[New][Help needed] Need some insight/help planning BACS/BSCS

[ajs1976]

OP,

Take the TESU BACS degree requirements and paste them into a spreadsheet. Clean it up and start mapping where you think your current courses will fall into the requirements. Pay attention to UL requirements. When you start to identify courses you have to take try to determine if they are ones you need to take at TESU or if they can be taken somewhere else. If they are lower level, look at community colleges.

Or davewill can start it for you.

With Discrete Math and Data Structures both being LL, I would look to take them at a CC. At the one local to me, they would be about $350 and $500 each.

Don't forgot about TECEPs. I would take the Nutrition TECEP over the Saylor Chemistry any day, and I am a former Chemistry major.

I don't understand the fascination with Saylor when there are faster alternatives. I get that they are only $25, but time is money. Study for 5-15 hours for an exam that you paid $75-125 vs spending 80 hours slogging through a Saylor course to only spend $25, doesn't work for me.

Software Engineering - consider taking it at COSC and transfer it to TESU. There is a thread here where two of us compare our experiences between TESU and COSC. The course was one of the positive points to my time at COSC. Make sure to get it pre-approved if you can. Originally transferred as LL, but I one the appeal.

I like ALEKS. Used it for review for my Math TECEP and was at one time working on Stats. It isn't for everyone. Spend $20 and try it for a month to see if it works for you.

A year ago, DSST cybersecurity transferred as CIS-344.

[TalentlessOlympian]

I agree you need to spend the next two weeks reading this forum. It will sink in, but not right away. But I'll address one topic right now.

Here are a few words on the speed of getting a TESU degree and getting the CS part completed faster.

Straighterline is the express lane method to rack up GE credits faster than any exam that requires studying. The idea is that you care a lot more about racking up credits fast rather than retaining the material you learned. The exams at SL are usually open book. Because of that, you should buy or otherwise acquire the e-textbook editions that allow you to control-F what you need during the exam. Most, but not all, SL courses have six exams. Five of the exams are not proctored. The sixth exam, the proctored final, may not be worth much. So it's possible to pass the class with a final score of 0% if you already have the required 69.5% needed to pass. If you randomly guess, you should get 30% on the final anyway with a no-stress final where you always choose answer C. But you must take the final to finish the class. You can retake the first exam as many times as needed with a cooldown of 24 hours per attempt. You should have a score close to 100% for the first exam if you're finding you're short on points. You can finish some SL courses in one day. The monthly subscription is $99, but there is a discount code that gets rid of this for the first month. On top of the monthly fee, you have to pay a fee for each course. I heard someone finish 12 SL courses in a month. The idea is to not pay the $99 for no more than the minimum time needed.

But there are a number of exams that may require zero studying to pass depending on your background. Don't be afraid of CLEP and DSST. For example, IT pros find that the computer related exams are easy to pass without studying at all. If you have many years in big corporate IT, you can take the MIS DSST cold. The sys analysis CSU-G CBE will require 1 day of cramming of the suggested textbook. An older edition of the textbook will work fine. Many find the A&I Lit CLEP to be ridiculously easy even with no background in literature. Most people can pass A&I Lit cold, especially with a very quick review of the notes in the IC section and the exam feedback forum. For CS, three exams will save you 9 expensive UL credits worth of classes.

As far as calculus, I would take the SL version. It is 4 credits each if you get ACE credit via the Alternative Credit Project Ecosystem rather than Straighterline. SL is actually OK-ish prep for calc 3, but who cares since that's not a degree requirement for you. Because of your previous background in calc 1, you can just skip to the exams if you remember your limits, chain rule, etc. If the material seems new or confusing, you should do the optional exercises to prep for the exams. SL calc isn't a pass in one day course unless you know the material already.

Finally, not all SL classes are good for speed. Classes outside of the 6 exam format are often poor candidates for speed.

