Am I insane for wanting to try a competency based program?

[Schlafen]

I am really glad I found this idea / this community as this was exactly what I was looking for. 

About me : I am a student from Germany who is totally unhappy with his university and his degree choice. I dont think the traditional German university system is the right fit for me. Here in Germany a competency based degree is pretty much unheard of (Although the associated universities that offer this are recognized through research on the anabin database) I would still have a lot of time left in my traditional degree 2.5 years or so.

So my idea was that I would do a BLS degree at UMPI with a minor in management information systems (My current program is adjacent to that) and fill electives with courses that I think are useful. And also find some type of entry level job on the side.

I genuinely cannot tell if my plan is delusional as there is nobody I could ask about this. It does not help that my family is quite old fashioned when it comes to this and not very open to new ideas. They have no idea about educational systems (Which is understandable) but then they would obviously judge my choice with no expertise. My current university program does offer the option to take a leave of absence so that I could execute this plan.


People have done much more crazy things in life so compared to many stories this is quite modest but to me this feels like a radical choice. 

Some further information about me : 
I am pretty familiar with java,Know the basics of python
German Abitur (College prep diploma) that had a year 13

[IReallyNeedADegree]

I am really glad I found this idea / this community as this was exactly what I was looking for. 

About me : I am a student from Germany who is totally unhappy with his university and his degree choice. I dont think the traditional German university system is the right fit for me. Here in Germany a competency based degree is pretty much unheard of (Although the associated universities that offer this are recognized through research on the anabin database) I would still have a lot of time left in my traditional degree 2.5 years or so.

So my idea was that I would do a BLS degree at UMPI with a minor in management information systems (My current program is adjacent to that) and fill electives with courses that I think are useful. And also find some type of entry level job on the side.

I genuinely cannot tell if my plan is delusional as there is nobody I could ask about this. It does not help that my family is quite old fashioned when it comes to this and not very open to new ideas. They have no idea about educational systems (Which is understandable) but then they would obviously judge my choice with no expertise. My current university program does offer the option to take a leave of absence so that I could execute this plan.


People have done much more crazy things in life so compared to many stories this is quite modest but to me this feels like a radical choice. 

Some further information about me : 
I am pretty familiar with java,Know the basics of python
German Abitur (College prep diploma) that had a year 13

you are not delusional go for it king/queen I am german aswell altough i dropped out and got my ged

[Schlafen]

I am really glad I found this idea / this community as this was exactly what I was looking for. 

About me : I am a student from Germany who is totally unhappy with his university and his degree choice. I dont think the traditional German university system is the right fit for me. Here in Germany a competency based degree is pretty much unheard of (Although the associated universities that offer this are recognized through research on the anabin database) I would still have a lot of time left in my traditional degree 2.5 years or so.

So my idea was that I would do a BLS degree at UMPI with a minor in management information systems (My current program is adjacent to that) and fill electives with courses that I think are useful. And also find some type of entry level job on the side.

I genuinely cannot tell if my plan is delusional as there is nobody I could ask about this. It does not help that my family is quite old fashioned when it comes to this and not very open to new ideas. They have no idea about educational systems (Which is understandable) but then they would obviously judge my choice with no expertise. My current university program does offer the option to take a leave of absence so that I could execute this plan.


People have done much more crazy things in life so compared to many stories this is quite modest but to me this feels like a radical choice. 

Some further information about me : 
I am pretty familiar with java,Know the basics of python
German Abitur (College prep diploma) that had a year 13

you are not delusional go for it king/queen I am german aswell altough i dropped out and got my ged

Thank you. As you may know the educational system is much more rigid here and even transferring between universities is an absolute nightmare. 2 universities in the same city might only recognize a fraction of the credits. I just couldnt ascertain whether its a viable plan because I think we are one of the few people in Germany that are even aware of these options. So there is nobody to ask. 

Germany also has a distance learning university (FU Hagen) but that university is super inflexible compared to the online programs from other universities.

Did you do your GED in Germany? I completed the Abitur and looking back it was fine, but that always depends on your relationship with your classmates and teachers.

[lumina]

I am really glad I found this idea / this community as this was exactly what I was looking for. 

About me : I am a student from Germany who is totally unhappy with his university and his degree choice. I dont think the traditional German university system is the right fit for me. Here in Germany a competency based degree is pretty much unheard of (Although the associated universities that offer this are recognized through research on the anabin database) I would still have a lot of time left in my traditional degree 2.5 years or so.

So my idea was that I would do a BLS degree at UMPI with a minor in management information systems (My current program is adjacent to that) and fill electives with courses that I think are useful. And also find some type of entry level job on the side.

