Degree Planning Advice

[allvia]

Since you'll be taking the Bio w/lab through SDC, you may want to consider taking the American Government (https://study.com/academy/course/america...ourse.html) as well - it won't cost any you more $ to do so (you get two exams included in the same month)

[VirtuallyTan]

Hi Bjcheung77, thanks for the warm welcome! Below I've added the addendum and a little more details and quoted my initial post for continuity:

I've chosen UMPI because of cost, it's self-paced, proctoring seems to be similar to Sophia, I like the overall approach of the YourPace program, and I like the flexibility of transfer credits (especially since my RA  credits are old). Also, I can't attend WGU outside the US.

Thanks for the spreadsheet for progress tracking.

Budget: $5k max 

Commitments: I'm currently abroad and will be for some time. My schedule is full but I have complete control over how I schedule myself to complete this degree.

Dedicated time to study: I'm currently studying for salesforce administrator certification and have added Sophia to the plate. At the moment, I don't have a minimum or maximum dedicated hours per week set. Since I've been out of this study mode for many years, I'm trying to determine my realistic pace.  

Timeline: Due to everything mentioned above, I plan to only focus on Sophia, SDC, and my Salesforce Certifications (I plan to obtain more beyond the Administrator) the rest of 2022. I hope to be ready to start UMPI Jan/March 2023. Hopefully, I can finish within 1-2 terms.

Tuition assistance/reimbursement:  Will be paying the tuition cost out of pocket

That's cool, I would do exactly that - focus on the Sophia.org courses while you're studying for the Salesforce Admin certification.  I wouldn't add Study.com to the mix until you finish them both.  Once done, then focus on Study.com and anything else you can transfer before you begin at UMPI, you basically want to get the max transferable first.

Thanks again for your feedback. I really appreciate the insights from everyone. Do you think it would be worth my time to entertain obtaining the Pierpoint BOG AAS during this timeframe?

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Since you'll be taking the Bio w/lab through SDC, you may want to consider taking the American Government (https://study.com/academy/course/america...ourse.html) as well - it won't cost any you more $ to do so (you get two exams included in the same month)

Thanks for your suggestion but I think I want to probably take an UL at SDC in addition to the science course. If my memory serves me correct, it's seems everyone is saying American Government at UMPI is good. Otherwise, I would just take it at Insta.

[ss20ts]

American Government at UMPI is a very easy class. It's one that many of us completed in 3 days or less. It's no longer available on InstaCert.

[VirtuallyTan]

American Government at UMPI is a very easy class. It's one that many of us completed in 3 days or less. It's no longer available on InstaCert.

Yes, that's what I'd read and had already settled on taking it at UMPI when the time comes. Good thing I did since it's no longer offered on InstaCert LOL. Thanks again for your input while I'm trying to figure this all out.

[bjcheung77]

That's cool, I would do exactly that - focus on the Sophia.org courses while you're studying for the Salesforce Admin certification.  I wouldn't add Study.com to the mix until you finish them both.  Once done, then focus on Study.com and anything else you can transfer before you begin at UMPI, you basically want to get the max transferable first.

Thanks again for your feedback. I really appreciate the insights from everyone. Do you think it would be worth my time to entertain obtaining the Pierpoint BOG AAS during this timeframe?

---

Since you'll be taking the Bio w/lab through SDC, you may want to consider taking the American Government (https://study.com/academy/course/america...ourse.html) as well - it won't cost any you more $ to do so (you get two exams included in the same month)

Thanks for your suggestion but I think I want to probably take an UL at SDC in addition to the science course. If my memory serves me correct, it's seems everyone is saying American Government at UMPI is good. Otherwise, I would just take it at Insta.

In regards to the Pierpoint BOG AAS, since you don't already have an Associates and already have the 12 RA credit requirements, sure. You just need to complete the remaining required courses through Sophia.org and submit your application, send transcripts and wait for admissions, then apply for graduation.

In regards to taking American Government at UMPI, that can be a good course to take, just make sure you hit the 30 credits for residency requirements and the bulk of the required 24 UL credits outside the minor. The minor already has X UL that will not count towards the 24 UL needed.

[VirtuallyTan]

I will potentially go for the Pierpoint BOG because I'm toying with the idea of completing the Google IT Support Cert...In my downtime, I've been watching the videos for the course that's offered on Coursera on YouTube. Once I finish, I will enroll in the actual course on Coursera. I've read that this will help get me the IT/Info Systems emphasis and earn credits.

Not sure about Pierpoint yet...I don't want to bite off more than I can chew. All the options are exciting but I'm trying to keep a level head with how I'm approaching this journey.

I plan to take most of my UL courses at UMPI minus maybe 1 or 2 anyway. I know I need to meet the 30 credit residency requirement, so between my minors, comp 2, American Govt, and my ULs I should be fine with that. I'm fine with 2-3 terms. It should still fall within my budget.