That's definitely some useful information! I did read dfrecore's recommended reading for starting out. God damn, I wish this was introduced to me when I was graduating from high school. If I had known I could get my basic classes out of the way for less than $800 I would so much better off. No sense in dwelling in the past...
And I understand I should take more time reading and planning but I really don't have too much time to dwell on these courses and planning it all out. I will be reading a ton of the information here. And I do greatly appreciate everything posted in my thread and on this forum. The information is invaluable!

Since I plan on getting my CS degree from TESU, there is a really awesome wiki page that shows what courses are comparable to the actual courses offered. I am not sure which route I will be taking on the ALEKS vs SL. I feel like my math is rusty... Which means I might just jump into ALEKS at precalc or trig (thinking trig) and going back to Calc I from there. However, I do not know which resource offers which, yet.(I will find out)

I am having a hard time seeing which courses from my current transcript are transferable for my Gen Ed credits and Electives. If someone could tell me where I can match those up, then that would be amazing!

Here is the list I currently have for my necessary courses for my BACS from TESU!

Code:

I. General Education Requirements
A. Intellectual and Practical Skills
•Written Communication == [color=#00FF00][Transcript has it covered][/color]
•Oral Communication == [color=#00FF00][Transcript has it covered][/color]
•Quantitative Literacy == [color=#00FF00][Transcript has it covered][/color]
•Information Literacy == [color=#00FF00][Transcript has it covered][/color]
B. Civic and Global Learning
•Diversity == [color=#00FF00][Transcript has it covered][/color]
•Ethics == [color=#00FF00][Transcript has it covered][/color]
•Civic Engagement == [color=#00FF00][Transcript has it covered][/color]
C. Knowledge of Human Cultures == [color=#FFA500][?Transcript has it covered?][/color]
D. Understanding the Physical and Natural World == [color=#FFA500][?Transcript has it covered?][/color]
E. General Education Electives == [color=#00FF00][Transcript has it covered][/color]
II. Area of Study: Computer Science
A. Required Courses
•Introduction to Computer Science == [color=#FF0000][Need To Take At *][/color]
•Data Structures == [color=#FF0000][Need To Take At *][/color]
•Calculus I == [color=#FF0000][Need To Take At *][/color]
•Calculus II == [color=#FF0000][Need To Take At *][/color]
Select one of the following courses:
•Discrete Math == [color=#FF0000][Need To Take At *][/color]
OR
•Linear Algebra (Calculus-based) == [color=#FF0000][Need To Take At *][/color]
B. Capstone
•LIB-495 Liberal Arts Capstone == [color=#FF0000][Need To Take At TESU][/color]
C. Computer Science Electives*
Artificial Intelligence == [color=#800080]Not really interested[/color]
Assembly Language == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Comparative Programming Languages == [color=#800080]Not really interested[/color]
Compiler Construction == [color=#800080]Not really interested[/color]
Computer Architecture == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Computer Arithmetic Algorithms == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Computer Information Systems == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Computer Organization == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Computer Statistical Techniques == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Computer Simulation == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Operations Research == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Problem Analysis and Solution == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Programming Languages == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Software Engineering == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Switching Theory and Automata == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
UNIX == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]

* - Indicates a future credit substitute such as study.com/aleks/sl/etc.

[davewill]

Before you get too excited about the Computer Science Electives, TESU doesn't offer all those classes. The actually available choices are more limited, especially for UL:

Thomas Edison State University | Undergrad Course Offerings

Computer Information Systems
[FONT=&amp]Computer Concepts and Applications (CIS-107) (not accepted for CS, I believe)
Management Information Systems (CIS-301)
Database Management (CIS-311)
System Analysis and Design I (CIS-320)
Software Engineering (CIS-351)
[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]...

Computer Science[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]Introduction to Computers (COS-101)
C Programming (COS-116)
Python Programming (COS-205)
R Programming (COS-206)
C++ Programming (COS-213)
Assembly Language (COS-231)
Data Structures (COS-241)
Computer Architecture (COS-330)
Operating Systems (COS-352)[/FONT]
Artificial Intelligence (COS-451)

BTW, Artificial Intelligence and Discrete Math were my favs.

