Brand New to this

[dcan]

Just be aware if you spend a lot of time/money testing and then try to transfer a pile of credits into a college other than the Big 3 (Excelsior, TESC, or COSC) you will likely be disappointed. Just don't want to see you waste time/money if you are aiming for a different school. Other schools cap the amount of transfer credits they will accept, I believe around 30 is usually the most, with the remaining 90 in-residence at the school. The Big 3 will take unlimited transfer credits, meaning at least in theory you can complete a degree without ever setting foot inside a classroom. (using a combination of tests, distance learning independent study courses, FEMA courses, etc)

Actually, now that I write that, if he is interested in public service one thing he may want to look into is the FEMA Independent Study courses. They are only really accepted as college credit at the Big 3 (and a few community colleges) and only TESC accepts them without cost, but otherwise they are free and they teach you A LOT about how government works at the "ground level". There are a lot of leadership and management courses, and a lot of material on how the various levels of government (Fed, state, county) interface and interact before, during, and after a disaster. It would probably be good background for him, actually.

They are very easy if you put the time into reading the material, and many of them are accepted for 1 credit each by the Big 3.

Emergency Management Institute - FEMA Independent Study Program

The Professional Development Series (7 FEMA courses) focuses on the leadership aspect.

I'm in the government myself and I was amazed at how thorough the courses are. If he is just getting started it would be good to learn how things work at the county level, which is exactly what the FEMA courses are aimed at -- running a county Emergency Management Agency.

A politician who only knows how to sell himself and doesn't know how the government really works is just a snake oil salesman. Running government is an art and science just as much as running business, with some similarities and many differences, and it would be good to really understand the pros and cons of each if he wants to pursue higher office.

Just a thought. Hope this helps.