Help with planning BLS degree

[Lady_Gumshoe]

Welcome cyath. Apologies for jacking your post, but your term 'mature student' caught my eye. I began going to a brick and mortar junior college when I was 42 years old after my kids were grown. If it's any comfort, I am nearly 68 years old and pursuing a BLS/Educational Studies degree at UMPI. My first term begins on January 16, 2024. UMPI has officially accepted 69 transfer college credits. I am a Phi Theta Kappa honor roll student. My advisor Jessica is currently out of the office until November 20, 2023. I plan to accrue some credits via sophia.com before the January term begins but will not be using it concurrently. I don't have any career goals except personal enrichment, as I am retired. Been there, done that. I am currently a licensed private investigator, former deputy sheriff, former public defender investigator specializing in death penalty, current website publisher and administrator, YouTube content creator, a CERT volunteer, Neighborhood Watch organizer and volunteer Cultural Resource Steward with the Bureau of Land Management. My goal is to complete my degree, which will make me the first person in my family tree to earn a college degree. I am a tribal citizen of the Cherokee Nation.

UMPI requires 24 credits for my educational studies minor. However, the first class prerequisite is only offered in the Fall. Is there a way around this issue, or should I postpone enrollment? Also, what gen ed courses can I complete in the next 6 weeks via sophia?

Your Location: California, United States. 
Your Age: 67
What kind of degree do you want?: BLS/Educational Studies
Current Regional Accredited Credits: 69
Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: No
Any certifications or military experience? California Guard, 5 years. Honorably discharged, no DD214 since it was voluntarily. FEMA certification. Forensic Identification Certificate.

I have received credits (converted to appropriately named UMPI courses) for:
Lifespan Development
Intro to Ethics
Intro to Literature
College Composition
Juvenile Justice & Delinquency
General Elective (Public Speaking)
Intro to Film
Gen. Elective (Career Field Studies)
Art Elective (Art of the Ancient Americas)
Intro to Anthropology
Anthropology Elective (Physical Anthro)
Intro to Criminal Justice
Sociology of the Family
American Government
United States History I
8 (Eight) .50 credits Criminal Justice electives (from certification)
5 (Five) Criminal Justice electives
Grand total of accepted credits=69

Good luck with your studies! And thank you for your kind consideration.

[rachel83az]

I've split your post off into a new thread because you'll get more help that way.

When you say "UMPI requires 24 credits for my educational studies minor. However, the first class prerequisite is only offered in the Fall.", are you by chance looking at posts about UMPI from 2020 to 2021 or 2022? At some point in the past year or two, UMPI changed it so that every class is available every session.

You need to take the following classes at Sophia: Human Biology, Human Biology Lab, Environmental Science. You also need either French or Spanish. If you happen to speak another language, an ACTFL exam may be an option. Since you mention that you're a member of the Cherokee Nation, I will say that I don't think any Native American languages are options for credit. If you don't take your science and foreign language credits outside of UMPI, your degree will be more painful and difficult to earn than it should be.

[bjcheung77]

@Lady_Gumshoe, Welcome to the board, that's a good first introduction post with the template, but it's missing the addendum and that's where it provides a clearer picture of your situation as it will include details such as your budget, commitments, study habits, etc. It'll be beneficial to include that in your original post, so you can edit that and add a brief addendum to that if possible. My recommendation at the time being is also do complete any remaining credits possible at Sophia.org to reach a max of 90 credits for transfer as the 30 remaining credits must come from UMPI. Here's the UMPI WIKI, at the bottom, click UMPI link to see all the degree plans, etc: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Un...esque_Isle

[Lady_Gumshoe]

I've split your post off into a new thread because you'll get more help that way.

When you say "UMPI requires 24 credits for my educational studies minor. However, the first class prerequisite is only offered in the Fall.", are you by chance looking at posts about UMPI from 2020 to 2021 or 2022? At some point in the past year or two, UMPI changed it so that every class is available every session.

You need to take the following classes at Sophia: Human Biology, Human Biology Lab, Environmental Science. You also need either French or Spanish. If you happen to speak another language, an ACTFL exam may be an option. Since you mention that you're a member of the Cherokee Nation, I will say that I don't think any Native American languages are options for credit. If you don't take your science and foreign language credits outside of UMPI, your degree will be more painful and difficult to earn than it should be.

