TESU BALS degree plan

[csangaletti]

Hi, can someone help me checking the attached degree plan ? Thanks in advance ! Claudio

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Sorry, forgot the attachment in the the previous one !
  Claudio TESU BALS.xlsx (Size: 15.36 KB / Downloads: 44)

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Sorry, forgot the attachment in the the previous one !
  Claudio TESU BALS.xlsx (Size: 15.36 KB / Downloads: 44)

[bjcheung77]

It's great you've got a degree plan/spreadsheet created, but many variables are missing towards your journey, you may want to follow this template.  The more details, the better, so we know your current situation.  We can provide advice on alternative credit or degree/college options other than the TESU BALS.  Answer the following questions and follow the template in the link below.

How young are you? Which state and country are you in? What's your budget, do you have tuition assistance or reimbursement? Do you work for company that has a union? Do you have other commitments besides a job? Is there a specific degree or major you're looking for? Are you into alternative credit through test out options or competency based assessments? Most important is, how much time can you dedicate to your studies each day?

Link: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

[LevelUP]

I would do SDC presentation skills in the workplace as it is quicker than doing Sophia Public Speaking. The extra $70 is worth it for the time you save. 

It looks like you are doing a Liberal Arts degree with a concentration in computer science which is almost the same as a BA in Computer Science. You would save yourself from doing Calculus, but everything else is pretty much the same for a regular Computer Science degree. 

That [TECEP] learning in the digital age (DGL-101-TE) is interesting. So let us know how that goes.

[rachel83az]

Given the choice between BALS Comp Sci or BA Comp Sci, I would strongly recommend the BA Comp Sci. It'll open more doors for you in the long run. SL Calculus is recommended because they allow you to use ANY calculator on the exam. It's all open-book, too, and you can essentially pass the class before even getting to the final exam. If you're worried about not being able to complete a calc exam, this might be the solution for you.

[csangaletti]

It's great you've got a degree plan/spreadsheet created, but many variables are missing towards your journey, you may want to follow this template.  The more details, the better, so we know your current situation.  We can provide advice on alternative credit or degree/college options other than the TESU BALS.  Answer the following questions and follow the template in the link below.

How young are you? Which state and country are you in? What's your budget, do you have tuition assistance or reimbursement? Do you work for company that has a union? Do you have other commitments besides a job? Is there a specific degree or major you're looking for? Are you into alternative credit through test out options or competency based assessments? Most important is, how much time can you dedicate to your studies each day?

Link: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

Hi, Thanks for you comment.
Here you can see my answers:
I’m 54
I’m Italian and actually leaving in Italy
I’m not in a super tight budget but of course I don’t want to go much over 7/8 K
I don’t have any tuition assistance or reimbursement
I’m working full time but no other commitments
I’m interested in a degree related with Computer Science and my goal is to make it as quick as possible
I can do both alternative credit and competency assessment
I can dedicate a couple of hours every week day and double in the weekend (means around 18 hours per week)
I have a background of electronics, programming and IT, coming from the job and continuous training

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I would do SDC presentation skills in the workplace as it is quicker than doing Sophia Public Speaking. The extra $70 is worth it for the time you save. 

It looks like you are doing a Liberal Arts degree with a concentration in computer science which is almost the same as a BA in Computer Science. You would save yourself from doing Calculus, but everything else is pretty much the same for a regular Computer Science degree. 

That [TECEP] learning in the digital age (DGL-101-TE) is interesting. So let us know how that goes.

Hi, thanks for you suggestion, I will have a look in the SDC presentation course. Actually I was starting evaluating CS, but I’m a little worried about the math part. Also I don’t know if I could use there the actfl exams.

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Given the choice between BALS Comp Sci or BA Comp Sci, I would strongly recommend the BA Comp Sci. It'll open more doors for you in the long run. SL Calculus is recommended because they allow you to use ANY calculator on the exam. It's all open-book, too, and you can essentially pass the class before even getting to the final exam. If you're worried about not being able to complete a calc exam, this might be the solution for you.

Hi and thanks for you suggestions. I would also rather go with the CS but calculus is exactly one of my worries. I will have a look into SL course.

