I’m not sure if this is the right place to post this question but I have a felony on my criminal record and it will be eligible for expungement in late 2027; meaning until then any criminal background check ran on me will come back with a felony conviction.

I already have a bs in psychology and have spent the last decade working in patient care. I have realized chemistry is my true passion and would like to pursue formal education. I’m thinking a second bachelors and then master’s program; the time it would take to complete this (~4 years) would be close to the time I’m eligible to have my criminal record expunged.

My question is broad, but will having this on my record stop me from gaining entrance to program’s and more importantly would it potentially interfere with getting work in the field if for some reason expungement was denied?

How strict is the field when it comes to criminal history?

Is it even worth pursuing education?