TESC- Double Major- BA Communications and ??

[Saharapost]

I have been reading through some threads about double majoring in a TESC degree. It seems to me that Communications and Journalism would be two areas to double major in. However, testing out of journalism courses or getting affordable online journalism classes are not easy to come by. I was wondering what other area one can add to Communication to double major in. Can anyone suggest areas that are easy to test out of or, affordable online credits to fulfill the second major to Communications. Thanks

[sanantone]

In my opinion, double majoring in communications and journalism is like double majoring in accounting and finance. They are two separate fields, but they both can get you the same types of jobs for the most part. If you're interested in marketing, since you can't double major in marketing and communications at TESC (I would advise against this anyway), the natural BA pair would be psychology. English sounds like a natural pair, but again, one doesn't really add much to the other. Marketing and communications use psychology. Psychology and skills in statistical analysis can be valuable in market research. My practical advice for someone who wants to have a backup plan is to double major in computer science. However, those two can work together if you want to become a technical writer.

[Saharapost]

Thank you, Sanantone. Psychology seems to be a good pair to Communications. There seems to be no enough TECEPS to cover Psy requirements though.

[sanantone]

There aren't going to be enough TECEPs for the Per Credit Tuition Plan for any area of study except for business administration and liberal studies (close for social science). There are, however, enough CBEs for psychology. It's one of the easiest degrees to test out of.

[bricabrac]

Thank you, Sanantone. Psychology seems to be a good pair to Communications. There seems to be no enough TECEPS to cover Psy requirements though.

I would email the bursar to inquire; you've already met the 24 cr residency. My guess is you should be fine as long as you continue to remain an enrolled student by taking one TECEP per year until completing the second degree. It is the only outcome that makes sense in my mind. And remember, the TECEPs do not need to be in the area of study. You could register for the technical writing or public relations TECEP to cover the next years enrollment.

You could definitely use JOU110, ENG201, COM210, PSY270 and PSY350 towards the dual degree.

[MannyFresh]

Like others have said, I believe that taking double concentrations with TESC is helpful and gives you a few points above your competition if the second degree compliments the Original Concentration (English, Psychology...etc.). Otherwise its like what Sanantone mentioned, it may be better to consider earning a degree in a different field like technology as a backup.

My guess is you should be fine as long as you continue to remain an enrolled student by taking one TECEP per year until completing the second degree.

I am actually interested in seeing how that can play out, should I assume that its possible to complete your degree in BSBA in Management or Accounting and then continue taking classes toward your second concentration? (Meaning after I have graduated from TESC and been handed the Bachelor's Degree)

[Saharapost]

I would email the bursar to inquire; you've already met the 24 cr residency. My guess is you should be fine as long as you continue to remain an enrolled student by taking one TECEP per year until completing the second degree. It is the only outcome that makes sense in my mind. And remember, the TECEPs do not need to be in the area of study. You could register for the technical writing or public relations TECEP to cover the next years enrollment.

You could definitely use JOU110, ENG201, COM210, PSY270 and PSY350 towards the dual degree.

Bricabrac, that makes a lot of sense, however, I am not sure it will work as my studentship status has already been set to INACTIVE STARTING FROM 09/12/14 on my OSS page. It seems to mean that those who take the PPC plan route (especially by way of the TECEPs) become no longer enrolled once their degrees are conferred. And, since I can't start (enroll for) a second degree at TESC until after the conferral of the first one (09/13/14), it seems to be the case that I may not be able to apply the previous 24 cr residency to a new degree...

[bricabrac]

Bricabrac, that makes a lot of sense, however, I am not sure it will work as my studentship status has already been set to INACTIVE STARTING FROM 09/12/14 on my OSS page. It seems to mean that those who take the PPC plan route (especially by way of the TECEPs) become no longer enrolled once their degrees are conferred. And, since I can't start enroll for a second degree at TESC until after the conferral of the first one (09/13/14), it seems to be the case that I may not be able to apply the previous 24 cr residency to a new degree...

I would still contact the bursar with your intentions. They have the ability to move/push dates when needed. The new degree would be activated immediately after conferral date. What date does your enrollment year end? If it began Oct 2013 it ends Sep 2014, and there is a free (floating) month for administrative purposes, I'm hoping the same holds true with the PPC plan.

And even if that the enrollment ends with the conferral date, you would only need two additional exams to cover a new degree. (POS101, POS282 or HIS126).

Or take two additional courses (ex epacks PSY370 and PSY363) or one six credit course(ex PSY379) that would apply to the area of study. Combine a course with a TECEP to lessen the burden. Working on a dual degree is going to be a bit more expensive than the first anyway, especially when you don't have access to DSST/CLEP exams.

Hope this is clear, brain is not completely awake yet.

[Saharapost]

I would still contact the bursar with your intentions. They have the ability to move/push dates when needed. The new degree would be activated immediately after conferral date. What date does your enrollment year end? If it began Oct 2013 it ends Sep 2014, and there is a free (floating) month for administrative purposes, I'm hoping the same holds true with the PPC plan.

And even if that the enrollment ends with the conferral date, you would only need two additional exams to cover a new degree. (POS101, POS282 or HIS126).

Or take two additional courses (ex epacks PSY370 and PSY363) or one six credit course(ex PSY379) that would apply to the area of study. Combine a course with a TECEP to lessen the burden. Working on a dual degree is going to be a bit more expensive than the first anyway, especially when you don't have access to DSST/CLEP exams.

Hope this is clear, brain is not completely awake yet.

Yes, I was gonna go ahead and write the Bursar- no harm in trying. I'll brief you guys on my findings. Thank you.

[Saharapost]

I would still contact the bursar with your intentions. They have the ability to move/push dates when needed. The new degree would be activated immediately after conferral date. What date does your enrollment year end? If it began Oct 2013 it ends Sep 2014, and there is a free (floating) month for administrative purposes, I'm hoping the same holds true with the PPC plan.

And even if that the enrollment ends with the conferral date, you would only need two additional exams to cover a new degree. (POS101, POS282 or HIS126).

Or take two additional courses (ex epacks PSY370 and PSY363) or one six credit course(ex PSY379) that would apply to the area of study. Combine a course with a TECEP to lessen the burden. Working on a dual degree is going to be a bit more expensive than the first anyway, especially when you don't have access to DSST/CLEP exams.

Hope this is clear, brain is not completely awake yet.

I got a response regarding using the previously earned residency credits. Part of my mail to the Bursar reads:

I am wondering whether the 24 cr requirements which I met under the PPC plan for my first degree is valid for a second degree. What I mean is that, since I already met the 24 cr residency requirement under my BSBA program (which will be conferred on me on September 12), would I need to meet another 24 CR residency requirement for a second degree or the ones from my first degree will roll over to the second degree since my enrollment at TESC should last for a year anyway.

It took about a week for this issue to be resolved. Even though I raised a ticket to the Bursar, the Senior Associate Registrar for Business Analysis replied. If I am interpreting this response correctly, it seems I don't need to meet the 24 CR residency again even I intend to go the Pay Per Credit route. If this is the case, does it mean I can transfer almost all the courses needed for a second degree and take as few or as many TECEPs I want without having to pay the enrollment fee?

Dear SaharaPost,

Great question, and you certainly can post this in your public education forum!Not unlike Gen Ed requirements for a second degree, your residency requirement will be considered "already completed."

All the best to you starting the new degree, and congratulations on your graduation!

Sincerely,

XYZ

Senior Associate Registrar for Business Analysis

Thomas Edison State College