[bjcheung77]

@csangaletti, is there a reason you need a degree from USA vs one from Italy?  Since you're looking at a BALS with a CS concentration, you may want to consider a BSBA CIS and ASNSM Computer Science option at TESU, or if you're into Competency Based, an AALS and BLS MIS concentration at UMPI.  Many options exist for you, others such as evaluating UK Level 6 diploma and then using a Bachelors Top Up in the UK.

In any case, you're going to need to get credits, do you already have any type of credits from the Italian higher education system?  I would take credits towards both TESU/UMPI before you decide, because of your current time constraints, it "hits" closer to test-out vs competency based.  Having said that, you can tweak the time management and should be sufficient for Competency Based assessments and assginments.

[dfrecore]

So, first, you have some info wrong. Second, you have too many credits. I count 132cr. 3rd, you have an 18cr term at TESU, which I don't think they'll allow. 4th, you didn't fill up your GE properly. 5th, you can't get credit for Technical Comm AND Technical Writing.

Here's what I would do:

1) Do your ACTFL exams, as you'll get the most bang for your buck there in terms of ease. Each exam will get you 6cr UL/6cr LL - so between the 4 exams, you get 48cr, and it fills your entire AoS.

2) Do the courses you need for RA - so plan a 16cr term at TESU
- Cornerstone
- Capstone
- Comparative Politics (civic engagement)
- Python Programming (AoS)
- Computer Concepts & Applications (Science)
- PLA-100 (1cr)

3) Do the remaining courses you need for RA
- English Comp 1 & 2 (think about ONU instead of Sophia, I think it's roughly the same amount of work, and ONU is supposed to be fantastic for $50/cr)
- Technical Writing TECEP (Humanities)
- Learning in the Digital Age TECEP (Free Elective)
- College Algebra TECEP (Free Elective just because the GE is filled already)

4) Fill your GE
- Public Speaking (or Presentation Skills at SDC)
- Intro to Sociology (Diversity)
- Intro to Ethics (Ethical Leadership)
- A SocSci course (none of the courses you planned fit here)
- A History course (same as above)
- Environmental Science (2nd science)

5) Fill your Concentration in CS
- COMPSCI 306: Computer Architecture
- COMPSCI 303: Database Management
- COMPSCI 302: Systems Analysis & Design
- COMPSCI 201: Data Structures & Algorithms
- COMPSCI 307: Software Engineering

6) Fill your Free Electives
- Project Management
- Principles of Management
(I would probably do Developing Effective Teams 1cr and The Essentials of Managing Conflict 1cr instead of one of those courses since you only need 2cr)

I removed Technical Comm (not allowed with Technical Writing) and Sophia's Intro to IT (duplicates the TECEP you're taking).

SocSci courses available through Sophia: Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Intro to Psychology
History courses available through Sophia: US History I, US History II, or US History: Learn from the Past, Prepare for the Future

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If you opt for the CompSci degree instead, I would not take the WPT exams, as you don't need that credit.

You could take Software Engineering instead of Python Programming at TESU, and you'll need 1 more math course (Finite Math at ONU to get another easy RA course, or Stats from Sophia, ALEKS' Precalc, or Study.com's Precalc or Stats).

It would not be difficult to switch to this degree if you can get through calculus.

[rachel83az]

Hi and thanks for you suggestions. I would also rather go with the CS but calculus is exactly one of my worries. I will have a look into SL course.

In that case, I would recommend signing up with ASU: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Ar...al_Learner You can then audit (take without credit) their precalculus and calculus courses for FREE. These can act as prep courses for the course at StraighterLine.

[csangaletti]

  Claudio TESU BALS V2.xlsx (Size: 16.02 KB / Downloads: 4) dfrecore pid='361724' dateline='1647743287']So, first, you have some info wrong.  Second, you have too many credits. I count 132cr.  3rd, you have an 18cr term at TESU, which I don't think they'll allow.  4th, you didn't fill up your GE properly. 5th, you can't get credit for Technical Comm AND Technical Writing.

