Have you already gotten your bachelor’s degree in one field, but seek to make a career change? Post-Bacc programs at community colleges across the country can support you in your transition and help you go on to get a lucrative job or an advanced university degree in the future. They are especially useful if you are planning on making a drastic career change that would require re-education from the ground up. Post-bacc programs across the country are available in fields as varied as criminal justice, nursing, engineering, culinary arts and education, among other things. No matter what your interest, you’re sure to find a post-bacc program that fits your needs.
Advantages of Post-Bacc Programs at Community Colleges
Community colleges are much less expensive than four-year colleges, and they are arguably more career-focused. If you’re looking to be prepared for the job market immediately after your course of study, without the crushing weight of $50,000+ loans, community colleges are definitely the way to go. As a post-baccalaureate, you’re likely to have accrued considerable student loan debt already; wouldn’t you rather effect a career change without breaking the bank?
How are Post-Bacc Programs Different?
Upon completion of a post-bacc program, you won’t receive a degree. Instead, you’ll receive a certificate which allows you to go on to the next phase in your career or education. They take a shorter time than the standard four-year degree and cost considerably less. Think of them as an addendum to your bachelor’s degree; they allow someone with a liberal arts degree to apply for medical school, they let someone with a computer science degree apply for a job as a nurse, and they demonstrate commitment to and knowledge in your new chosen field. The only requirement is that you already have a bachelor’s degree.
Most bachelor’s degrees consist of a set of “core requirements” and “degree requirements.” Even English majors have to take some math classes, and vice versa. Post-bacc programs are shorter and less expensive because they only contain the “degree requirements” part of the standard bachelor’s degree. They assume that you’ve already gone through core classes.
Advice for the Post-Bacc Program Seeker
Going back to school is a big investment of time and money, even if you choose to do so at a community college. You should do your research to make sure that the school provides quality instruction in your chosen field. Many community colleges offer night or online classes to assist working professionals, so definitely do research to make sure that you’re getting the best schooling possible.
How it Works
Applying for a post-bacc program at a community college is much like applying for college – you need to provide all prior transcripts and standardized test scores. Many community colleges require GRE or TOEFL exams depending on your chosen program, as well as letters of recommendation from former teachers or employers. Your acceptance into a post-bacc program often requires a certain GPA or test scores, as well as the completion of a formal application which may or may not ask you to write a series of essays.
Post-bacc programs are an excellent investment in your future, and community colleges are a great place to do it. Combining locality with inexpensiveness, getting your post-baccalaureate certificate at a community college is convenient on multiple levels. Good luck on the next step in your journey!