Thanks for splitting the post. I was looking on the UMPI Maine Street classic student center under academics where it says enroll then add classes., under planner. There's also a wish list. I'm glad to know the classes are available for every semester. I appreciate you since you just eased a lot of stress until Jessica returns. Turns out I've been assigned to advisor Susan R. but so far I haven't received a return email about my question.

---

I've split your post off into a new thread because you'll get more help that way.

When you say "UMPI requires 24 credits for my educational studies minor. However, the first class prerequisite is only offered in the Fall.", are you by chance looking at posts about UMPI from 2020 to 2021 or 2022? At some point in the past year or two, UMPI changed it so that every class is available every session.

You need to take the following classes at Sophia: Human Biology, Human Biology Lab, Environmental Science. You also need either French or Spanish. If you happen to speak another language, an ACTFL exam may be an option. Since you mention that you're a member of the Cherokee Nation, I will say that I don't think any Native American languages are options for credit. If you don't take your science and foreign language credits outside of UMPI, your degree will be more painful and difficult to earn than it should be.

Thank you, Rachel. UMPI actually offers MicMac but I will take Spanish via Sophia. Do I need algebra or statistics?

I signed on to the classic page through Maine Street then went to enroll and browsed the course catalog and added the required classes for the minor in the planner. I can't officially enroll until after November 13, 2023, so I'm just getting familiar with the page. It turns out my advisor is Susan but I haven't had a return email yet. Jessica's email said she would help me enroll after she returned on November 20. I'm glad to hear all the classes are available for each semester. What a relief! Thanks again.

---

@Lady_Gumshoe, Welcome to the board, that's a good first introduction post with the template, but it's missing the addendum and that's where it provides a clearer picture of your situation as it will include details such as your budget, commitments, study habits, etc.  It'll be beneficial to include that in your original post, so you can edit that and add a brief addendum to that if possible.  My recommendation at the time being is also do complete any remaining credits possible at Sophia.org to reach a max of 90 credits for transfer as the 30 remaining credits must come from UMPI.  Here's the UMPI WIKI, at the bottom, click UMPI link to see all the degree plans, etc: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Un...esque_Isle

Hello BJ! Thanks for the tips! 
Addendum:
Budget: $6K range (2 semesters/4 terms/32 weeks)
Commitments: Retired. Flexible schedule, supportive spouse.
Dedicated time to study: Daily, 8 hours per day. If possible, I would like to knock out 7 Sophia classes in the next 6 weeks before the UMPI semester begins mid-January 2024, giving me a grand total of 90 credits to begin. Do I need permission to take Sophia classes while I'm waiting to begin UMPI since my transfer units have already been tallied by UMPI?
Timeline: I would like to graduate in-person at UMPI's 2024 graduation commencement, if possible! Cap and gown, the full Monty.
Tuition assistance/reimbursement: Self paid. No financial assistance needed. No reimbursement.

[Lady_Gumshoe]

I've split your post off into a new thread because you'll get more help that way.

When you say "UMPI requires 24 credits for my educational studies minor. However, the first class prerequisite is only offered in the Fall.", are you by chance looking at posts about UMPI from 2020 to 2021 or 2022? At some point in the past year or two, UMPI changed it so that every class is available every session.

You need to take the following classes at Sophia: Human Biology, Human Biology Lab, Environmental Science. You also need either French or Spanish. If you happen to speak another language, an ACTFL exam may be an option. Since you mention that you're a member of the Cherokee Nation, I will say that I don't think any Native American languages are options for credit. If you don't take your science and foreign language credits outside of UMPI, your degree will be more painful and difficult to earn than it should be.

Thanks for splitting the post. I was looking on the UMPI Maine Street classic student center under academics where it says enroll then add classes., under planner. There's also a wish list. I'm glad to know the classes are available for every semester. I appreciate you since you just eased a lot of stress until Jessica returns. Turns out I've been assigned to advisor Susan R. but so far I haven't received a return email about my question.

---

I've split your post off into a new thread because you'll get more help that way.

