Testing out toward a degree but don't know where to start

[ray_scanlon]

Hello my name is Ray. I have been in the workforce for 20 years. I would like to pursue my education to try to get myself into a better career. I don't have a whole lot of money because of a mortgage, 2 cars, and 2 kids. I recently found all this info on testing out towards a degree and it seems like the most viable and somewhat affordable option. I would like to get a degree in information technology/ software development if it's possible but if not something in a computer related field. I don't know where to start though. I don't want to take exams I don't need so I was just wandering if someone could give me direction to a source I could go to find out more information in starting this. Thanks.

[davewill]

Congrats on taking your first step. First off, what kind of education do you have so far? An unrelated degree, just a few college courses? Nothing at all?

The BSBA at TESU is generally regarded to be the cheapest and easiest to do, and it can be done with a CIS concentration. If you want to be a software developer, however there really is no substitute for an actual computer science degree. It's not possible to completely test out of it, but it definitely can be done online. So you need to think about where you want to end up before you pick your degree.

When I get to my computer, I'll upload a BACS at TESU plan spreadsheet.

P.S. There's no need to post questions twice.

[ray_scanlon]

I don't have any prior education besides high school. I would like to test out of as much as I can. The BSBA from TESU with concentration in CIS sounds appealing to me. Do you know what kind of career this degree may guide someone to? I wouldn't mind to get a computer science degree totally online but I don't know if I can really afford it especially starting from scratch. I am a Navy veteran so I don't know if that could help me financially. I definitely need the cheapest fastest route and testing out of as much as I can seems the most efficient considering I am 37, and a degree doesn't gaurauntee you a job anyway. Also once I figure out the degree I want to pursue how do I find out what exams I need to take for it? Do I contact TESU? Thanks.

[bluebooger]

The BSBA at TESU is generally regarded to be the ... easiest to do, ... however there really is no substitute for an actual computer science degree.

going to disagree with both those

easy is in the eye of the beholder

BSBA in Computer Information Systems Degree Program

Financial Accounting
Managerial Accounting
Business Law
Introduction to Marketing
Principles of Finance
Business in Society or International Management
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
Business/Managerial Communications
Strategic Management

it would be difficult for me to think of a more boring group of courses than that

I am absolutely positive I could not read more than 3 pages of any of those subjects in a day -- well I could, but I would have to force myself through much complaining -- "OMG, why did I pick such a BORING major"

it would be so difficult for me to even complete half those courses

as for CS, I think an Information Technology degree would be fine
like any from WGU
Online Bachelors Degree | Information Technology & Other Degrees Online
or uml
https://continuinged.uml.edu/degrees/bs_...nology.cfm
or even TESU's own
BSAST Degree in Information Technology | Thomas Edison State University


the TESU BSBA mentioned by davewill is probably the least expensive you'll find
and if you have any interest in business then yeah, probably the easiest to test out of

since you were in the Navy, what was your rating ?

TESU and Excelsior have a number of applied technology programs with veterans in mind

[Lindagerr]

In my humble opion if you really dont know much about credit by exam or what you really want the best place to start is Degree Forum Wiki - Wikia It will give you a lot of the basic answers and degree plans

[ray_scanlon]

I was in from 97-99. I only made it to E3. I was a fireman apprentice when I first started working in the engineroom.

[bjcheung77]

I was in from 97-99. I only made it to E3. I was a fireman apprentice when I first started working in the engineroom.

Do you get free CLEP/DSST testing? If you do, go with those options.
If you don't, then follow the degreeforum.wikia.com wiki page for more details.
I've created a Beginners Guide thread here: http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...llege.html
I have placed it on the wiki as well: The Basic Approach - Degree Forum Wiki - Wikia

[ray_scanlon]

Thank you I appreciate all the help. Once I decide on the degree I want to pursue how do I find out what exams I need to take to test out of a class?

[KayV]

Welcome Ray! All of that is explained in the Beginner's Guide Links above.

I noticed that you were an E-3 fireman from 97-99. That means you have some college credit already.
ACE | Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services

You would have credit for basic training too.
Do you have any IT certifications? Those can sometimes give you college credit.

[ray_scanlon]

No IT certifications