Adult Learner - looking for a solid route for a degree

[dfrecore]

I would recommend that you look at TESU's BSBA in HR, and consider just getting your entire degree that way. Trying to transfer to a local program may be difficult using the credits from the Big 3.

[TrailRunr]

I think you should get your BA from one of the big-3. Don't let the following dissuade you. It's more of a full disclosure thing.

The credits mentioned frequently here are not very portable. My local community college will not even take CLEP. I know some local schools that take CLEP, but I know quite a few that won't take CLEP and even put restrictions on AP/IB credits too. I don't know of any nearby public schools that take DSST. The rest of the ACE credits.... just forget about it. Community college counselors will have a puzzled deer in the headlight look if you mention SL. So if you go down this route, you need to complete your degree at the big-3 or at the few other colleges that are generous with ACE credits. Otherwise, you might find yourself having to start all over again if none of the nontraditional credits count. I think it's a good idea to look at transfer policies at other local programs, so you can figure out how much the non-portability of credits may affect you.

You can mitigate this risk by taking actual courses from regionally accredited (RA) colleges.

You can somewhat mitigate this risk by favoring CLEP credits over other forms of nontraditional credits like DSST and SL when you have a choice. But keep in mind there are plenty of places that don't take CLEP.

The non-portability of credits may affect you in other ways. So let's say you decide to work on a degree from the big-3 and need to take a math class locally. You might find that the community colleges are hostile to the nontraditional credits when clearing you of prerequisites. They may make you take a placement test while the other kids simply need to show their transcripts full of traditional math credits. Or they might just say "no".

[Prloko]

If you let us know the name of the school you are looking to complete your program from, we can be of more assistance.

[bjcheung77]

Thank you for all the insight and advice. I looked of the beginners entry and I did not see an organized conversation - I will go back and read it again.

My objective it simple, I think, to just get a bachelors degree. The challenge I see is that all the adult completion programs that are local to me are for learners that have 60 credits or more. The one school (local) that offers a under 60 credit option wants a $1,000 dollars per class. I have six credit hours. So, I really just want to obtain the 60 lower level credits I need to join the completion program locally. I am open to suggestions for online/distant learning for sure. My struggle is I just need to figure out (I bet from the big three) where I can clep out from alot of the classes and transfer and associates degree (from the big three) to a local school?

Does that sound like a plan?

The degree is Organizational Leadership - I work in employment and recruiting.

Video and visual learning is my strength - does study.com for like this?


Edit - I just noticed that the forum reads list most current first - Sad. I am a pro scanner I guess. The Beginners Guide has loads of links. Thank you.

You might want to go for BSBA HR/Organizational Management instead as it's an easier option for testing or transfer credits...
Further to this, the courses are harder to find for BSOL and more expensive overall... you can decide after the Gen Ed are done.
BSBA BSBA in Human Resources Management/Organizational Management Program vs BSOL Thomas Edison State University: Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership

[Simran]

Thank you for all the insight and advice. I looked of the beginners entry and I did not see an organized conversation - I will go back and read it again.

My objective it simple, I think, to just get a bachelors degree. The challenge I see is that all the adult completion programs that are local to me are for learners that have 60 credits or more. The one school (local) that offers a under 60 credit option wants a $1,000 dollars per class. I have six credit hours. So, I really just want to obtain the 60 lower level credits I need to join the completion program locally. I am open to suggestions for online/distant learning for sure. My struggle is I just need to figure out (I bet from the big three) where I can clep out from alot of the classes and transfer and associates degree (from the big three) to a local school?

Does that sound like a plan?

The degree is Organizational Leadership - I work in employment and recruiting.

Video and visual learning is my strength - does study.com for like this?


Edit - I just noticed that the forum reads list most current first - Sad. I am a pro scanner I guess. The Beginners Guide has loads of links. Thank you.

Read the stickies ...They are of tremendous help. Just out of experience - What I started a month back - I had literally NO idea about what it takes to get there .I never even knew how to read messages or forum rules . I spent a solid 4 hours going through various options and googling them and clicking through links.
Also -the folks on the forum - you cannot find a better audience anywhere that wants you to succeed as much as they do . Just simply awesome .
You will have to do some homework though ....

[whisb]

I have spent some time reading up on this forum, the Wiki, and reading over similar questions I found here in degreeforum.net. I am open to the big-3, in fact love the idea. The only thing I don't quite grasp is how to get started - between the study guides posted to FEMA credits. what should be my first step?

I have English I and US History as credits to transfer in when ready.

[bjcheung77]

I have spent some time reading up on this forum, the Wiki, and reading over similar questions I found here in degreeforum.net. I am open to the big-3, in fact love the idea. The only thing I don't quite grasp is how to get started - between the study guides posted to FEMA credits. what should be my first step?

I have English I and US History as credits to transfer in when ready.

You need to decide which program you want, if you're undecided, that's where the guide shines... you can start taking the free credits and the ALEKS courses for math/stats.
I've been advocating those as it's the cheapest and easiest to get your feet wet and to get the ball rolling. Especially with only 6 credits, you can start ANYWHERE. You may want to get yourself a spreadsheet going with the requirements of that degree and then cherry pick them one by one and cross it off your completed list.

So, let's give it an example. You have a million dollars, $200K each in the following 5 denominations; $100, $50, $20, $10, $5. How are you going to sort your money and who are you going to park it with? There are so many different banks to choose from, so many different ways to skillfully invest this cash. But where do you start? You need to decide which one of the denominations you start with first and then which bank to deposit it with. Some start with the $100 first, but I chose to start with the $5.

Essentially, it's all personal preference on where to start, from easiest courses to hardest courses... from courses that interest you the most to the least... or you can take courses from each institution at a time and cross that institution off once those courses are done. Just don't focus on "when or how to start", as I mentioned, just do it...

Grab the courses by the "brand" or institution or by the cost/fee, and go crazy fast with them.. complete them as fast as you can. I did 30+ credits a month, 60+ in two months and took a 5 week vacation, did side "PDU/CEU certificates" as they interest me. I'm still on track to completing my degree by years end. Visualize the degree, cross out each course you complete.

[whisb]

So I liked your recommendation of BSBA HR/Organizational Management - And I am sure I could adjust this in time if I decide to adjust to a different degree. Where is the best place to find the Gen Eds required? I looked on the page that list Gen Eds, and the four categories, but am not sure if that is just a list of classes that they offer. Do I look for a A.A of Arts and start chipping away?

[dfrecore]

Start with the Degree Plan at TESU first, then fill in the Gen Eds and choose your Area of Study courses (3 required courses and then an additional 3 electives): BSBA in Human Resources Management/Organizational Management Program

Org Behavior and HRM are both easy to find in several places.

Org Theory/Development is available through CSU-Global

Labor Relations, Dispute Resolution, Employee Training, Leadership, Compensation Management, Employee Benefits, and Public Relations are all available through one provider or another. You just need to choose 3 of them. There are other options as well that aren't listed here. I have Project Management and Motivational Theory in mine.

[whisb]

I will start tonight! Thank you!

Last question for now - Do they offer credit for life experiences? (Insurance Licence and formal (documented) job training, LMS style)