Here's what I would do:

1) Do your ACTFL exams, as you'll get the most bang for your buck there in terms of ease.  Each exam will get you 6cr UL/6cr LL - so between the 4 exams, you get 48cr, and it fills your entire AoS.

2) Do the courses you need for RA - so plan a 16cr term at TESU
- Cornerstone
- Capstone
- Comparative Politics (civic engagement)
- Python Programming (AoS)
- Computer Concepts & Applications (Science)
- PLA-100 (1cr)

3) Do the remaining courses you need for RA
- English Comp 1 & 2 (think about ONU instead of Sophia, I think it's roughly the same amount of work, and ONU is supposed to be fantastic for $50/cr)
- Technical Writing TECEP (Humanities)
- Learning in the Digital Age TECEP (Free Elective)
- College Algebra TECEP (Free Elective just because the GE is filled already)

4) Fill your GE
- Public Speaking (or Presentation Skills at SDC)
- Intro to Sociology (Diversity)
- Intro to Ethics (Ethical Leadership)
- A SocSci course (none of the courses you planned fit here)
- A History course (same as above)
- Environmental Science (2nd science)

5) Fill your Concentration in CS
- COMPSCI 306: Computer Architecture
- COMPSCI 303: Database Management
- COMPSCI 302: Systems Analysis & Design
- COMPSCI 201: Data Structures & Algorithms
- COMPSCI 307: Software Engineering

6) Fill your Free Electives
- Project Management
- Principles of Management
(I would probably do Developing Effective Teams 1cr and The Essentials of Managing Conflict 1cr instead of one of those courses since you only need 2cr)

I removed Technical Comm (not allowed with Technical Writing) and Sophia's Intro to IT (duplicates the TECEP you're taking).

SocSci courses available through Sophia: Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Intro to Psychology
History courses available through Sophia: US History I, US History II, or US History: Learn from the Past, Prepare for the Future

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you opt for the CompSci degree instead, I would not take the WPT exams, as you don't need that credit.

You could take Software Engineering instead of Python Programming at TESU, and you'll need 1 more math course (Finite Math at ONU to get another easy RA course, or Stats from Sophia, ALEKS' Precalc, or Study.com's Precalc or Stats).

It would not be difficult to switch to this degree if you can get through calculus.

Hi,
Thanks for the detailed explanation. I’m attaching here a modified plan according to your suggestions. Could you have a look an tell me if is fitting .
Thanks
Claudio

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@csangaletti, is there a reason you need a degree from USA vs one from Italy?  Since you're looking at a BALS with a CS concentration, you may want to consider a BSBA CIS and ASNSM Computer Science option at TESU, or if you're into Competency Based, an AALS and BLS MIS concentration at UMPI.  Many options exist for you, others such as evaluating UK Level 6 diploma and then using a Bachelors Top Up in the UK.

In any case, you're going to need to get credits, do you already have any type of credits from the Italian higher education system?  I would take credits towards both TESU/UMPI before you decide, because of your current time constraints, it "hits" closer to test-out vs competency based.  Having said that, you can tweak the time management and should be sufficient for Competency Based assessments and assginments.

Hi,
Thanks for your quick reply. Actually is almost impossible here in Italy to build a degree plan taking online courses and/or applying your competencies as credits and that’s the reason why I’m looking into USA degrees (by the way uk could also be an option since they are also much more flexible that Italy).
Said that, I was originally starting planning for a computer science degree at tesu, but the math part is working me (I’m out of the game from a long time!) and I thought I could get some cheap credit with the actfl exams, that I’m sure I can apply totally to the cs degree.
Yes, I do have the possibility to look for credits for some higher education courses an diplomas here and in Spain, but it will be a big work finding out official transcriptions and maybe also have to translate them officialy.
Do you have some template that will fit for my situation with computer science degree ?
Thanks
Claudio

[rachel83az]

If you intend to use your degree in Italy, or Europe in general, I would definitely recommend against a Liberal Studies degree of any kind. ESPECIALLY if you want to get into the technology sector. The employment system is very different in the US vs. Europe. You really need a specific degree in Europe if you want to go into certain fields. In the US, the exact degree doesn't matter as much as it does in Europe.