2nd Bachelors Degree in Biology Wanted

[dfrecore]

Just make sure that if you're going to get a 2nd degree, that it is one on that list. Natural Sciences/Mathematics is not, so you might have some trouble there. You don't want to go to the trouble of getting the degree, only to find out that it won't work for what you want it to.

[cookderosa]

The community college courses were ALL taken after my BA degree in Psych. I took those BIO courses as part of my AAS in Nursing. Looking at the previous suggestions, qualifying under USPTO Category B - Option 4 may be the best option to qualify to take the Patent exam. However after looking at some LinkedIn profiles of Patent Agents everyone basically has some type of science degree. If I qualified via USPTO Category B AND had say the BA in Natural Science and Mathematics (which may be less coursework redundant than a Biology degree) my credentials would look more appropriate for the profession. Thoughts?

Ok, well that leaves the question of upper level courses, which are few and expensive - but, I have an idea if it would work. Can you earn a masters in place of a bachelor's? You could absolutely do this through Harvard University's Extension Masters completely online except for 1 insane 7 week summer session or 2 reasonable 7 week summer sessions. Total cost about $25k.
My BA is in Social Science, and I started there with the intent of earning a biology masters- if graduate work is an option, I think this is a superior option to a second undergrad.
Master's in Biology Program | Harvard Extension School

[Sacricolist]

I have considered getting a Masters degree in Biology or Biomedical Science and just qualifying to take the patent agent exam based on coursework. But I wanted both undergraduate and graduate science degrees. When I reviewed patent agent profiles online this was the trend; especially if they also did not have a JD degree. Since I'm interested in life sciences/medical/health care/pharmaceutical patent work (piggybacking on my nursing experience) I wanted my resume to read:

Sacricolist MS, MSN, RN, Patent Agent
- BA Natural Sciences/Mathematics
- MS Biomedical Science
- MSN Clinical Research

This would make me a more marketable candidate for patent agent employment as I seek to move away from bedside nursing. I think I will apply to TESU and see what the eval shows for a second degree. There's no rush but I want to set an attainable and cost effective goal. I still need to pursue the MSN degree as well. My goal is to be done in the next 3-4 years with all of the above.

[cookderosa]

I have considered getting a Masters degree in Biology or Biomedical Science and just qualifying to take the patent agent exam based on coursework. But I wanted both undergraduate and graduate science degrees. When I reviewed patent agent profiles online this was the trend; especially if they also did not have a JD degree. Since I'm interested in life sciences/medical/health care/pharmaceutical patent work (piggybacking on my nursing experience) I wanted my resume to read:

Sacricolist MS, MSN, RN, Patent Agent
- BA Natural Sciences/Mathematics
- MS Biomedical Science
- MSN Clinical Research

This would make me a more marketable candidate for patent agent employment as I seek to move away from bedside nursing. I think I will apply to TESU and see what the eval shows for a second degree. There's no rush but I want to set an attainable and cost effective goal. I still need to pursue the MSN degree as well. My goal is to be done in the next 3-4 years with all of the above.

That's great, I hope you achieve all of your goals. I used to do that too, I input various degrees/credentials on my resume looking for the one I thought fit the best.
Not specific to you, but I had a trademark application denied last week, I hired an attorney yesterday to help. It is so complected (and mine isn't tech) I absolutely admire you!!

[sanantone]

Just make sure that if you're going to get a 2nd degree, that it is one on that list. Natural Sciences/Mathematics is not, so you might have some trouble there. You don't want to go to the trouble of getting the degree, only to find out that it won't work for what you want it to.

The OP could still qualify under Category B and have a degree that employers desire, but my guess is that biology would be better than natural science.

[dfrecore]

The OP could still qualify under Category B and have a degree that employers desire, but my guess is that biology would be better than natural science.

My thought was that the OP already has a degree and can qualify under category B, so why get another degree that's not on the list? There just didn't seem to be a point of getting that second degree if it wasn't going to move the OP to Category A.

[sanantone]

My thought was that the OP already has a degree and can qualify under category B, so why get another degree that's not on the list? There just didn't seem to be a point of getting that second degree if it wasn't going to move the OP to Category A.

It would be for employment. Just being a patent agent is usually not enough. Firms specialize in certain areas and want patent lawyers or agents with educational backgrounds in those areas. If you look at the job openings, you'll see preferred or required degrees listed. The OP wouldn't have a chance competing with people with science degrees.