Finding my best option for BABA or Psych (or IO)

[JPeG]

Hi all, 

First, let me say - thank you for this forum and the community here. It has been incredibly helpful in both inspiring my pursuit of a degree AND helping me find answers to the many (many, many...) questions I and others have about the process. The transfer lists and equivalency information, the planning advice -- all of it, fantastic and done in a manner that highlights a great community approach. So, appreciate you all. 

Now that I've buttered you up.. =) hah! 

Seriously though, I could really use some help. More info below, but here's the coles notes - I'm in my 40's, looking to complete a degree more as a sense of accomplishment and pride than anything else. I of course want it to be meaningful and relevant, but I also want something where I'm not spending a lot of $ or taking a long time. Given my current role(s) and experience, as well as my background and my desires -- I anticipate i can max out the credits I bring in to whatever school (recognizing some have 90 credit limits, are more difficult to xfer, etc). 

Long story longer.. Just could use some help identifying the best program and path to take. I suspect something of a BABA in Proj. Mgmt from an UMPI is likely my best/easiest path, but have interest in a BABA or a BSc, and both business or psychology would be of particular interest for me (I do a lot of speaking and training on the psychology of leadership and comms, etc. making something like a degree in organizational psychology attractive as well). 

I'm at the point now where I think I'm just a bit overwhelmed by options, and believe the lack of 'need' for a degree is now compounding the difficulty in making a decision. Hoping some folks with experience might be able to take a look and provide their thoughts/feedback on the best approach. Not married to UMPI, but as a Canadian - suspecting a few schools (WGU) probably out, and best options are probably an UMPI/TESU/EXCEL/SNHU... 

Also - had two questions I can't seem to find the answer to. Does UMPI have a xfer limit? I noticed on their page it now says there is "no limit" to transfers, nothing about 45/90 - though i know some past posts in the forum say 90. Q2: does PLAR count as Xfer credit? i.e. will my credit for experience running projects/programs, or taking leadership coursework, etc. transfer in on top of the sophia/sc -- or do they combine to max out? (i.e. at excelsior, would i get 90 from xfer credit and 23 from plar and have to just do 7 at excelsior... potentially, i mean. it's all theoretical til i apply, really.) 

Appreciate any input.. hopefully i didn't miss anything in the above or below. 

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Your Location: Canada
Your Age: 41
What kind of degree do you want?: BABA or Psycho, potentially interested in the BSc in Organizational Psychology (SNHU)  
Current Regional Accredited Credits: unsure what will transfer. Have completed an apprenticeship program for Telecommunications Technician (4 yr, certified journeyman since ’11). Also completed some first-year coursework in broadcasting from a community college too, but 15 credits acquired (all B or C, one C- … I was already in broadcasting at the time and horribly frustrated/bored with the course teaching antiquated technologies/methods. )

Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: Have completed 24 Sophia credits as I explore so I’ve got those ready to go. Completed so far:
Into to Business
Financial Accounting
Intro to Psychology
Macro Economics
Micro Economics
Visual Communications
Ancient Greek Philosophers
Business Communications

Any certifications or military experience? 
PMP Certification, Leadership Certification from Maslow (ICF certified ACSTH training), Certificate in Workplace Mental Health (Queens University - 1wk course), several certifications in coaching through both workplace programs and coursera (though i get these are unlikely to yield a lot, though courses do connect back to psych fairly significantly)

Budget: As most indicate here, cheapest is best. For me – I don’t require a degree. I’m in a very senior position already and this is really just me wanting to attain my BA/BSc. It’s a point of pride.
Commitments: Day job as well as side-gig of my own business, kid and wife. As below, still find time to study though.

Dedicated time to study: I work from home and though fairly busy, I could likely dedicate 20-30 hours any given week to studying. That couldn’t sustain forever, of course – but would be comfortable for the time being. I’m currently doing more than that with Sophia (credits above earned in just over a week, though also topics I general know pretty well and not having to do a lot of ‘new learning’.

