Is my plan to apply for a master's degree feasible?

[puga]

Hello everyone.

I recently came across this forum and learned a lot of new things, which I am very grateful for, and I read carefully inside the WIKI.
But I have some questions I wish to ask.
Please let me introduce myself first.

My goal is.
Apply to a CS-related graduate program in North America.

My background is.
I finished my undergraduate degree in BEng of Software Engineering 7 years ago, and I've been working in software development since then. Unfortunately, I was obsessed with video games at that time, and my GPA was very bad, only 2.3. It is impossible for me to apply to any graduate programs.

My planned approach is.
Through TESU, I'm getting a BA in Computer Science, where I'm re-taking most of my computer related courses through "study" or "Sophia" (I've taken them in my previous undergrad, but I didn't do well, so I'm re-taking them) and then I'm going to try to make a very high GPA in these courses. When I graduate, I submit my transcripts from both degrees and my "study" or "Sophia" transcripts to apply to graduate programs.


My question is.
1. I would like to know if this approach will significantly increase my chances of getting in (2.3 GPA and 3.5+ GPA) and applying to some of the very good CS masters programs.

2. Some of the computer fundamentals courses in my first degree are very similar or even duplicate the computer fundamentals courses in BA in computer science. is it appropriate for me to go this way?

3. Is TESU the best option for me, in terms of time or money?

4. Because i basically don't transfer credits from my first degree to TESU, will it take me a long time to go through this whole process (i plan to do this full time).


I am now feeling very sorry for my previous stupidity in school and it may be too late, but if there is a chance to improve things I am willing to spend a lot of time and money to do it. If anyone can answer or make any suggestions for me, I would be very grateful.

[Jonathan Whatley]

I'm re-taking most of my computer related courses through "study" or "Sophia" (I've taken them in my previous undergrad, but I didn't do well, so I'm re-taking them) and then I'm going to try to make a very high GPA in these courses. When I graduate, I submit my transcripts from both degrees and my "study" or "Sophia" transcripts to apply to graduate programs.

Typically, undergraduate and graduate schools alike do not consider grades originating from alt-credit providers such as study.com and Sophia in GPA. This means that typically, whether a student passes such an alt-credit course with the minimum passing score or with a perfect score is of no concern to the school. Both are treated as a pass.

Alt-credit itself is very likely not an effective approach to GPA improvement. Alt-credit is sometimes combined with another approach to GPA improvement, i.e., taking a degree that combines alt-credit with a helpful number and selection of graded courses from one or more regionally accredited colleges (including but not necessarily limited to credit from the degree-issuing school itself, TESU in your plan).

[natshar]

I am a bit confused here. 

But courses from study.com and Sophia do NOT count towards improving your GPA. So I don't think you'd be doing yourself any favors here. The only way to improve your GPA is to take actual college courses.

I think your whole plan would be a waste of time and money. That probably wouldn't help you much for grad school either.

Maybe get a CS degree from WGU. But they are P/F so not sure how that would work. But at least you'd have a transcript full of CS courses with a 3.0 GPA. But I'm not even convinced that is the best option, maybe someone else can chime in.

An idea that I think would work, would be to do a CS degree at local or online college with good transfer stats. Transfer a lot from your previous degree, maybe do a few CLEPs or DSSTs if needed. Then take the last 30 credits or so at RA school with flexible policies (SNHU online for ex) and do really well in those courses grade wise. It probably will not be as fast or cheap as a big 3 degree though. Maybe even go back to the same school you attended the first time for a second degree.

---

also clearing house rules requires you to submit all transcrpits to a second degree. So you can't apply to TESU without sending your transcripts. So TESU will see all your prior credits.

[Jonathan Whatley]

Your primary goal is a CS-related graduate program in North America. Are you okay with that master's being online, and can you finance it without U.S. federal student loans?

If so, you should look at the University of Colorado Boulder master's programs offered though Coursera (MS in Computer Science and others), and the Harvard Extension School master's programs (Master of Liberal Arts, Computer Science field of study, and others).

Both use performance-based admissions: You take pre-admission courses from the school. Sufficient grades will guarantee you admission to the degree, and your pre-admission courses can count towards the degree.

