UMPI English Degree

[wilsjano]

I'm really grateful that I discovered this forum since I've been doing heavy research into getting a college education quickly and cheaply. Just this past year I graduated from community college with an associate degree. I initially wasn't that interested in pursuing more education, but the more time went on the more I find myself wanting to expand my horizons with a bachelor's and/or master's degree. A ton of research led me to WGU and UMPI, due in part to the competency-based programs. I actually began applying to WGU in the B.S. Business Management program, but stopped the process since I've discovered more about UMPI. 
The main reason was the fact that UMPI offered programs that weren't available at WGU, particularly the B.A. in English (but WGU's proctored exams were also a deterrent for me). I've always loved writing and thought the program sounded interesting. The problem is that I've had a hard time of finding reviews and feedback from people who've completed the program and have the degree. I've already noticed conversation on here about many of the other majors, but haven't seen much about the B.A. in English program. I was just wondering if it's a good course of study or if I should consider looking at another major. I'm not yet ready to officially apply, and am currently looking into doing courses with Sophia (or similar service) first. Any help from those who know would be really appreciated, especially since I'm still new to everything UMPI.

[rachel83az]

As far as I'm aware, the English/Communication/Journalism courses can be a bit more involved/lengthy than courses for other degrees, but probably not onerously so if you like writing. Instead of taking 2-3 sessions to complete, it might take you 3-4. Still pretty fast!

A handful of students who started the English degree did decide to pivot to a History degree, IIRC.

[bjcheung77]

UMPI is a good option if you're alright doing an English degree with a concentration mainly in Communications & Journalism. There are reasons people go for a competency based degree and if those are similar to why you want to take the degree at UMPI, go for it. I would review the courses required and see if those are courses you're interested in before investing your energy, money, time into the program.

Just wondering, you mentioned bachelors/masters earlier - Was there a particular Masters you are looking at? I would make sure to complete all the required prerequisite undergrad courses for entry into the Masters while you're working on the UMPI BA, if you don't have a particular masters in mind, you can always ladder up to the UMPI MAOL to supplement or replace your Business Management interest.