How old is too old to change yoiur major? (bachelors, degrees, psychology)

[Shorty458]

Okay.... a little background. I'm 34 and I have an AA in Human Services. I am about 30 credits away from getting my BA in Criminology. Currently NOT going though... saving up money since I don't want to get loans. I want to pay then and there.

I wanted to help people who had been victims of crimes. (mostly women from domestic violence) However, I work at a law firm now representing the plaintiff, and although it's in a different line of law completely, it has got me really thinking. Especially last night too... I got together w/ some friends, and there were friends of friends there. One of them, really nice lady was a victim of domestic violence. Hearing her story and what she went through was so sad, and between my work and hearing her story I knew that this is nothing that I would want to do. Seeing sad people everyday, going to court, etc I know now is not something I want to do anymore.

However, sure I am not old, but I am not no spring chicken either. I really want to have a career, and not just a job anymore.

I want to go back to school, but when I go back (hopefully next year) I want to change my major. However, my problem is not knowing exactly what I want to do. My parents don't have college degrees, and no one in my family does.... so I never really looked into everything that is out there.

Two things I am interested in are the environment and teaching. Two totally different things I know... but at 34.. going into teaching almost seems too old. If I did pursue a teaching degree, I would want to teach for kids in elementary school. When I graduated high school - I wanted to pursue psychology, but there doesn't seem to be much you can do w/ a BA in psych though.

Anyone have any advice or been through something similar? Any fields you find really interesting? I appreciate it in advance.

Thanks!!

[Boxcar Overkill]

If you want to teach, be a teacher. 34 is not too late, and in fact teaching as a second career is not that uncommon.

I would be very careful to look at the subjects you want to teach, as that is related to employability. Math, science and special education appear to be the most in demand.

I don't know whether it would be better to finish out our BA and then get a master's in education, or to get your education degree directly. There are plus and minuses to both I would assume, so you'll want to research that.

Are you tied to Florida or are you mobile? Pay varies widely around the U.S. as do retirement systems. You'll want to look into that as well.

Even if it takes an extra year to get an education degree, that's a small sacrifice in exchange for having a career you're satisfied with for the next 30+ years.

I should add I am not a teacher (at least at the k-12 level) and so you may want to get the opinions of others that have more practical experience.

[Pinkmani]

30 credits away is REALLY close. That's just one more year of school. I think you should just get the Criminology degree.

Check out this link: College Graduate of a Non-education Program (Florida)

[sideman]

I agree with the others. You're so close to getting the Bachelors in Criminology. Then there's nothing stopping you from getting alternative certification as a teacher in Florida. If teaching works out for you...great. However, there are many teachers (and I have many who are friends) that are burnt out with the kids, the parents, the paperwork, the administration, etc. that they'd like to change careers. With a degree in something besides education you'll have other options.

[Huckleberry3911948]

trying to get my nephew @30 to learn a trade he prefers to be a college student on GI bill for as long as possible, learning cabinet making?.