but I know that won’t work out. I really don’t like my current field (I fell into the whole Filipino Nurse thing) and really want to be an engineer. Any advice on what to do?
Thanks!
What do you mean that your degree is not accredited? Did you have your nursing studies evaluated by CGFNS.org?
Where have you been applying? Many public universities will admit second bachelor degree students. However, it might take a while to identify those places. But you won’t be able to study full time for two more years, so you have time to find at least one place where you can pursue the program that you really want. Stop applying to colleges/universities for now. Focus on emailing the admissions offices to get information about their policies, and help with determining which core classes you already have credit for. Don’t forget to ask about starting at a community college.
Often that can be the best way to catch up on core classes that you could be missing.
And yes, you might be sick of your current field. But it will make it possible for you to find a job in a place where you can eventually complete your studies. Working as a nurse part-time while you study full-time might turn out to be a very good plan.
Wishing you all the best!
happymomof1, Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my post. My degree is not regionally accredited (or at least it doesn’t pop up when I search for my school in an accredited database). So it’s really tricky, schools won’t take me because it’s a 2nd Bachelors AND they won’t take the bachelors because it’s not accredited :/.
Its getting to a point where i should just start from scratch. But I really don’t want to accept that. However, your words of encouragement help. So thank you!
Curious as to which schools will not allow one to enroll for a second BA or BS degree.
Are you seeking significant financial aid ?
Tell us more about why Engineering interests you. Perhaps there will be ideas for other options.
You are starting from a long way back for engineering. I took a peek at your courses for your BSc and there really isn’t much that will prep you for engineering. At a minimum, you will need undergrad Calculus (for science students), and my guess is that to take Calculus you will need to take a refresher pre-Calc/Trig sequence of some sort. That is possible to do online, so you could start now.
Take a look at BU’s LEAP program: https://www.bu.edu/eng/prospective-graduate/leap/
It is specifically designed for non-traditional students. Because your undergrad is not from a US university you will have to take the GRE- another thing you can study for and do as you finish your contract.