Most people that are 50 are between two stages in life; they may be empty-nesters, since most kids have already moved out and started their own families. Yet they are still too young to retire, so their most likely working in a well established job. However, for some, they may be looking for more than the same routine or career. Going back to college could be just what they’re looking for to help them build more skills, increase their pay, or just to find fulfillment or self-improvement in something they want to increase their knowledge in. There are many areas of interest to jump into. Below are the Best Degrees for 50 Year Olds. Each one can make an impact on your life and promote personal development at the same time.
Advantages of going back to school after 50
Many older adults choose to go back to school for several reasons. One reason or advantage is they come with more wisdom and experience working in the field. Compared to the average traditional student that enrolled right after high school. Another reason could be the lack of commute. Many classes are now available online and can easily fit your courses into your busy schedule between running errands, work, and possibly the kids or grandkids. You may also enjoy taking self-paced classes, where you get to do your coursework on your own time from the instructor. This gives you more time to focus on what needs to be done with a more flexible weekload.
Going back to school as an adult learner can help in other ways. Such as build confidence, increase your intellect, and help you engage in both industry and community. It can also be a very rewarding experience for the older adult.
Degrees that people over 50 are Choosing
1. Accounting
One of the best degrees for people over 50 is getting an accounting degree. Most careers in accounting will only require an associates or bachelors degree. An associates typically takes only two years to complete, whereas a bachelors may take four years. Most coursework will include economics, financial and managerial accounting, business and individual tax regulations, marketing and software applications. As an accountant major, you will also want to receive your CPA license; these classes will help prepare you for this. Career opportunities also include bookkeeping, business management, IRS agents, and entrepreneurship fields. The salary for an accountant will vary; however, many earn up to $70,000 per year.
2. Architecture
One of the Best Degrees for 50 Year Olds is the Architecture degree. If you are one that loves to create beautiful landscapes, then earning a degree in Architecture is exactly what you need. The Architecture degree will be ideal for creative people who love the outdoors like nature and also art. Common coursework includes horticulture, landscaping history, project planning, and site management. As a landscape architect, you will learn to create plans and coordinate them through implementing your work. You may alongside homeowners, property managers, government entities, and business owners. With this degree, you will be on your way to become a designer for a licensed architect.
3. Education
For those that enjoy being around and working with children, then going for an education degree may be right for you. Majoring in early childhood, for instance, will learn about child development, from infancy through early adolescence. Classes will include language and cognitive development, communication and speech. Adult learners will also learn about physical, nutritional, and social needs of children. Some biology, psychology and sociology may also be included in the degree curriculum. As an adult learner, you will help in the planning, research and policy development of a child as well. This degree may also help if you plan to tutor students after school.
4. Finance
So you are 50. Chances are, by now you have become an expert in financial planning. Even if it’s has nothing to do with your career. You can plan a budget to fit your needs. Most people at this time are close to retirement, but not quite there. So you need a plan for financial support for your the golden years. In this case, a financial planning or economics degree could be useful to obtain. Other topis in the degree are personal income tax, estate planning, and retirement planning. However, do not put yourself in debt to get a degree. There are many ways to obtain the skills and knowledge in this information age without spending too much. Gleen what knowledge you can from the company you work for. Sometimes these classes can help you create a secure growth strategy for your retirement. Once graduated, you can become personal financial advisors. Many earn a median salary as much as $90,000 per year. Many are also self-employed and sometimes offer flexible service hours.
5. Fine Arts
Similar to Architecture, getting a Fine Arts degree can also be something that older adults over 50 should consider. If you are good with a brush and love to paint pictures of landscapes, people, or just about anything, then an Fine Art degree may be worth going for. Although retirement is something to look forward to, not many 50 year olds anticipate it. Unless you have money to spend during your retirement, some older adults will continue to work well into their 70s and even 80s. If you have the skills to create masterpieces of art, then selling your work may be a great way to supplement your income. Getting an associates degree or even bachelors would then be worth the effort.
6. Human Services
If you are one that enjoys helping the community for which you live and serve, then getting a Human Service degree may be what you need. This type of degree in an interdisciplinary program, that works to help students develop skills such as empathy, cultural awareness, critical thinking, solution-oriented analysis and communication. Classwork will focus on sociology, psychology, criminal justice, human sexuality and political science. Special concentrations within the degree may also include Child and family services, Gerontology, Criminal justice, Health care, and Addictions. Many graduates of this degree will find work as human services professionals, both in the private and public sector. Some may find employment in larger agencies or organizations as well. With all these job opporunties available, that is why it makes the Best Degrees for 50 Year Olds list.
