quote:

Originally posted by flashguy:

quote:

Originally posted by ChuckWall:
The BA is now the equivalent of the modern High School diploma.

I think you must mean what a high school diploma used to be--the modern version isn't worth spit in many cases.

Regarding degrees, there are worthwhile ones and useless ones, and it's not just due to the subject matter--some of it is related to the quality of instruction and the effort required to earn it. Almost any degree that requires a lot of work by the student will have a few real applications that matter (but maybe not as many as there are such degree holders)--I suppose even one in Basketweaving.

I graduated in 1960 with a B. S. in Chemical Engineering and immediately was commissioned a 2LT in USAF, which made me a Radar Maintenance Officer (with no training!), and I served in related occupations in USAF for 15 years. During that time they sent me to get a M. S. in Industrial Engineering, which they then didn't make much use of, either. After 15 years as an officer (Captain) I was tossed out (didn't get promoted) and enlisted as a COBOL computer programmer--something that any GOOD high school student could learn, and many in USAF did) and I finished my 20 years doing that, followed by 26 more years in civilian life.

So--were my degrees worthwhile or useless? I never worked in either field, and found few opportunities to employ the specific knowledge imparted in my classes. Yet I did learn how to analyze problems, apply logic, and formulate solutions--all elements that were very useful in my later occupations.

In the end it is the dedication and work effort put into earning a degree that has the greatest effect, not the specific subject matter. If the lessons teach material useful in one's job it is best, of course, but most of what one needs to know on any job is learned in situ, not in the classroom.

flashguy

quote:

Originally posted by Deqlyn:

quote:

Originally posted by flashguy:

quote:

Originally posted by ChuckWall:
The BA is now the equivalent of the modern High School diploma.

I think you must mean what a high school diploma used to be--the modern version isn't worth spit in many cases.
--

In the end it is the dedication and work effort put into earning a degree that has the greatest effect, not the specific subject matter. If the lessons teach material useful in one's job it is best, of course, but most of what one needs to know on any job is learned in situ, not in the classroom.

flashguy

I only disagree in that were talking about todays world not how it used to be. There are a million coders out there and anyone who can google can find the solution to a million problems. Hell, this forum provides free advice to those who ask. Technology and information are so fast and avaialble that its no longer a skill rather a commodity. Supply and demand. College degrees are far to prevalent.