cookderosa Wrote:In essence, it allows you to double dip, which saves time but not money. Those 3 classes will be at graduate tuition rate, which is considerably more than the other options of price-shopping those credits elsewhere or even at TESC. So, if you're primary interest is in saving time, this is an interesting program (one I considered as well) for that reason. There are very few short-cuts in grad school to cut out time. The time factor will save you probably less than 6 months overall, so you have to determine what type of cost is acceptable to create that gain- if you're getting a fat raise at work as soon as your finish your masters....then this might be a great use of your time.

On the other hand, if you're borrowing this money to fund your masters and have no guarantee salary increase, then I'd say the time isn't really anything more than impatience. In that case, I'd choose my school based on cost, applicability to my career/future prospects, and exit requirement. Paying cash is the best option of course, and there are plenty grad school options that can be had for around $10,000 - certainly doable when split over 2 years. Finally exit requirements can really-really- matter, so check into them carefully.

We didn't discuss it, but entrance requirements can feel intimidating- and if you're anything like me, just already being set up over at TESC and knowing how it works without new applications was a seduction that wasn't lost on me, but there are so many grad schools that are scratching and clawing to get enrollment that it's really a non-issue. For every 1 program you won't get accepted into, there are 40 you could, so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

cooperalex2004 Wrote:While I'd agree that their graduate rate is quite high (I'm one of the many that completed at TESC but then moved on for graduate work), I would point out that the three courses would be at the undergrad rate:
"The program gives undergraduate students who are serious about earning a master's degree a 9-credit head start toward that goal and enables them to earn 9 graduate credits at the undergraduate rate." (Bachelor's to Master's Program)

Not that I would recommend starting a graduate degree and leaving but it would seem you could transfer the credits out (checking with the new school for their number of allowed transfer credits as some don't accept any at the graduate level). That would be a good deal if you either wanted to complete a specific degree at TESC or found a good match for transfer.

Jima60 Wrote:Thank you everyone for responding. I had to travel for work last week so I have been able to read your posts but didn't have time to respond.

Now that I understand the TESC Bachelor's to Master's program better here are my concerns, I really need a need a bachelor's degree as quickly as possible so as my organization transforms over the next 6 months my lack of a degree doesn't come up as an issues. If I combine the degrees I assuming that I could request the Bachelor's as soon as I complete the 9 masters credits. This will still take longer than just completing the Bachelor's degree by testing out the last few credits then take the PF strategy class (which seem to be the path most take).

So here is my question, if money is not as high as a concern as time, What would be the fastest masters program to look into?

Thanks again for your feedback.