Best Value - TESC or Excelsior

[pinkrose]

Hi Sanantone:

What is your opinion of EC's BS in Natural Sciences (no concentration) & BS in natural Sciences (concentration in Biology)?

Forgot to put that in my earlier post!

Thanks again!

[sanantone]

Technically, the natural sciences are liberal arts subjects. Because of this, some colleges will put all of their science subjects under bachelor of arts degrees. I'll answer your other questions in a couple of hours.

[sanantone]

Hi Sanantone:

I was doing some research about what the degree in Natural Sciences & Mathematics could be used for. Most of what I was finding said the best thing to use it for was teaching. Definitely not the direction I want to go in.

Jobs normally ask for a specific set of degrees and will put at the end "or closely related degree." Since environmental science is a life science, then biology would be closely related. Environmental science also involves chemistry, so I don't see why a natural science degree that consists of biology and chemistry would be unacceptable.

I searched "environmental" on Indeed.com and came up with these results on the first page.

BS or BA degree within an agriculture or science based major is preferred, or equivalent experience.

Environmental Resource Technician - Job Listing - Christensen Farms Jobs

Strongly preferred: Bachelors in Science, Engineering or Environmental Science or studies

https://sjobs.brassring.com/1033/ASP/TG/...des=INDEED

BS or MS in the Sciences or related Engineering field

https://environ.silkroad.com/epostings/i...ardId=1112

Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or related degree

https://www.urs.apply2jobs.com/ProfExt/i...49&sid=364

Two (2) or more years of post-high school studies in environmental sciences, water resource management, biology, chemistry, environmental engineering, or related fields from an accredited college or university.

Water Pollution Prevention Intern - Madison, WI - Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District Jobs

Bachelor's Degree in natural or physical science, public policy, economics, environmental management, or related subjects.

https://icfi.taleo.net/careersection/icf...c=JB-10080

Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Bachelor’s degree in an environmentally-related discipline, such as physical, biological, or health sciences, engineering, or an appropriately related field is preferred.

https://jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/11217

AS or AA degree preferred. Completion of 12 semester units or the quarter unit equivalent in science related field.

AS or AA degree preferred. Completion of 12 semester units or the quarter unit equivalent in science related field.

You are absolutely right, I am not interested in the liberal arts. I want to get into the business end of sustainability. I was looking at the BSAST Degree in Environmental Sciences; that one blew me away, because of all the advanced math. I am not looking to become an engineer, plant manager or anything like that. Something administrative in a waste management plant, recycling plant, where I would be assisting with day to day operations.

The Big 3 don't offer any business degrees with sustainability concentrations, but COSC and TESC will let you design a degree. However, the degree you design will have the official title of Individualized Studies or Learner Designed Area of Study. You should think about getting a business degree and taking some science courses as free and general education electives. You can test out of the BSBA at TESC, but it doesn't allow much room for free electives. It would probably just be easier to test out of a natural science degree and take business courses for the free electives. I think you can also completely test out of the business administration degree at COSC with the exception of the cornerstone and capstone; those have to be taken as COSC courses. You don't have to take any courses with TESC for their business degrees.

Oh the other question I had: Why do you think that TESC's degree for Natural Sciences is a BA & not a BS? I would much rather have a BS, the reason I had selected the environmental studies was because it seemed to be what I needed. But I would much rather have a BS.

Employers won't care as long as the major is in science or engineering.

Hi Sanantone:

What is your opinion of EC's BS in Natural Sciences (no concentration) & BS in natural Sciences (concentration in Biology)?

Forgot to put that in my earlier post!

Thanks again!

You won't even get close to testing out of the biology concentration. For this concentration, you have to take evolutionary biology (can't test out of this), ecology or biodiversity (can't test out of this), anatomy and physiology (can test out or take Straighterline course), botany or plant science (can't test out of this), genetics (can test out of this), microbiology (can test out of this or possibly take Straighterline course), and some biology electives (I don't think there are enough tests to cover these). You also have to take a biology course that includes an upper level lab. You would definitely have to take a course to fulfill that requirement.
http://www.excelsior.edu/c/document_libr...upId=78666

For the general natural science degree at Excelsior, it'll be harder to test out than at TESC because Excelsior is not as liberal in giving UL credit for tests and Straighterline courses. I made a test out plan for TESC. I'll post the links for natural science and business.
Sanantone's BA in Natural Sciences and Mathematics - Degree Forum Wiki
Sanantone's BSBA General Management - Degree Forum Wiki