Going back to school advice needed please.

[trippindaisy]

OK so I have been thinking lately about getting a degree so I can move up in the company I work at. My company pays 100% tuition and I would be doing it online.

I am currently an Admin Assistant for a the director of a company that works with Medicare and law enforcement to investgate fraudulent doctors and hospitals. I do not want to be an investigator, I would like to stay in Administration, but I know a degree would help.

So my question is, what do I get a degree in? I am thinking some kind of Business Administration, Human Resources or maybe Criminal Justice. This is very new to me so any suggestions would be very helpful.

Also I grew up in the UK so I don't really understand the different levels of degrees here i.e. Associates, Bachelors etc. Could someone give me a brief summary? Or the order in which you take them?

[alyroo]

I don't have any helpful advice on what kind of degree to go after but i know what order they come in...


Associates degree (usually 2 years)
Bachelors degree (4 years approximately, although I don't know anybody who did it in 4))
Masters degree (2 more years on top of the Bachelors)
and then the Doctorate which is the big one

[lordrockinhood]

alyroo said:

Bachelors degree (4 years approximately, although I don't know anybody who did it in 4))

I changed majors once, and schools twice, and still managed to do it in exactly 2 semesters a year, for 4 years, right to the very last credit, with a lot of free time in my senior year. Overacheiving slacker I guess, I don't know how I pulled it off, I actually don't know anyone else who did (though i dated a girl who somehow did it in three and a half... )
anyway, no helpful advice on going back, but good luck with the future

[bamabelle]

I actually did it in 4 too.....switched majors three times, took 2 summers off and had an internship my last quarter (which meant I only had the one class that quarter...Auburn was still on the quarter system then).....could have graduated early if I hadn't taken the 2 summers off....but AU didn't let you walk till spring even if you finished up early

As for advice....if you don't want to be an investigator, I wouldn't go the criminal justice route....HR or business would be good choices....an associates isn't going to gain you much most likely, at least at most companies. The business degree will give you more options, including a lot of HR postions, and you can always specialize and choose HR related electives.....just my $.02.....

[strumntheguitar]

Psychology degrees are a good degree I feel... A lot of companies look at psych majors as people who understand how others think and are better group leaders. A lot of people I know that go into HR type jobs have psych degrees. Personally, I'm getting a minor in psych... so I may just be biased. If nothing else, it's atleast really interesting courses

[trippindaisy]

strumntheguitar said:

Psychology degrees are a good degree I feel... A lot of companies look at psych majors as people who understand how others think and are better group leaders. A lot of people I know that go into HR type jobs have psych degrees. Personally, I'm getting a minor in psych... so I may just be biased. If nothing else, it's atleast really interesting courses

I actually had thought about that just because I thought it would be interesting. Would there be any pre-requisites though? And would I be able to do something like that online?

[clato]

I guy I went to undergrad with got his degree BSW and grad in psych and worked for a company doing that same thing your company does. His company wanted himto get a MBA to get promoted. I work in the coun field now. With a degree in psych you can only do certain things. Look at social work programs. Most people think social workers hand out food stamps but depending what you focus on you can do therapy, community consultation, or policy admin. Also ask others doing the job you want what degree they have and find out from your HR what they what and what would be the best.

[troo]

What I've found is that Psychology and Social Work degrees are good for what you want but only with an advanced degree (Masters or PhD) My sister and sister-in-law went this route but found a Bachelor's was not usually enough and companies wanted specialization that came with an MS.

If you're not interested in going 6 years a Business or Business Administration degree (Bachelor's degree) would probably be better. It's only 4 years and if your company is on board with your plan they may advance you some with an Associates (2 years) in Business and then again when you get a BS.

I'd discussyour plans with your boss or HR person and see what they feel they want or need and what they'd recommend.

Good luck.

[bamabelle]

I've had friends with the same experience as troo's sis....they got psych degrees, but found out that if they really wanted to use them they had to get at least a masters.....

Business or BA is a good all around degree that you can push in a lot of directions/focus depending on the core and electives you choose (management, marketing, computer/MIS, Project Management, Contract Administration/Business Law, Proposals and Proposal Writing, etc)

In lieu of an Associates Degree you might also check into any Certification Programs that are in a field you are interested in....those may be more valuable for a short term time investment (like PMI certification, or there are LOTS of computer-centric certifications)....and if you do decide to go the Bachelors route it always looks good to put certifications on your resume....

[mojoworks]

I'd say the best resource for advice would be the people you work with. If you intend on staying in the same business ask your bosses for advice, and perhaps seek out a mentor.

[trippindaisy]

Thank you guys for all the help.

I talked to one of the supervisors at my office today (she also happens to be my best friend) and she is going to sit down with me tomorrow and go over all my options. She is in the process of doing an online Masters so she is a big help.

My company will be expanding by about 300% in 6 months so I really need to look at all my options I do intend to stay there because I love the people I work with and it is a great company to work for with great benefits.

[Korvette]

Good Luck with whatever you pick..Here is my 2 cents .. If it was me I would lean twards the law enforcement end of it . There are endless windows of advancement, and you'll always be able to find a job wherever you go ..