MagicStangs Plan (need recommendations) for success

[MagicStang]

So after reading this website for a few days, I've officially decided to pursue my BSBA in Real Estate from TESC.

My background, I am 24, working as an Operations Manager for a Fortune 500 Facilities Engineering Company. Took 1 semester of courses at a RA B&M school, and due to family issues, left to enter the working force. I am looking to get a degree to continue advancing in my career, but also want to focus on truly improving my knowledge. I work 60 hour weeks, so finding time can be difficult, but as of today, I started utilizing my drive time (45 mins - 1 hr each way). I am doing so by using MIT's pre-recorded lectures (currently intro to psych) thanks to finding that resource on this website!! I signed up for InstantCert and started studying =)

I would be EXTREMELY greatful as to any advice you guys can give me. I applied to TESC and got in (will need to speak to an advisor in regards to my current credits). My end goal will be to get a MBA from a well-known university (for name recognition in interview process), as well as improving my overall knowledge in a wide array of subjects.

Current Credits:
College Composition 1 - (3)
Advanced College Chemisty - (4)
Introduction to Computer Programming - (3)
Microeconomics - (3)
US History 1 - (3)
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BOMI Courses (Ace Credit Reviewed):
Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Building Systems Part 1 - (2)
Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Building Systems Part 2 - (2)
Environmental Health & Science - (2)
Technology in Facility Management - (2)
Budgeting and Accounting - (2)


I plan on taking the following to receive the RPA/FMA designations:
Asset Management - (2)
Law & Risk Management (2)\
Facilities Planning / Project Management - (2)
Real Estate Investment & Finance - (3)

I would love to get any other designations/certifications possible along the way to bolster my resume in addition to the degree. I read up about FEMA's courses/designation, and will probably pursue that as well! Do you know of any other certifications that give applicable college credits?

If you know of any great audio learning other than the MIT lectures or have any recommendations for me, I would truly appreciate it.

I plan on trying to be as much of a resource as I can in the areas that I do have experience =)

[Yenisei]

Unless a degree in real estate would have a real benefit for you that could not be obtained with a business degree, I'd opt for the BSBA in General Management because of speed and cost since your MBA is the credential you plan to be evaluated on (along with work experience, presumably), not an undergrad degree.

[MagicStang]

Yenisei, thank you so much for the quick reply. The only reason I was leaning towards the Real Estate degree is that I figured the BOMI credits had a better chance to being applied in a beneficial manner.

[rebel100]

It strikes me that a general Business degree would be far more beneficial. There are not enough real estate specific courses there to make that a specific focus (IMO). they will still give you credit for those in one way or another so it's not a loss. The BSBA is a well known path around here. I would stick with a known, it will make things easier on you.

[MagicStang]

Sounds great =) I agree, it does seem more universal.

I want to try to maximize the Tuition Reimbursement I get each year.

I get $2,500 towards college courses (unfortunately exam based don't count), and $1,000 towards certification courses (if i can prove they apply towards my career)

[sanantone]

Since you're concerned about getting into a well-known MBA program, make sure you have plenty of graded courses. I don't know how many graded credits they would look for. 30? 60? One school told me that I needed at least 60 graded credits for admission.

[MagicStang]

Since you're concerned about getting into a well-known MBA program, make sure you have plenty of graded courses. I don't know how many graded credits they would look for. 30? 60? One school told me that I needed at least 60 graded credits for admission.

DSST courses are considered "Graded" right?

[Storyteller]

At TESC no grades given for Clep, DSST, FEMA, ECE - just pass/fail.