Just getting started, have questions

[johnami]

I understand, I'm sort of in the same boat thanks to this lovely lil' recession we're having. I already completed a BA in History back in 2010 but after being laid-off discovered quickly it didn't help much in my career. Shame really because I was planning on starting my master's, but alas. So now I too am finishing a BSBA. Depending upon how much time you can devote to this, you can finish it quickly. This is especially true if you have any transferrable previous college credits. I'd recommend ALEKS for the math credits, CLEP & DANTES/DSST for most of the courses you feel comfortable testing out of, Straighterline for those you aren't very comfortable testing out of, Penn Foster for the capstone unless you feel comfortable with the TECEP, and finally a TECEP or ECE for that last upper level course you'll need that the other sources I mentioned don't seem to have.

I understand what you mean. As I am trying to get back to work (have been working with my wife for about 15 years in her business), I find that it is almost impossible unless one has at least an Associates. I read and listen to books a lot, and I will be driving a lot so I intend to listen to podcasts of a lot of lectures. Otherwise, I will just have to make time. But it will be fun.

[johnami]

Unless you need the Associate's right away for work, I'd recommend skipping it. Why pay TESC twice when you could finish a bachelor's in a year or so? You don't even have to officially enroll, i.e. pay them, until you have most of the credits completed anyways. Also, check out the study resources at the link I gave you above. There are quite a number out there and give IC a try.

A good point. One object is to save money. I suppose the logical route would be get the credits needed for an Associate's first in the event it was needed, then continue on with the remainder of the credits needed. I am already looking at the link you posted and I will certainly use IC. Thanks again for your kind assistance.

[Publius]

Many times, if you get a BSBA, you will already meet the requirements for an ASBA in General Management. You could choose to knock out the Associate's credits first and then progress on to your BSBA so that if you need an Associates in the mean time all you have to do is file for graduation. IrishJohn has a good point, but you don't have to necessary skip it. When you file for graduation just include the BSBA and ASBA and you'll only pay the one fee. You may want to talk with an adviser once you're enrolled to ensure that they include an ASBA as apart of your degree programs. Of course, this is all IF you are sure you want to pursue an Associates degree in addition to a Bachelors.
NOTE: If you pursue a BSBA an ASBA won't cost you any extra time or money (if you file for graduation at one time, if not then you're just looking at 2 graduation fees).

[IrishJohn]

I understand what you mean. As I am trying to get back to work (have been working with my wife for about 15 years in her business), I find that it is almost impossible unless one has at least an Associates. I read and listen to books a lot, and I will be driving a lot so I intend to listen to podcasts of a lot of lectures. Otherwise, I will just have to make time. But it will be fun.

Funny you should mention that, after being unemployed for a long time and unable to find anything else (my industry was hit VERY hard in the recession) I was forced to turn to trucking to tide me over. This isn't exactly what I thought I'd be doing at this point in my life, but it is what it is. I'm trying to finish the BSBA to get back into my former profession. Working on it whilst on the road is weird but it can be done. Not to get too political but if anyone asks me, "Are you better off now than you were 4 years ago?", my answer is unequivocably, "No, worse off".

The one bright spot in all of this are the many good audiobooks, lectures and podcasts I've been able to listen to while driving. iTunes has a treasure trove of good history stuff!

[IrishJohn]

A good point. One object is to save money. I suppose the logical route would be get the credits needed for an Associate's first in the event it was needed, then continue on with the remainder of the credits needed. I am already looking at the link you posted and I will certainly use IC. Thanks again for your kind assistance.

Anytime. This forum and the people here have been a godsend to me in completing college, so returning the favor somewhat is not a problem. The good news about your plan is that you can focus mostly on ALEKS, CLEP, DSST and perhaps Straighterline to complete the first 2 years worth. They're all introductory courses so should go by quickly. Once you get close then you can start working on the upper level courses and enroll when you're near the end.

[IrishJohn]

Many times, if you get a BSBA, you will already meet the requirements for an ASBA in General Management. You could choose to knock out the Associate's credits first and then progress on to your BSBA so that if you need an Associates in the mean time all you have to do is file for graduation. IrishJohn has a good point, but you don't have to necessary skip it. When you file for graduation just include the BSBA and ASBA and you'll only pay the one fee. You may want to talk with an adviser once you're enrolled to ensure that they include an ASBA as apart of your degree programs. Of course, this is all IF you are sure you want to pursue an Associates degree in addition to a Bachelors.
NOTE: If you pursue a BSBA an ASBA won't cost you any extra time or money (if you file for graduation at one time, if not then you're just looking at 2 graduation fees).

Good points. However, if he enrolls for the BSBA an ASBA is really superfluous. He could do a double major for the BSBA or pursue an Associates in a different field, perhaps an AA, for one fee if done correctly.

[Publius]

Good points. However, if he enrolls for the BSBA an ASBA is really superfluous. He could do a double major for the BSBA or pursue an Associates in a different field, perhaps an AA, for one fee if done correctly.

Correct. It is superfluous except for if he completes it, and in between completing his ASBA and BSBA his job requires something then he could show it. It is superfluous, though it doesn't cost anything extra. An Associates in a different field or a double major is a good idea. It will take some extra time and dough, but it will give some more diversity.

[GoodYellowDogs]

I'm going to throw my two cents in... get the AS or AA. I have been an executive vice president with only an AS. A lot of companies don't care as much about what your degree is, but the fact that you can set a goal and complete it. I'm getting my BS now because the market became much more competitive after the recession.