What Should I Study If I’m Going Back to School?

By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 9, 2024

Deciding to hit the books again, are we? Well, dust off that old backpack and dig out your highlighters, because going back to school as an adult is like a roller coaster—thrilling, a tad scary, but ultimately an exhilarating ride. But here's the million-dollar question buzzing in your brain: What on Earth should we study? Whether we're chasing a raise, a career change, or just that sweet sense of accomplishment, picking the right field of study is crucial.

We're not your average fresh-out-of-high-school Joeys and Janes—we're seasoned life pros with experiences that could fill textbooks. So, when we, the non-traditional students, decide to plunge back into education, it's not just about following the herd. Oh no, it's about finding what lights our fire and matches our grown-up motivation levels. It's a game of matching our passion with practicality, our dreams with our day planners.

But wait, don't start stress-eating over those daunting degree options just yet! Whether you're leaping into the land of liberal arts or diving into the depths of data science, the perfect field is out there, waving at us, itching to be discovered. We're talking careers that make sense, spark joy, and hopefully fatten our wallets (because who doesn't love a chunky wallet?). So, before we decide whether to decode Python or explore the wonders of the modern Renaissance, let's make sure we play to our strengths and interests. Because, let's be honest, we're too fabulous to settle for anything less than awesome.

Deciphering the Alphabet Soup of Degrees

Let's face it, the world of higher education is sprinkled with more letters than a can of alphabet soup. Whether you're eyeing that next level of educational accolades or are just curious about what all those acronyms stand for, we've got the scoop on the degrees that can help you make a splash in the academic bowl.

Associate's, Bachelor's, or Beyond?

So, you're ready to don the cap and gown, but which degree to pursue? An Associate’s degree is like the appetizer of college diplomas—it's a two-year commitment and gets you ready for the entree that is the workforce or a higher degree. On the other hand, a Bachelor's degree is a four-year feast of knowledge that serves up a hearty undergraduate experience and is typically the minimum ticket to many professional careers. Craving more? Graduate degrees like a Master's or Doctorate are the cherry on top, offering specialized, advanced study for those with a hunger for expertise.

To Major or Not to Major

Choosing a major can be like picking your favorite ice cream flavor—exciting yet overwhelming. Do you go for the timeless vanilla of business or the pistachio surprise of anthropology? Regardless of your pick, your major directs the course of your undergraduate degree journey, ladling out a generous helping of specific knowledge in your chosen field. Meanwhile, graduate degree paths, on the flip side, are like adding sprinkles and hot fudge—rich, detailed, and aimed at transforming you into a scholarly sundae.

Online Versus On-Campus Showdown

Pondering where to park your brain for the duration of your studies? On-campus education is the traditional, brick-and-mortar way to go, with real-time lectures, tangible textbooks, and the irresistible allure of the campus coffee shop. But wait! Online courses are swooping in like superheroes, offering flexibility and convenience that could make your jammies your new classroom uniform. Online degree programs have shaken up the world of higher education like a smoothie in a blender—suddenly, getting that degree might just be a login away!

Navigating the Career Jungle Gym

Alright, fellow knowledge seekers, we're about to swing through the vines of education and career-building like the boss-level players we are. Get ready to twist, turn, and occasionally hang upside down because the path we're on is anything but straight.

Tuning Into Your Passion Frequency

First things first! If you're going to chase after that dream job, you'll want to crank the dial on your inner radio and tune into what really gets you jazzed up. Whether it's curing cartoon diseases or baking virtual confectionery wonders, identifying your passion is step uno. After all, your career goals should echo your interests; otherwise, it's like eating pizza without the cheese—a truly sad state of affairs.

Career Paths: More Twists Than a Pretzel

Let's face facts, your career path might look more like a game of Twister than a gentle nature hike. Whether you're eyeing an art degree or itching to dissect the human mind, choosing a college major is akin to picking a character in a video game – it defines your skill set on this wild ride. So flex that noodle and remember that the job market is a buffet of opportunities; we just need to grab the right plate.

• Fields: Pick your playing field! Tech, healthcare, education—you name it.
• Resource Gathering: Tap into scholarships and financial aid like a pro treasure hunter.

Adulting 101: Financing Your Brain Upgrade

Okay, brave adventurers, here's the scoop on the treasure chest known as financing. Returning to school ain't cheap, but with the right scholarships and grants, it's like hitting the jackpot minus the tacky casino carpets. We're talking free money! No need to sell your prized llama collection or that limited-edition comic book. So get those applications in, because your earning potential mega-levels up with every class you ace.

• Grants and Scholarships: Free loot to fund your quest for knowledge.

And remember, brave comrades in education, whether you're after a career change or just leveling up in life, it's all about making choices that boost your quality of life. So grab those textbooks with gusto, and let's get our study on—it's going to be epic!