Assistance Requested to Craft Solid Path: UMPI/Charter Oak State College

[allvia]

With UMPI the science and lab need to come from the same place, so you would need the Human Biology and Human Biology Lab from Sophia. You list reads as if you only have the Lab (1) credit. Since you're pretty much starting from scratch the BABA will likely offer a better ROI for you over the BLS if you're looking for a business focused degree. The BLS offers the most electives (using more of what you already have). However, without knowing what master program you're interested in it is hard to say one would be better than the other - there are plenty master programs (at various schools) that either would be equal. What type of master degree are you interested in? Do you have a school in mind for your master? For example WGU and HAU both offer affordable MBAs that either the BABA or BLS work for equally.

With no existing UL Charter Oak is likely out for you (most people) - their current rules and limits on who they accept credits from is very limiting.

Thank you for the reply and questions. I am still in queue with Charter Oak, however I'm getting a lot of emails the last couple days from UMPI and moving forward. I feel very much this is the place for me. When you say the BABA might be a good way for me, and that I'm starting from scratch - what do you mean starting from scratch? I only really want to talk 10 classes. With what I have, can I do the BABA and just do 10 classes? I don't want to go down a long path to complete a "recipe" for a degree like my local college require. In addition to the list of classes I have disclosed in my post, I've added Microbiology, Science 1 and Science 2 from Sophia too.

If I get a Masters, It will likely be from WGU or something similar where I can get my Teaching Certificate with Licensure in Elementary Education. I have both an interest in teaching k-3rd, or possibly business and marketing at the local High School (based on my extensive background in the workplace for 30 years). I'm in my late 40's and wanting to switch gears and give back my time in education.

What I meant by (near) starting from scratch is that you don't have any ULs that would lean you towards one degree path over another at UMPI. I recommended the BABA if you wanted a business degree, however you have since stated that your goal is not business but education. Since it is education, elementary education at that, I stick with my recommendation that you opt for the BLS from post #7. Plus the subjects available to you in liberal studies will suit your (elementary) education demographic far better than those in a business degree - leaving you with a better looking transcript as far as your courses go when applying for teaching jobs/certification.  K-3rd grade students don't really need someone who understands strategic management, but they could benefit from someone with a good understanding of the social sciences, history, children's literature, etc

[ARG]

With UMPI the science and lab need to come from the same place, so you would need the Human Biology and Human Biology Lab from Sophia. You list reads as if you only have the Lab (1) credit. Since you're pretty much starting from scratch the BABA will likely offer a better ROI for you over the BLS if you're looking for a business focused degree. The BLS offers the most electives (using more of what you already have). However, without knowing what master program you're interested in it is hard to say one would be better than the other - there are plenty master programs (at various schools) that either would be equal. What type of master degree are you interested in? Do you have a school in mind for your master? For example WGU and HAU both offer affordable MBAs that either the BABA or BLS work for equally.

With no existing UL Charter Oak is likely out for you (most people) - their current rules and limits on who they accept credits from is very limiting.

Thank you for the reply. I can take the comparable one at Sophia. I didn't because I was initially going to go to WGU and they accepted this. I had too many credits to let go by the wayside, and they were only accepting 44 of them into the Elementary Ed program, so I'm refocusing on what I have, how to move faster towards a BA and then I'll likely do the masters at WGU for elementary ed with licensure. When I called Charter Oak they didn't sound worried about lack of UL, but I may be finding this was just bad advice on their part here real soon.

 
@ARG - based on your goal of a Master in Education there is no reason to pursue a BABA (a business degree) over the BLS.  Stick with the BLS and maximize your current credits.  I'll add that I'm certain rachel83az was referencing the difficultly to get the ULs for Charter Oak (the statement had nothing do do with UMPI); as I mentioned they (Charter Oak, aka COSC) is not as UL transfer in friendly as they once were. The reason COSC wasn't concerned with your lack of UL is because they offer plenty of UL courses you can take with them (at a much slower, and more costly rate).

This is really helpful to here. Thank you for helping me simplify going the BLS route and going for my masters in teaching. I'll likely just to the management minor and educational studies minor. If I'm taking notes correctly, management minor has 2 UL classes, educational studies has 4. That leaves me with figuring out what to do with the remaining UL needed, or maybe if I'm lucky I can squeeze in another minor?!