7. Nursing
Most people over 50 do not consider going to nursing school, due to the long process it takes to graduate from. However, many adult learners can still earn a RN status by just getting an associates degree or Bachelors degree. An associates, or ADN, takes only about 60 credits or 2 years to complete. As an RN, you will be able to find employment in hospitals and doctor clinics. If you choose to not do all the education of an BSN, you can work as an LPN or home health aide for an agency. Once completed, adult learners can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse for their state. As a home health aide, you will have more flexibility hours than a full time RN; plus you learn important skills to help maintain good communication with your clients and patients. The ADN will also help you stand out among your peers.
8. Psychology
As we head closer to our 50s and beyond, we have many life experiences to share to those around us. If you life to work with people and helping them cope with life changes, then maybe a Psychology degree would be a good start. In fact, a degree in psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate programs that are chosen among perspective students. One reason for this could be that it can be applied to a variety of career options and industries. There are also several concentrations within the degree for students can better focus their interest in. Such as behavioral psychology, child psychology, addiction therapy, and much more. Once you graduate, the career options will vary. Some will work as a counselor or therapist for an organization, while others may create their own practice.
9. Public Administration
Getting a Public Administration degree in your 50s can open more opportunities for working within your community. That is why it has made it on the Best Degrees for 50 Year Olds list. The Course will teach you about public policies, funding projects, and grant writing for items related to the Department of transportation (DOT) and public safety(DPS). Although a human service degree can help with client interaction, a public administration degree focuses on the managerial aspects of the job. Job opportunities may start as internships within government offices, law firms or social service agencies. Students will learn how to collect and analyze information, evaluate existing policies and also recommend improvements. Working among nonprofits are also available.
10. Social Work
The last of the Best Degrees for 50 Year Olds is getting a social work degree. There are a variety of reasons for seniors over 50 to earn one. One reason may be is that social working is one of the most in-demand careers for almost anyone to go into. According to the BLS, the growth rate for social working has increased by seven percent in the past ten years. Plus, with a social work career, you are more than likely to have great marketing skills, interpersonal communication skills, and empathy toward humankind. Some people with a social work career path would also acquire strong advocacy skills. You may also be more inclined to work among several populations, such as children, families, and mental health individuals.
How to get started in a master’s degree program after 50
The first step in getting started in a degree after 50 is choosing an area of interest. What topics do you want to focus on? Is it offered as a major, minor or certificate? How long will it take to complete the degree? Once you have chosen the area of interest, move on to the next step. Which is deciding whether to take your course program online or in-person. It is true that more schools are offering online classes, which gives the student more flexibility; however, it is not always the best option. There are some courses that may require in-person lessons.
The next step is choosing an accredited university. You want to look for one that has been highly accepted, such as from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The last two steps is starting early and doing your research on what they offer for older students. Ask the school if they accept life experiences as credits, some may do. If has been a while since you took college classes, you may want to have your previous credits validated. The early you give yourself time to make these changes, the faster you will be on your way to learning a new skill and graduating with a degree.
Why Are People in the 50s Changing Careers?
There may be a number of reasons people over 50 decide to get a degree or just take some online courses. Some decide that they need a change in their career path. Others just want the challenge to learn a new skills. Whatever the reason, here are some of the most common reasons for changing careers after 50.
- wanting to work fewer hours with less stress
- facing redundancy or struggling to find a new role
- desiring a change or new challenge
- having fewer family responsibilities, or allowing you more flexibility in your schedule
Should I Get a Master’s Degree After 50?
To be honest, going back to school after 50 is somewhat absurd. Most people have established a strong career path and have made it up the ladder with a bachelors degree in hand, lots of hard work, and life experience under the belt. However, if you feel that you need more, a new challenge, or just stuck in the same path; then getting a masters degree could give you exactly what your looking for.
What are Some Challenges of Going Back to School at 50?
There are a small handful of challenges that can affect oder people from going back to school. One is the ability to balance classes and family obligations. If you are an active grandparent, then finding time to take classes may be challenging. Another challenge may be poor grades in your past. If you were a C student, then trying to get a degree may not be the right move. Plus, if you don’t have the financial resources to attend school, then you might just want to pass on the idea.
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