[Mystalic]

1. Your college major doesn't determine your career. That's a flat-out myth.

2. WHY are you going back to school? What benefit does it and the debt that'll come with it give?

3. How many more classes do you need to graduate?

4. Have you tried out programming? Gone and seen how hackers work every day? Are you sure you want to follow that path? It's a specific type of person who LOVES this work. Many others find themselves disillusioned quickly.

[gloob]

1. Your college major doesn't determine your career. That's a flat-out myth.

This is one assertion I see an awful lot here that rather bothers me. You cannot become a medical doctor without the proper degrees. You cannot become a teacher (where I live, at least) without the proper degree (it's not technically required, but no employer will come within a hundred yards of you if you don't have it). You can't become a whole pile of potentially-interesting, reasonably-well-paying things without the correct degree. You can program without a degree, but the notion that there is therefore no connection between getting a degree and success in your chosen career path is ridiculous.

[allenp]

I think what is important here is that the degree gives the potential for a certain career field - but does not guarantee a job in that field (and does not mean you are stuck in that field if you later decide you hate it).

One thing you might consider is that relevant work experience goes just as far for getting on a trajectory as the education. Trying to be hired as a teacher might be just as hard with an education degree if all you've done is worked on oil rigs as it would be if you had worked in a childrens museum for five years but had no formal degree.

[brightscreamer]

1. Well, to the extent that you can't practice psychology without a degree, it kinda does. I see your point, though.

2. To learn and to make more money. I realize the two don't always go hand-in-hand.

3. Too many. This is my 3rd semester back in school.

4. Nope. I'd love to find out more about it, though. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the reply!

[ScottWhigham]

1. Your college major doesn't determine your career. That's a flat-out myth.

As a 26-year old starting college anew, it probably does. As an 22yo graduate, you're probably right but if you are a 30yo graduate, you likely want to graduate in something you'll enjoy for the next 30 years.