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With UMPI the science and lab need to come from the same place, so you would need the Human Biology and Human Biology Lab from Sophia. You list reads as if you only have the Lab (1) credit. Since you're pretty much starting from scratch the BABA will likely offer a better ROI for you over the BLS if you're looking for a business focused degree. The BLS offers the most electives (using more of what you already have). However, without knowing what master program you're interested in it is hard to say one would be better than the other - there are plenty master programs (at various schools) that either would be equal. What type of master degree are you interested in? Do you have a school in mind for your master? For example WGU and HAU both offer affordable MBAs that either the BABA or BLS work for equally.

With no existing UL Charter Oak is likely out for you (most people) - their current rules and limits on who they accept credits from is very limiting.

Thank you for the reply. I can take the comparable one at Sophia. I didn't because I was initially going to go to WGU and they accepted this. I had too many credits to let go by the wayside, and they were only accepting 44 of them into the Elementary Ed program, so I'm refocusing on what I have, how to move faster towards a BA and then I'll likely do the masters at WGU for elementary ed with licensure. When I called Charter Oak they didn't sound worried about lack of UL, but I may be finding this was just bad advice on their part here real soon.

 
@ARG - based on your goal of a Master in Education there is no reason to pursue a BABA (a business degree) over the BLS.  Stick with the BLS and maximize your current credits.  I'll add that I'm certain rachel83az was referencing the difficultly to get the ULs for Charter Oak (the statement had nothing do do with UMPI); as I mentioned they (Charter Oak, aka COSC) is not as UL transfer in friendly as they once were. The reason COSC wasn't concerned with your lack of UL is because they offer plenty of UL courses you can take with them (at a much slower, and more costly rate).

This is really helpful to hear. Thank you for helping me simplify going the BLS route and going for my masters in teaching. I'll likely just to the management minor and educational studies minor. If I'm taking notes correctly, management minor has 2 UL classes, educational studies has 4. That leaves me with figuring out what to do with the remaining UL needed, or maybe if I'm lucky I can squeeze in another minor?!

[studyingfortests]

There is really zero reason to consider COSC for much of anything any more. They have literally ruined what was once a really great and inexpensive option to complete a degree, and for no apparent reason.

UMPI sounds like a great option for you.. For me, there were a few advantages to TESU (no foreign language requirement, an easy solution to the math requirement, easy/cheap UL options with Coopersmith), but if those issues aren't crucial, you are probably set with UMPI.

[bjcheung77]

TESU is a good option, I mentioned to apply to all three (including Excelsior) just in case you are looking for doing 7 credits instead of 30 through UMPI and if "life happens", you won't be paying sessions... It really depends on you and your study habits, commitments, and various factors.

[ARG]

Would anyone have advice re a PhD, following acquiring the MAOL from UMPI? I'm starting UMPI for the Bachelors of Liberal Studies. I'm wavering on proceeding with the MAOL afterwards. Then it got me thinking, what about a PhD. Where do people who love UMPI tend to go, for a similar type school, to maybe get their PhD in Organizational Leadership?

[bjcheung77]

Hmm... You don't have to ladder up to a PhD in Organizational Leadership, you can do a DBA, a PhD in something else, it all depends on your prerequisites and the degree of your choice... People change careers all the time and interests over time will change as well, some people have multiple interests and one degree may not fit all their interests, so they can get concentrations or extra grad certificates/diplomas in addition to the DBA or PhD. I would shoot for the MAOL from UMPI first, you can always go for the South College DBA as an example.

[ARG]

Since making my initial post, I've decided to sign up with UMPI. I've completed the forms they sent, and I have received an intro email from Jessica. Just awaiting my evaluation. I'm so excited to get started (eating my words later I'm sure) that I spend hours on Degree Forum, Reddit and Discord just to see what's been posted most recently, to research all that I can about peoples experiences, their plans, advice, minors, major changes, etc. These forums are truly life while everything feels as though it's going at a snails pace. I'm happy for UMPI seeing so much interest, so I'm trying to be patient and wait my turn... as long as I make it in and can start my classes this coming fall term 10/23 as planned. Gah, I'm just so ready!! 

