Trying to figure out a game plan

[sanantone]

I like your options, AND I have to compliment you on your research- you've done well to know what options you have in front of you. You're ahead of the game in that regard!
Regarding your associates..... I hold a nationally accredited associate degree too, and spent a lot of time looking for ways to make it count. In the end, it was (literally) faster for me to just test out of those 60 credits starting from scratch than jump the hoops that were necessary to get someone to grant me some credit; in addition, if I'd received that credit, it would have been elective credit anyway- my point is that sometimes you can spin your wheels fitting square pegs in round holes or you can look for the fastest path to the finish line. I don't know if your associate degree will be worth fighting for, however, it doesn't hurt to spend a little bit of time finding out. If it does end up counting for something, great, if not- drop it like a hot potato and move forward. Of the big 3, Excelsior will hear arguments / accept petition for nationally accredited credit (doesn't hurt to ask). TESC and COSC won't accept NA credit at all.

The OP has a degree from an unaccredited college. He or she was considering transferring it to a nationally accredited college that might accept some credits.

Excelsior and TESC won't accept your FEMA, while COSC will.

Excelsior accepts FEMA, but the credits have to be on a Frederick Community College transcript.