Texas Business Degree TAMUC?

[MarketingDallas]

Hi learners!

I'm a single mom in Texas.  I created a successful business I run from home.  I am looking to sell my company and work for the bigger company buying it, and having a degree would really matter.  I think any business-y degree should do.

I also have a kid with severe special needs, so I can't travel.

I am starting from scratch, but money is not a concern.  I was a very good student, probably would have gone to a very good school if I hadn't gotten sidetracked being a mom.  Unfortunately, I can only do this at night with kid in bed, or more likely getting up really early for an hour or so a day.  It's going to be tough, and I haven't been in school for a long time.

I was considering the TAMUC BAAS Organizational Leadership helpfully pioneered by @mohelena02.  I was planning to do all Sophia and then the required 10 + 1 courses.  I already finished two half courses on Sophia in a couple days. I am open to more expensive similar options, but Sophia seems fine.  I like TAMUC as it has basic local recognition as a normal sounding state school, and the degree option seems fine for what I need.

I am looking for input from experts before I spend my scarce time and maybe where money can make this easier?  I'm willing to spend more if there's something better.  It's time I don't have enough of.  This resource is incredible!

[bjcheung77]

@MarketingDallas, Welcome to the board! Go for it! I suggest creating a spreadsheet of the requirements and take the Sophia.org courses that mohelena02 has taken or another member who has completed or in the process of completing the TAMUC program. This way, you can reference required courses and track your progress, if needed, you can always update it with other transferable courses from another ACE provider or something...

[MarketingDallas]

Is there a reason not to do all of this at the same time? Can I transfer in Sophia while I'm taking dumb classes about TX history in the program? Or I need to have the Sophia all done when I apply?

[bjcheung77]

TAMUC allows you to do two courses at a time I believe, if you have the energy/time to add more courses, you can complete some Sophia.org classes. Usually I recommend completing all your Sophia.org courses before starting at TAMUC, that way you can focus entirely on TAMUC instead of putting some effort or energy into Sophia.org... I think that's easier/faster done by completing everything at Sophia.org then moving onto TAMUC and not needing to worry about anything else.

[rachel83az]

For competency-based programs, even when they allow you to transfer in classes later, it's usually a good idea to try to transfer in as much as possible before starting.

Stupid (and highly unlikely) example: TAMUC suddenly decides that it won't accept Sophia Algebra for some reason. This happens to be one of the last classes you've transferred in. You're almost done with your degree, so now you've got two choices: either spend another session at TAMUC for Algebra without knowing the difficulty of this specific class or try to speed through something like ASU Universal Learner Algebra so that you know it will be accepted. However, if Algebra had been rejected before you had even started TAMUC classes, you'd have both more time and energy to locate an Algebra class that would work for you.

Substitute any class you can take at Sophia for "Algebra" above and hopefully you can see the issues.

That said, you can leave electives until last if you really want. Electives don't matter that much, so if they reject one for some reason, then it's usually pretty easy to just take some other random class as a substitute.

[mohelena02]

Hi! I had typed up a whole long message and somehow it got deleted, but wishing you the best of luck on this program! For the price, in my opinion, it's the best you are going to get in TX. Since I have graduated whenever I mention I went to A&M commerce people immediately recognize the A&M brand and it really helps.

If you want to look at other programs, look through the UT schools, I was going to go to UTPB for their MBA program which is one of the best for the price.

Now, as far as transferring credits in, from what I remember, my advisor would not let me start the core classes for the org leadership major until all other credits were met. In fact I didn't finish one history credit before starting and had to go through an unfortunate history class through TAMUC that I could have finished in Sophia in a day or two.

The main issue with TAMUC is that you are at the mercy of your advisor and teachers, so you cannot do classes on Sophia while attending without their approval (that they will accept the credit) so it becomes slow and may hold you back in progression, that is why it is recommended to go in with all of the credits you need so you can accelerate the final classes.

TAMUC is not set up in a seamless way at all, everything has a lag and everything requires approval to 'move forward' so you have to have that in mind before starting. Doing Sophia before at your own pace is the best way to go fast.

[MarketingDallas]

I poked around a little. UT Permian Basin degree choice not for me -- industrial something, the UNT one looks like it is shut down? It looks like there is a general one at LSU, but I don't see any information about it. South Texas College, meh.

UT Tyler BAAS Business Occupations looks interesting, and a flat $9,900 for the 33 credits you are supposed to have left. It looks like they want you to transfer in everything else? Shows 100% online and offers scholarships (I will not qualify). It als has two healthcare options, which I haven't seen elsewhere. It might be worth paying more if this could be faster? I guess there's no way to know until you're in it.

