Do you have to finish a second bachelor’s to get into grad school?

[enchanted24]

Hello,

 

I graduated in December 2012 with a bachelor’s in psychology. I graduated with honors, completed an honors thesis, and I co-authored and directed two research studies.

 

This past semester (spring 2013) I enrolled as a second bachelor’s degree seeking student with the intention to do a second bachelor’s in computer science. I no longer want to pursue CS and don’t want to finish the second bachelor’s.

 

I know in the future though that I will want to pursue a master’s degree (probably in a field related to psychology). My question is do I have to finish the second bachelor’s before I am allowed to get into grad school? Will grad schools think poorly of me for not finishing the second degree, even though I did really well and graduated with honors for my first degree?

 

Thank you for your help.

Edited May 17, 2013 by enchanted24

[dat_nerd]

I know in the future though that I will want to pursue a master’s degree (probably in a field related to psychology). My question is do I have to finish the second bachelor’s before I am allowed to get into grad school? Will grad schools think poorly of me for not finishing the second degree, even though I did really well and graduated with honors for my first degree?

No, you don't need to finish the second degree before applying. I don't think the grad schools will think poorly of you at all, but if you're concerned, you could address it (briefly!) in your statement of purpose.

[fuzzylogician]

You certainly don't have to finish. How dropping out will end up reflecting on your as a candidate will depend on how you present yourself in your applications. You may still need to submit transcripts from this second BA, and if they contain consistently bad grades leading to you dropping out, that may not help. But if you just realized that this degree is not something your want, and what you apply for in the future is in a different field, then probably having a one-line "I started a second bachelors in CS but later realized that my passion lies elsewhere" in your SOP will be enough to address any concerns that admissions committees might have.

[emmm]

I'm sure you can also truthfully say the financial burden was an obstacle to completing the program.

[Guest |||]

Will anyone actually be able to tell you dropped out of something vs. you took courses in computer science because you thought it would be useful?