TAMUC Competency Based Program List

[namwen]

They do have Tx Gov and it is a requirement to graduate. I'm surprised that the advisor allowed someone to go into the core classes without taking that Tx Gov class first. Maybe it was full? That was one of the most tedious classes, but ultimately TAMUC will be the fastest and cheapest option for that class. They will not allow you to take any more than the initial two classes in the semester, and only one accelerated class at a time after that. Your instructor has to give you the all clear before the advisor will even consider putting you in another class. So even if you have passed everything, you'll still need that instructor emailing you confirming everything is complete.

The class was full so they moved me on to 3311 and 3321. I've read that the course at TAMUC was a pain, so I was hoping there were better options.

[teejayb]

Well, I finished Capstone 2 yesterday and just received my last grades. Graduation set for next month. All in all this was a fine program with only a handful of instructors that were not reasonably available to answer my questions and grade my assignments. The overwhelming majority were extremely helpful and had everything graded in well under 24 hours.
It ultimately took me 4 semesters to complete and is absolutely doable in 2-3 semesters. However, you only get what you put into this degree. It's up to you if you just want a piece of paper, or want to learn the material. Essay assignments were not easy, but also not extremely difficult. I think they were fair based on the degree program.

It seems like they are changing the format of this degree (and I assume other competency-based degrees) so what has been discussed on here before might not be the way it is anymore. There are still a ton of bugs for them to work out in the tests as I found a lots of spelling errors, multiple same questions, and even some test had the correct answer in BOLD in 80% of the questions. Weblinks were constantly broken, but when I brought it to the professors attention, I was always given a working link and they were appreciative of the feedback. Let me know if anyone has any questions!

[origamishuttle]

The overwhelming majority were extremely helpful and had everything graded in well under 24 hours.

I wish we could say this for UMPI with their new locked-out final policy.

Graduation set for next month.

Congratulations!

[bjcheung77]

@teejayb, congrats on getting this done! It really doesn't matter how long it took you, as long as you finished, it's a pretty affordable program and if you did take out fin-aid, it would be even more inexpensive. Good work, you did great!

[mohelena02]

Congratulations on finishing this program!!

[arbitrarysky]

I wanted to share my experience with admissions here as this seems to be the most active TAMUC thread.

I discovered TAMUC's competency-based programs last year through this discussion board. I applied for the BAAS in Org Leadership and never received a response either through email or ApplyTexas. I tried following up with admissions and the College of Innovation and Design, but kept getting tossed around and was never able to discuss my admissions status. I assumed I was rejected due to my rough academic history and TAMUC forgot to send out a decision.

I applied again this year for General Studies (though the internal application portal NOT ApplyTexas). I also talked to a transfer advisor (who I felt was a little judgmental about my application). Months passed so I assumed rejection again. I cleaned out my inbox recently and came across an email from TAMUC Admissions. I thought it was just a re-confirmation of my application ("Thank you, we've received your application"). I checked my admissions account and saw I was accepted!

After getting access to the student portal, I realized I was also accepted last year. It definitely seems to be a system error vs staff dropping the ball as the competency-based programs advisor emailed multiple times regarding orientation and registration. I'm very shocked, but not mad or upset. I ended up enrolling at WGU and learned their instructional style is not for me (at least in the Teacher's College). Plus, now I'm not restricted to ORGL classes and will have 6 more electives with the BGS.

Sharing lessons learned for those who may be interested in the BAAS or BGS programs:
1. Apply through the internal application portal (link: https://tamucommerce.force.com/onlineapp...B&swcfpc=1) NOT ApplyTexas or Common App.
2. Check the application portal regularly until you have a definite admissions status.
3. Find your CWID (link: https://appsprod.tamuc.edu/FindCWID/default.aspx) and check your MyLeo portal and TAMUC email regularly.
4. Call TAMUC departments at different times if you can. (ex: call in the AM on Monday, then call in the afternoon on Tuesday) I wasn't able last year to due to my work schedule.

I'm very excited to begin this program. Already have an advising appointment scheduled to set up orientation. All credits transferred perfectly. If same goes for my WGU evaluation, that leaves 6 electives and the 4 courses required for BGS. Hoping to finish in two terms and graduate at the end of summer.

[Tswede]

It seems like they are changing the format of this degree (and I assume other competency-based degrees) so what has been discussed on here before might not be the way it is anymore. There are still a ton of bugs for them to work out in the tests as I found a lots of spelling errors, multiple same questions, and even some test had the correct answer in BOLD in 80% of the questions. Weblinks were constantly broken, but when I brought it to the professors attention, I was always given a working link and they were appreciative of the feedback. Let me know if anyone has any questions!

