TESU / Statistics.com Data Science (BSDS) Planning

[SolarKat]

Also. What's a good Associates Degree I could get once I complete dfrecore's example of GE and Electives. This is while I work on rest of the Statistics.com requirements.

Would it be something like TESU Liberal Arts Associates?

What's the purpose of getting the associates? That's the question to answer. Further, "where" in data do you think you might like to end up? DS intersects heavily with computer science, so the certificate in CS or the associate in CS might be worthwhile side tracks (this will fill in some of your gen-ed electives and free electives without pulling you too far afield). If you're thinking of a masters, then the calc sequence at least through multivariate, plus linear algebra would be a good direction (and the ASNSM - Mathematics would use this well). If you're looking at the IT side of data, where database development/optimization is key, then plan DB classes into the plan.

Also, look around at possible grad opportunities, if you're thinking of going farther. If you know, for example, that you want the heavily-CS masters requiring architecture, structures, and linear algebra, then add those to your plan (with/without an associates - in this case, it's more important to fill prereqs/admission requirements than to get the entry-level degree). If you're looking at business analytics, then choose the operations management electives in the gen-eds/free electives, and do the optimization electives within the AOS Electives (optimiz/integer/risk/finrisk...and 3 of these 4 will also qualify you for a Specialization Certificate in Optimization from Statistics.com...$65 certificate fee). But generally, this bachelors in particular just flies by, thanks to the 4-week courses...so I wouldn't waste a lot of time sidetracking on an associates without a REALLY good reason.

I opted to submit for the WVNCC AAS (search this forum, lots of threads) because it was a fun motivator for me (and my cheering family), plus it was free and didn't sidetrack me at all. I have the AOS complete for the ASNSM-Math just from my transfer credits, so I may submit for that because it'd be included in the one-time graduation fee & conferred simultaneously...otherwise I wouldn't waste any money or time on it. I'll submit for the analytics grad cert as there's no graduation fee despite the separate conferral. Again, it probably wouldn't be that helpful otherwise, given my next step, a MS Engineering (Control Systems & Engineering Design). You'll have a better feel for what will help you (both as a motivator and as a knowledge base) if you start at your ideal endpoint and work backwards to see what you really need, vs. what's fun/a luxury. This forum is a great place to ponder those questions!

ETA - Other posters have opened the discussion about the TESU residency waiver. I agree with them, this is totally in flux right now. The Study.com membership/scholarship *should* lock you in until, when is it, gang? July 2018 or something?? But no guarantees after that, and only the thusfar unsubstantiated hope that they really mean 1 fee = 1 year when they say it...