Should I get my next degree from the same school?

By: The Capella University Editorial Team

Reading Time: 3 minutes

If you’ve finished one degree and are considering another, decide whether to stay at your current school or transfer based on the next program’s requirements. Compare how each option handles transfer credit, learning format and programmatic accreditation. If your intended profession requires licensure, verify with the applicable state licensing board whether the program meets educational requirements in your state. Confirm the details for the specific degree before applying and see how they align with your career goals.

Do you actually like starting over?

Switching schools means a new portal, new advisors, new processes and a learning curve just to figure out how things work. Some people find that refreshing, while others find it’s friction they don’t need. If you have found a program that fits how you learn and work, staying at the same school lets you focus on the material instead of learning a new system. Before you decide, confirm with the school which credits may transfer into the specific degree program. If pursuing a licensed profession, verify that transferred coursework will continue to support any applicable educational requirements established by the relevant licensing board.

How is the program regarded in your field – and does it match the direction you want to go?

Check whether the program holds any relevant accreditation and whether it aligns with the educational, employer, certification or licensure requirements applicable to your intended career path. Ask professionals in the field about common qualifications and career expectations. If you are changing careers, confirm that the degree builds the subject knowledge and practical preparation your new field requires. A related field may fit your goals, but compare its career outcomes, required credentials, time and cost before choosing it.

Will employers actually care where – or how many times – you went?

What employers typically look for first is whether your degree is in the appropriate field and at the required level for the role. The exception may be professions with state-regulated licensure requirements, such as nursing and certain other healthcare, education, counseling and psychology professions. Requirements vary by state and should be verified with the applicable licensing authority. Confirm that any program you’re considering, at your current school or elsewhere, meets the specific accreditation your field requires before you enroll.

Is the timing right?

Two things matter here: how much runway you have since your last degree, and whether you’re advancing your career or changing it. For someone continuing in the same field, the timing should account for program prerequisites, transfer-credit eligibility and how well prior coursework supports the next degree. After a longer break, applicants should review those requirements before choosing a start date. Individuals considering a career change should research the field’s education, experience, certification and licensure requirements. That research can help them assess whether the specialization and day-to-day work fit their goals.

Bringing it all together

Whether to stay at the same school depends on program fit, learning format, timing, transfer-credit opportunities and career goals. Before you decide, confirm transfer-credit eligibility and any accreditation, certification or licensure requirements for your career path.

Professional licensure requirements vary by state and profession and may change over time. Completion of an educational program does not guarantee licensure, certification, employment or salary outcomes. Individuals should consult the applicable licensing authority to determine current eligibility requirements.