How are they changing the format of the degree?

[teejayb]

Instead of 1 pre-test and post-test, they are breaking it up into smaller tests. So instead of 1 50-60 question test, there are 5-6 quizzes with 15-20 questions. You have to pass all the pre-tests before you move on to the post-tests. Some of the essay and assignments are changing as well. When I was working on my capstone, I couldn't access some of the material in my first few classes because of some changes. Like, none of the modules had any links like they wiped the module clean.

Data-driven decision making use to be two classes, it is now 1 class and the 2nd was replaced with Organizational Behavior. Capstone 2 class (at least mine) Did not require the e-portfolio like I had heard. I instead had to do an video interview through an AI processor that grades you based on filler words, eye contact, ect. Similar to hirevue that some corporations use to hire people.

[arbitrarysky]

Instead of 1 pre-test and post-test, they are breaking it up into smaller tests. So instead of 1 50-60 question test, there are 5-6 quizzes with 15-20 questions. You have to pass all the pre-tests before you move on to the post-tests. Some of the essay and assignments are changing as well. When I was working on my capstone, I couldn't access some of the material in my first few classes because of some changes. Like, none of the modules had any links like they wiped the module clean.

Data-driven decision making use to be two classes, it is now 1 class and the 2nd was replaced with Organizational Behavior. Capstone 2 class (at least mine) Did not require the e-portfolio like I had heard. I instead had to do an video interview through an AI processor that grades you based on filler words, eye contact, ect. Similar to hirevue that some corporations use to hire people.

That explains why course syllabi look different when comparing spring and summer sections. I was a little confused why courses with only spring syllabi available have just 1 pre/post-test listed, whereas I've seen summer syllabi with anywhere from 3-6. 

I think I actually prefer the new way. I'd rather focus on one or two modules at a time than spend hours trying to memorize and regurgitate a whole course.

[arbitrarysky]

I wanted to share my experience with admissions here as this seems to be the most active TAMUC thread.

I discovered TAMUC's competency-based programs last year through this discussion board. I applied for the BAAS in Org Leadership and never received a response either through email or ApplyTexas. I tried following up with admissions and the College of Innovation and Design, but kept getting tossed around and was never able to discuss my admissions status. I assumed I was rejected due to my rough academic history and TAMUC forgot to send out a decision.

I applied again this year for General Studies (though the internal application portal NOT ApplyTexas). I also talked to a transfer advisor (who I felt was a little judgmental about my application). Months passed so I assumed rejection again. I cleaned out my inbox recently and came across an email from TAMUC Admissions. I thought it was just a re-confirmation of my application ("Thank you, we've received your application"). I checked my admissions account and saw I was accepted!

After getting access to the student portal, I realized I was also accepted last year. It definitely seems to be a system error vs staff dropping the ball as the competency-based programs advisor emailed multiple times regarding orientation and registration. I'm very shocked, but not mad or upset. I ended up enrolling at WGU and learned their instructional style is not for me (at least in the Teacher's College). Plus, now I'm not restricted to ORGL classes and will have 6 more electives with the BGS.

Sharing lessons learned for those who may be interested in the BAAS or BGS programs:
1. Apply through the internal application portal (link: https://tamucommerce.force.com/onlineapp...B&swcfpc=1) NOT ApplyTexas or Common App.
2. Check the application portal regularly until you have a definite admissions status.
3. Find your CWID (link: https://appsprod.tamuc.edu/FindCWID/default.aspx) and check your MyLeo portal and TAMUC email regularly.
4. Call TAMUC departments at different times if you can. (ex: call in the AM on Monday, then call in the afternoon on Tuesday) I wasn't able last year to due to my work schedule.

I'm very excited to begin this program. Already have an advising appointment scheduled to set up orientation. All credits transferred perfectly. If same goes for my WGU evaluation, that leaves 6 electives and the 4 courses required for BGS. Hoping to finish in two terms and graduate at the end of summer.

Very last-minute enrollment process in comparison to WGU, but finally enrolled and have everything in order to start on the 15th! Financial aid was lightning fast. I enrolled on Saturday and they finalized my aid package today.

Will start off with the first BGS course (Pathways, Purpose, and Exploration) and Research Methods. Plan is to knock out orientation this week so I can immediately dive into Pathways. Looked over the syllabus and it seems like a lot of busy-work.