Timeline: Ideally <1yr, if possible. Thinking between Sophia/SC and my xfered credits I will be maximizing what I can bring over. 

Tuition assistance/reimbursement: Unlikely, though always open to contributions =) . I know some schools might have small biz discounts, but unclear if CDN biz would qualify or even if it applies to the online degrees. 

[allvia]

Since speed will reduce costs, the UMPI BABA Management and Leadership has traditionally had the quickest completion ability reported here - you can get all you need through Sophia and complete the residency 30 credits remainder at UMPI (likely within 2 terms, maybe 1)

[JPeG]

Since speed will reduce costs, the UMPI BABA Management and Leadership has traditionally had the quickest completion ability reported here - you can get all you need through Sophia and complete the residency 30 credits remainder at UMPI (likely within 2 terms, maybe 1)

Thanks - it was sort of where i was leaning. I suspect i'll tackle all the sophia entries / electives from the plan over the next couple of weeks. I'm unsure how my PLA might work into the equation... 1 cause I've not done one, and 2 cause my experience is both extensive an broad in business. Not sure if they care about what I do in my day job (manage large, complex, national programs for a major org.) or in my side-gig (ceo of incorporated biz, lots of awards for B2B service). any thoughts on what one might expect for those types of credits, generally speaking of course - totally get they have the final say on what counts or doesnt. 

I like the idea of the competency-based model, as i've never been one to enjoy exams (though i'm good at them). Just prefer the 'real world application' of knowledge vs. memorizing specific dates or people.

[allvia]

Since speed will reduce costs, the UMPI BABA Management and Leadership has traditionally had the quickest completion ability reported here - you can get all you need through Sophia and complete the residency 30 credits remainder at UMPI (likely within 2 terms, maybe 1)

Thanks - it was sort of where i was leaning. I suspect i'll tackle all the sophia entries / electives from the plan over the next couple of weeks. I'm unsure how my PLA might work into the equation... 1 cause I've not done one, and 2 cause my experience is both extensive an broad in business. Not sure if they care about what I do in my day job (manage large, complex, national programs for a major org.) or in my side-gig (ceo of incorporated biz, lots of awards for B2B service). any thoughts on what one might expect for those types of credits, generally speaking of course - totally get they have the final say on what counts or doesnt. 

I like the idea of the competency-based model, as i've never been one to enjoy exams (though i'm good at them). Just prefer the 'real world application' of knowledge vs. memorizing specific dates or people.

If you're asking if getting credit by doing a PLA (Prior Learning Assessment), it is almost certain that it will be cheaper and faster to just do the course work (no matter which of the schools you've mentioned here).  What your experience brings to the table is the ability to work through the course task(s) at a quick pace. 

What can also cut down on some time is using the actual credits you already have, what CC credits do you have (as they will likely help out, and you need to send transcripts of any college you attended anyway when you apply).  The college credits are from Canadian CC not a US, correct?

[rachel83az]

UMPI no longer has a transfer limit, as such, but you a.) must take at least 30 UMPI credits and b.) only 90 transfer credits will apply to each degree. If you wanted to transfer in a bunch of Psych credits that don't apply to the BABA Management/Leadership, you can do that. Depending on what you have and can transfer in, you might be able to get a minor that isn't normally available to YourPace students. But this is something that would need to be confirmed with UMPI staff.

[JPeG]

Since speed will reduce costs, the UMPI BABA Management and Leadership has traditionally had the quickest completion ability reported here - you can get all you need through Sophia and complete the residency 30 credits remainder at UMPI (likely within 2 terms, maybe 1)

Thanks - it was sort of where i was leaning. I suspect i'll tackle all the sophia entries / electives from the plan over the next couple of weeks. I'm unsure how my PLA might work into the equation... 1 cause I've not done one, and 2 cause my experience is both extensive an broad in business. Not sure if they care about what I do in my day job (manage large, complex, national programs for a major org.) or in my side-gig (ceo of incorporated biz, lots of awards for B2B service). any thoughts on what one might expect for those types of credits, generally speaking of course - totally get they have the final say on what counts or doesnt. 

