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Don't need cheap, don't need fast - I need what fits how I learn - suzycupcake - 01-15-2020
Hello all!
I've got 10 more days left until my capstone ends and I've been looking into Masters programs. Work will pay $10k per year for TA so I'm not all that concerned right now with cost. What I'm more concerned with is finding a program that I find interesting and passionate about or I'll never finish it.
I've been thinking competency based programs because of the flexibility of them. My thoughts (and this is what I need clarification on) are that I have some weeks at work where I am super busy and other weeks where I can spend a lot of time doing classes. When I'm stuck to deadlines it stresses me a bit.
Is this the right way to think about the competency programs? Even if I don't know the subject areas now? I'm looking at an MS in Psych or MS I/O Psych if that matters. I just love that kind of content and I know it will keep me interested and it will help me along my career path.
Would appreciate any input at all on this as I'm looking to start doing more research to keep the momentum going.
Thanks!
Susan
RE: Don't need cheap, don't need fast - I need what fits how I learn - bjcheung77 - 01-16-2020
Just wondering, did you pay for your residency waiver yet? Wow, 10K for tuition assistance is the most I have seen so far. Most are 5K or so. Does that mean if it takes you 2 years, work will pay $20K for you? See the info below, There are numerous school options for you...
1. Since you mentioned Competency Based Degrees, Capella and Walden have various Psychology Masters.
2. FutureLearn and Coventry University in the UK teamed up for a Masters in Business & Organizational Psych.
3. Life University has a Masters in Positive Psychology, only one of 3 in the entire US, it’s almost 100% online.
4. Amberton University has a MA Professional Development with several concentrations, one in Psychology.
5. TESU has a MALS with an I/O Psychology concentration or Grad Certificate with the same name.
If you haven’t paid the graduation or residency waiver fees, and you don’t mind waiting another year to graduate, you might want to try for the Bach to Masters option at TESU and see if you can get the courses from the I/O Grad Cert taken in place of the recommended courses on TESU website.
If you want to graduate your BALS ASAP and don’t mind paying the waiver fee, you can do so. Just add a BA Psychology program to your list and shoot off an email to advising asking if you can take the I/O Grad Cert courses if you are a Bach to Masters student. This will give you Grad credits for the cost of Undergrad tuition.
RE: Don't need cheap, don't need fast - I need what fits how I learn - suzycupcake - 01-16-2020
(01-16-2020, 02:21 AM)bjcheung77 Wrote: Just wondering, did you pay for your residency waiver yet? Wow, 10K for tuition assistance is the most I have seen so far. Most are 5K or so. Does that mean if it takes you 2 years, work will pay $20K for you? See the info below, There are numerous school options for you...
1. Since you mentioned Competency Based Degrees, Capella and Walden have various Psychology Masters.
2. FutureLearn and Coventry University in the UK teamed up for a Masters in Business & Organizational Psych.
3. Life University has a Masters in Positive Psychology, only one of 3 in the entire US, it’s almost 100% online.
4. Amberton University has a MA Professional Development with several concentrations, one in Psychology.
5. TESU has a MALS with an I/O Psychology concentration or Grad Certificate with the same name.
If you haven’t paid the graduation or residency waiver fees, and you don’t mind waiting another year to graduate, you might want to try for the Bach to Masters option at TESU and see if you can get the courses from the I/O Grad Cert taken in place of the recommended courses on TESU website.
If you want to graduate your BALS ASAP and don’t mind paying the waiver fee, you can do so. Just add a BA Psychology program to your list and shoot off an email to advising asking if you can take the I/O Grad Cert courses if you are a Bach to Masters student. This will give you Grad credits for the cost of Undergrad tuition.
Thank you for your response BJ! Yes, it's $10K per year and they will also pay $45K for an Executive MBA. I'm very grateful.
The residency waiver is paid (they picked up that bill as well as the graduation fees too) and I will plan to move ahead with BALS for March graduation because I need the bachelors for now and dont want to wait.
Our company has a service through EdAssist gives us access to Academic coaches and they've provided me with a Personalized Education Plan based on the consultation that I had with them. At the time, I said I wanted to investigate competency based programs and also Amberton. I said competency based because of my work schedule being busy sometimes and other times I am able to plow through schoolwork because I'm not that busy. I chose competency based because I thought it offered the most flexibility. What I am concerned about now though is people stating that competency based programs are for people who have experience in the field and can get through courses fast. If I get through them at my own pace, would a competency program still be ok or are they only for people who are familiar with everything? Thank you in advance!
RE: Don't need cheap, don't need fast - I need what fits how I learn - armstrongsubero - 01-16-2020
@suzycupcake congrats on coming so far!