When you say "UMPI requires 24 credits for my educational studies minor. However, the first class prerequisite is only offered in the Fall.", are you by chance looking at posts about UMPI from 2020 to 2021 or 2022? At some point in the past year or two, UMPI changed it so that every class is available every session.

You need to take the following classes at Sophia: Human Biology, Human Biology Lab, Environmental Science. You also need either French or Spanish. If you happen to speak another language, an ACTFL exam may be an option. Since you mention that you're a member of the Cherokee Nation, I will say that I don't think any Native American languages are options for credit. If you don't take your science and foreign language credits outside of UMPI, your degree will be more painful and difficult to earn than it should be.

Thank you, Rachel. UMPI actually offers MicMac but I will take Spanish via Sophia. Do I need algebra or statistics?

I signed on to the classic page through Maine Street then went to enroll and browsed the course catalog and added the required classes for the minor in the planner. I can't officially enroll until after November 13, 2023, so I'm just getting familiar with the page. It turns out my advisor is Susan but I haven't had a return email yet. Jessica's email said she would help me enroll after she returned on November 20. I'm glad to hear all the classes are available for each semester. What a relief! Thanks again.

---

@Lady_Gumshoe, Welcome to the board, that's a good first introduction post with the template, but it's missing the addendum and that's where it provides a clearer picture of your situation as it will include details such as your budget, commitments, study habits, etc.  It'll be beneficial to include that in your original post, so you can edit that and add a brief addendum to that if possible.  My recommendation at the time being is also do complete any remaining credits possible at Sophia.org to reach a max of 90 credits for transfer as the 30 remaining credits must come from UMPI.  Here's the UMPI WIKI, at the bottom, click UMPI link to see all the degree plans, etc: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Un...esque_Isle

Hello BJ! Thanks for the tips! 
Addendum:
Budget: $6K range --Max 2 semesters/4 terms/32 weeks but prefer one and a half semesters/3 terms/24 weeks) to complete remaining 30 credits  for earlier graduation.
Commitments: Retired. Flexible schedule, supportive spouse.
Dedicated time to study: Daily, 8 hours per day. If possible, I would like to knock out 7 Sophia classes in the next 6 weeks before the UMPI semester begins mid-January 2024, giving me a grand total of 90 credits to begin. Update since my earlier post: Sue H. responded to my email and said it is no problem if I do Sophia.com until my semester starts. UMPI will accept credits I earn.
Timeline: I would like to graduate in-person at UMPI's 2024 graduation commencement, if possible! Cap and gown, the full Monty.
Tuition assistance/reimbursement: Self paid. No financial assistance needed. No reimbursement.

---

I've split your post off into a new thread because you'll get more help that way.

When you say "UMPI requires 24 credits for my educational studies minor. However, the first class prerequisite is only offered in the Fall.", are you by chance looking at posts about UMPI from 2020 to 2021 or 2022? At some point in the past year or two, UMPI changed it so that every class is available every session.

You need to take the following classes at Sophia: Human Biology, Human Biology Lab, Environmental Science. You also need either French or Spanish. If you happen to speak another language, an ACTFL exam may be an option. Since you mention that you're a member of the Cherokee Nation, I will say that I don't think any Native American languages are options for credit. If you don't take your science and foreign language credits outside of UMPI, your degree will be more painful and difficult to earn than it should be.

Thanks for splitting the post. I was looking on the UMPI Maine Street classic student center under academics where it says enroll then add classes., under planner. There's also a wish list. I'm glad to know the classes are available for every semester. I appreciate you since you just eased a lot of stress until Jessica returns. Turns out I've been assigned to advisor Susan R. but so far I haven't received a return email about my question.

---

I've split your post off into a new thread because you'll get more help that way.

When you say "UMPI requires 24 credits for my educational studies minor. However, the first class prerequisite is only offered in the Fall.", are you by chance looking at posts about UMPI from 2020 to 2021 or 2022? At some point in the past year or two, UMPI changed it so that every class is available every session.

You need to take the following classes at Sophia: Human Biology, Human Biology Lab, Environmental Science. You also need either French or Spanish. If you happen to speak another language, an ACTFL exam may be an option. Since you mention that you're a member of the Cherokee Nation, I will say that I don't think any Native American languages are options for credit. If you don't take your science and foreign language credits outside of UMPI, your degree will be more painful and difficult to earn than it should be.