[TrailRunr]

I decided that I might as well take a crack at a TESU BACS spreadsheet. However, I'm not very good at it. Here is dfrecore's spreadsheet modified for the TESU BACS. The area of study is pretty good, but the rest is kind of a hot mess.

Looking at the area of study:

Depending on where you live, the linear algebra / discrete math and data structures can be taken cheaply at a community college, hopefully online.
To save money, I would take linear algebra online at APU and it will also count as UL.

DSST cybersecurity is $90. I don't know why it costs more than the standard $80. This course transfers in as CIS-344 and it will automatically land in the CS AOS.

TEEX comes in as CIS-244, CAP-385, and CAP-295. None of these three TEEX count for CS. The TECEP CMP-354 does not count for CS. But TEEX is fine for free electives. I would put that in a notes section so that nobody tries to TEEX or TECEP CMP-354 for CS AOS.

Straighterline has calc1 and calc2. Each class comes in as 4 credits at TESU if it's ACP on the ACE transcript.

CSU Global has an application fee, but you can find a discount code to waive that.

The edX software engineering course from Berkeley and COSC is a possible option for UL CS, but nobody has tried it. I won't be trying it. It's 6 credits for the whole 3-course sequence if you can pull it off.

[TalentlessOlympian]

I will take whatever I have to if my options are limited. From the list you've provided I would take any of the following happily.

Code:

Management Information Systems (CIS-301)
Database Management (CIS-311)
System Analysis and Design I (CIS-320)
Software Engineering (CIS-351)
...
Computer Science
C Programming (COS-116)
Python Programming (COS-205)
R Programming (COS-206)
C++ Programming (COS-213)
Assembly Language (COS-231)
Data Structures (COS-241)
Computer Architecture (COS-330)
Operating Systems (COS-352)
Artificial Intelligence (COS-451)

Although, I would really like to take a real Python course since I am just teaching myself Python at the moment.
C/C++/Ruby/Computer arch. all sound great!
I just don't know if I can do them all in a timely manner.


Also, thanks davewill for the spreedsheet. Although, I feel like I should be able to get away with more credits from my transcript than you have accredited me. However, I do not know for sure. Is there a online resource that lets you compare classes to equivalencies?

[davewill]

I will take whatever I have to if my options are limited. From the list you've provided I would take any of the following happily.

Code:

Management Information Systems (CIS-301)
Database Management (CIS-311)
System Analysis and Design I (CIS-320)
Software Engineering (CIS-351)
...
Computer Science
C Programming (COS-116)
Python Programming (COS-205)
R Programming (COS-206)
C++ Programming (COS-213)
Assembly Language (COS-231)
Data Structures (COS-241)
Computer Architecture (COS-330)
Operating Systems (COS-352)
Artificial Intelligence (COS-451)

Although, I would really like to take a real Python course since I am just teaching myself Python at the moment.
C/C++/Ruby/Computer arch. all sound great!
I just don't know if I can do them all in a timely manner.


Also, thanks davewill for the spreedsheet. Although, I feel like I should be able to get away with more credits from my transcript than you have accredited me. However, I do not know for sure. Is there a online resource that lets you compare classes to equivalencies?

Oh definitely. I would expect that everything you have will find a home somewhere. I'm just not the guy to sort out the GenEd stuff. I was hoping that someone else would help with that part.

[TalentlessOlympian]

Oh definitely. I would expect that everything you have will find a home somewhere. I'm just not the guy to sort out the GenEd stuff. I was hoping that someone else would help with that part.

Ah, no worries, you've helped me out a lot! I'm not used to seeing a spreadsheet like this even though the guide tells you to get used to it.
Now I am flipping between the courses needed and from where along with taking a loan out. I'd really like to pull out $15k for this, but man, it's a bit intimidating to think about going into debt...