RE: Don't need cheap, don't need fast - I need what fits how I learn - allvia - 01-16-2020
(01-16-2020, 10:17 AM)suzycupcake Wrote: Our company has a service through EdAssist gives us access to Academic coaches and they've provided me with a Personalized Education Plan based on the consultation that I had with them. At the time, I said I wanted to investigate competency based programs and also Amberton. I said competency based because of my work schedule being busy sometimes and other times I am able to plow through schoolwork because I'm not that busy. I chose competency based because I thought it offered the most flexibility. What I am concerned about now though is people stating that competency based programs are for people who have experience in the field and can get through courses fast. If I get through them at my own pace, would a competency program still be ok or are they only for people who are familiar with everything? Thank you in advance!
Yes, a competency program would still work in this case. The difference would be that it would take you longer to reach the competency level needed because you'd need time to learn the material. I can only speak of Walden and WGU (both at masters level) but they provide you with the materials/tools you need to learn the topic they want you to be knowledgeable in (at least what you need to know to complete the courses). Again if you were already familiar with the topic, you'd likely get through the material and complete the tasks/assignments faster - resulting in earning the degree quicker. When it comes to choosing a master degree you're on the right track by choosing an area that interests you, especially if it in an area that is new(er) to you, vs just getting one done (IMO).
RE: Don't need cheap, don't need fast - I need what fits how I learn - bjcheung77 - 01-16-2020
suzycupcake Wrote:What I am concerned about now though is people stating that competency based programs are for people who have experience in the field and can get through courses fast. If I get through them at my own pace, would a competency program still be ok or are they only for people who are familiar with everything? Thank you in advance!
There's no need to be concerned over this as you will gain the necessary knowledge once you start taking the courses at your pace, since you have a bit more time on your hands at random, it should be a very good fit. You can take Capella or Walden Masters and be done with the degree in a few terms, you shouldn't need to worry about knowing everything as you will gain that while working through the course load.
Basically yes, it'll be easier for those who have prior education/experience - just means it'll be easier/faster for those who have taken an undergrad in Psychology. If you've taken a few courses in psychology, you've got the basics already. If you're not in a rush, what you can do is an undergrad degree at TESU in Psychology, the only thing you'll be taking are 24 extra credits. Now get this, you can ask for a MALS, and use Graduate Credits towards the degree - so you can hit up a BA Psych and get the Grad Cert in I/O Psych.
RE: Don't need cheap, don't need fast - I need what fits how I learn - tesu-acct-student - 01-16-2020
Something else to consider: the networking opportunities that a graduate program can provide. The online graduate business programs at my school have many excellent networking opportunities. The networking opportunities may end up being more valuable than the education you get. Be sure to factor them into your decision. For me, I wouldn't attend a graduate program that lacked such opportunities.
RE: Don't need cheap, don't need fast - I need what fits how I learn - davewill - 01-16-2020
(01-16-2020, 10:17 AM)suzycupcake Wrote: ... What I am concerned about now though is people stating that competency based programs are for people who have experience in the field and can get through courses fast. If I get through them at my own pace, would a competency program still be ok or are they only for people who are familiar with everything? Thank you in advance!
Normally, the problem with a competency program is that taking longer costs more because you pay by the term. With your tuition assistance, that might be a moot point. Just make sure that a competency program fits the company's rules for TA, and that you are able to meet any policies they might have about the number of credits or grades. Also keep in mind that most companies require you to stay for a minimum amount of time after receiving the assistance or you have to pay some or all of it back. It would be a bummer to have $20,000 of aid keep you from taking the job of your dreams.
RE: Don't need cheap, don't need fast - I need what fits how I learn - HogwartsSchool - 01-16-2020
(01-16-2020, 01:45 PM)bjcheung77 Wrote:suzycupcake Wrote:What I am concerned about now though is people stating that competency based programs are for people who have experience in the field and can get through courses fast. If I get through them at my own pace, would a competency program still be ok or are they only for people who are familiar with everything? Thank you in advance!
There's no need to be concerned over this as you will gain the necessary knowledge once you start taking the courses at your pace, since you have a bit more time on your hands at random, it should be a very good fit. You can take Capella or Walden Masters and be done with the degree in a few terms, you shouldn't need to worry about knowing everything as you will gain that while working through the course load.
Basically yes, it'll be easier for those who have prior education/experience - just means it'll be easier/faster for those who have taken an undergrad in Psychology. If you've taken a few courses in psychology, you've got the basics already. If you're not in a rush, what you can do is an undergrad degree at TESU in Psychology, the only thing you'll be taking are 24 extra credits. Now get this, you can ask for a MALS, and use Graduate Credits towards the degree - so you can hit up a BA Psych and get the Grad Cert in I/O Psych.
@bjcheung77
Can you clarify your comment about obtaining a BA Psychology and getting a Grad Cert in I/O Psych?
RE: Don't need cheap, don't need fast - I need what fits how I learn - dfrecore - 01-17-2020
I would say that competency-based would actually be a better fit than something on a set schedule (where you will have deadlines, usually weekly). Since you're not bound by costs as most people are, this would probably work really well for you.