Excelsior College - Back to school at 45.....

If you haven't already found out what you love to do, find it and then do it.

I got an MBA late last year, just as I was turning 62, so I can teach in a junior college when I retire from my present job next year. You're certainly not too old to go back to school!

You do need to make sure, though, that the college you're looking at is accredited by your area, so a potential employer, like the school system, would accept it.

If you have only an undergrad degree in psychology, you can't practice; teaching is the only thing you can do, and even then, not on a university or junior college level.

If you want to teach and you want to be able to have your pick of where to do so; I'd recommend majoring in either math or a hard science (like physics, chemistry, geology, biology); that's where the need for teachers is.

No advice but just wanted to say good luck!

What Duncan says about the undergraduate degree in psychology is spot on. I earned my BA in Psychology 11 years ago. It, and a buck fitty, will buy me a cup of coffee.

My intent had been to counsel, but that requires an advanced degree. I was working on my Master's when I got sick. Can't do it now. I'm stuck with student loans and just about the only thing I might work in right out of college was either teaching at the high school level or working in PR or HR.

I don't know what is required in other states, but here in TX, in order to teach at the JC level, one must have a Master's. University generally requires a PhD.

Now, if you are interested in social work of any sort, you might want to think about a MSW (Master's in Social Work).

Warning: these are low-paying positions.

Oops, nearly forgot...Excelsior is expensive, but quite decent. My sister finished her nursing program at Excelsior (she took her proficiency tests at Plano even though she was in CA). My son (the Army chopper pilot) is currently enrolled with Excelsior; he's doing a lot of stuff online right now.

Actually, my MBA has inadvertently moved me out of the job I'd really want to do after I retire, which is to teach elementary school.

You don't need a teaching degree to teach at a JuCo or a university; I guess the belief is that the kids are their to learn, and all you need to do is to provide them with the knowledge and assess their acquisition of it (I may not agree with that, but that's another post). a Master's degree at a JuCo or a doctorate of some sort at a University usually oes the trick.

But at a elementary and junior high area, you're supposed to have a bunch of courses which teach you how to teach (as opposed to what to teach). I am not going back to school to get a teaching certificate, inasmuch as I personally believe most pedagogical theory courses are bogus, and I am not going to take off six months to practice teach (without pay).

So this means that after retirement, I will either go to a JuCo or else get a job teaching at a charter school, which will let anyone with a degree and an interest teach whatever is needed (at a lot less money).

Unless, of coures, I win the PowerBall.

RHSC, tell me about your son. Is he in Ft. Hood? does he fly Apaches? PM me!!