I genuinely cannot tell if my plan is delusional as there is nobody I could ask about this. It does not help that my family is quite old fashioned when it comes to this and not very open to new ideas. They have no idea about educational systems (Which is understandable) but then they would obviously judge my choice with no expertise. My current university program does offer the option to take a leave of absence so that I could execute this plan.


People have done much more crazy things in life so compared to many stories this is quite modest but to me this feels like a radical choice. 

Some further information about me : 
I am pretty familiar with java,Know the basics of python
German Abitur (College prep diploma) that had a year 13

Then my sons and I are also three insane Germans wanting the same thing as you

I think it's great that you have the courage to take this step. Keep it up!

[ss20ts]

One way to see if a competency program would work for you is to take some classes like on Sophia and see how long they take you. Can you set up a schedule and stick to it? This was how I tested myself before I applied to UMPI. I personally, LOVE competency programs because I can move at my own pace and have a life. I can create my own schedule and finish a class in a few weeks or less instead of 10+ weeks which drags on and on.

[rachel83az]

Your name (Schlafen - sleep) doesn't bode well for a competency base degree.   That said, I agree with ss20ts, start with Sophia and Study.com. See how many classes you can complete quickly, while sticking to a schedule. For UMPI, you also need to be comfortable with academic writing in English. Not everyone can do this, not even native speakers. There are other potential options if you can't do UMPI, but Anabin may or may not "like" them as much.

[sarahmac]

I am really glad I found this idea / this community as this was exactly what I was looking for. 

About me : I am a student from Germany who is totally unhappy with his university and his degree choice. I dont think the traditional German university system is the right fit for me. Here in Germany a competency based degree is pretty much unheard of (Although the associated universities that offer this are recognized through research on the anabin database) I would still have a lot of time left in my traditional degree 2.5 years or so.

So my idea was that I would do a BLS degree at UMPI with a minor in management information systems (My current program is adjacent to that) and fill electives with courses that I think are useful. And also find some type of entry level job on the side.

I genuinely cannot tell if my plan is delusional as there is nobody I could ask about this. It does not help that my family is quite old fashioned when it comes to this and not very open to new ideas. They have no idea about educational systems (Which is understandable) but then they would obviously judge my choice with no expertise. My current university program does offer the option to take a leave of absence so that I could execute this plan.


People have done much more crazy things in life so compared to many stories this is quite modest but to me this feels like a radical choice. 

Some further information about me : 
I am pretty familiar with java,Know the basics of python
German Abitur (College prep diploma) that had a year 13

I work in Higher Education here in Germany, and I certainly don't think you are crazy. In fact, I have met a number of students in the past who I think could have benefited from this route.

The only thing I would caution you to consider is the value of the BLS in Germany vs. the BABA. Minors are well understood here, so that is fine, but the concept of a degree in Liberal Studies is not. You may find some pushback from employers, and also from German universities if you plan to complete an MA later because of the rule about consecutive masters degrees.

For example, to do an MA in Business or Management Systems, many universities require you to have a certain number of ECTS in e.g. business, information systems, quantitative analysis etc. (see e.g. Münster here). The BLS allows for a much broader curriculum, but on the other hand, you could risk not fulfilling the requirements of German employers with grad schemes and universities.

If your goal is to only do a bachelor that is fine! But I would start at the endpoint you want to be at and work your way backward to determine the best option at UMPI. The decision to attend UMPI itself is of course a fine one.

Consider having your Abi and current credits evaluated for international equivalency. That should exempt you from a good few credits at the lower level at least.

[Schlafen]

Your name (Schlafen - sleep) doesn't bode well for a competency base degree.   That said, I agree with ss20ts, start with Sophia and Study.com. See how many classes you can complete quickly, while sticking to a schedule. For UMPI, you also need to be comfortable with academic writing in English. Not everyone can do this, not even native speakers. There are other potential options if you can't do UMPI, but Anabin may or may not "like" them as much.

Do not worry it is just a reference to a profile I saw on a game sometime ago. I really like the sound of it as a username

I tried some self studying before at my own pace and totally loved it. Academic writing in English shouldnt be an issue for me. I wrote a paper before for a class I took here in Germany and all of the studies I read were in English. I also own an English philosophy book that touches some complex topics (A New History of Western Philosophy by Anthony Kenny) Academic writing in English  can be a little easier when it comes to finding better study material and sources I think

---

I am really glad I found this idea / this community as this was exactly what I was looking for. 

About me : I am a student from Germany who is totally unhappy with his university and his degree choice. I dont think the traditional German university system is the right fit for me. Here in Germany a competency based degree is pretty much unheard of (Although the associated universities that offer this are recognized through research on the anabin database) I would still have a lot of time left in my traditional degree 2.5 years or so.

