Going back to school.

Not sure if this is the right forum, but it seems to fit. I'm just about to complete 6 months of therapy. Among other things, it has really helped me with my desire to go back to school for the first time since December of 2008.

When I left school, I was in a Liberal Arts program, trying to get my A.A. I had no real direction, and all I wanted to do was get my degree and move on. I'm about 15 credits from graduation as of now.

But now that I have been going to therapy, I find that I am very interested in the therapist profession myself. It was such a great help to me, and I like the idea of doing something that actually makes a difference. I don't want to waste my life just fighting to make money with no purpose. I've taken psychology classes before, in High School and in college, and always enjoyed them. Going to therapy has really re-ignited my interest in the area of psychology.

My question is, what does everyone think about me changing my major? I don't have the patience or temperament for medical school, but my therapist has an MSW, and that seems like a reasonable goal to me. I've been looking at the programs my school offers, and they have a few Human Services A.S. degree programs. The problem, of course, is that I will no longer be 15 credits from graduation. It's like almost going back to square one. I have to start almost (not entirely) from scratch.

I do like the idea of having a goal of some kind, and getting an education for a specific purpose. But I also feel like if I do that, I will have spent all these years basically wasting time and money studying nothing. I'd just like to know what everyone thinks of the situation and what you would do in my place. I think I have an idea, but I'm just curious to hear some opinions. Thanks!

Follow your heart, get your MSW and help people, it must be truly rewarding!! the only reason I don't do it is because I myself have to move around physically, all the time, so I am going into teaching as a means for satisfying my desire to reach out & help...

Some of your credits WILL transfer! You grew as a _person_ in school that is the main point!!

best of luck!!!

Right now I'm getting my BSW so that I can work for child protective services but I know a lot of people who are going to get thier MSW. I think that you should follow the path that you think is right for you. I totally agree about wanted to not fight to just make money all your life. Its a great idea, and if you think its right for you then I say go for it, and good luck!

And getting a degree in a major randomly chosen and no longer of interest is a wise move and use of time and money?

Thanks for the responses, all of you. I'm pretty sure I'm going to do it, I just wanted to see what other people thought. It definitely seems like something I want to do. Some of my credits will transfer. Not as many as I would like, but at least I will get something out of the last few years. And finally having a set of classes I need to take instead of wandering from elective to elective to get an A.A. will be great.