Business Degree Path Guidance

[ss20ts]

Hello everyone.

I have been reading on the forum for a while now about the possibility of accelerating my path toward a degree.
I completed a UW Flexible Option Associate of Arts and Sciences degree. For anyone interested, it’s not a bad competency-based program, but I found it to be pretty time consuming due to a fair amount of busywork and the 80% requirement to pass courses. The major benefit for me was that no proctoring was required on nearly every course, but I would like to get a degree sooner rather than later.

I tried out Sophia and loved it. I flew though the materials and exams in a few days and still felt like I learned more than I did in an average FLEX course. I definitely do better with self-paced, low-stress courses, but because the FLEX degree was taking longer than expected, I decided that earning a degree in Business from one of the big three using SDC and other sources might be the best option for me.

However, when TESU changed its rules regarding RA credit, my anxiety kicked in (even though I have enough RA credit). Is it possible that the big three could create a new policy requiring more courses be taken through the college?  I’m afraid that I will be a SDC course or two away from the capstone and the Big Three will introduce a new rule in July or January that requires me to take courses with the college. Do you think they will do this soon? Are you safe once you have your graduation plan locked in?

I have been considering the BSBA in Accounting, Finance, General Management, and Computer Information Systems at TESU, the BSBA at COSC, and a Business Administration Bachelor’s at UMPI.

Given the credits I have, what degree path do you think would be the simplest to complete? What are your general thoughts? (See attached Word doc with my credits).

I really appreciate any advice you may share.

Here's my take on UMPI for you...

There are 3 bachelor's of arts in business administration at UMPI. Each one has a concentration. You have to pick one or more. The options are accounting, management & leadership, or project management.

https://online.umpi.edu/

Click on Online Programs at the top and it will drop down with the degree options.

At UMPI, you need to complete the major/minor requirements, the GEC (their gen eds), and elective credits. You must complete a minimum of 30 credits at UMPI. You will need to complete a specific number of UL courses. This varies with each degree program. You will need to complete a specific number of UL courses at UMPI. There are also specific UL course requirements int eh major which must be completed at UMPI. There are no exceptions to these policies. A lot of people think they're going to sign up and not take UL at UMPI. It doesn't work that way. Quite the opposite actually. One thing to keep in mind is that every course needed to complete every single degree is offered at UMPI. Tuition is $1400 per 8 week term. There are NO additional fees. No outside textbooks. All of the course material is contained within the learning platform. 

For the GEC, you'll need a few English and speech courses. I do not recommend taking them outside of UMPI. There is far less coursework in the UMPI courses. They are significantly faster as well. 

I would recommend you take these courses at Sophia, then apply to UMPI. The application is free. You just pay for your transcripts. 

Microeconomics
Introduction to Psychology
Environmental Science
US History 1
Ancient Greek Philosophers

That's it and then I would apply. You look to be in really good shape. You've got several business courses already completed so you would have part of the major already done. Feel free to send me any questions you have about UMPI.