Second Degree - School Swap?

[GettinMyBA]

Am I making any sense here? All assistance is appreciated:

At the end of March, I expect to be fully qualified and will submit my graduation application to TESC (currently enrolled) for my BA in Liberal Studies. While happy to finally be at this point, something occurred to me recently.... my original intent, because of my current career stage and the fact that I'm hitting 40 ys old this year, was to just go for any degree. It was fine that my degree would be in Lib Studies - just wanted to get finished as quickly as possible. Tables have turned - I've become very dedicated and almost "addicted" to this, and I think maybe a BS with a specialty would be more beneficial.

Now, I still think (since I'm only a few weeks away from eligibility) that I should still apply for my BA, but as I understand it - for me to get an additional degree (BS in something), I have at least 30 credits that I need at TESC. Yesterday I called Excelsior and they said that if I have my BA from TESC, I will need at least 30 credits there also. But then I realized something.... I told the woman from Excelsior "Oh, wait.... I actually don't have a degree from TESC (yet) - all I have is a (big) pile of credits". Her answer was interesting... she said "Well, I guess whether you have a degree or not is not my business, is it?! If you file an Excelsior application with a (big) pile of credits, we will evaluate it as such - it's not a degree - it's a large number of credits." She told me to make sure I get a certified copy of my DD214 and make sure CELP & DANTES send transcripts.

So, did I find a loophole? Is this the smart thing to do? Did I just happen into this at the most opportunistic time? Sounds to me like I will get my BA from TESC and my BS from Excelsior and will have to do less than the 30 credits I was originally told. In fact, after that funky writing class (the Excelsior mandatory thing - whatever it is), I think I can actually test out of the rest of my BS(?????) Any idea if the same thing would be the case if I called U of Phoenix?

All experience with this is truly appreciated!

[kimberlyaz]

Makes complete sense.. sorry I don't have anything to add to the conversation.

Howver, it gives me an idea for the time between when I finish my last class in August and my degree is conferred in December.....

[ImustStudy]

Am I making any sense here? All assistance is appreciated:

At the end of March, I expect to be fully qualified and will submit my graduation application to TESC (currently enrolled) for my BA in Liberal Studies. While happy to finally be at this point, something occurred to me recently.... my original intent, because of my current career stage and the fact that I'm hitting 40 ys old this year, was to just go for any degree. It was fine that my degree would be in Lib Studies - just wanted to get finished as quickly as possible. Tables have turned - I've become very dedicated and almost "addicted" to this, and I think maybe a BS with a specialty would be more beneficial.

Now, I still think (since I'm only a few weeks away from eligibility) that I should still apply for my BA, but as I understand it - for me to get an additional degree (BS in something), I have at least 30 credits that I need at TESC. Yesterday I called Excelsior and they said that if I have my BA from TESC, I will need at least 30 credits there also. But then I realized something.... I told the woman from Excelsior "Oh, wait.... I actually don't have a degree from TESC (yet) - all I have is a (big) pile of credits". Her answer was interesting... she said "Well, I guess whether you have a degree or not is not my business, is it?! If you file an Excelsior application with a (big) pile of credits, we will evaluate it as such - it's not a degree - it's a large number of credits." She told me to make sure I get a certified copy of my DD214 and make sure CELP & DANTES send transcripts.

So, did I find a loophole? Is this the smart thing to do? Did I just happen into this at the most opportunistic time? Sounds to me like I will get my BA from TESC and my BS from Excelsior and will have to do less than the 30 credits I was originally told. In fact, after that funky writing class (the Excelsior mandatory thing - whatever it is), I think I can actually test out of the rest of my BS(?????) Any idea if the same thing would be the case if I called U of Phoenix?

All experience with this is truly appreciated!

Yes, you are correct. You have found what I guess could be considered a loophole. They key is getting all of your transcripts to any other school you want a degree from BEFORE you get a conferral at your current school. Otherwise, most schools have a specific policy that you must attain additional units. Your degree conferral is listed on your transcript when your degree is conferred.

SEND THE TRANSCRIPTS NOW. hilarious

[originalbigjim]

they told me the same thing about 6 months ago. she said we will just pretend like we never had this conversation.... shady people over there man.

[GettinMyBA]

they told me the same thing about 6 months ago. she said we will just pretend like we never had this conversation.... shady people over there man.

I dunno - is it shady? It's obviously a loophole, but right now, my tuition dollars go only to TESC. What's wrong with Excelsior telling me what I want to hear (as long as it's the truth)? The result will be that they get a new student (customer) and I get the degree I want. Seems like that's a win/win, and I'm happy to throw some money at that.

[originalbigjim]

well the reason why I think it is shady is because it is against both schools policy, if you read their catalogs they said if you get another degree you are obligated to tell them or you can forfeit the degree program you are in and you will lose the money you put into it. I think this is taking advantage of the no residency requirement and your are essentially double dipping with the credits you have. You really did not earn two degrees but only one twice, I do not know if that makes any since. It is like taking $100 dollar bill and making a photo copy of it and spending it in two different places. And if you are trying to use these degree(s) to obtain employment and they ask to see your transcript it is going to look very diploma millish having the same exact courses on both transcript. I dunno maybe I am wrong but I strongly advise against it.

[GettinMyBA]

Yeah... I see your point, and I don't disagree. The fact is... what we're discussing here is definitley not the "expected" or "suggested" thing to do. As noted, if it's do-able, it's a "loophole". I wouldn't lie or misrepresent anything to either school... I will legitimately not have a degree from either one when I apply. By definition, I would be transferring credits. The fact that the credits also remain with the institution that I transferred from is not the business of the recipient school. I dunno - just looking at different options here.

[crshore]

I'd be very careful with this. I know when you fill out and sign the graduation survey at Charter Oak, you have to attest to the fact that, "I certify that since enrolling at Charter Oak, I have not received, nor am I a candidate for, this, or a similar degree at another institution."

Now, how "similar" is "similar?" I don't know. But even if you have found a loophole, I'd be very careful and ask many more questions. I'd be very concerned about the possibility of my degree being revoked.

[GettinMyBA]

Agreed... if i saw that question, the entire idea instantly goes out the window. I will not do all this hard work and chance throwing it all away - I will not lie about anything. If it had to be, ok - I go for the 30 additional credits. Not a catastrophe. Thanks to all who responded to this!

[cannoda]

From Excelsior's Student Policy Handbook (page 14):

"Students are expected to: . . .

report to the College all degrees earned at other accredited institutions, if enrolled . . .

Students not in compliance with the policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension, dismissal, or financial holds on records."