An UptonSinclair like dilemma

[Jackinrke]

I have received my TESC evolution for the BSBS in computer information systems.
It looks like for that degree they are only accepting 49 of my 66 credits from my AAS information systems technology.

Also, when using the academic evaluation tool on the TESC site two choices look really appealing in regards to my current credits. The first is the BSAST in information Technology and the second is the BA in Liberal Studies.

I know that the BA in liberal studies would give me the good amount of testing out of the remaining 55 classes plus the cornerstone class which would be taken from TESC.

However, the BSAST in information Technology looks like some classes could be tested out but a good amount area of study may not have testing out options. So the 27 credit of the area of study has me wondering where I would be able to pick up those classes.

Currently, I have an AAS in information systems technology which I earned as of Dec 17, 2013
(From my local Community college)

Also, I have an Associate in Arts Business Administration degree that I earned back in 1988 but the credits do not transfer.

I was able to become employed in my first entry level IT job in January because of the AAS.

Which degree do the members think would be the best option? I regret not going on and getting a bachelor degree when I was young. So a big part of this choice is for self-satisfaction in earning a Bachelor’s degree. However, I go the liberal studies route would it even help for job related searches?

[Tedium]

Haha, UptonSinclair is now part of the DL nomenclature. Awesome. lol

As rebel100 has been so good about preaching, with the Liberal Studies option it's all about your transcripts. You will have to use that to show your area of study since the major itself is so broad. If your potential employer is open to looking that close then I don't see a problem with the Liberal Studies degree. It's all in how you spin it and if you choose courses that are applicable to the potential job.

Now I'm not sure if that is the degree you need to pursue, I'm just showing you how you can use the Liberal Studies degree to your advantage. I would definitely not go into a degree program that made me lose that many credits though, but that's just my personal opinion. Maybe someone more knowledgeable would like to chime in with their two cents. Good luck.

[sanantone]

Have you thought about applying to COSC and Excelsior to see if they'll accept more of your credits toward the type of degree you want? The BSAST in Information Technology is less test friendly than the BSBA in CIS. You might also want to look at TESC's BA in Computer Science and BA in Natural Science and Mathematics.

[UptonSinclair]

I agree with Sanantone about the BSBA CIS. There are plenty of alternative credit options. Many of the business credits are available through Straighterline which can be knocked out pretty quick. The liberal studies degree is very tempting, but it will be up to you to sell it when advancing in your career. Good luck with your decision.

[Prloko]

I have received my TESC evolution for the BSBS in computer information systems.
It looks like for that degree they are only accepting 49 of my 66 credits from my AAS information systems technology.

Also, when using the academic evaluation tool on the TESC site two choices look really appealing in regards to my current credits. The first is the BSAST in information Technology and the second is the BA in Liberal Studies.

I know that the BA in liberal studies would give me the good amount of testing out of the remaining 55 classes plus the cornerstone class which would be taken from TESC.

However, the BSAST in information Technology looks like some classes could be tested out but a good amount area of study may not have testing out options. So the 27 credit of the area of study has me wondering where I would be able to pick up those classes.

Currently, I have an AAS in information systems technology which I earned as of Dec 17, 2013
(From my local Community college)

Also, I have an Associate in Arts Business Administration degree that I earned back in 1988 but the credits do not transfer.

I was able to become employed in my first entry level IT job in January because of the AAS.

Which degree do the members think would be the best option? I regret not going on and getting a bachelor degree when I was young. So a big part of this choice is for self-satisfaction in earning a Bachelor’s degree. However, I go the liberal studies route would it even help for job related searches?

I think the BSBA in CIS will do more for you career wise. Add a PMP to it and you can work your way into IT project management. I think many people who try to shorten their degree timeline end up taking almost as much time had they just done the (place your degree here). I myself wasted about 3 years trying to squeeze a round peg into a square hole. I was trying to find a distance degree, that was ranked, that would accept all my non traditional credits, was under my tuition assistance cap and "shorten" my time. By the time I finally just went ahead with TESC, I wasted 3 years and could have already had a Master's degree. Just do the CIS, and knock out credits, theoretical time savings is unimportant compared to knocking out degree requirements.

[bricabrac]

:iagree: Just another vote for the BSBA!

Excellent advice given by others. I was initially enrolled in the BSBA program then switched to BA Soc Sci because, I felt it would be simpler and I enjoyed the subjects. What did I do next? Once completed, I immediately signed on for the BSBA anyway.

In your field the BSBA CIS and BA Computer Science would most likely be preferred. See this post from Sanantone for upper level computer exams. The BSBA capstone can be completed by TESC TECEP exam (it is not an easy exam, but with appropriate study, doable) or the Penn Foster course (most complete in 3wks).

If you must, the BA Natural Science/Mathematics would be a much better option than liberal arts. You are able to mix in other subjects to fill the area of study quickly (TESC ENS314 6cr UL course, DSST ENS201, Aleks Intro to Statistics/transfers as STA201). Area of study requires the 33 credits: 18-300/400 level, 9-200 level, 6-100 level.

Good luck!

[Jackinrke]

Thanks for the reply s everyone.

After deliberating I have made a discussion on my path.
As you all have pointed out,the liberal arts degree wouldn't necessary help with my future employment.

I am going to go the BSBA route; however I am dropping the CIS and going BSBA general.

My reasoning:
BSBA General will still help in seeking employment.
The BSBA General is more test friendly and the paths and tools Sanatone and UptonSinclair have provided are priceless.
"If" I want to continue the IT education; I can earn industry certifications, which most company's look for in candidates.
"If" I decide to go the Masters route I would still have options in either business or IT.
Last but not least, after deciding this direction I am excited to get started again.