I like the idea of the competency-based model, as i've never been one to enjoy exams (though i'm good at them). Just prefer the 'real world application' of knowledge vs. memorizing specific dates or people.

If you're asking if getting credit by doing a PLA (Prior Learning Assessment), it is almost certain that it will be cheaper and faster to just do the course work (no matter which of the schools you've mentioned here).  What your experience brings to the table is the ability to work through the course task(s) at a quick pace. 

What can also cut down on some time is using the actual credits you already have, what CC credits do you have (as they will likely help out, and you need to send transcripts of any college you attended anyway when you apply).  The college credits are from Canadian CC not a US, correct?

Correct, they're from Canadian CC, not US. 

Credits would be:
from Telecommunications Technician Diploma - result, Telecommunications Technician journeyman certificate and diploma:

• CPNT 203 - Communications LAN I 
  
• ELCM 246 - Trade Orientation/Safety
  
• ELCM 247 - Communications Writing I
  
• ELCM 248 - Comm. Telephony
  
• ELTR 205 - Comm. Electronics
  
• MATH 219 - Comms Math
  
• Comms Tech 2nd year
  
• Comms Tech 3rd year
  
• Comms tech 4th year
  

Note: This is an apprenticeship program, so for year 2/3/4 only a mark of P/F for the purposes of the apprenticeship is visible on transcript, but the issuing body can provide more details on the specifics of the courses taken - essentially extensions of the electronics and systems/LAN related experience in year 1. Year 1 does provide letter grades, in this case 5 A+, 1 A (.1% short of the last A+... shakes fist at self... ) =) 

from Radio Broadcasting (credits in brackets) - result, left college after year 1: 

• Basic Writing I (4)
  
• Broadcast Equipment (4)
  
• Basic Announcing I (4)
  
• Intro to Radio (1)
  
• Sales Development (2)
  

[ss20ts]

Thanks - it was sort of where i was leaning. I suspect i'll tackle all the sophia entries / electives from the plan over the next couple of weeks. I'm unsure how my PLA might work into the equation... 1 cause I've not done one, and 2 cause my experience is both extensive an broad in business. Not sure if they care about what I do in my day job (manage large, complex, national programs for a major org.) or in my side-gig (ceo of incorporated biz, lots of awards for B2B service). any thoughts on what one might expect for those types of credits, generally speaking of course - totally get they have the final say on what counts or doesnt. 

I like the idea of the competency-based model, as i've never been one to enjoy exams (though i'm good at them). Just prefer the 'real world application' of knowledge vs. memorizing specific dates or people.

UMPI offers PLA which they NEVER recommend to YourPace students because the Final Assessments are much shorter than the PLA courses which are multiple papers, workplace documentation, and employer letters.

They do offer credit for work experience. However, you have to pay for those credits outside of the $1400 tuition. Those credits do not count towards the 30 credit residency minimum. These credits also often transfer in as electives and not required courses so they're not super helpful to a lot of people. They are to some. You'd have to work with your academic advisor once you're enrolled to find out what they would require and if it would be worth the time spent on it versus completing a course at UMPI.

---

Have you considered getting your bachelor's degree and then laddering up to a master's degree in IO? It sounds like you have a real interest in IO and a master's in it would go much further than a minor or a bachelor's degree.

[bjcheung77]

Where in Canada? Ontario? Hmm, if you're interested in the UMPI BABA with Project Management concentration, you can as the main difference between that and the Management & Leadership is, the concentration itself. Essentially, you should apply, compare the two degree requirements, follow the WIKI to create a spreadsheet template and see which courses interest you the most. If you're into Project Management & Info Systems, then stay with the PM. If you're more into Management & Leadership, the BABA M&L would do, if you're really unsure and just need the 'check the box', get the BLS with a minor or two, and it should take X credits towards the free electives.

