07-21-2011, 12:26 PM
There have been prior discussion, not on this specific topic, but more generally about other persons thinking those who test out of credits or even take online courses are somehow taking the easy way out. Sometimes different words have been used other than unethical, but things like cheating, or other inflammatory terms to those of us who chose this route instead.
Bottom line is that this "alternative" method is now being written up positively in various professional journals and even a recent article in Money magazine that it is beneficial for many adults returning to school and a good economic alternative. They especially highlighted getting earlier degrees (A.S., B.S.) at lower expense and saving the bucks for upper level degrees.
Some careers or advanced degree colleges may have trouble accepting these degrees. Again there have been past discussions on this subject, but many of us have been in situations where we wanted to complete something started previously for our own purposes. Others have been in situations where bosses have given ultimatums to get a degree or else. We who are here each have different reasons and situations, but ultimately this is a fine way to accomplish your goals for most of us.
Many of us actually work in the academic environment and will confirm it is all about the schools having to stay in business, which means making money. As long as you decide your goals, make sure that the degree you are pursuing it meets the requirements, that is all that matters. Many of the graduates posting here have gone on to get Masters at prestegious Universities, which tells us that there is nothing wrong with these degrees.
Usually people with the attitude you have experienced would change there mind once they understand that it is your ability to study on your own and take a test and pass. Many have commented on some of the tests being harder than they expected. Others have experience in matters and find some of them easy. Again it is individual. But it is the same as studying and taking the final exam for credit. Many of the colleges let you "test out" ("challenge") subjects you know a lot about. This is no different.
Do what is best for you and ignor all the nay sayers.
Bottom line is that this "alternative" method is now being written up positively in various professional journals and even a recent article in Money magazine that it is beneficial for many adults returning to school and a good economic alternative. They especially highlighted getting earlier degrees (A.S., B.S.) at lower expense and saving the bucks for upper level degrees.
Some careers or advanced degree colleges may have trouble accepting these degrees. Again there have been past discussions on this subject, but many of us have been in situations where we wanted to complete something started previously for our own purposes. Others have been in situations where bosses have given ultimatums to get a degree or else. We who are here each have different reasons and situations, but ultimately this is a fine way to accomplish your goals for most of us.
Many of us actually work in the academic environment and will confirm it is all about the schools having to stay in business, which means making money. As long as you decide your goals, make sure that the degree you are pursuing it meets the requirements, that is all that matters. Many of the graduates posting here have gone on to get Masters at prestegious Universities, which tells us that there is nothing wrong with these degrees.
Usually people with the attitude you have experienced would change there mind once they understand that it is your ability to study on your own and take a test and pass. Many have commented on some of the tests being harder than they expected. Others have experience in matters and find some of them easy. Again it is individual. But it is the same as studying and taking the final exam for credit. Many of the colleges let you "test out" ("challenge") subjects you know a lot about. This is no different.
Do what is best for you and ignor all the nay sayers.
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