Thank you, Rachel. UMPI actually offers MicMac but I will take Spanish via Sophia. Do I need algebra or statistics?

I signed on to the classic page through Maine Street then went to enroll and browsed the course catalog and added the required classes for the minor in the planner. I can't officially enroll until after November 13, 2023, so I'm just getting familiar with the page. It turns out my advisor is Susan but I haven't had a return email yet. Jessica's email said she would help me enroll after she returned on November 20. I'm glad to hear all the classes are available for each semester. What a relief! Thanks again.

---

@Lady_Gumshoe, Welcome to the board, that's a good first introduction post with the template, but it's missing the addendum and that's where it provides a clearer picture of your situation as it will include details such as your budget, commitments, study habits, etc.  It'll be beneficial to include that in your original post, so you can edit that and add a brief addendum to that if possible.  My recommendation at the time being is also do complete any remaining credits possible at Sophia.org to reach a max of 90 credits for transfer as the 30 remaining credits must come from UMPI.  Here's the UMPI WIKI, at the bottom, click UMPI link to see all the degree plans, etc: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Un...esque_Isle

Hello BJ! Thanks for the tips! 
Addendum:
Budget: $6K range --Max 2 semesters/4 terms/32 weeks but prefer one and a half semesters/3 terms/24 weeks) to complete remaining 30 credits  for earlier graduation. Or less.
s
Commitments: Retired. Flexible schedule, supportive spouse.
Dedicated time to study: Daily, 8 hours per day. If possible, I would like to knock out 7 Sophia classes in the next 6 weeks before the UMPI semester begins mid-January 2024, giving me a grand total of 90 credits to begin. Update since my earlier post: Sue H. responded to my email and said it is no problem if I do Sophia.com until my semester starts. UMPI will accept credits I earn.
Timeline: I would like to graduate in-person at UMPI's 2024 graduation commencement, if possible! Cap and gown, the full Monty.
Tuition assistance/reimbursement: Self paid. No financial assistance needed. No reimbursement.

[bjcheung77]

UMPI would be the logical choice as it would be within budget/time, you can get 7 or more classes done with Sophia.org within the time frame you mentioned, I would recommend taking more if you have the energy/time management to get more done. Good luck, have fun, keep working on those credits at Your Pace, comfy and not rushed...

[Lady_Gumshoe]

UMPI would be the logical choice as it would be within budget/time, you can get 7 or more classes done with Sophia.org within the time frame you mentioned, I would recommend taking more if you have the energy/time management to get more done.  Good luck, have fun, keep working on those credits at Your Pace, comfy and not rushed...

Thanks so much!

[rachel83az]

UMPI does offer native languages, but not via YourPace. And that's all we care about here.

You do need math (algebra through Sophia is easiest) and other things; follow the degree plans on the wiki. It's just that the language and science courses offered through YourPace are pretty bad/frustrating and most students regret taking them. They're confusing and they take way too long for being LL classes. We get fewer complaints about the other YourPace classes.

[Lady_Gumshoe]

UMPI does offer native languages, but not via YourPace. And that's all we care about here.

You do need math (algebra through Sophia is easiest) and other things; follow the degree plans on the wiki. It's just that the language and science courses offered through YourPace are pretty bad/frustrating and most students regret taking them. They're confusing and they take way too long for being LL classes. We get fewer complaints about the other YourPace classes.

Rachel, thanks to your suggestions, I'm currently taking Human Biology and a Human Biology Lab at Sophia. org. I plan to take Algebra, Spanish 1, Environmental Science, Intro to Nutrition, Art History I and Ancient Greek Philosophers at Sophia within the next 6 weeks, giving me 91 credits to begin UMPI's Spring 1 term. That should complete all the GEC requirements. I know UMPI accepts 90 transfer credits max. Jessica is out of the office until November 20, although my enrollment period begins tomorrow, 11/13/23. I'll need 24 credits at UMPI for an education minor, which leaves me just 2 electives to make a total of 121 credits. Is there anything I'm overlooking? I appreciate your help.

[rachel83az]

You might want to see if there are any other minors you can get that might interest you. Some students have been able to get multiple minors with creative transfers from Study.com and just one or two additional UMPI classes.