EC - The BA/BS Difference

[lkm370]

Can someone explain in laymans terms how the in depth requirement of the BS in LIberal Arts degree works. Ive read about it in my excelsior guide book and on their website but I still don't fully get it. For example, can I do a in depth in history then take 4 history DSST/CLEP exams?

[NAP]

Can someone explain in laymans terms how the in depth requirement of the BS in LIberal Arts degree works. Ive read about it in my excelsior guide book and on their website but I still don't fully get it. For example, can I do a in depth in history then take 4 history DSST/CLEP exams?

Yes, a depth is 12 credits, including at least 3 upper-level credits, in a specific subject. It can be history or math, but it needs to be more specific than social science, like psychology, sociology, etc.

Here is a link to give you some extra ideas, but some of the info may be out-of-date:

http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...post124933

[SuZQ2]

I'm currently enrolled at Excelsior in the BS in Liberal Arts program, my question is, do they decide upon enrollment if you're studying to earn your BA or BS or is it your decision? I definitely don't recall them asking?

In my case, I originally enrolled in EC's BA in Liberal Arts program - however, once I was told UExcel's Literacy in Elementary Ed exam (an exam I planned on taking at some point) was considered a professional course and not approved for a BA, I switched over to the BS.

According to my advisor and the the Excelsior School of Liberal Arts Catalog (page 27), "The Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts...is the most flexible degree offered". You can have 59 Applied Professional credits with the BS - including one depth. The BA requires both depths in arts & sciences and allows only 29 Applied Professional credits.

You do need to change your degree plan within 30 days of enrollment...

[SuZQ2]

Can someone explain in laymans terms how the in depth requirement of the BS in LIberal Arts degree works. Ive read about it in my excelsior guide book and on their website but I still don't fully get it. For example, can I do a in depth in history then take 4 history DSST/CLEP exams?

BS in Liberal Arts - you need Two Depths. Each Depth must consist of a minimum of 12 credits - 9 Lower Level credits, 3 Upper Level credits.

The Depths must be in two different areas - such as Psychology/History or English/Math etc. A BS allows one depth to be in an Applied Professional Area.

For a depth in History you can take 3 lower level CLEP or DSST exams for 3 credits each (9 credits total), plus one 3 credit Upper Level exam (3 credits total).

Example - Lower level credits
CLEP - US History Pt 1, US History Pt 2, Western Civ Pt 1 (9 credits total)

Upper Level credits
DSST - Civil War (3 credits total).

Then pick another subject and repeat...If you REALLY like history, you can go for an "Area of Focus" - 21 credits in one subject - 15 Lower Level credits/ 6 Upper Level credits...This gives you one depth, plus gives you a "bonus" for accumulating more credits in your preferred subject.

Hope this info helps...Confer with your advisor - mine has been extremely helpful in steering me in the right direction!

[UptonSinclair]

You do need to change your degree plan within 30 days of enrollment...

As long as you are willing to pay the fee, you can change your degree as often as you like. I think they recorded 6 degree changes for me before I left Excelsior for TESC.

[sanantone]

I didn't know they charge a fee for degree plan changes.