BellaOnline Forums Education Graduate School Deciding which graduate program to enter. I need some advice

Hi I am brand new to this forum, so excited to find this site.
I am hoping to start graduate school in the fall of 2005, but I am having trouble deciding what to do. My undergraduate degree is in business-not really happy with that. I am looking to make a complete career change, and am wondering how difficult that can be-getting into a graduate program that is completely unrelated to my undergrad degree.
I am extremely interested in becoming an elementary school teacher. And there are a lot of education programs out there for people like me who want to do a career change, but I am wondering what the market will be like for me after receiving my masters. Will it be hard for me with a masters getting a teaching job when I have never taught before? I have heard rumors, that the schools (because of funding) like to hire just fresh out of undergrad-so they dont have to pay as much. So if there are any teachers out there, I would love to have some input.
Now, here is my other passion-I am obsessed with german culture and history, especially world war II, and was thinking about how I could put that passion into a career??? and are there any grad programs out there pertaining to those interests? and if so, would I need to forgo the masters and work on a PhD, and what careers are available for that kind of study?
So, these are kind of detailed questions, but if anyone has any advice on either of the topics-I would love to hear it!!!
thanks <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Wow, Heada you have a lot of questions. I am hoping to be as much help as possible. First off, you are not the only graduate student who is planning on getting a graduate degree in a completely unrelated topic from your under-graduate degree. Many times there is no problem getting a graduate degree in an unrelated topic. Sometimes the only thing you might have to do is take a few prerequisite courses. I have found that a lot of graduate programs are catered to students like yourself who may want a complete change. My undergrad degree is in Business as well and my graduate degree is in Education-Adult Education and Distance Learning.
You mentioned that you're interested in elementary school teaching. I am not sure what state you live in, but in CA where I live you cannot get a teaching job without a teaching credential even if you have a Masters degree. Also since elementary school teaching requires that you have a lot more science, social studies, and math that your business degree required you might have to take lots of prerequisites in those areas. Do you have a school in mind? If so visit that school or schools and talk with an admissions advisor, they can help you sort out your options. I hope this helped, let me know how it goes. If anyone else has any advice to add feel free to jump in.