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ka16325833
Contributor ⭐
November 30, 2015

going to grad school after age 50

  • November 30, 2015
  • 100 replies
  • 105259 views

Anyone else out there thinking this is the beginning, not the end? I'm researching grad school and dreaming about a new and fulfilling encore career. I'd like to hear your experiences. Did you do an in-person or an online program? Were you accepted by the other students even though you were older? What were the rewards and the challenges?

100 replies

Contributor ⭐
May 6, 2016

I went back to school October 2014. I am doing the online thing since I work a full time job. I decided to get my Bachelor's in criminal justice and I am loving every minute of it!!!!!

j626702m
Contributor ⭐
January 22, 2019

Hello:

 

I'm 50+ and applied to graduate school last year and got accepted to the MS in Nonprofit Leadership Progam in the School of Social Policy and Practice at Penn. The whole application process was online and video interviews. The application process was fairly easy and involved essays, letters of recommendations and the aforementioned interviews. 

 

The program is a hybrid online program and the first for Penn.

 

I hope this is helpful for anyone considering this path.

Julia
Contributor ⭐
November 23, 2019

I'm going to turn 59 in January of 2020. I'm starting a doctoral degree program at the University of Virginia in the fall if 2020 and it will take me about 3 years to finish. It's something I always wanted to do so I'm going to do it ! I want this degree for many reasons and one of them was that I promised my father years and years ago I'd be a doctor someday. Of course, he was was hoping for a medical doctor or a veterinarian or a dentist as a son but he got a son that has done everything from being a professional ballet dancer to a teacher of Advanced Placement Chemistry and Physics. I see this as another new journey in a wonderful life. 

James (Jay) Farris
AARPLynne
Conversationalist ⭐⭐⭐
November 25, 2019

Congratulations, @Shihpeke, enjoy the journey!

Contributor ⭐
November 27, 2019

I have two masters degrees a MBA and a MS in informatics. I am over 50. My experience is in accounting/human resource/training and I am having a hard time finding a job. My previous position relocated. When I apply for jobs I see they want you to have a certification. Crying out load I have not one but two masters. I have applied for Payroll Director position and they are asking for a payroll certification. When applied for Human Resource position they desire a certification in HR. When does it ever end? How do they expect you to pay for studying material plus the cost of the test. They are not cheap especially when you are not working. 

retiredtraveler
Contributor ⭐⭐⭐
November 29, 2019

.".... When I apply for jobs I see they want you to have a certification. Crying out load I have not one but two masters. I have applied for Payroll Director position and they are asking for a payroll certification. When applied for Human Resource position they desire a certification in HR.....".

 

This trend has been going for some time. Think of accounting. It doesn't matter how much schooling and practical experience in accounting you may have, many, if not most employers want someone with a CPA.

"...Why is everyone a victim? Take personal responsibility for your life..."
Olif
Contributor ⭐⭐
March 2, 2020

I applied for classes in order to learn how to use a smartphone. It cost me $200 to take this class. All I learned to do was how to text and how to download appes. It didn't teach me how to make a call or how to shoot a movie and to send it off their way!

 

I wanted to get a diploma for this class, but couldn't get one!

Contributor ⭐
March 2, 2020

Good afternoon 

I am so sorry you paid 200 dollar s the 

Best thing to do in that situation. Is to

Watch you tube videos and udemy

And teachable have classes. I'm not

Sure if they give certification for it

But it's a start and the prices are

Reasonable. Hope this helps

Regards,

 

Theresa Bell.

 

 

R

Contributor ⭐⭐
March 3, 2020

I took classes online at the Library.  They were so much fun and it's free!

they have so many different ones to take and if you want to take the test you can and get a letter.

I loved short story writing classes. There's about 10 students in a class and some teachers were disturbed if you didn't do the work or not follow their instructions but sometimes it's wasn't clear but they didn't want to hear excuses.

So, I would join another class.

They have all kinds of classes, check it out! Plus, it's online!

 Get a library card and your set!

Contributor ⭐
March 3, 2020

I was not 50, but I went back to grad school 20 years after my college graduation when I had finally figured out "what I wanted to be when I grew up."  I went to an expensive school, but my employer paid for most of my tuition.  I never got a grade below an A, because I was very into school and not distracted by parties, dates, etc.  I loved the experience and recommend it for anyone looking for professional growth as I was.  This decision was critical to my progressing to become a corporate human resources director with 23 facilities reporting to me.  I loved my company and my job.  When I retired I felt I had done a very good job, because of this accomplishment.  And I could not have done it without grad school.

Contributor ⭐⭐
March 10, 2020

I was in my mid-50's when I returend to college to get my master's degree, 27 yrs after receiving my bachelor's. Now, in my 60's, I have also obtained an associate's degree in equine science, & am currently enrolled in an associate's degree paralegal program.

Contributor ⭐
June 21, 2020

I am 53 and am just finishing my doctorate degree in psychology. I have worked in the field for 35 years. I did my degree online. I found it so fascinating and gratifying. The Science had changed so much in 35 years. I think it was a wonderful experience. Karen Chambre

AARPLynne
Conversationalist ⭐⭐⭐
June 22, 2020

@wardchambre, congratulations on earning your doctorate degree!

Contributor ⭐
March 13, 2021

Hello - I hope this thread is still active. I just turned 58 and have been a caseworker at an aging agency for 7 years. I have been wanting to continue to my MA but nervous about debt. I want to continue working in aging/elder field. I really want to focus on improving or revolutionizing nursing homes and helping generations work together. I really have no idea where to start to find a program that focuses on that. Any insight? Thank you!

Contributor ⭐⭐
July 29, 2024

You post is 3 years old so I'm not sure if you are still interested, but state universities offer huge discounts/tuition waivers for older adults. I'm starting my M.A. degree studies for $75.00 for up to 12 credits per semester. I'm 67.