Excelsior BSLS Credit and Depth Requirement Questions

[SuZQ2]

Hi...

I'm sorting through all the info here on the Forum regarding how my already accumulated credits best fit in with Excelsior's BSLS degree (which I'm starting to think is the easiest road for me to take.)

These are the credits I have now...

1980s- 1991

Humanities ----

East West Humanities
Western Humanities
Elementary Spanish 1 & 2
Intermediate Spanish 1 & 2
Ethics
CLEP English Comp with Essay (from ancient times - at the time, I was in the last group at Regents College that was allowed to use this course for Essay credit)

Social Sciences ----

Western Civilizations 1 & 2
American Government
Cultural Anthropology
US History Part 1

Natural Science/Math ----

Elementary Algebra
Intermediate Algebra
Earth Science
Biology

Electives ----

Orientation to Education
Introduction to Computers (again, ancient!)
Typing (ancient - class given on an ACTUAL TYPEWRITER!!)

2011
CLEP
Introductory Psychology 75
Human Growth and Development 69

My questions are:

Does US History Part 1, Western Civ. Part 1, Western Civ. Part 2, make up the 9 lower level credits necessary to pursue a depth requirement in History?

I need 3 more credits in Natural Science/Math - What is the absolute easiest course to take for someone who has been away from these subjects for 20+ years and is extremely math/science phobic:ack:. I've seen notes regarding programs called ALEKS and Straighterline - is this a better option for my situation?

Are there any other upper level test options besides the DSST and ECE exams?

What are the best (fastest, least complicated) online schools for upper level classes. I'm specifically looking for Liberal Arts subjects like Art History, Literature, etc. I've checked out some of the online classes from Excelsior, but they look pretty darn intense!

Thanks so much!

[NAP]

If this is what you decide, welcome back to Excelsior College!

US History Part 1, Western Civ. Part 1, Western Civ. Part 2 CLEPs - These exams can count toward a History Major or Area of Focus in History, so I would think they apply toward a history depth also. Consider taking Civil War and Soviet Union DSSTs for extra UL within your depth.

4 more DSSTs were added as UL recently at EC:

http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...units.html

A total of 9 credits in math and science are required for Gen Ed. You have listed 4 courses taken already. Why do you need more math or science credit?

Here is the new Gen Ed as of October 1st for EC:

http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...lling.html

Check to see if Ohio U offers more UL exams in different subjects. Be aware that they are quarter hours, which are only two-thirds of semester hour credits at EC.

Correspondence Course List

[SuZQ2]

Thanks so much NAP for all your help. I had downloaded the Degree Requirement Chart for Excelsior's BS degree - choosing the Liberal Studies Option. I was assuming when I read the General Education Requirement Section that you had to choose TWO out of the THREE distribution area options since they're listed with "OR" between options ONE and TWO (which would necessitate 15 Humanities credits, 18 Social Sciences/History, 15 Natural Sciences/Math,) "OR" a choice of options TWO and THREE (15 Humanities, 15 Social Sci/History, 18 Natural Sciences/Math) - does this make sense? Am I wrong? - (YIPPEE... if I am.)

[NAP]

Yes, you are making this too hard! That is not how it worked. Unfortunately, they have not updated the charts to show the new policy, yet.

Now (after October 1st), this is what is required for Gen Ed (from link above):

A student must earn at least 34 credit hours in the arts and sciences and information literacy to graduate with a bachelor's degree in any program, including:

9 credits in the humanities
9 credits in social sciences and/or history
9 credits in natural sciences and/or mathematics
6 credits in written English
1 credit in information literacy

* A minimum of a 2-credit course in math and a 2-credit course in natural science.

I think this new system will be easier to use and understand.

Your credits from your associate degree should already fit these, except for Freshman English and Info Lit. Other than those 2 requirements, you should be done with the General Education section of your degree.

[SuZQ2]

Wow... No worries about the dreaded Math credits has put an entirely new perspective on everything for me - and the your good news regarding my credits toward a depth in History is great too. It still all sounds pretty daunting (6 credits in Written English...) but every mountain you climb always begins with one first step!!

Thanks so much for the help and information!

[NAP]

That's great!

I have been able to confirm that the ECE in English Composition for 6 credits will count toward the 6 credit Written English Requirement. I do not know what other exams options are allowed, though.

[SuZQ2]

Would the Straighterline courses for English Comp. 1 & 2 qualify? I'm thinking waaaay down the road, but the Straighterline route sounds a lot less terrifying than a "ginormous" essay exam.

[NAP]

Would the Straighterline courses for English Comp. 1 & 2 qualify? I'm thinking waaaay down the road, but the Straighterline route sounds a lot less terrifying than a "ginormous" essay exam.

That sounds like a good idea! Before October 1st, the SL course was allowed to fulfill the WER. I would be surprised if that has changed, but keep an eye on the forum or ask them to double-check, when you are getting ready to start them.

Since you already have credit CLEP English Comp with Essay within your first degree, you'll need to find out whether it counts for anything now.

Since you need it, you may be able to request a new BSLS chart, which includes the change to the gen ed requirements, and a list of ways to fulfill the new WER requirement. I don't know how soon they will be available at the website. If you get more details, please let us know.