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help - Student00 - 12-11-2015
My main goal is to eventually get into calstate for a masters in chemistry. I'm new to this. What bachelors would allow me to and prepare me most? I was thinking the natural science/ math degree from Thomas Edison?
Also I'm not sure where to start does anyone have a degree plan for this major that they can share with me?
I know about the various exams I can take for credit, but is this a degree I can complete completely with exams or will I have to take regular classes? Also what's FEMA? I know its a way in getting free course credits. Frees always good lol
help - dfrecore - 12-11-2015
First, TESC no longer accepts FEMA credits. But, there are plenty of other ways to get free/cheap credits for your general ed requirements.
The TESC NatSci/Math degree can be tested out of for the most part, except the Capstone. You most difficult part is getting all 6 of the UL courses in the Area of Study, while only using 2 100-level courses. So for 33 units including the Capstone, you need an additional 15cr UL, 6cr 100-level (at most), and 9cr 200-level.
There are LOTS of 100-level courses, so you will max out on those. You'll need to try for more of the 200-level courses instead.
For UL, you can take: Microbiology (SL but not UExcel), Pathophysiology (UExcel), Differential Equations series (edX, stars in Jan, 9cr total), MIS (DSST), Cybersecurity (DSST), Cloud Computing CSU-Global, Info Systems & Design (CSU-Global). Those are the only ones I know of that you can test out of or take cheaply.
The other issue you will have is that any CSU will want to see a good GPA. If you go through TESC and don't take any actual courses except your Capstone, you will have a GPA, but I don't think any CSU will be impressed with only 1 course taken. I'm pretty sure they will want to see lots of good grades, especially in your science courses.
This is one of those cases where you should definitely "begin with the end in mind." You need to figure out the school you want to go to, and then do lots of research to find out what they require for the students they're admitting into the Masters program. I would even go to the school and talk to someone there (like an assistant dean) to see what they will be looking at. I think most programs will want to see ALL of your science courses taken at a B&M school, with plenty of labs, and really good grades. But will the rest matter? CA state colleges are not exactly hurting for students, and they can afford to be really picky about what they will accept. I went to one, I have plenty of friends with kids in them, and none are exactly accommodating to non-traditional students and getting credit in non-traditional ways.
help - smf6824 - 12-11-2015
dfrecore Wrote:First, TESC no longer accepts FEMA credits. But, there are plenty of other ways to get free/cheap credits for your general ed requirements.
The TESC NatSci/Math degree can be tested out of for the most part, except the Capstone. You most difficult part is getting all 6 of the UL courses in the Area of Study, while only using 2 100-level courses. So for 33 units including the Capstone, you need an additional 15cr UL, 6cr 100-level (at most), and 9cr 200-level.
There are LOTS of 100-level courses, so you will max out on those. You'll need to try for more of the 200-level courses instead.
For UL, you can take: Microbiology (SL but not UExcel), Pathophysiology (UExcel), Differential Equations series (edX, stars in Jan, 9cr total), MIS (DSST), Cybersecurity (DSST), Cloud Computing CSU-Global, Info Systems & Design (CSU-Global). Those are the only ones I know of that you can test out of or take cheaply.
The other issue you will have is that any CSU will want to see a good GPA. If you go through TESC and don't take any actual courses except your Capstone, you will have a GPA, but I don't think any CSU will be impressed with only 1 course taken. I'm pretty sure they will want to see lots of good grades, especially in your science courses.
This is one of those cases where you should definitely "begin with the end in mind." You need to figure out the school you want to go to, and then do lots of research to find out what they require for the students they're admitting into the Masters program. I would even go to the school and talk to someone there (like an assistant dean) to see what they will be looking at. I think most programs will want to see ALL of your science courses taken at a B&M school, with plenty of labs, and really good grades. But will the rest matter? CA state colleges are not exactly hurting for students, and they can afford to be really picky about what they will accept. I went to one, I have plenty of friends with kids in them, and none are exactly accommodating to non-traditional students and getting credit in non-traditional ways.
I agree with this mindset. Work backwards with this one and talk to the school you want a masters from. In the meantime knocking out some general studies couldn't hurt such as doing a clep exam. Just remember before doing anything for credit verify that the schools you desire to go to will accept it as credit.
help - soliloquy - 12-11-2015
Which campus are you referring to?
There are some campuses which are not as strict as others. For example, Long Beach and Fullerton are probably going to be more competitive than say Monterey Bay.
help - davewill - 12-11-2015
I'm thinking it's going to be hard to get into a Chem Masters without lab science classes, so you should probably start at your local community college getting those in. You'll get a GPA going, and the CSUs are used to students who have taken that route. Also they have plenty of evening courses if you have to work at the same time. You can pick off extra units via CLEP, DSST, etc... to use at TESC while you're doing it.
It would help to know more about your current situation. Do you have existing college credit? Any degrees or certificates? Would you be a full or part time student? Is time or money more important? Do you have work experience that would be germane?
help - dfrecore - 12-11-2015
soliloquy Wrote:Which campus are you referring to?
There are some campuses which are not as strict as others. For example, Long Beach and Fullerton are probably going to be more competitive than say Monterey Bay.
I was just dealing with CSU-Monterey Bay yesterday, my best friend's daughter goes there. They have been EXTREMELY unhelpful about telling her which CLEP's will satisfy which requirements, the counselor was rude and condescending to her about all of it. She has been there 3 times to talk, and has hit nothing but a brick wall every time.
I think this may not be the exception, but rather the rule. If she hasn't spoken with someone who's a jerk, they're morons instead.
help - Student00 - 12-12-2015
Thnka for the replies. I'm talking about cal state San Bernardino. Time is more important the sooner the better..I've taken classes at my community college...I could have done better but I was constantly moving and other personal reasons kept me from getting the grades I could have.. I have a lot of withdraws too...but I did pass intro astronomy, algebra, trig , precalc, intro chem, biological anthropology, iwas gna pass both general and calc 1 with A but then I moved and missed the final exam so that sucks
help - sanantone - 12-13-2015
Just a warning. TESC has never confirmed that the CSU Global CBE for Cloud Computing will count as a natural science, so you should ask before spending $250. When a student asked which CSU Global CBEs would count as a natural science, an advisor sent an email that excluded Cloud Computing as a natural science. Not all CIS courses count as natural sciences.
help - cookderosa - 12-13-2015
Student00 Wrote:My main goal is to eventually get into calstate for a masters in chemistry. I'm new to this. What bachelors would allow me to and prepare me most? I was thinking the natural science/ math degree from Thomas Edison?
Also I'm not sure where to start does anyone have a degree plan for this major that they can share with me?
I know about the various exams I can take for credit, but is this a degree I can complete completely with exams or will I have to take regular classes? Also what's FEMA? I know its a way in getting free course credits. Frees always good lol
I'm having a hard time finding the degree you want to pursue. I'm not seeing MS Chemistry as an option- can you link me? Degrees and Programs A-Z < California State University, San Bernardino