[puga]

Your primary goal is a CS-related graduate program in North America. Are you okay with that master's being online, and can you finance it without U.S. federal student loans?

If so, you should look at the University of Colorado Boulder master's programs offered though Coursera (MS in Computer Science and others), and the Harvard Extension School master's programs (Master of Liberal Arts, Computer Science field of study, and others).

Both use performance-based admissions: You take pre-admission courses from the school. Sufficient grades will guarantee you admission to the degree, and your pre-admission courses can count towards the degree.

Thanks for the advice.

Yes, I do consider an online masters, and there are some options on Coursera that I think are very good. For the online masters I'm currently more interested in applying to OMSCS, I think Gatech's program is very challenging and would be very helpful to me. However, they require a 3.0 GPA, but they said that applicants can strengthen their application in the form of pre-requisite courses as well as other online courses, so I thought of the kind of option I suggested at the beginning.

In terms of what you suggested for me, Alt-credit is not recognized as a GPA. Maybe my better option would be to take some graded courses, such as those from TESU or other community colleges, where I don't need a degree. I just need those courses and the credits and grades to strengthen my application.

[davewill]

Maybe my better option would be to take some graded courses, such as those from TESU or other community colleges, where I don't need a degree. I just need those courses and the credits and grades to strengthen my application.

Seems like a solid idea.

[bjcheung77]

@puga, Welcome to the board, it's great you're asking questions and trying to look for answers. However, you're not providing enough information... such as your budget, commitments, study habits, etc. It may have been a good idea for you to fill us in with the addendum/template so it shows an overall picture of your situation instead of a brief introduction that's missing important details.

With the info you have provided and the responses, your best bet is to strengthen that application package as a whole, work on GPA, get prerequisites completed, may even work on the trifecta of certs, degree, experience, to make the application package 'full' and hitting all requirements if not exceeding them. You also want to have backup institutions just in case, such as two main institutions and two backup options.

[puga]

@puga, Welcome to the board, it's great you're asking questions and trying to look for answers. However, you're not providing enough information... such as your budget, commitments, study habits, etc.  It may have been a good idea for you to fill us in with the addendum/template so it shows an overall picture of your situation instead of a brief introduction that's missing important details.  

With the info you have provided and the responses, your best bet is to strengthen that application package as a whole, work on GPA, get prerequisites completed, may even work on the trifecta of certs, degree, experience, to make the application package 'full' and hitting all requirements if not exceeding them.  You also want to have backup institutions just in case, such as two main institutions and two backup options.

Thanks. Maybe applying for an online master is an easier goal for me to reach. The reason I'm thinking about getting another undergraduate degree is probably because I still want to apply for a general master's degree, but that's very hard for me right now, every school has different needs and there's no way I can do a comprehensive plan.

I think I really should set my main goal as OMSCS and focus on meeting the requirements of that school and degree program instead of wasting time and money getting grading credits and another degree, but it's not really necessary. As it stands, I really should be working on all the aspects that will enhance my application.

[rachel83az]

If you want more graded credits, cheap, maybe a BABA PM/IS from UMPI? That would get you at least 30 graded credits 3.0 or better. I don't know how much it'd bring your overall GPA up (probably not much) but it would help you to show "academic improvement" and that you're ready for graduate work.

[LevelUP]

Why do you want to pursue OMSCS?

You are already doing well in that you got an "undergraduate degree in BEng of Software Engineering 7 years ago, and I've been working in software development since then."

I wouldn't opt for another technology degree, such as Computer Science, as it may not significantly enhance your career prospects.

A master's program takes various factors into account, including your undergraduate major, GPA, and job experience. Job experience plays a crucial role in gaining admission to OMSCS, along with a robust portfolio. It's noteworthy that some individuals with GPAs as low as 2.3 or 2.5 have successfully gained admission.

If you attended UMPI and completed 10 courses with straight A's, your average GPA would still only be 2.6, or 2.85 with 20 courses. However, on your UMPI transcript, the GPA would likely be 3.7 or better. Choosing UMPI might be advisable only if you have both the financial resources and time to spare, and if you are genuinely interested in business-related courses.

I recommend applying for OMSCS first and exploring other options only if you receive a rejection.