(05-05-2020, 08:15 AM)camjenks Wrote: I've already graduated from TESU, but I'm looking to apply to Georgia Tech's Online Masters in CS. To improve my chances of getting in, I need to take a few pre-reqs like Data Structures and Algorithms, Discrete Mathematics, and maybe another programming language. Study.com will be WAY cheaper than my community college, but I need them on a transcript from an accredited university. If I take these and send them to TESU, can they put them on a new transcript for me? Or would I have to enroll in one of their programs to get that to show up?
As a FYI, this has come up on other threads, but you will probably want to take those core CS courses at a local community college (there are cheap online options if your local options are too expensive) rather than via Study.com if you want the best chance of being accepted into the OMSCS.
From what I've seen on the acceptance threads. It doesn't look like GA Tech recognizes ACE credits or other non-college courses to meet these requirements. I know they don't recognize workshop certifications. From my understanding, they want to see graded credits (higher grades the better) from an accredited college or university. It sounds like they are now considering MOOC certifications, but I don't know how much weight those have.
As for your credit laundering questions, getting those credits on a college transcript would require a credit banking service if you've already completed a degree, unless you plan to pursue a second one. Either way, that won't work since schools always want to see the original source of credits, which will mean a Study.com or ACE transcript rather than a credit bank.
That said, if you want to get into the OMSCS you may want to consider getting a BACS before applying since it seems that they weigh applicants with CS degrees higher. If you already have a bachelor's, you only need to complete like 24 credits to get a second one. I'd still recommend getting the core CS credits from a CC or online classes somewhere rather than Study.com though to be safe.
(05-06-2020, 06:39 AM)camjenks Wrote: Thanks for the feedback. I wasn't trying to do anything shady, but I just thought the credits would have to be on a college transcript for them to consider them. That's good to know though. Maybe I'll just take a few courses and upload the ace transcript. Hopefully that + my CIS degree will be enough to get me in.
I'm still pretty sure they don't accept ACE credits. At least it seems that way to me. I am in the same boat as you in terms of the CIS degree and I was (am) considering the OMSCS, and after doing research and checking the credit acceptance threads to see what others have applied with, I came away with the advice I gave above. That is the path I was thinking I'd have to take. Though I also have nearly 30 years of programming experience which may add some value.
It sounds like the highest factor in getting in is having a prior CS (or software development) degree with a high GPA or having a non-CS degree but having some professional experience in combination with completing the core CS courses, plus linear algebra/finite math/calculus with high grades.
Working on: Debating whether I want to pursue a doctoral program or maybe another master's degree in 2022-23
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BSBA (Computer Information Systems), 2019, Thomas Edison State University
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Complete:
MBA (IT Management), 2019, Western Governors University
BSBA (Computer Information Systems), 2019, Thomas Edison State University
ASNSM (Computer Science), 2019, Thomas Edison State University
ScholarMatch College & Career Coach
WGU Ambassador