EC? TESC? COSC? Could really use some help/guidence..

[Riley2012]

I am new to posting but not to the forum. Been a lurker for a month now. I heard of the Big 3 while away for a month reclassing in the Army reserves. (An officer I struck up a convo with received his degree via Charter) I just got back and finally can use a real authorized computer and sign up and join in on discussions.

So here is my situation and any help/guidance would be awesome. If I am breaking forum rules please let me know. And I have utilized search but so many view points and some dated post have left me confused.

Situation: Im 22 and graduated High School in 2008. Enrolled in a tradition university and went through 3 semesters before joining the Army reserves. After I finished training I landed a (not what you know but who) job. The company I work for is great and I have moved up the latter fast in a year and 10 months. (Company specializes in worldwide shipping) I run the shipping department for the North east. I was approached for another promotion but they would like for me to obtain a degree first. Everyone on a higher level either has a BA Or BS all ranging from BA in Accounting, Music, History; to a BS in Business to CS.

Long story short I need a BA OR BS in literally anything from History to IT. I would prefer the quickest degree. How hard or easy is not a factor. I love a challenge.

Cost: This is also not a factor. Would prefer reasonable but it is not of huge concern.

My main question is: If you were in my shoes what school/degree would you pick? Also considering my credits earned, which I will post below, what degree/school would be the fastest.

I greatly appreciate your time guys!



Ace Military Recommended Credits:

2 Semester Hours in Physical Conditioning
1 in Marksmanship
1 in First Aid
2 in Military Sciences


Credits Earned at Local 4 year University:

(Im attaching grades just in case the letter grade will prevent credit from transferring) Please keep in mind I was then definitely a lazy freshmen who dreaded class.. class.. and class. Which is actually one of the reasons an old professor recommended this type of learning after I Aced his exam but "forgot" to do his daily homework assignments

HIST 2301 - American Nation - 3 Credits - C

MCOM 2310 - Film Appreciation - 3 Credits - A

PSCI 1300 - Intro to Pol. Science - 3 Credits - C

WRTG 1310 - Intro to College Writing - A

ENGL 2306 - World Lit II - 3 Credits - C

H ED 1320 - Conc Lifetime Health/Fitness - 3 Credits - B

Math 1390 - College Algebra - 3 Credits - D

WRTG 1320 - Academic Writing & Reasearch - 3 Credits - A

ENGL 1350 - Intro to Lit - 3 Credits - C

HIST 1320 - World History II - 3 Credits - D

SPCH 1300 - Oral Communication - 3 Credits - B

39 Credits in all even those Im sure some will not fit and/or will cancel each other out.

Once again,
Thanks for reading!

Clare

[Yenisei]

If I were you, I would get a general business degree from TESC since you can take exams rather than classes for almost the entire degree and it is pretty relevant to your job.

[Riley2012]

Thanks for the advice! Definitely would rather test out.

[rebel100]

I like the idea of a Business Degree...seems like the most obviously useful choice. A liberal studies degree could be quicker in some ways and would allow more free electives that would make better use of the military credits and any FEMA you wanted to add (easy and free!). If you live in NJ or Ct. there may be a slight plus for picking TESC or COSC respectively for the in state discounts.

With all that said....you are 22, seem to have a great job you like, and are articulate and driven. Unless there is a time constraint you haven't mentioned there is little reason to "rush" the process. You mentioned that cost wasn't a factor so I assume the GI Bill or your employer will pick up the education tab? If I were you I would expand my search into some more traditional schools...not discounting the Big 3, but you seem to have options...get a solid picture of ALL your options and make the choice that will pay the highest dividends throughout your future. The Northeast is full of awesome college choices.

Just as an example, Harvard Extension School could provide you a Bachelors with a little clout, cost less than 20K, and be doable within 2-3 years mostly online. Liberal Arts Degree Online & On Campus | Undergraduate Degree Programs (they will even let you add 12 credits via CLEP if you choose...and they give 4 credits per CLEP, so we are only talking 3 tests)

your local State U likely has plenty of online options and would add the benefit of that local alumni association...your only 22, this can matter for you.

