Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Change of Major...Maybe

I know, it's the eleventh hour of my undergrad degree, but I'm contemplating changing my major. Not because I'm not interested in sociology and government anymore... I definitely am! It's just that I am not so sure about the perception perpetuated by my current degree plan. Right now, I'm working on my Bachelor's of General Studies (B.G.S.) degree with concentrations in sociology and government. However, some colleges don't recognize such degrees (which is important if you are planning - as I am - to go back to school for a Master's); some non-accredited colleges offer similar degrees; and some people misinterpret what exactly that IS. I'm facing the possibility of my degree not being taken as seriously as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) would be. So, I e-mailed the sociology department chair on Monday to ask to see what I could do to fulfill the requirements of a B.S. in Sociology (if you know me, you KNOW how appropriate it would be for me to get a B.S. degree.... LOL!). I'm thinking with hard work (and a few granted variances on what sociology classes are required for the major), I should be able to have it wrapped up by Spring or Summer of 2009. If that's the case, I'll be switching my degree plan to go for it. I'll get a B.S. in Sociology with a minor in Government instead. Seeing as how I'm not sure exactly how long it will be before I go back for my Master's and then my Ph.D., I think in the mean time (if so compelled) I would be more able to secure a sociology-related position with a B.S. than with just a B.G.S.

So, what do you guys think? Am I prolonging things too much, or am I on the right track here? Comments and your thoughts on this would be much appreciated!

4 comments:

Tooz said...

Seems reasonable to me, but then what do I know? I think you're right about the prejudice against the BGS, though. Love you all.

Suze said...

I think it's wise to do a major that at least appears more legit if you're willing to stick through another semester or two to do it.

just my 2 pennies

Becca said...

I think going for the BS (hee!) is a good move. BS always looks good, regardless of concentration, and you definitely don't want to put in all that work have others think you got your degree from Sally Struthers on the teevee.

Oh, man, that Sally Struthers goes a long way toward showing my age. And I always wanted my own certificate in refrigerator repair.

Rachel and Robert said...

I think it would be a good idea to do the B.S. as well, especially if you want to go further in Sociology.

Some Master's and PhD programs will likely want you to take additional courses in Soc. if your degree is not in it. Having a B.S. in Soc. would clear up any confusion about what type of classes you had and the rigorousity (nice, huh?) of your degree.