I got a Bachelor’s in Art History, a Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications, and a PhD in Human & Community Development!

You’re a freshman in college. You choose your major based on your current interests, but upon graduation, you realize that your pursuits have changed. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone!

West Virginia University understands that transitioning from one area of study to another can be difficult. That’s why we talked to Rickie Huffman, a WVU student who gave us some insight regarding her journey in switching fields of study. 

She explains how changing fields of study, her graduate assistantship, and her connections at WVU helped her to jumpstart her academic and professional success!

Tell me a little bit about yourself. What’s your name and age?

My Name is Rickie Huffman, I’m 27, and I work for the Office of Admissions at WVU as a Special Events Coordinator. I’m also a House Director for a sorority and a current Ph.D student in the Davis College at WVU.

Where/when, and in what did you graduate with your bachelor’s degree? 

I received my BA degree in Art History and a minor in Women and Gender Studies from WVU in 2013. I originally came to WVU in 2009 to major in Vocal Performance, but I changed to Art History.

What graduate degree did you pursue at WVU? 

I pursued a graduate degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from the Reed College of Media at WVU and graduated in 2015.

When are you slated to finish your current degree program? 

I graduated in May 2015 with my Masters of Science degree, but I am currently working on my doctorate in Human and Community Development. I hope to graduate in 2020.

What caused you to change direction and pursue an unrelated degree in graduate school? 

It became very clear early on in undergrad that in order to have a job in an art history-related field, I would need to pursue a master’s degree in either preservation, registrar, curator, etc. Since I was so far along in my four-year degree, I decided to finish it and pursue a master’s degree in a field that would help me find a job: Integrated Marketing Communications!

The best part of having an IMC degree is that I can still work in the art world doing communications, public relations, or marketing. I have that option, which is nice. All three of my degrees will be unrelated, but they can ultimately tie in together if I want them to.

How has WVU helped you to pursue a degree unlike your bachelor’s degree? 

I was a McNair Scholar in undergrad, so going to grad school was always the plan. I was fortunate enough to have the resources available to talk with someone one-on-one and meet with people in the program. The alternative plan was a master’s degree in Women and Gender Studies at North Carolina. After doing my research, I wasn’t ready to leave WVU. The IMC program was more well-rounded and would give me the opportunity to apply for a variety of jobs. WVU was always supportive as were my mentors and professors. Plus, I received a graduate assistantship to pay for it.

What skills did you learn by changing fields? 

By changing fields, I learned more about working in a team setting, communicating more effectively, marketing, understanding how businesses and non-profits operate, etc. I came into the IMC program knowing nothing, but I came in willing to learn, to read, and to gain as much knowledge as I could. I essentially started from scratch.

How did your bachelor’s degree prepare you to pursue an unrelated grad degree? 

My undergrad degree was very research and writing intensive. In WVU’s Art History program, you have to pay attention to every detail, every fine line. I came out knowing how to write, how to read between the lines, and most importantly, how to do research.

Those three elements prepared me for my master’s.

How has WVU helped you to successfully navigate the admissions process? 

Maybe I am biased because I currently work in Admissions, but with my own experience as a student, everyone was friendly and willing to stop everything to help me or find the correct person to help me.

What is your favorite thing about WVU? 

It’s home. There is always something to do, a person to meet, or a conversation to join. People are kind here. I consider WVU to be home.

The Admission Team at WVU wants you to remember that you have options when it comes to your academic career. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in one field and a master’s in another can be a great way to learn various skills. Meet with people in the program you are considering in order to get a better understanding of what that program entails.

Don't let the direction of your bachelor's degree stop you from taking your master’s in a new direction. Because after all, a master's degree can help you make the career change that's right for you! Whatever you may be considering, the Admissions Team at WVU is here to find the perfect fit for you!

Are you making plans to switch careers but need some guidance and inspiration? Check out our digital resource — Make the Change: A Comprehensive Guide to Graduate Programs for Career Changers — and let us help you as you navigate the process of changing career fields!