Choosing a Degree Plan

SSG Zachery Mitchell — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 22:41:07 -0500

I recently finished my Associates for General Studies. I want to continue on with my Bachelors. I have narrowed it down to three school. All of which are approved through GoArmyEd and offer essentially the same Majors. My dilemma is this though, I don't know what I want to pick for my major. Is there anyone else that has been in this same dilemma? How did you go about picking a major that you like? Which major do you feel would help most after the military? My concern with degrees in technology is I've still got 13 years before I retire and technology will be  A LOT different by then than what it is now so I'm leaning away from that. I like History but don't know much of anything I can do with a History degree. I could always become a teacher but i'd still have to do the student teaching and get the certifications after I retired so I'm on fence about that one as well. Any advice or ideas how to pick a major would be greatly appreciated. All thoughts and input are welcome.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2014 10:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 22:47:58 -0500

I simply chose Business Administration when choosing my degree plan because I didn't have anything specific that I wanted to be. My reasoning behind this choice is that there are very few degree fields and/or careers that don't involve some type of business atmosphere. I figured by the time I finished my Bachelors degree I may have more in mind for what I wanted to do as career. Once I made that decision I would try to go for a masters in that career field and a B.A. degree transitions well into quite a few Masters fields. However, the former was most important to me. There are many career fields that require business savvy personnel so I went with a more universal degree.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2014 11:03 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:03:51 -0500

Keep in mind that with the exception of specifically licensed professional engineering degrees, nursing degrees, and the like, most people end up studying something other than the major they originally declared / most people work outside their degree field.

Several intel agencies like people with history degrees because they understand what has already happened, they read carefully, analyze deeply, and write concise reports.

All that said, business degrees leading to masters level business degrees are said to provide perhaps broadest range of options for employment after degree completion.

What may matter more is the reputation of the school, the accreditation, and where possible the reputation and connections of concurrent students and college alumni.

What schools do you have in mind attending?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2014 11:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:28:21 -0500

For a Bachelor's it's not hugely important what your major is in unless it is leading to a certification. Accounting and nursing would be an example. As for an IT degree, it will teach you the basics, but the civilian certifications are what will make you most desirable to an employer.
If you are planning on getting a Master's, many Master's programs will let you in without a bachelor in that field. Plus, you can always switch majors. If you haven't knocked out more than your 3rd year, then the switch wouldn't be very painful as the major core requirements you had already taken would most likely be applied toward electives.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2014 2:49 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 02:49:44 -0500

SSG,

My advice to you at this point would be to get a degree in a subject that you enjoy and will keep you engaged through the process. You state that you have at least 13 years until retirement and have no intention of getting out which means you should have plenty of time to work on a graduate degree as well. Your undergrad and graduate programs do not have to be linked. I got my undergrad degree in Liberal Arts because at the time, it was the best program that worked with my schedule. I am now in the process of getting my Masters of Science in Administration/Human Resources.

I would look at the bachelor's degree as a professional development tool right now as opposed to a "what will be relevant in 13 years" tool. Whether some Soldiers like it or not, the degree will help you set yourself apart from your peers and give you and potentially give you an edge when you are eligible for SFC. Personally, I think the most important aspect for now is picking a reputable school. I have always looked for programs offered by schools that had a brick and mortar reputation as opposed to an online/business park reputation. Personal preference...not a knock on any particular online institution. It's just that now days, there are a ton of online programs offered by traditional colleges that have some sort of name recognition and right or wrong, I think there is value in that.

Whatever you decide, good luck and continue to drive on. Take care of your Soldiers, lead from the front, and provide them with the same opportunities that you are taking advantage of. It looks like you are on the right track.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 8:06 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 08:06:46 -0500

If you start leaning back towards technology I would highly recommend Western Governors University for a non-engineering IT degree. They allow you to earn relevant IT certifications that are fully paid for as part of the degree plan. However, if you change your mind about the Army as a career I would suggest a Computer Engineering degree through one of the on post affiliated colleges. A B.S. in Computer Engineering is one of the most versatile and well compensated degrees an IT person can possess.

Considering your current MOS you might even attempt a dual Bachelors in Computer/Electrical Engineering. As a bonus most Electrical Engineering jobs would consider your time as a PATRIOT systems repair technician as relevant job experience.

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Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2014 10:05 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 22:05:55 -0400

I guess it depends on what you want to do when you leave the service. It looks like you may have a job that can translates easily into contractor position when you get out. If that is would like to do than your degree won't matter because they hire you off of your prior experience. However keep in mind that getting a non technical degree does make hard to get another job outside relating to your prior Army technician job.

You are right, pretty much the only thing you can do with a history degree is teach. You could get a masters in it and be a college adjunct professor. I would not shy away from a tech degree. Yeah they are a bit more intensive than other degrees but not impossible. Obviously trying to do a hardcore discipline like engineering might be a challenge. But degrees like IT are very valuable. Probably with your background you should be able to handle the rigor of it.

When I was at my first duty station I helped a former Army Specialist who was living in my building get his IT degree. He had no tech background. He was a machinist. The hardest part for him was doing the College Algebra and a Discreet Math course that he had to take. It was not impossible to get him through it.

Another thought would be to get a general business management degree since that coupled with your Army experience get you into general management positions.

At the end of the day it all depends what you envision doing when you leave.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 13 at 2015 2:04 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Wed, 13 May 2015 14:04:10 -0400

Using the GI bill seems like a no-brainer. (But make sure it will be there for you: https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/will-the-gi-bill-be-there-for-you-impacts-of-section-702-of-the-veterans-access-choice-and-accountability-act)

A.) particularly at a not-for profit school.

http://www.brookings.edu/research/opinions/2014/09/22-veterans-labor-market-rothwell?utm_campaign=Brookings+Brief&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=14228200&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_C0nAN8sLv7uSyBQPA1a30Qx8ncqF2Uu2MrkkBR83OIIoDR3CPm8Z-XhP61_etWeeOezvE--ln0Y3TgbLbu7zHW5IWe7WKzayWOZ-rnr8Uatuv8SQ&_hsmi=14228200

B.) Potentially in STEM

http://www.brookings.edu/research/interactives/2014/job-vacancies-and-stem-skills#/M39580

C.) Or Possibly go for an MBA if you already have an undergrad degree
http://blog.militarytobusiness.com/2014/07/4-reasons-i-brought-my-military-uniform.html

D.) Think about the Return on your Investment (ROI)
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/03/which-college-and-which-major-will-make-you-richest/359628/

(Comic) xkcd.com/1520/

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Response by SFC Jay Spreitzer made Dec 2 at 2015 6:33 PM

SFC Jay Spreitzer — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 18:33:23 -0500

Information Security has been great for me. I started doing as an additional duty in the Army. Completed BS in IT before retiring and it really launched my civilian career. Currently AVP at large financial institution and there is huge shortage of info sec people in all industries.