I'm still leaning Texas A&M Commerce, because I think it has better name appeal and a more clear path thanks to these boards.

[fromthedepths]

I wanted to add to this as I am enrolled in the TAMUC BAAS Organizational Leadership. The current advisor for the program, Tara Thompson, approved a max of 84 transfer credits for the program. You are required to take the Texas Government class as well as 1 other 300 or 400 level professional development elective prior to starting the program. These are the classes to choose from:

• CID 338 Talent Leadership in HR
  
• ORGL 339 Legal Issues in Organizations
  
• CID 342 Leading Innovation
  
• CID 346 Numbers for Leaders
  
• CID 347 Research Methods
  
• CID 356 Personal Branding and Identity
  
• CID 422 Project Management for Leaders
  
• CID 431 Developing Globally Competent Leaders
  
• GSCB 301 Pathways, Purpose, Exploration
  
• GSCB 402 Innovative Design
  

It shouldn't be a deterrent in choosing the program as the feedback I've received from the forums is that the above classes are fairly easy. Just wanted to give you a heads up if you decided to apply.

[arbitrarysky]

Here's my evaluation (so far) for TAMUC: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e...ingle=true

This is the most generous transfer credit policy I've come across. I was starting from scratch, I'd do as much as possible on Sophia in 2-4 months (avoid the developmental courses), then utilize Modern States to CLEP out for American Government and whatever else you need to reach 84-90 credits. Sociology and Psychology were easy CLEPs. Additionally, the Management and Marketing exams count as upper-level electives at TAMUC.

I would personally stick with TAMUC, but here's my take on the other schools mentioned. UT-Austin is an objectively better college compared to TAMU-College Station. However, I don't think the system matters that much when it comes to non-flagship universities. UNT ranks #7 for Texas public universities and is the top choice if you REALLY care about perception and the alumni network. Coursera certificates are accepted for the BAAS, but ACE policy is unclear otherwise so it's likely most expensive option. It also seems like you would need to choose a tech-oriented concentration if you want the Coursera credits.

Lamar University wasn't mentioned but could be another option. They have a solid alumni network in the southeast and rank #10 for Texas public universities. Somewhat generous ACE policy: "Lamar University accepts all transfer credits meeting ACE guidelines. Students enrolled in programs that grant ACE credit must submit official ACE transcripts. Non-equivalent credit is granted by the university; however, equivalent credit may be granted by a department chair for use in a specific degree plan." Flat rate tuition ($8800 for 30 credits) for BS in University Studies and several business degrees. Based on the policy, it looks like ACE credits may only be valid for the University Studies degree or BBA electives unless petitioned. Concentrations for University Studies seem to have very specific requirements compared to TAMUC's BGS or BAAS.

TAMUC is ranked #13, and in my opinion, clearly the best option in Texas for a balance of recognition, price, and convenience. Waiting for approval to move through courses shouldn't be an issue if you're planning to work through the degree at a moderate pace. I live within the "Texas triangle" cities, and I know several people who attended TAMUC on campus. Although not flagship-level "prestige," name recognition is much better compared to other schools discussed here, especially if you're in the DFW or East Texas areas. I wouldn't consider UTPB or South Texas College unless you live in West Texas or the RGV respectively.

If none of this matters to you, the fastest "local" option would be WGU (if you don't mind proctors for OAs and a strict grading system for PAs). They technically have a Texas branch, and your diploma would be printed with "WGU Texas." I heard that the business courses are much easier to move through than the education courses. Starting from scratch, you could finish in 2 terms (~$8000) if you completed one course per week. I personally know two people who graduated in the Business College. One works in sales and the other works in recruiting. I might have stuck with WGU and moved into the Business Management degree had I not racked up nearly 100 unusable credits over the last decade. WGU's programs are not lenient at all regarding electives. I need over 90 cus to finish BSBA-BM vs 30 credits to finish BGS at TAMUC.

[MarketingDallas]

I'd do as much as possible on Sophia in 2-4 months (avoid the developmental courses), then utilize Modern States to CLEP out for American Government and whatever else you need to reach 84-90 credits. Sociology and Psychology were easy CLEPs. Additionally, the Management and Marketing exams count as upper-level electives at TAMUC.

Is there a reason you wouldn't do all of this on Sophia? Sophia seems a lot easier than taking the CLEPs and it has marketing and psychology also. It looks like study.com has a ton of business-y electives, like the HR stuff, which I started. Study.com costs more, but I'm fine with that.

Appreciate your thoughts on the prestige factor, it pretty much matches my thoughts. I think TAMUC is a good balance.