12-24-2018, 09:35 AM
Wow, this thread really grew much more than I expected. Someone said I should have specified my industry. I'm in IT. Though this isn't true everywhere and in every situation in general the IT world is a meritocracy: you advance through demonstrated competence. Most of the time, the absence of a degree isn't much of a barrier provided you have the skills and experience a prospective employer needs.
So, as for why I'm considering Psyche or Business it's simple: I have a math related learning disability. I was intimidated by Excelsior's pre-calculus requirement for a business degree. That got me thinking, "what other degree would be useful in a managerial context that has a lesser math requirement?" Psychology seemed the most relevant. A lot of management is managing other people's personalities. I've been a manager/business owner enough times in my life to know this.
I do want to work my way into management and not just more technical positions going forward. I am confident I can do that if I really want to, even absent a degree. I know very well how to win that fight. I'm just tired of not having a degree largely due to severe failures of disability accommodation early in my academic career by my previous college. I'm not crying a river here, it hasn't been a barrier. I'm just giving a bit of context.
Looking at Thomas Edison's Business degree requirements, it looks like their math requirements are well within the scope of my abilities. Thanks to everyone who pointed this out. I'm not sure I'll need psych as a "plan B" anymore. I'll still chart out a road map in case it becomes relevant or something changes.
I do have one more question I forget who mentioned it, but...
Someone did mention the underemployment rates of business degree holders. I observed that acutely during the housing crisis downturn. I knew several people who were Liberal Arts + MBA degree holders who found themselves in deep trouble in that economy. So, other than my strong IT background which I'm sure helps, how might I differentiate myself from the rest of the pack with a BS BA in a future downturn? I'm wide open to suggestions.
So, as for why I'm considering Psyche or Business it's simple: I have a math related learning disability. I was intimidated by Excelsior's pre-calculus requirement for a business degree. That got me thinking, "what other degree would be useful in a managerial context that has a lesser math requirement?" Psychology seemed the most relevant. A lot of management is managing other people's personalities. I've been a manager/business owner enough times in my life to know this.
I do want to work my way into management and not just more technical positions going forward. I am confident I can do that if I really want to, even absent a degree. I know very well how to win that fight. I'm just tired of not having a degree largely due to severe failures of disability accommodation early in my academic career by my previous college. I'm not crying a river here, it hasn't been a barrier. I'm just giving a bit of context.
Looking at Thomas Edison's Business degree requirements, it looks like their math requirements are well within the scope of my abilities. Thanks to everyone who pointed this out. I'm not sure I'll need psych as a "plan B" anymore. I'll still chart out a road map in case it becomes relevant or something changes.
I do have one more question I forget who mentioned it, but...
Someone did mention the underemployment rates of business degree holders. I observed that acutely during the housing crisis downturn. I knew several people who were Liberal Arts + MBA degree holders who found themselves in deep trouble in that economy. So, other than my strong IT background which I'm sure helps, how might I differentiate myself from the rest of the pack with a BS BA in a future downturn? I'm wide open to suggestions.