Charter Oak's General Studies Degrees

[shadowcross]

While I was still considering which of the "Big Three" to gain my future degree from, I requested Prospecti from the TESC and COSC (EC has it all online).

I rather like what I read in both EC and TESC. I have a Slight problem with the material presented in the COSC.

I really do not intend to bash this institution, but I am really bothered by its degree program.

Upon completion of the required courses, a degree in "General Studies" is awarded.

Charter Oak's credit requirement is actually the most open-ended, I've ever seen, which means that after you fill the General ed requirements, you can take ANYTHING else to fill the numbers. This is Great, but.....

What is General Studies?

After Filling the General Ed requirements, There is a specified number of Credits filled by courses YOU choose, to fulfill the "Concentration."

The Concentration isn't labled on the diploma, however.

to me, "General Studies" is Just "General Studies"

It looks a lot like the requirements of the Arts degrees that are offered by TESC and EC. I may be comparing Catalopes and Honeydews, but to me, the name, "Arts", sounds so much more appealing than "General Studies." Plus there is the added bonus that the Major is included on the Degree.

I believe many would choose a Major over a Concentration. Including prospective empolyers.

Again, I really don't mean to bash on COSC, nor do I wish to change the path of current COSC students.

This College actually provides, what I've concluded is the "Path of least resistance" towards getting any of its four degrees ( AA, AS, BA, and BS). And for those not influenced by a name, and those only concerned with personal accomplishment, Keep on it!

Even I would accomplish a BSGS much fast if I went this route ( as they will use my Tech Credits), But I am interested in the name, and thus decided to gain my degree elsewhere.

Take what You will from my rant.

Cheers!

[ShotoJuku]

While I was still considering which of the "Big Three" to gain my future degree from, I requested Prospecti from the TESC and COSC (EC has it all online).

I rather like what I read in both EC and TESC. I have a Slight problem with the material presented in the COSC.

I really do not intend to bash this institution, but I am really bothered by its degree program.

Upon completion of the required courses, a degree in "General Studies" is awarded.

Charter Oak's credit requirement is actually the most open-ended, I've ever seen, which means that after you fill the General ed requirements, you can take ANYTHING else to fill the numbers. This is Great, but.....

What is General Studies?

After Filling the General Ed requirements, There is a specified number of Credits filled by courses YOU choose, to fulfill the "Concentration."

The Concentration isn't labled on the diploma, however.

to me, "General Studies" is Just "General Studies"

It looks a lot like the requirements of the Arts degrees that are offered by TESC and EC. I may be comparing Catalopes and Honeydews, but to me, the name, "Arts", sounds so much more appealing than "General Studies." Plus there is the added bonus that the Major is included on the Degree.

I believe many would choose a Major over a Concentration. Including prospective empolyers.

Again, I really don't mean to bash on COSC, nor do I wish to change the path of current COSC students.

This College actually provides, what I've concluded is the "Path of least resistance" towards getting any of its four degrees ( AA, AS, BA, and BS). And for those not influenced by a name, and those only concerned with personal accomplishment, Keep on it!

Even I would accomplish a BSGS much fast if I went this route ( as they will use my Tech Credits), But I am interested in the name, and thus decided to gain my degree elsewhere.

Take what You will from my rant.

Cheers!

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[fondue]

I would have to disagree with the statement of "path of least resistance". COSC may be the path of least resistance for a GS degree but that's about it. Why settle for a GS degree in the first place? Their concentration requirements for other degress are equal or even a bit tougher then TESC, and EC is only concerned about extracting the maximum amount of money from prospective students.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying COSC is perfect or even close, but they have all of their concentration requirements listed online.

[snazzlefrag]

EC is only concerned about extracting the maximum amount of money from prospective students.

That can't be right though fondue,

If EC were all about bilking maximum profits out of us, they would not accept 120 credits in transfer. Rather, they would force us to take THEIR OWN courses and pay a premium for each one.

They are, of course, in it to make a profit just like any other business. However, if making the maximum profit out of each student truly was their goal, they are not doing a very good job of it.

If you were actually in a position to transfer in all 120 credits needed for an Excelsior degree, the total costs you would pay to Excelsior would only be approximately $1,490.

I can't think of many universities that would allow a student to graduate from their institution without first making sure they had paid many times that amount into the coffers.

It's all relative!

[fondue]

That can't be right though fondue,

Maybe that was just my experiance. Every time I requested information I was told to pay the matriculation fee and they would be happy to help. Simple questions like, is there maximum allowable IT certification credits? Will Electronic Theory classes count for science GE? Reply, sorry we can't answer that without your $900.

Yes, they will accept 120 transfer credits, but they still won't accept CLEP english comp. You will be forced to take their exam for $300 or two classes at a regionally accredited institiution. Oh and not to mention the Information Literacy $300 waste of a day. (ok i'm whinning, resist tempation, resist, resist resist...)

[snazzlefrag]

(ok i'm whinning, resist tempation, resist, resist resist...)

Ha ha!

Would you like some cheese with your whine?
hilarious

I do understand your frustration though.

[SimonTam]

You will be forced to take their exam for $300 or two classes at a regionally accredited institiution.

Why TWO classes at an RAI? From my reading of the catalog, Excelsior only requires three credits of a written English requirement. Of course, I haven't enrolled at Excelsior yet and I may be missing something.

[dhlvrsn]

Took my transfer credits just fine, which I was very happy about since English is not my strong suit.