Need advice with degree plan for TESC. Human Services vs. Psychology

[hickory6]

Hey all. I am new to the forum. I've been lurking around and looking at your great advice and the degree wiki as well.

I have finally decided to take the leap and get my degree after finding a job that I love and want to advance in.

I am ready to begin at TESC. My dilemma is do I go with the psychology degree or the Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a focus in Gerentology. I feel that the Psych degree is more general and will be easier to complete by testing out etc. but I could be wrong. And the Human Servies degree relates more to my profession and is a bit more specialized if I wish to utilize it down the road.

I haven't seen anyone else going after the Human Services degree on here and thought i'd take a chance posting to see if anyone is pursuing that or has any advice otherwise for me. This is all new to me and the details of getting up and running are a bit daunting for me. I wish there was a wiki for everything!

Here is the link to the TESC Human Services info if any of you vets can be of assistance: Thomas Edison State College: Flexible human services degree that leverages your professional expertise

Thanks!

[sanantone]

Psychology is the more well-known degree and will have more flexibility. The gerontology concentration is not test friendly.
Sanantone's BA in Psychology - Degree Forum Wiki
Sanantone's General Education Options - Degree Forum Wiki

[hickory6]

Thanks sanantone. That's pretty much how I have been feeling about it but I thought id see what others recommend. My gut tells me the Human Services is the way to go but I also need to be realistic as to the amount of effort and $ I can afford to put in at this point.

[bricabrac]

I would seriously consider the degree that would help me the most professionally. You can test out of the majority of the degree. It is only the area of study (18cr) that you may have to take in actual courses. You could always take them at cheaper online schools and transfer the courses in. TESC now has the pay per credit tuition program. You can use TECEP exams in GenEd and some of the PSY courses you need, the final 3/24 credit residency requirement would be the capstone. Then fill the majority of your degree by testing and/or alternate methods (Aleks, Penn Foster, Straighterline).

I think if you take some time to draft a plan of action you will see the degree can still be completed at a reasonable price. There is a price comparison spreadsheet in my signature, as well as the link to the thread where I give advice/thoughts on the tuition program.

Good luck on your path to success!

[hickory6]

Thanks. I am going to take the time over the next day or so to evaluate where I can get those credits from other than TESC. As a newbie it's daunting sorting out the different options. You guys make it look so easy. Hopefully I get a handle on it as well as you guys have. I appreciate the info you have provided already.

[sanantone]

Fort Hays State University is cheap and offers gerontology courses. UMUC would be much more expensive. Gerontology is not a common major at the undergraduate level, so your options are limited. My guess is that you will have to attend FHSU for one or two semesters.

[sanantone]

There are Uexcels for Foundations of Gerontology and Psychology of Adulthood and Aging. I can't remember if the foundations test is upper level at TESC. The whole concentration has to be 300/400 level.

[hickory6]

Thank you for your input!
I have to say that this part of the process is the most daunting. The actual acedemics should be a breeze after (hopefully) figuring all of this out!

[bricabrac]

I would also take a look at your local state college. The pricing will most likely be more affordable. Also talk to your employer to find out if they offer tuition reimbursement for the online college courses. Since the degree will be used for your current and hopefully any future opportunties within the company they may approve your request. Depending upon the size, some organizations have educational partnerships with local schools.

[hickory6]

My employer is very encouraging and has waived the one year waiting period for tuition reimbursment as well as telling me she will go to the board to get me more money if my initial courses are a success.

The more I think on it I am leaning toward psych. Frankly it is more interesting to me. I also have to be realistic as to cost and efficency of time spent getting the degree.

I also have done a comparison to see what credits/courses are duplicated between the two. I count 52 credits that are the same between the two. I guess I can always start knocking out what i need to..?

Thanks bricabrac and sanantone for continuing to add to the thread!!!