Thanks again, to everyone, for contributing to these forums for people like me who have gained so much from your experiences.

Currently planning for BLS with a minor in Management, and possibly Political Science. It seems like this is the smoothest path based on my competency, supported by my existing coursework, and advice in these forums. I'm wanting to navigate a smooth path with the least hiccups possible. It's already going to be work, so eliminating minors or degree paths known for heavy course loads and longer grading times, added to that there's this new Brightspace program launch AND bandwidth concerns due to the influx of students coming into UMPI. I'm trying to be realistic in all the areas so I can enjoy the experience and move through my program.

I've deeply considered Educational Studies as a minor, and BABA, however I've read too often that the classwork is much longer, and of educational studies, it doesn't include licensure. So if I decide to pursue a Masters after, there's the MAOL, or when I sub after receiving my Bachelors and decide I truly want a classroom of my own and to teach, I can just do the Masters in Teaching, Elementary Education through WGU where I'll get the credit for basically the same type  of classes, at that time, along with licensure.

I'm breathing better knowing I have a direction. I've closed the chapter on the other colleges I've applied to and feel I'm best fit for UMPI. I've even ordered sweatshirts!

[ARG]

Hmm... You don't have to ladder up to a PhD in Organizational Leadership, you can do a DBA, a PhD in something else, it all depends on your prerequisites and the degree of your choice... People change careers all the time and interests over time will change as well, some people have multiple interests and one degree may not fit all their interests, so they can get concentrations or extra grad certificates/diplomas in addition to the DBA or PhD.  I would shoot for the MAOL from UMPI first, you can always go for the South College DBA as an example.

It's seems like such a far reach. But I like to dream. Thank you for the recommendation, I'm watching some videos about South College by CBE Life By Justin at this moment. I'm excited to get started with UMPI and finish out my Bachelors. And like you said, maybe finish out the MAOL, or maybe the WGU teaching degree. Thanks again!

[Duneranger]

Would anyone have advice re a PhD, following acquiring the MAOL from UMPI? I'm starting UMPI for the Bachelors of Liberal Studies. I'm wavering on proceeding with the MAOL afterwards. Then it got me thinking, what about a PhD. Where do people who love UMPI tend to go, for a similar type school, to maybe get their PhD in Organizational Leadership?

People on the accelerated online degree paths often have a disconnect between the work required with a PhD vs a masters. Many think it’s just “the next step”.

A true PhD program is funded and takes 5-7 years. When I say true, I mean one that is taken seriously. There is no reason for most people to get a PhD as it adds little utility to one’s career unless you are going into research or academia. Academia cutthroat and even top PhD program grads often don’t find tenure.

Two general rules for PhDs and if they are worth it.

1. You should not be paying for a PhD.
2. You should not be in an online PhD program with next to 0 barriers for entry (99% of the time).

Many online “doctoral programs” which include various doctoral letters and acronyms will take your money but they are simply not worth the investment. These acronym soup doctorates are popping up more because I think most realize it’s hard to match the rigor of a PhD so they just create their own. Ed.D, DHA, DBA, DNP, DSW, DPT etc are some examples. Not in the same league as a PhD.

For example, my good friend is at a top 5 MBA program. Their faculty are also all from top MBA programs or hold PhDs  from other schools in high regard. No DBAs to be found. Wonder why. It’s more of an applied/practitioner degree which acts as a capstone for extensive experience. Question is, if you are at that point in your career, what would a DBA really add?

[ARG]

Would anyone have advice re a PhD, following acquiring the MAOL from UMPI? I'm starting UMPI for the Bachelors of Liberal Studies. I'm wavering on proceeding with the MAOL afterwards. Then it got me thinking, what about a PhD. Where do people who love UMPI tend to go, for a similar type school, to maybe get their PhD in Organizational Leadership?

People on the accelerated online degree paths often have a disconnect between the work required with a PhD vs a masters. Many think it’s just “the next step”.

