TESC BSBA CIS vs BSAST IT

[nyrsimon]

Folks,

Have spent many hours trolling the threads here and was hoping for some advice.

In terms of testing out (CLEP DSST etc) is there a clear advantage to one of these degrees or the other? I have a few credits that I can xfer in, but will need to earn the majority.

Loking at it, it 'feels' the CIS route looks more testable and I have seen comments that indicate the core stuff of the IT degree really only has ICCP (which seems to get bad reviews) exams....

I understand there are a lot of variables but was hoping to get some advice!

Thanks,

Simon

[skyfall123]

Two completely different degrees, both with merit. I'm going to show the BSBA CIS to BA Computer Science comparison because it is more flexible than the BSAST IT. I pushed my son toward a BSBA CIS but switched to a BA Computer Science. This summer he will finish the BSBA CIS as well, but the BA CS is what is paying off for him. Read here when you get a chance: http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...er+science


(Borrowing from previous posters and a previous thread)

Not including Gen Ed credits that you need

Primarily testing out you could do this.....

BSBA Computer Information Systems

Pre-requisites
Business Communication (3) Straighterline
Macroeconomics (3) CLEP
Microeconomics (3) CLEP
Precalculus (3) CLEP

A. Business Core 27 Credits
Business Law (3) CLEP
Intro to Computers (3) CLEP
Principles of Financial Accounting (3) CLEP or DSST
Principles of Managerial Accounting (3) Straighterline
Principles of Finance (3) DSST
Introduction to Marketing (3) CLEP
Business Ethics in Society (3) DSST
Business Policy (3) TECEP
Principles of Management (3) CLEP

B. Area of Study: Computer Information Systems 18 hours
Required: 6 hours
Programming (3) TESC or Penn Foster or ??? course
Systems Analysis & Design (3) Penn Foster or Adams State self paced course

CIS electives: 12 hours
Management Information Systems (3) DSST
Remaining 9 could be certs like A+. Network + etc...or ICCP
or courses like Penn Foster VB

C. Business Electives
Introduction to Supervision (3) DSST
Business Mathematics (3) DSST
Introduction to Business (3) DSST

or you could do this.....

BA Computer Science

Prerequisites
Calculus I (3) - Straighterline
Calculus II (3) - Straighterline

Core Computer Science 33 credits
9 Required:
Intro to Computing (3) - CLEP
Discrete Math (3) - TESC course
Data Structures (3)- TESC course
24 CIS electives
Management Information Systems (3) - DSST
Network Technology (3) - TECEP
18 remaining which could be done by taking TESC courses, filling in with previous courses or other courses like Penn Foster. Any programming, networking, systems analysis, or other CS courses will work. My strong recommendation is to take the Operating Systems and Computer Architecture and C++ courses from TESC. Reason being that those are required prerequisites for most Masters CS programs.

Free electives 27 - May use 24 free FEMA


One you can primarily test out of the other you will have to take courses. In the end, I think they will require the same amount of effort.


__________________

[nyrsimon]

Geezer

Thank you so much for a very helpful answer. Very much appreciated.

I have a lot of experience in technology and finance (20+ years in tech in financial services), so it feels to me that I should be able to handle the tests for CIS somewhat easier than the other degree options....I think I have a jumpstart on most of them

So I have just enrolled for the IT degree, I guess I need to go and change that!!!!!!

Once again thank you for your helpful and thoughtful reply

Simon

[ryoder]

Yes we have another recruit into the TESC BSBA CIS alumni!

Congrats on choosing the right degree and specialization. You will have the support of countless geeks and test-outers on this board including myself.

Feel free to ask any questions you have either through the board of PM. I enjoy helping out fellow TESC CIS people.

[skyfall123]

I have a lot of experience in technology and finance (20+ years in tech in financial services), so it feels to me that I should be able to handle the tests for CIS somewhat easier than the other degree options....I think I have a jumpstart on most of them

Perfect. With your experience you should have no problems with the BSBA CIS....although it is a bit of a marathon. For the core business credits you should probably start with the easier CLEP's to get rolling.... Intro to Mgmt, Intro to Marketing, DSST Supervision. Those will give you a good intro to testing out. When I did my business degree I relied mainly on IC and NetMBA Business Knowledge Center Others will recommend other sources.

You should backtrack through Ryoders posts. He just completed his BSBA CIS and left very good feedback.

For the CIS concentration, the Penn Foster ACE approved courses are in a format that is extremely user friendly. Self-paced and your proctor simply needs to be someone who holds an AA or higher. They cost around $270 per course, but like I said you can burn thru them pretty quickly. They have Systems Analysis (you only need that, DO NOT take Systems Design too) and two or three programming courses that can apply to the concentration. You could also take the Network Technology TECEP and of course the DSST Management Information Systems.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

[nyrsimon]

Geezer & ryoder

Thanks for the replies. I have to say this board is AWESOME. The people are real friendly and helpful...it's great!

So I'm sure I will be back with questions but for now I am totally pumped about getting my degree......finally!!!

Thanks again
Simon