You don't want to get another BA. I have a BA in English, and am finishing (in less than two weeks) a MS in Computer Science. Two very divergent topics. You can just get into a program and then take "pre-requisites". Good luck.

wouldn't you feel, like, old?

I agree with Danielle. I am one semester shy of my MPH (public health), which has nothing to do with my BA in English. While you have moments of disadvantage, you can likely take "pre-reqs" within the program, as D suggested, but you also have plenty of opportunity to incorporate extra learning into various paper topics and projects (especially if you develop a good rapport with your profs), and you would probably get a lot more out of Independent Graduate studies (for matriculating graduate credit) than undergrad classes. You should also consider adding a graduate certificate, if one exists that covers an area you feel you are weak in.

And, yes, I'd like to add, you would feel a little old. Or a lot old, because I feel a little like that in my MPH--I study and work on projects with a lot of 22-25 year olds. Just last night the 23 year old I was partnering with said "Oh my god!" when I told her I was 28, "You totally don't seem that old!"

columbia actually has a second major program through their general studies program (which is for people over 25 or something).

the issue for me is that i've grown very interested in a historic preservation program...but you need architectural background (such as arch history, maybe some studio but not mandatory). you can't get in without those experiences.

Hmm... it still sounds to me though as if some pre-reqs whether grad level or their 2nd major program, would be suffient instead of getting a whole additional BA. You should talk to them directly though--a lot of programs, particularly if you have relevant life experience, will accept you but add additional specific requirements. I have to be honest, that while grad school is well worth it, from my experience (and everyone else I know in grad school), there is a lot of work and a lot of BS that you really don't want to linger on uneccessarily. If you talk to people and find that you can manage with a few prerequisites, I'm sure your experience will feel rich and thorough enough that you won't feel like you're robbing yourself of critical knowledge by not getting this BA (b/c in the end grad school is what you put into it). But if you really don't think extending your academic experience a year or so will interfere with your life plans and quality of life, etc., then you should go for it and learn all you can. Now I've clearly said enough!! Good luck.

I have an undergrad in preservation and to be honest with you...that is a very general type of degree. It's in your graduate work that you specialize in your disipline of favor...arch. history/conservation/museum studies, etc, etc. I think that a BA is not needed. I learned to do measured drawings as well as basics in arch history, some conservation, historical archeology, etc. You can also do stuff like work on a dig for experience or maybe do research at a museum or work with a construction firm that does rehabs depending on what you want to do. With your undergrad in whatever it may be...you've got the skills to go forward into graduate work, even if the displine is not related to your undergrad degree.

there's a guy i went to undergrad with who works with a big engineering firm in ny that specializes in historical preservation. i forget which firm, but i could probably get you in touch with him if you wanted.

and i definately agree with others and just take the classes, but not persue a whole second degree.

Talk to the admissions dept about your current skill set, both academic and non, and find out if and where they think you fall short. It may be you need far less than a full BA.