Begin With a Bachelor’s Degree
Been out of school for a while and thinking about a bachelor’s degree?
What’s stopping you?
It’s natural to have doubts about returning to school after a long break. Maybe you’re worried about balancing classes with your job or family, or perhaps you’re unsure if you can still succeed academically. Rest assured, you’re not alone. Many people like you return to college every year, earn degrees, and enjoy a fresh start in their careers and lives.
Whatever Your Motivation, We’ve Got You
There are many reasons to go back to school. Read on and you may see yourself in one or more of these common motivations:
“I’ve hit a wall.”
The lack of a degree can stop you from advancing into new roles, finding a new job, or enjoying higher earnings. Earning a bachelor’s degree can not only help you meet modern employers’ requirements but, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows, it can also help you earn more. Bachelor’s degree holders enjoy:
- 66% higher median earnings than those with a high school diploma alone.
- 50% higher median earnings than those with some college credits but no degree.
- 41% higher median earnings than those with an associate degree alone.
Bachelor’s degree holders also enjoy steadier employment. It’s a degree that can help you break through that wall and pursue career advancement, job opportunities, and financial growth.
“I need a stepping stone.”
If you’ve been in your profession for a long time and are ready for something new, a bachelor’s degree can be your stepping stone to advancement. For example, if you envision yourself as a marketing manager—yes you, leading in this fast-growing field at this stage of your life—know that a bachelor’s degree in a related field (like communication) is typically the credential you need.
“I’m seeking enrichment.”
Not everyone pursues a degree for professional advancement. You might crave greater enrichment in life, a stronger connection with loved ones and peers, or a sense of accomplishment. Completing a bachelor’s degree, especially one that enlightens and broadens your world view, can fulfill that need.
Two Bachelor’s Degrees to Expand Your Horizons
Online Bachelor of Arts in Humanities
Offered online exclusively at this UT system institution, this program provides an in-depth exploration of human cultures through the study of art, communication, languages, history, music, and other humanities. The broad perspective you’ll gain will serve you well in many career paths.
Online Bachelor of Arts in Communication
This program sharpens your writing and speaking skills through the study of rhetoric from ancient to modern times, using diverse methods and media. Align your communication studies with your career interests and goals through specialized tracks in:
- Communication Studies
- Strategic Messaging
- Professional Communication
- Sports Media
Both BA programs:
- Help you develop the soft skills employers are looking for.
- Are delivered online, providing the flexibility to earn a degree while maintaining your professional and personal commitments.
- Are offered at some of the most affordable tuition rates among accredited universities.
- May accept credits you’ve already earned if you previously started a bachelor’s program, even years ago, putting you closer to degree completion.
Back-to-School Success Stories
These UTPB alumni earned their degrees well after the traditional college age:
BA in humanities graduate and teacher Maria Linda Mabry took a 20-year break from college but returned to earn a bachelor’s degree and is now working on a master’s degree in Spanish.
“I’m a nontraditional student because I’m 43 years old. I actually started as an in-person student … when I was in my early 20s. I think that being an online student really helped me hone my skills when it comes to classroom management, because I apply those same skills throughout the day for my students.”
After 30 years in hospitality, BA in humanities graduate Mary Beth Campbell decided on a new career direction and knew she needed the credentials to support it.
“I always believe everything happens for a reason, so when I saw [UTPB’s program], I was like, this is for me. It’s affordable. It’s online. It’s something that I’m interested in. If you’re willing to do the work and you’re wanting to learn and expand on your knowledge base, I definitely would recommend it. 100%.”
Start your new direction with a new degree. Apply now!