Purdue Global BS IT - End of first term

[ClockworkHammer]

I've just submitted my final paper for my first 10-week term at Purdue Global (ExcelTrack BS IT degree) and wanted to post an update.

PG uses the quarter credit system, so 180 quarter credits are required to graduate. I transferred in 124 credits, which left 56 to complete within the program. The 56 quarter credits translates to nine courses (each with 5 or 6 modules, 1 module = 1 credit) and the capstone.

At the end of the first term, I have completed 35 of the 56 credits. That leaves me with two full courses (12 modules), two partial courses (3 modules) and the capstone yet to complete. The capstone is a group project with a weekly one-hour call that runs the length of the 10 week term.

I work full time and have a family, so I've had to get creative to cram in time to get assignments done. Lots of late nights! Having IT experience helped greatly with some of the coursework.

I plan to finish the program in the second term that runs from mid-May to the end of July. Looking forward to being done!

Let me know if you have any questions. I will post a deeper dive once I am done to give a better overview of the program.

[MNomadic]

Nice, keep it up!

[rachel83az]

One thing I think that most people would be interested in learning: exactly how long are the papers supposed to be? 2-3 pages? 5-7 pages?

[ClockworkHammer]

One thing I think that most people would be interested in learning: exactly how long are the papers supposed to be? 2-3 pages? 5-7 pages?

So far, the low end has been 2-3 and high end 4-5 pages. However some modules have a Part A and a Part B, with two writing assignments. One recent module resulted in a 4 page paper (Part A) and a 5 page paper (Part B). Sometimes the second assignment is PowerPoint presentation vs. Word document. 

It's a lot of writing for sure, but for people who don't do well in proctored exams (like me), it's the lesser of two evils.

[LevelUP]

Is Communicating Professionalism still a required course?

Can you list all the courses you are doing at PUG?

Did you take Project Management I at Saylor, and if yes, how did that go? How many hours did it take, and how easy was it to pass?

I assumed that Website Development, Microsoft Office Applications on Demand, and Database Concepts Using Microsoft Access would be pretty easy if you have any computer experience. How were these courses?

How many courses did you have open at the same time toward the start of your term?

On average, how many hours a week are you studying?

I'm assuming since they only give A's or B's, your GPA is at least 3.5? (you don't have to answer this if you don't want to)  Did you get any F's and had to redo any papers?

[ClockworkHammer]

Is Communicating Professionalism still a required course?
Yes

Can you list all the courses you are doing at PUG?
IT133: Microsoft Office Applications on Demand (DONE)
IT117: Website Development (DONE)
IT163: Database Concepts Using Microsoft Access (DONE)
CS212: Communicating Professionalism (DONE)
IT301: Project Management I (DONE)
IT331: Technology Infrastructure (2 modules remain)
IT332: Principles of Information Systems Architecture (1 module remains)
IT302: Human Computer Interaction (NOT STARTED)
IT402: IT Consulting Skills (NOT STARTED)
IT499: Bachelor's Capstone in Information Technology (NOT STARTED)

Did you take Project Management I at Saylor, and if yes, how did that go? How many hours did it take, and how easy was it to pass?
I failed Saylor twice, so I took the PUG version instead.

I assumed that Website Development, Microsoft Office Applications on Demand, and Database Concepts Using Microsoft Access would be pretty easy if you have any computer experience. How were these courses?
Microsoft Office was the easiest, followed by Access and Websites. Experience definitely helped. Once I hit the 3xx level courses, the material and assignments were more laborious.

How many courses did you have open at the same time toward the start of your term?
Three.

On average, how many hours a week are you studying?
15-25 depending on the week.

I'm assuming since they only give A's or B's, your GPA is at least 3.5? (you don't have to answer this if you don't want to)  Did you get any F's and had to redo any papers?
GPA is 4.0, one professor asked for revisions on two separate papers. Both were graded A once done to her satisfaction.

[LevelUP]

Excellent feedback.

Sounds like overall things are going great for you at PUG.

The Capstone I believe takes the full 10 weeks so you must start it at the beginning of the term.

Gl on your next term.

---

Added a few tips to the degree plan based on student feedback.
https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/PU...egree_Plan

If you see any errors or room for improvement, let me know.

[ss20ts]

Is Communicating Professionalism still a required course?

This must depend on the degree program. It's not a required course for the BS Analytics in the ExcelTrack. My husband wasn't allowed to register for it was removed from his degree plan months ago. He's done next week with his degree.

[bjcheung77]

Congrats, you're well on your way! Keep up that great work while you're at it, hope you remain at the 4.0... You're almost there! Good luck on the remaining courses...

[ClockworkHammer]

Excellent feedback.

Sounds like overall things are going great for you at PUG.

The Capstone I believe takes the full 10 weeks so you must start it at the beginning of the term.

Gl on your next term.

---

Added a few tips to the degree plan based on student feedback.
https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/PU...egree_Plan

If you see any errors or room for improvement, let me know.

Thanks!

Re: Degree Plan - the Microsoft Office Specialist Access certification works for "IT163 Database Concepts Using Microsoft Access" but I'm not sure it's less work.

Re: Capstone - correct, it begins the first Monday after start of term and runs for all 10 weeks.