Patten University Undergrad I/O Psychology Progress Thread

[Nodaclu]

I've posted a few progress threads in the past that have gotten bogged down due to my indecision about the direction I wanted to take my career in.

I won't re-hash all of my background again in this thread (if you're interested, more details are here), but I'm a late-40's HR professional with about 15 years experience (and 88 undergrad units completed - mostly in Psych, with no degree) who's become tired of the corporate world, and I'm looking for a substantial change of scenery, if not necessarily a huge change in careers.

In another thread, about a year ago, Jennifer (CookDeRosa) posted something that has stuck with me ever since (edited for brevity):

If I were writing the script, I'd do it differently:

1. Finish Psych degree asap.
   
2. Enroll in an online MBA program with 18 credits in HR, even if that meant extending my program an additional semester.
   
3. Start setting up email job agents through HigheredJobs.com with key words/filters so you get ALL the HR teaching jobs - but especially those of the community college. 
   
4. I'd apply to EVERY community college that offers business degrees with HR concentrations for in-person teaching, even before I'd finished my MBA - as long as I was in progress.
   

This is a solid paying job that could also open up a career ladder into administration if you chose, and you won't have to compete with the zillion others trying to scratch out a career as an online adjunct (4 figures).

Solid industry experience with a Masters IS EXACTLY what community colleges want.

I've vacillated quite a lot over the past 18 months or so, but I keep coming back to this idea over and over again. 

I recently started a new job, and while it's a perfectly decent job, it's also clear to me that I really want to do something different longer term, but I also don't want to start all over again in a new field. So I've finally committed to pursuing Jennifer's idea/suggestion, to see if I can make it happen.

A BA in Psychology is my easiest path to an undergrad degree. A BSBA would be more relevant, but would take twice as long to finish. I've hesitated to make this decision for far too long, and for a number of reasons. However, I recently discovered a "middle path" that should suit my needs perfectly - a BA in Psychology with an I/O Psychology concentration from Patten University.

That allows me to utilize most of the work I've already done, finishing more quickly, while also bringing my degree more tightly into alignment with my HR career. (I/O Psych and HR intersect in a number of ways.)

My new employer has a tuition reimbursement program after 1 year of employment, so I'm giving myself that long to complete the BA. (If I finish earlier, I'll pursue my PHR certification in the interim.) Once I'm eligible, I'll utilize the reimbursement program in tandem with money out of my own pocket to pursue a sub-$15,000 MBA with an 18 unit HR concentration.

From there, applications to various community college will ensue, and we'll see if anyone wants me. 

Several aspects of this plan (Patten undergrad, I/O Psychology, MBA-HR) are a little under-represented on this board, so I'll do my best to consistently report my progress.

I'm scheduled to start at Patten on 3/26. I have 7 transcripts for them to go through, so that might delay things a bit. Fingers crossed that I can start on schedule and finally execute this plan!!