Answer: James, you definitely can enter graduate schools in fields of study different than your undergraduate degree. Actually, I'd recommend you doing this. However, you will need some additional "pre-requisite" courses in the computer science/information technology field which will be designated by the graduate school and program you enter.

There are many directions you may take in this discipline (see below for examples). You may determine that the computer engineering field is best for you since you have an aptitude for math and sciences given your Chemical Engineering degree. There are also programs in computer networking, software or Internet development which may also be of interest to you. There are hundreds of online graduate programs in these fields, so do your research and select wisely. Investigate companies and jobs in the fields you find interesting so you are certain of your career direction before you select your education provider. - Faith

Question: Hi, I am a 32 year old stay at home mom who lives in Pennsylvania (my most recent is a 5 month old son). I've recently been thinking quite extensively about going back to school. I graduated with a B.A. in Journalism in 1997. However, I haven't worked since 2000. I've been checking out the online courses at the local community colleges, because to enroll in my chosen university's graduate program I need professional recommendations, which I do not have as my most recent employment was seven years ago.

Do people who have bachelor's degrees attend a community college when trying to go back to school? I was looking at the courses/degrees offered at two local community colleges and the online schools (because I can't bring a baby to class), but they did not receive many good reviews. I was thinking about going back for elementary education, or social services. Any advice? I could really use some direction. Thanks. :) - Salima

Answer: Salima, first I'd suggest some solid career counseling. You can start to receive these services from your alma mater or local community college. Many adult learner programs will work with you for letters of reference given your family commitments in the last years. Also, almost all colleges offer some degrees through online learning, so you have thousands of programs from which to choose.

Through your career counseling you might find creative ways to use your Journalism education to work/write from the home, or decide on a graduate program. If you decide to pursue another occupation, you can study at the graduate school level in another field than you studied for your undergraduate. You may need to take additional courses to enter if you are deficient in certain classes or foundation for your new field of study. If at all possible, don't repeat the same level degree for your time and money - enter an advanced degree program. - Faith

Question: I am 37 and researching schools for my MBA in Minnesota. I just read in one of your responses that you're not aware of any schools that don't require the GRE entrance exam for educators. I'm finding some regionally accredited schools that do not require the GMAT for entry into their MBA program (e.g. Hamline University and Cardinal Stritch) and I'm wondering if this is a new standard and/or if it would be acceptable, should I later choose to transfer to a different school that does require the tests for admission. Thanks for your help! -Nancy

Answer: Nancy, there are hundreds of MBA programs that do not require a GMAT, or any admission exam, to enter. If a school has AACSB accreditation for its business school, then they require a GMAT for entry. Other schools can decide for themselves. Doing a quick look, I find that Minnesota has eight schools that offer an MBA without requiring a GMAT exam. There are also hundreds of more degrees offered online throughout the country that you can study in your home. This does not mean a program is less rigourous. You can learn much without requiring this exam. However, check with your present, or future employers with whom you may want a job someday, and ask if they prefer or require an AACSB school of business. This may help you decide. - Faith

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