I might still select one of the Big 3, but I think you should really search for the best overall option not just the quickest...you have a unique and enviable situation, make the most of it.

Best,
Reb

[Publius]

I've liked TESC thus far. One thing you might want to consider is if time is really a big issue when you'll graduate. EC allows you graduate ever 2 months, TESC every 3. I doubt this would be a big deal though.

Fastest degree? A BA in Liberal Studies. But now that they've added a capstone, it will add a bit.
BSBA in General Management isn't bad either.
One reason I might go for the BA instead of a BS is because the BAs have 27 free electives and most of the BSs only have 6. That's 21 credits right there, almost 20% of a degree and less actual classes.

[NAP]

I've liked TESC thus far. One thing you might want to consider is if time is really a big issue when you'll graduate. EC allows you graduate ever 2 months, TESC every 3. I doubt this would be a big deal though.

Fastest degree? A BA in Liberal Studies. But now that they've added a capstone, it will add a bit.
BSBA in General Management isn't bad either.
One reason I might go for the BA instead of a BS is because the BAs have 27 free electives and most of the BSs only have 6. That's 21 credits right there, almost 20% of a degree and less actual classes.

Taking this off topic, since I don't think it applies to this situation either, but for other readers to know:

EC confers degrees every month. There is a 2 month delay between having everything (all credits/transcripts) complete for the graduation deadline and the official degree conferral. They do offer a letter of qualification (for graduation) during this waiting time, though.

EC will be changing to a trimester system. I don't know how that will affect timelines, like completing the capstone course.

Also, EC's BS in liberal arts with or without a major allows up to 60 free electives credits.

Okay, back to the main topic....

[Riley2012]

Thank for the reply Rebel. Unfortunately, I am under a time constraint of about 12-14 Months before I go up for an evaluation/promotion against others close to finishing or who have finished a degree. I do plan on getting another degree in the future at a local University (Im located in Memphis btw).

Publias: Thanks for replying as well. I am leaning toward a BA in Liberal Studies at TESC / or EC- testing out. A few questions though. With the credits I have is 12 months a descent time to complete the BA?

Also I see some have suggested applying right away, getting an eval, etc. But some say knock out the requirements, then apply for the degree you are seeking if just testing out. Which is better?

[AlbaTiVo]

By applying you send them $75 and all of your transcripts and they show you where your current courses will place - the application is held open for six months. Only when you are close to graduating is it recommended to enroll as you start the one year enrollment fee clock at that point, so most people seem to enroll when they have 6 months to go, but certainly under a year. Of course this mainly applies if you are using the alternative methods that most people on this board are using. Myself - I enrolled at TESC in June and plan to be done by March at the latest - December if work doesn't get crazy

[cookderosa]

Welcome to the forum! You'll be glad you landed here

Couple things- any of the big 3 allow you to CLEP test out of 100% of your gen eds, any degree. So, you can automatically figure that your credits + CLEP = more than half any degree you want. So, as suggested above, choose the degree that will help you best, the difference between them in time will be negligible.

The planning and strategy involved will help you look at the OTHER 60 credits and decide a plan of attack. Some degrees, like business or psychology, have oodles of classes and test-out options, making speed a big plus. On the other hand, liberal arts has test out options, but you'll have to pull together a well rounded set of upper level exams, and if you're only going to test, you may not get to be picky. Keep in mind location of a testing facility (if it's far, you may be faster taking a lot of online courses in addition to testing than trying to take 2+ tests per trip every month....) My points are, that there are many MANY ways to do this, and you're not doing something that hasn't been done here a million times. Whatever degree you pick, you'll likely find dozens of active members who have already walked that path and will help you.

So, pick your top 3 degree options from any of the big 3 and throw them out here, some degrees have nuances that make them easier or harder than others.

Lastly, don't do anything until you understand what you're doing. Don't buy anything, don't pay or enroll anywhere, and don't start testing. You have a lot of credit already, so careful planning will pay off. Spending 2 weeks obsessing about planning your path will pay off ten-fold, I promise.

Good luck, and welcome!

[Riley2012]

I will definitely get on that!