Homeland Security - TESC Question

[burbuja0512]

Long story, but I need to do some research on this degree for work. The requirements are listed here:

Thomas Edison State College | Credit Distribution for Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness


Here are my questions:

If I got a second bachelor's from TESC in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, I think that the only classes I would need (based on the requirements listed) are the following:
General Education:
Humanities: HLS-355: Critical Thinking for Homeland Security

Social Sciences: SOC-322: Cultural Diversity in the U.S. (Is there a test for this?)

I. Area of Study:
SOS-440: Terrorism
HLS-410: Counter Terrorism: Constitutional and Legislative Issues
HLS-420: Prevention and Preparedness
HLS-429: Protecting the Homeland, Response & Recovery
SOS-492: Research Methods in the Social Sciences
HLS-498: Capstone in Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness

Electives: Can choose FEMAs.


Is this correct? Would TESC accept all of my current credits and then only make me take the general requirements that I don't have on my COSC transcript and also the area of study classes?

Just want to make sure I understand. Seems like it would be a total of 8 classes to get the second degree?

[irnbru]

It's pretty characteristic of the US system - General education requirements, Major requirements/electives, Free electives.

There are a minimum number of new credits required (is it 30?). But with the major requirements and using FEMA as free electives, that should be sufficient.

I can't remember if you did SL English Composition I&II or something else but TESC want 6 credits of english which you've alluded to already, so no dramas.

You might be able to test out of Research Methods in the Social Sciences (maybe) with the ECE Research Methods in Psychology but should definitely double-check.

8 courses is still a lot, though. It could also be most any major you could substitute for what you have earned so far. It's always good to have options Not sure what TESC's courses are like but I've done an 8 week online course with EC (fine, enough) but the two 15 courses I'm doing at the moment are really, really dragging out.

Once you have your degree with COSC, you can afford to spread yourself but think about how it might eat into your finances and especially your time when you start your MBA.

[burbuja0512]

Good point about finances... I was thinking that this would be an easier/quicker degree from TESC and was hoping someone would pop on with a way to test out of a bunch of the classes.

So - in a nutshell, I've switched from medical software sales to a director-level sales position that serves the Hazmat/emergency response/Industrial Hygienist clients. (couldn't say no even though I'm out of my oh-so-familiar medical area)

I'm seriously re-thinking my MBA plans. I really want to do it, but I need to know more about what my clients do.

Should I go with a 2nd BS from TESC or should I look at a MS in Emergency Management? I found this link on FEMA site: The College List

Yikes.... I would ask friends except that I trust everyone here a little more because you're all much smarter about college than anyone I know. Lol... all of my friends got their education the "old-fashioned" way. I'm looking for online, efficient, and hopefully not breaking the bank.

[irnbru]

If you're moving up the corporate ladder then maybe specialist knowledge is less important than positioning yourself for the longer term in general. You've switched from one market to another in order to achieve that and things may change again in the future. So, that would mean an MBA is both the common sense and strategic solution; especially if you may be moving out of the front line sales position.

In the short term, you could quite happily become conversant with your clients by knocking out FEMAs in your own time and at no cost. Otherwise, since you are currently in role, at which point in dialogue would you look to introduce a degree in Homeland Security to your clients?

I hope someone can chime in with possible testing out options and alternatives but would counsel against sacrificing strategic progress in order to achieve a relatively short-term, niche expense.

edit: in fact, why not just use FEMAs for one of the reasons they were originally intended - as professional development and crisis management courses sponsored by the US Gov, etc

[toddsbiyj]

For the general emergency service knowledge, just brush up on your FEMA/NFA stuff. There area few other options out there as well; TEEX (texas extension) and various other items that you could google.

Clackamas will let you convert some of the FEMA stuff into actual college courses for $30/course(not credit). This might be an option to present as knowledge gained/courses taken while obtaining your degree.

Safety/industrial hygiene - San Juan college has an occupational safety certificate(which I will be obtaining) and AAS that might be useful for basic knowledge. Also TEEX has some good stuff in this department (OSHA certificates, etc). Check with your local safety council (if you have one) for some basic safety related training.

On a sidenote - I may be able to help you with specific questions or even general knowledge for this stuff (20 year Medic, 11 years heavy industrial safety, other emergency/fire/hazmat experience). Just throwing it out there as an option if you get stuck on something.

[burbuja0512]

You guys are the best!!! I love the advice you've given and (for now) I think I have a solution.

First of all, I agree with you Irnbru on the MBA. I need it. Not only do I need it, but I really like the program and I would be disappointed to give up on it.

However, the San Juan Occupational Safety Certificate seems AMAZING!! Exactly what I want. I am going to do the FEMA's as part of my last remaining elective credits at COSC. I have a list of the ones that I think will help me most.

What I like about the OHS certificate is that 1) it's cheap! 2)It has several topics that are very important to know that aren't covered by FEMA's.

So... I am wondering how long it would take to do both. I need to read through the program and see...

toddsbiyj - I may send you a pm if I have any more questions.

[toddsbiyj]

The OHS certificate from San Juan is 18 credits which equals around 15 seperate classes. From what I can see by the names, they are pretty straight forward and shouldn't take too long depending mainly on what you want to tackle. If you have no safety background it could be a little more challenging, but I am sure it would be no big deal for you. I believe each of the classes are offered each quarter but not sure what the limits are on how many can be taken at one time, etc.

Just do a little homework, I'm sure it won't be any problem for you.

Occupational Safety AAS Degree : School of Energy

[burbuja0512]

The OHS certificate from San Juan is 18 credits which equals around 15 seperate classes. From what I can see by the names, they are pretty straight forward and shouldn't take too long depending mainly on what you want to tackle. If you have no safety background it could be a little more challenging, but I am sure it would be no big deal for you. I believe each of the classes are offered each quarter but not sure what the limits are on how many can be taken at one time, etc.

Just do a little homework, I'm sure it won't be any problem for you.

Occupational Safety AAS Degree : School of Energy

The only thing I can't find is the prerequisites.. but I'm probably missing those. I'm really hoping that they're just open to anyone. I don't have a safety background, but I'm really interested in learning!

[toddsbiyj]

From what I caould gather, there is no pre-req other than possibly a college math or something basic.

[burbuja0512]

From what I caould gather, there is no pre-req other than possibly a college math or something basic.

:hurray::hurray::hurray::hurray: How cool!!!

I think I'm going to call them next week. I wouldn't even be able to consider enrolling until the summer, but I need to find out how long it will take to complete. Also need to think hard about postponing the MBA for this. Or... take one credit at a time during the MBA? Hmmmm... lots to think about.