Listing TESU LDAS on Resume?

[armstrongsubero]

It's no secret to everyone on this forum that my real aim to study electrical engineering. However I think I found a loophole in any case most jobs say "masters preferred" therefore I was looking at the prerequisites and realized that most masters in EE online have certain requirements for entry into the program calc I, calc I, calc III, DC circuits etc. Then it dawned on me if I did all the pre-requisite courses with everything required for entry into a masters in EE, I may be able to skip the 4-6 year grind and probably do a masters in EE instead in that time. So I applied to TESU for a learner designed area of study in "Robotic Systems Development", though I know the transcript would say "Learner Designed Area of Study".

I was wondering how to you list such a program on your resume and CV? Can I put:

"BS, LDAS, Robotic Systems Development"

or can I just put:

"BS, Robotic Systems Development"?

Which is more appropriate? or what do you recommend? thank you guys.

[Ideas]

I think it's not legitimate to put the area without LDAS.

I would put "BS in Learner Designed Area of Study: Robotic Systems Development".

I definitely think you should do what's necessary to get into the EE Masters.

[cookderosa]

It's no secret to everyone on this forum that my real aim to study electrical engineering. However I think I found a loophole in any case most jobs say "masters preferred" therefore I was looking at the prerequisites and realized that most masters in EE online have certain requirements for entry into the program calc I, calc I, calc III, DC circuits etc. Then it dawned on me if I did all the pre-requisite courses with everything required for entry into a masters in EE, I may be able to skip the 4-6 year grind and probably do a masters in EE instead in that time. So I applied to TESU for a learner designed area of study in "Robotic Systems Development", though I know the transcript would say "Learner Designed Area of Study".

I was wondering how to you list such a program on your resume and CV? Can I put:

"BS, LDAS, Robotic Systems Development"

or can I just put:

"BS, Robotic Systems Development"?

Which is more appropriate? or what do you recommend? thank you guys.

If you get approval to do it, I wouldn't hesitate to list it like your second choice. I'd leave off the LDAS because it's confusing. I think the distinction is that it is "a" learner designed area of study as opposed to a degree "in" learner designed area of study. (important to note because there ARE examples, like at Harvard University, that have degrees via their continuing education college that are specifically "in" extension studies, which would be more similar to your first sample)
If asked in an interview something like "I didn't know TESU had bachelor's degrees in Robotic Systems Development" you can explain you had an opportunity to design your area of study - easy peasy.

[armstrongsubero]

@ cookderosa Oh it was approved by Mrs. Cynthia today, I just have to wait for the adviser to add it to my evaluation..Hmm I was thinking the same thing! I think I'll do that then.

@ideas yeah, I was thinking that but I mean I dont want to sell it short..
and yeah I'm doing anything, it would just take an extra year to do the courses and most can be done at AMU, two at TESU, and one is to be done at SNHU...all the others are SL and saylor...

[Ideas]

Congrats on the approval!

That's great that you can do it through AMU, TESU, SNHU, and ACE.

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Also I see that TESU does 30 credits in the LDAS. In that case, I guess I would list it like your second option. There are other schools where you do less in the AOS, apparently, and then I don't think it's ok to list it as if the degree was in that area.

[davewill]

If you get approval to do it, I wouldn't hesitate to list it like your second choice.  I'd leave off the LDAS because it's confusing. I think the distinction is that it is "a" learner designed area of study as opposed to a degree "in" learner designed area of study.  (important to note because there ARE examples, like at Harvard University, that have degrees via their continuing education college that are specifically "in" extension studies, which would be more similar to your first sample)
If asked in an interview something like "I didn't know TESU had bachelor's degrees in Robotic Systems Development" you can explain you had an opportunity to design your area of study - easy peasy.

I think I agree. I did note that on the degree info page it says, "The area of study listed on official transcripts for LDAS recipients is "Learner Designed Area of Study", and not the student’s proposed area of study." so if they ask for a transcript, it would be good be up front about that. Also, I would seek advice from the admissions office for a Master's program you apply to in order to list it correctly for their purposes. Academia is more sensitive to details like these.

[armstrongsubero]

@ideas, yes! it's a lot of courses...but the good thing is they are courses I actually want to do, I mean I could do without the Calc III and Differential Eq, but they seem mandatory in every program I've looked at for EE masters.
 
@davewill thanks for the tip! Hmmm, I hope it isn't a problem though, specifically I was looking at MS EE at Cloumbia University and Penn State University as first choices. Penn State in particular says it will consider students with a non-EE background as long as they meet the requirements. I'm going to try real hard to get into those programs...


Generally I realized that even though I want a PhD, getting a masters that would get me a job I want takes priority. I guess if I get the masters I want and a job, I would be able to do a PhD in something I really love.

[davewill]

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@davewill thanks for the tip! Hmmm, I hope it isn't a problem though, specifically I was looking at MS EE at Cloumbia University and Penn State University as first choices. Penn State in particular says it will consider students with a non-EE background as long as they meet the requirements. I'm going to try real hard to get into those programs...
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Be diligent about documenting those requirements on a transcript. Experience is always helpful, too.

[Ideas]

Good thinking, trying for those programs. I think the area of study is an excellent way to help you get in. I would suggest getting A's in everything if possible.

But, oh no! You're getting me interested in another Masters degree. Because I just realized TESU offers an Learner Designed option at the Masters level! I can't believe I didn't think of looking for that before.

Edit: But it's an MA in Liberal Studies with 12 credits in the AOS... not as good especially because it would be hard to find the other Liberal Studies credits required... still, maybe there's a school where I could design my own.

[armstrongsubero]

@ideas haha yes, only a few days ago I also noticed that