Planning For The Future

[ctlw83]

Hi All,

First off, thank you so much for these forums. There is a ton of information on test-to-degree stuff out there and it can be VERY confusing. I have been searching and exploring these forums finding old information, new information, and everything in-between. Most of all, I am finding hope. Hope that I might have a pathway to a degree without student loans and without having to totally take up all of my family time.

My story is likely like many others, went to community college when I was 19, didn't care, passed a few courses but flunked the rest by just not going to class. banghead Not smart but, at 19 I knew everything and also got burned out between work and school. Now at 32, with a family and a job that pays decently, I want to get a degree to have more flexibility in future career paths. However, I've also decided I don't want to get a degree in something I don't care about. A buddy of mine suggested business management because it will "help me get ahead". I have no interest in that. I don't just want to "get ahead" but, want to learn more about something I care about. I tend to be good with people, communication is the art of dealing with people, so, it seems to make sense.

I'm leaning toward attempting a BA in Communications from TESC. Out of the "big 3" TESC seems to have the best Communications options for testing and such. That is, unless someone has a good reason why Excelsior is the better option. COSC seems to be the least favorable towards Communications.

I did some searching and found this handy guide for tests:
Sanantone's BA in Communications - Degree Forum Wiki

It doesn't cover the Gen Ed. stuff and TESC seems to be very generalized in their requirements on that. Any suggestions in that regard, minus the obvious English, Math, and Humanities requirements which I can take care of, would be appreciated. I would love to have a minor focus on Philosophy/Theology because if/when I do get my BA in Communications I would someday want to go on to a MA in Theology(not because it is practical but, because I like it).

Another question I had was regarding enrollment timing and the like. I know CLEP lets you hold on to your test scores for up to 20 years before transferring to a school so, that is fine. What about the DSST, UExcel, and other tests? Also, in the BA course list linked above, there were some courses like Align or Sophia. Has anyone had any luck transferring those to TESC or having them count for credit?

Thank you in advance for all of your help. I will be glad to let people know once I have officially "started" gathering/hording my credits.