Expert: Todd Johnson - 12/8/2011

Question
I'm not sure if you can help me but I couldn't find an expert for what I'm looking for.

Currently, I'm in management at a successful bank. I supervise an area that supports products (online banking for Corporate Companies# and sets up our customers.

I'm very detail oriented, analytical when needed, quick learner, etc.

I want to get a degree under my belt considering I got a job at the bank out of High School and made my way to where I am after being here for 4 1/2 years. I would like to get something that obviously pertains to the banking world and I believe that I want to pursue a management path.

I only have a high school diploma and I have no idea where to start.  I am a mother of three and work 40 hours a week #sometimes more). I was considering an online school but I didn't know if they were directed for those who already have an associates.  Do you know of a school and even what types of degrees I would be able to pursue in the role/path I am currently in?

Answer
Angie,

What you are describing is becoming much more common as people return for education after having been out of high school for a while. On line schools are designed to work with students who have full time jobs which is one of their advantages. Having an associate degree is fine for most online programs. Generally I would recommend that you look for an online program offered through a traditional college before looking at programs that are just online colleges. While both have the advantage of working from home at your convenience, the completion rate, on average, tends to be better for traditional colleges that are offering on line type courses.

As for the type of degree there are a number of options in the business area that might be appropriate. However, for most businesses, it is more important to have the degree than what the major was for the degree. I would talk to some of the managers at your bank to get their opinion on whether having a business type degree would help or if it wouldn't make a difference. I don't think it really matters what type of business degree you might get if that is the route you choose to go.