PS: I'm trying to find these equivalency courses you marked in the spreadsheet and I don't see them on here

Code:

http://www.straighterline.com/colleges/thomas-edison-state-university/course-equivalency/

Am I missing something?

[TalentlessOlympian]

Hey guys,
I started to use the information provided at the help thread to start getting the hang of signing up for these free courses mentioned.
However, the first one doesn't work. lol
I get redirected to kaplan's homepage.

Code:

https://opencollege.kaplan.com/events/LRC100/

I made an account, enrolled for the class, but when i click start course it redirects me to their homepage.
Is any one else having this issue too?
[COLOR="#FF0000"]
UPDATE: If you come across the same issue I had, then check your inbox again for a 2nd confirmation/activation email and follow through. No issues since but I do feel silly.[/COLOR]


Also, if someone could double check my spreadsheet that i slightly modified since davewill made it. I just want to make sure that my previous classes do cover everything.
You can find the list of what I have in this thread. I color coded what I think I have accredited to me through my 47 credits. However, if it is wrong, then please tell me so I can correct it and remap my list. Thank you!

Here is the list I currently have for my necessary courses for my BACS from TESU!

Code:

I. General Education Requirements
A. Intellectual and Practical Skills
•Written Communication == [color=#00FF00][Transcript has it covered][/color]
•Oral Communication == [color=#00FF00][Transcript has it covered][/color]
•Quantitative Literacy == [color=#00FF00][Transcript has it covered][/color]
•Information Literacy == [color=#00FF00][Transcript has it covered][/color]
B. Civic and Global Learning
•Diversity == [color=#00FF00][Transcript has it covered][/color]
•Ethics == [color=#00FF00][Transcript has it covered][/color]
•Civic Engagement == [color=#00FF00][Transcript has it covered][/color]
C. Knowledge of Human Cultures == [color=#FFA500][?Transcript has it covered?][/color]
D. Understanding the Physical and Natural World == [color=#FFA500][?Transcript has it covered?][/color]
E. General Education Electives == [color=#00FF00][Transcript has it covered][/color]
II. Area of Study: Computer Science
A. Required Courses
•Introduction to Computer Science == [color=#FF0000][Need To Take At *][/color]
•Data Structures == [color=#FF0000][Need To Take At *][/color]
•Calculus I == [color=#FF0000][Need To Take At *][/color]
•Calculus II == [color=#FF0000][Need To Take At *][/color]
Select one of the following courses:
•Discrete Math == [color=#FF0000][Need To Take At *][/color]
OR
•Linear Algebra (Calculus-based) == [color=#FF0000][Need To Take At *][/color]
B. Capstone
•LIB-495 Liberal Arts Capstone == [color=#FF0000][Need To Take At TESU][/color]
C. Computer Science Electives*
Artificial Intelligence == [color=#800080]Not really interested[/color]
Assembly Language == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Comparative Programming Languages == [color=#800080]Not really interested[/color]
Compiler Construction == [color=#800080]Not really interested[/color]
Computer Architecture == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Computer Arithmetic Algorithms == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Computer Information Systems == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Computer Organization == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Computer Statistical Techniques == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Computer Simulation == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Operations Research == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Problem Analysis and Solution == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Programming Languages == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Software Engineering == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
Switching Theory and Automata == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]
UNIX == [color=#0000FF]Interested[/color]

* - Indicates a future credit substitute such as study.com/aleks/sl/etc.

[TrailRunr]

I'm not an expert on the GE side of the degree plan, but the ACE recommendation for the Kaplan course expired 4/30/16 so you can't get credit for it anymore unless you took it prior to 4/30/16.

[TalentlessOlympian]

I'm not an expert on the GE side of the degree plan, but the ACE recommendation for the Kaplan course expired 4/30/16 so you can't get credit for it anymore unless you took it prior to 4/30/16.

Welp, there goes that one. What's the new option that's replacing it?

Moving onto

Code:

http://www.theinstitutes.org/comet/learning_modules/cpcu_ethics.htm/

which is now $5.