So my idea was that I would do a BLS degree at UMPI with a minor in management information systems (My current program is adjacent to that) and fill electives with courses that I think are useful. And also find some type of entry level job on the side.

I genuinely cannot tell if my plan is delusional as there is nobody I could ask about this. It does not help that my family is quite old fashioned when it comes to this and not very open to new ideas. They have no idea about educational systems (Which is understandable) but then they would obviously judge my choice with no expertise. My current university program does offer the option to take a leave of absence so that I could execute this plan.


People have done much more crazy things in life so compared to many stories this is quite modest but to me this feels like a radical choice. 

Some further information about me : 
I am pretty familiar with java,Know the basics of python
German Abitur (College prep diploma) that had a year 13

I work in Higher Education here in Germany, and I certainly don't think you are crazy. In fact, I have met a number of students in the past who I think could have benefited from this route.

The only thing I would caution you to consider is the value of the BLS in Germany vs. the BABA. Minors are well understood here, so that is fine, but the concept of a degree in Liberal Studies is not. You may find some pushback from employers, and also from German universities if you plan to complete an MA later because of the rule about consecutive masters degrees.

For example, to do an MA in Business or Management Systems, many universities require you to have a certain number of ECTS in e.g. business, information systems, quantitative analysis etc. (see e.g. Münster here). The BLS allows for a much broader curriculum, but on the other hand, you could risk not fulfilling the requirements of German employers with grad schemes and universities.

If your goal is to only do a bachelor that is fine! But I would start at the endpoint you want to be at and work your way backward to determine the best option at UMPI. The decision to attend UMPI itself is of course a fine one.

Consider having your Abi and current credits evaluated for international equivalency. That should exempt you from a good few credits at the lower level at least.

Thanks for this really elaborate and detailed reply. 

I will definitely get my Abitur evaluated as I could potentially get at least some courses transferred as you said. 

Mostly I would just like to have a flexible bachelors degree, but of course it should also have some utility in the job market. As for the value of a BLS. Would this be an issue if I really focused my electives on one particular subject to quote on quote "Build" my major. (Information technology courses, courses on economics) I also would not mind to do a masters online or in another EU country following a BLS degree. But I should definitely consider one of the business degrees at UMPI at the very least and compare it to the BLS. 

Based on the impression I got UMPI seems like the most solid option out of many of the competency based programs (Flat rate tuition,public US uni that is recognized by Anabin) WGU would have been a great fit but unfortunately it is only for people who reside in the US and some Canadians. TESU does not have a definitive status in the Anabin database.


Everyone thanks for these great replies so far. I am sometimes a bit apprehensive to post on Forums as people can be very rude on some of them.

[cardiacclep]

I am really glad I found this idea / this community as this was exactly what I was looking for. 

About me : I am a student from Germany who is totally unhappy with his university and his degree choice. I dont think the traditional German university system is the right fit for me. Here in Germany a competency based degree is pretty much unheard of (Although the associated universities that offer this are recognized through research on the anabin database) I would still have a lot of time left in my traditional degree 2.5 years or so.

So my idea was that I would do a BLS degree at UMPI with a minor in management information systems (My current program is adjacent to that) and fill electives with courses that I think are useful. And also find some type of entry level job on the side.

I genuinely cannot tell if my plan is delusional as there is nobody I could ask about this. It does not help that my family is quite old fashioned when it comes to this and not very open to new ideas. They have no idea about educational systems (Which is understandable) but then they would obviously judge my choice with no expertise. My current university program does offer the option to take a leave of absence so that I could execute this plan.


People have done much more crazy things in life so compared to many stories this is quite modest but to me this feels like a radical choice. 

Some further information about me : 
I am pretty familiar with java,Know the basics of python
German Abitur (College prep diploma) that had a year 13

 You are not delusional.....sitting in a class learning at a slower pace than need be is delusional. I would imagine higher ed will shift to that as the current generation and younger will not rightfully tolerate slow pace anything. 

Check out UW Milwaukee's flex : https://flex.wisconsin.edu/
Good luck to you.

[ashkir]

One way to see if a competency program would work for you is to take some classes like on Sophia and see how long they take you. Can you set up a schedule and stick to it? This was how I tested myself before I applied to UMPI. I personally, LOVE competency programs because I can move at my own pace and have a life. I can create my own schedule and finish a class in a few weeks or less instead of 10+ weeks which drags on and on.

So agreed. I learned about UMPI from ss20ts. It was the best decision of my life. I tried traditional college and it didn't work.

I have a freaken doctorate now!