[JPeG]

Where in Canada? Ontario? Hmm, if you're interested in the UMPI BABA with Project Management concentration, you can as the main difference between that and the Management & Leadership is, the concentration itself.  Essentially, you should apply, compare the two degree requirements, follow the WIKI to create a spreadsheet template and see which courses interest you the most.  If you're into Project Management & Info Systems, then stay with the PM.  If you're more into Management & Leadership, the BABA M&L would do, if you're really unsure and just need the 'check the box', get the BLS with a minor or two, and it should take X credits towards the free electives.

In Alberta now, but spent my first 25 years in Ontario. 

I'd be open to the BABA w/PM, though I feel more tied to the leadership aspect than the PM aspect. I'm good at the PM stuff, which is why i'm where i'm at right now, but what I enjoy more is the leadership/psychology of leadership aspect (which is what made the SNHU BS in biz psych option a bit of an enticing option). I'm assuming I'll get some half-decent credit for my PMP certification, I think it's ~9 credits typically..? Just not sure if it will satisfy any of the course requirements or just all come through as general (i assume the latter). 

For the M&L, I've got the wiki saved and following it/checking things off as I go. I noticed though that there are two courses from Saylor that appear to xfer based on past transfers in their system (exploring the maine xfers in their system here) -- specifically BUS330 and BUS204 requirements. Is there a reason I should steer away from Saylor and use SC instead? Just wondering if it's a known "never use Saylor" type thing, or just a system preference since i think SC is way better? 

Really appreciate all the help from folks here =)

---

Thanks - it was sort of where i was leaning. I suspect i'll tackle all the sophia entries / electives from the plan over the next couple of weeks. I'm unsure how my PLA might work into the equation... 1 cause I've not done one, and 2 cause my experience is both extensive an broad in business. Not sure if they care about what I do in my day job (manage large, complex, national programs for a major org.) or in my side-gig (ceo of incorporated biz, lots of awards for B2B service). any thoughts on what one might expect for those types of credits, generally speaking of course - totally get they have the final say on what counts or doesnt. 

I like the idea of the competency-based model, as i've never been one to enjoy exams (though i'm good at them). Just prefer the 'real world application' of knowledge vs. memorizing specific dates or people.

UMPI offers PLA which they NEVER recommend to YourPace students because the Final Assessments are much shorter than the PLA courses which are multiple papers, workplace documentation, and employer letters.

They do offer credit for work experience. However, you have to pay for those credits outside of the $1400 tuition. Those credits do not count towards the 30 credit residency minimum. These credits also often transfer in as electives and not required courses so they're not super helpful to a lot of people. They are to some. You'd have to work with your academic advisor once you're enrolled to find out what they would require and if it would be worth the time spent on it versus completing a course at UMPI.

---

Have you considered getting your bachelor's degree and then laddering up to a master's degree in IO? It sounds like you have a real interest in IO and a master's in it would go much further than a minor or a bachelor's degree.

Yeah I have thought about that, though I dunno if there is a particularly inexpensive path for that. It's already hard to justify spending 10k US (that's like... 300K CDN! hah =) ) -- not because the degree isn't valuable, just because I'm in a spot in life where I don't need to have it for any reason. It's just a want, so mentally it just falls into the same list as buying another guitar... it ends up becoming a "do i want to spend 10k on that, or get new floors...". The money isn't the problem, just the justification for spending it is a challenge. That SNHU option seems really interesting - but at a cost that I suspect would be double (or more) what UMPI or some of the others might land at... which further compounds the whole 'do i need to spend on this' challenge.

[allvia]

There is no reason a BABA M&L or PM through the UMPI Your Pace program would cost you anywhere near 10k; even if it took you 3 terms you're under 5k . Aside from required credits at UMPI the only provider you 'need' for transferring in is Sophia now (low cost and quick moving). Again, the M&L has been reported the quickest to move through. Doing Comp I & II at UMPI is also recommended vs Sophia (or other provider)