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+-- Forum: Main Category (https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Forum-Main-Category)
+--- Forum: Saylor.org, Straighterline, Study.com, OnlineDegree.com, Sophia.Org Discussion (https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Forum-Saylor-org-Straighterline-Study-com-OnlineDegree-com-Sophia-Org-Discussion)
+--- Thread: Are courses taken form Sophia acknowledged by grad school (/Thread-Are-courses-taken-form-Sophia-acknowledged-by-grad-school)
Are courses taken form Sophia acknowledged by grad school - momokkkk - 09-21-2023
Hello,
I am an international student and am thrilled to have found this forum, which is filled with invaluable information and supportive members.
I plan to apply for a master's degree in Computer Science in the US, without having a bachelor's degree in computer science. I've noticed that some universities require applicants like my case to complete specific courses beforehand, such as Data Structures and Linear Algebra, and to submit transcripts with grades. I'm curious if courses taken from learning platforms like Sophia or Saylor are recognized by most universities. Are they potentially a better choice than Coursera, given that they come with ACE-recommended credits?
Additionally, since some institutions prefer applicants to have completed courses from a recognized university, would it be acceptable if I transferred credits earned from Sophia to a school like TESU or WGU? I'm uncertain if these schools would retain the original grades on the transcript.
I'm also trying to determine the most affordable and effective path.
I've reached out to one of the universities for clarification but am yet to receive a response. I'm eager to start the necessary courses, which is why I'm seeking guidance here.
I truly appreciate insights from anyone who has navigated a similar path. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
RE: Are courses taken form Sophia acknowledged by grad school - rachel83az - 09-22-2023
It really depends on the university. It would help if you mentioned at least some of the universities. Some of us might know what their policies are.
RE: Are courses taken form Sophia acknowledged by grad school - bjcheung77 - 09-22-2023
@momokkkk, Welcome to the board, it's great you're starting off on your educational journey and asking relevant questions, having said that, you've got a puzzle to solve but you're providing enough puzzle pieces to solve it. It's great you're proactive and wanting to get answers, but please fill in the addendum and template here so we get an overview and clearer picture of what you bring to the table: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-New-to-DegreeForum-How-this-Area-works
RE: Are courses taken form Sophia acknowledged by grad school - ss20ts - 09-22-2023
(09-21-2023, 10:18 PM)momokkkk Wrote: Hello,
I am an international student and am thrilled to have found this forum, which is filled with invaluable information and supportive members.
I plan to apply for a master's degree in Computer Science in the US, without having a bachelor's degree in computer science. I've noticed that some universities require applicants like my case to complete specific courses beforehand, such as Data Structures and Linear Algebra, and to submit transcripts with grades. I'm curious if courses taken from learning platforms like Sophia or Saylor are recognized by most universities. Are they potentially a better choice than Coursera, given that they come with ACE-recommended credits?
Additionally, since some institutions prefer applicants to have completed courses from a recognized university, would it be acceptable if I transferred credits earned from Sophia to a school like TESU or WGU? I'm uncertain if these schools would retain the original grades on the transcript.
I'm also trying to determine the most affordable and effective path.
I've reached out to one of the universities for clarification but am yet to receive a response. I'm eager to start the necessary courses, which is why I'm seeking guidance here.
I truly appreciate insights from anyone who has navigated a similar path. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
You mention that you don't have a bachelor's in CS, but you don't state if you have a bachelor's degree at all. Many universities do not recognize ACE credits outside of CLEP. What colleges are you looking into? Every grad program has different requirements.
RE: Are courses taken form Sophia acknowledged by grad school - Tomas - 09-22-2023
Here is a thread from two days ago on same thing:
https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-Cheapest-way-to-complete-CS-prerequisites-RA-Credits
Why better choice than Coursera? I don't think Coursera is a choice at all - do they have any transferrable credits Data Structures, Algorithms, Linear Algebra? And regarding Coursera badge alone, I don't think universities will care. Eg. Gatech I think specifically mention they don't care about MOOCs.
RE: Are courses taken form Sophia acknowledged by grad school - davewill - 09-22-2023
OMSCS doesn't have any particular prequisites, although you definitely must have a bachelor's degree. The OP should think about their application as a package. If they have a lot of professional experience, then it may not matter whether they have a CS degree or CS coursework. If they have no experience and a liberal arts degree, then they better at least have some solid CS coursework to point to. The on-campus program will be more competitive.
They could also consider using the ACE credit to get a second bachelor's or an undergrad certificate to beef up their application.
I always recommend that people ask these kinds of questions directly to the admissions dept of the programs they are interested in. Unlike undergrad programs, grad schools are generally pretty responsive to requests like this. There are also various communities online where students of these programs hang out, and they can also help.