A true PhD program is funded and takes 5-7 years. When I say true, I mean one that is taken seriously. There is no reason for most people to get a PhD as it adds little utility to one’s career unless you are going into research or academia. Academia cutthroat and even top PhD program grads often don’t find tenure.

Two general rules for PhDs and if they are worth it.

1. You should not be paying for a PhD.
2. You should not be in an online PhD program with next to 0 barriers for entry (99% of the time).

Many online “doctoral programs” which include various doctoral letters and acronyms will take your money but they are simply not worth the investment. These acronym soup doctorates are popping up more because I think most realize it’s hard to match the rigor of a PhD so they just create their own. Ed.D, DHA, DBA, DNP, DSW, DPT etc are some examples. Not in the same league as a PhD.

For example, my good friend is at a top 5 MBA program. Their faculty are also all from top MBA programs or hold PhDs  from other schools in high regard. No DBAs to be found. Wonder why. It’s more of an applied/practitioner degree which acts as a capstone for extensive experience. Question is, if you are at that point in your career, what would a DBA really add?

You're correct in that it was more of a formality, like next step. After researching it last night and reading this today, it's absolutely not on my radar. I'm just not in a place in life where this is remotely necessary for me. I enjoy school right now and at the most my goal should remain to get my Masters. If I feel ambitious, there's always more I can do with Bachelors or Masters. For now I just need to get through my first UMPI experience and savor getting my Bachelors. We'll see what I'm cut out for after that. Hopefully it leaves me just as excited as I am now, and I'll proceed with my Masters. Thanks for the candid reply!

---

Would anyone have advice re a PhD, following acquiring the MAOL from UMPI? I'm starting UMPI for the Bachelors of Liberal Studies. I'm wavering on proceeding with the MAOL afterwards. Then it got me thinking, what about a PhD. Where do people who love UMPI tend to go, for a similar type school, to maybe get their PhD in Organizational Leadership?

People on the accelerated online degree paths often have a disconnect between the work required with a PhD vs a masters. Many think it’s just “the next step”.

A true PhD program is funded and takes 5-7 years. When I say true, I mean one that is taken seriously. There is no reason for most people to get a PhD as it adds little utility to one’s career unless you are going into research or academia. Academia cutthroat and even top PhD program grads often don’t find tenure.

Two general rules for PhDs and if they are worth it.

1. You should not be paying for a PhD.
2. You should not be in an online PhD program with next to 0 barriers for entry (99% of the time).

Many online “doctoral programs” which include various doctoral letters and acronyms will take your money but they are simply not worth the investment. These acronym soup doctorates are popping up more because I think most realize it’s hard to match the rigor of a PhD so they just create their own. Ed.D, DHA, DBA, DNP, DSW, DPT etc are some examples. Not in the same league as a PhD.

For example, my good friend is at a top 5 MBA program. Their faculty are also all from top MBA programs or hold PhDs  from other schools in high regard. No DBAs to be found. Wonder why. It’s more of an applied/practitioner degree which acts as a capstone for extensive experience. Question is, if you are at that point in your career, what would a DBA really add?

You're correct in that my inquiry was more of a formality, like next step after a Masters. After researching a PhD last night and reading this comment today, it's absolutely not on my radar. I'm just not in a place in life where this is remotely necessary for me. I enjoy school right now and I'm going because I'm home a lot since a being in a car accident. We own our own business and that's not changing. School is simply something I'm doing "just for me" to complete something I started 30 years ago. The only thing getting a Bachelors degree will help with in my life, at my age and at this stage, is to be proud of myself, set an example for my young adult children, and qualify as an applicant to give back to my public schools by adding my time to the substitute teaching list to help with shortages, because I've always wanted to teach. If I dabble and want to have a classroom, then I need to get into a masters program to get my licensure. But one step at a time, let's see what I think. My husband and the team we trained can run our business with just marketing/ops advice from me occasionally at this point. At the very most my goal will be a Masters. And if I feel ambitious and just enjoy going to school for now, there's always more I can do in the BA/Masters arenas. For now I just need to get through my first UMPI experience lol and savor getting my Bachelors. We'll see what I'm cut out for after that. Hopefully it leaves me just as excited as I am now, and I'll proceed. Thanks for the candid reply!