Checking the box - TAMUC or UMPI

[westex93]

Looking for options going forward and was requested that I start this new thread. I'm 52 with zero credits behind me and wanting to "check the box" - both for my secular work and, likely, continued online theological training in a particular seminary. They don't care what my bachelor's is in.

I'm new to this and I'm just learning my way around the terminology and basics, so please bear with me! I first discovered in browsing the forum that UMPI was recommended for someone in my position but was then told about TAMUC. If I'm understanding what I'm seeing, both look like viable options, although I am suddenly drawn to TAMUC since I learned about it. Call it a Texas pride thing. 

But what matters most right now is getting done as quickly as possible. What are some practical considerations and comparisons? It looks like Sophia is accepted at both schools? Do I just start by signing up on Sophia and start knocking out courses ASAP? 


Your Location: Texas
Your Age: 52
What kind of degree do you want?: Checking the box - probably business related
Current Regional Accredited Credits: None
Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: None
Any certifications or military experience? No
Budget: Not a concern, but don't want to waste money or time
Commitments: FT job with OT, family and church commitments
Dedicated time to study: I get up early - a couple of hours every morning on work days, more on days off.
Timeline: ASAP
Tuition assistance/reimbursement: No

[ltw900rr]

Hello,

My wife pursued her degree for the same reason, and she started 1 semester after I did at TAMUC.

https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Sa...egree_Plan

https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/So...lency_List

https://www.tamuc.edu/programs/organizat...baas-orgl/

Please look over the 3 links above. I have 3 friends who started the BAAS ORG Leadership Program for Summer 2. (last semester to lock in the $750 price)

Tuition for the Fall of 24 on has officially increased to $1000 per 7 week semester.

Yes, you can take classes through Sophia and transfer those to TAMUC for evaluation. I transferred in 20 something hours from Sophia.

At a minimum you have to take the 10 courses for your major, plus 2 upper level electives. I ended up taking 14 courses at TAMUC. It took me 4 of the 7 week semesters to complete the program, my wife finished 12 courses in 3 semesters. Everyone's time will vary, but those are 2 examples.

There were a few of us (and our spouses) on this forum who participated in graduation for the Spring semester of 24. Walking across the stage and having family there was worth it to me.

If you have questions about TAMUC, ask away!!!

[bjcheung77]

@westex93, Welcome to the board, TAMUC is an awesome choice and should be your first. I would recommend to select UMPI as your backup option, in fact, since you're starting off, you can get up to 90 credits from Sophia.org transferred into both degrees at TAMUC/UMPI. Start accumulating Sophia.org credits until you have the bulk of it completed and then continue with the residency requirements at the respective institution you decide on... That's it!

[mohelena02]

If you're in Texas TAMUC is a better option, the credibility within the state of the A&M brand is amazing.

[westex93]

Hello,

My wife pursued her degree for the same reason, and she started 1 semester after I did at TAMUC.

https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Sa...egree_Plan

https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/So...lency_List

https://www.tamuc.edu/programs/organizat...baas-orgl/

Please look over the 3 links above. I have 3 friends who started the BAAS ORG Leadership Program for Summer 2. (last semester to lock in the $750 price)

Tuition for the Fall of 24 on has officially increased to $1000 per 7 week semester.

Yes, you can take classes through Sophia and transfer those to TAMUC for evaluation. I transferred in 20 something hours from Sophia.

At a minimum you have to take the 10 courses for your major, plus 2 upper level electives. I ended up taking 14 courses at TAMUC. It took me 4 of the 7 week semesters to complete the program, my wife finished 12 courses in 3 semesters. Everyone's time will vary, but those are 2 examples.

There were a few of us (and our spouses) on this forum who participated in graduation for the Spring semester of 24. Walking across the stage and having family there was worth it to me.

If you have questions about TAMUC, ask away!!!

Thank you for your real world experience! I determined to go that route and started with Sophia today. Anything you can think of along the way that may help is much appreciated!

---

Thank you all. TAMUC it is! I signed up on Sophia today and started hammering out classes. Wish me luck!

[CenterSquarEd]

The nice thing is that you don’t have to decide right away. The courses that are on the wiki for the UMPI BABA Management & Leadership would still count as electives for the TAMUC program.

[txc1500]

Fellow Texan here, I highly recommend TAMUC. I earned a BAAS in Organizational Leadership and continued my studies at the graduate school for my master's degree.