One thing many UMPI students talk about — especially those balancing work, parenting, or other commitments — is the challenges of carrying too many requirements at once. UMPI’s CBE format is flexible, but it still demands steady output, and having a lighter course load going into a term can make a meaningful difference.

From earning my own degree at UMPI and spending time in this community, one strategy stands out as surprisingly effective: clearing certain gen eds or elective requirements before your next UMPI session can make the weekly workload far more manageable.

This isn’t about rushing or maximizing credits in a month — it’s about removing smaller requirements that tend to stack up and pull attention away from the bigger CBE projects.

Why students often use Study.com before starting a UMPI term

Many students choose to complete some transferable gen eds or prereqs on Study.com ahead of time because it can reduce the number of courses left to complete during their UMPI session. Fewer courses to manage means:

-fewer overlapping deadlines
-fewer simultaneous projects
-more time to focus on UMPI’s writing-heavy or major-specific assessments

For working adults, that shift can turn a session from “constantly juggling” into something much more predictable.

Enter UMPI with a lighter weekly schedule

The fewer smaller requirements you have competing for attention, the more bandwidth you can devote to the CBE work that moves your degree forward.

Students who offload some of the gen eds beforehand often report that their UMPI session feels easier to pace, less stressful week to week and more focused on the meaningful work in their major.

Even removing just a couple of classes ahead of time can make a noticeable difference.

You can look up UMPI transfer options here: 
http://study.com/college/school/umpi.html?adkey=eda9847cda664406840db845f2a02f6b&_channel=ambassador&_campaign=DFUMPI2

One thing I’ve learned from transferring Study.com credits into different universities over the years is this: the hardest part of starting (or restarting) a degree isn’t the classes — it’s the routine. 

Whether you’re heading into WGU, another online school, or finishing a degree elsewhere, having a consistent daily study rhythm makes everything smoother. What finally helped me build that rhythm wasn’t a planner or a productivity system — it was using Study.com as a way to create micro-study habits.

This post isn’t about “cramming as many credits as possible.” It’s about getting into a sustainable groove.

Why Study.com worked for building consistency

The lessons are short enough that you can fit them into spare moments throughout the day without needing a full study block. I ended up doing things like:
-watching a short lesson while waiting between commitments
-reviewing a quiz during a quick break
-finishing a chapter wrap-up instead of scrolling endlessly

Those small touchpoints built the muscle of “showing up daily,” which matters a ton once you’re in a degree program.

The new mobile app makes it even easier to stay engaged

Study.com’s new mobile app (rolled out this fall) makes sticking to the routine even easier. It doesn’t replace a laptop for bigger uploads, but it you can still get through lessons and quizzes easily on your phone.

Fast feedback keeps the routine from breaking

Getting graded work back within about two days can prevent your momentum from stalling out.

If you’re trying to build a habit, waiting a week for feedback can really disrupt your flow. With steady progress and steady feedback, it’s much easier to maintain a daily rhythm.

Why I’m sharing this

Most posts here focus on cost savings or transfer strategies (valid reasons), but momentum is its own form of advantage — especially if you’re juggling work, family, or returning to school after a long break. If you’re prepping for WGU or any other online program, Study.com can be a really effective habit-builder, not just a credit source.

You can see the Study.com courses that transfer to WGU here: 
https://study.com/college/school/western-governors-university.html?adkey=eda9847cda664406840db845f2a02f6b&_channel=ambassador&_campaign=DFWGU2

I started a Data Analytics degree at SNHU this year. I'm halfway through my fourth class, but I'm getting very frustrated with this particular class - either nothing is explained for the assignments, and I have to figure out what I'm supposed to do, or it feels far too easy, and I'm not learning anything. I've been wanting to do this degree for a long time because I want to make a career change, and I also get some tuition reimbursement from my job, which makes this possible. I already have one useless degree (BA in Art Studio), I don't want to rush through this and end up with a second one, but I am older, so I don't have a ton of extra time to slowly work through multiple courses and then lose my chance to change careers. 

I took a few courses on Sophia prior to starting this degree, and I really liked being able to power through a course quickly, so I thought SNHU would be good (and the price is great, of course), but now I think maybe I need a little more structure and courses that are a little more challenging? I've looked into WGU, but as much as the unstructured format (and potential savings) appeal to me, I think it might not be the best one to consider. 

I talked to someone at Purdue Global today, and it seems like they have a really good program, but its a lot more expensive, and I don't want to go into debt, so it would probably take a much longer time to finish the degree. I was also going to contact ASU as well. Not sure if there's any other schools I should be considering? Or if I'm overreacting?

I'm in my final term at TESU.  I started in July 2024 after I got my AAS from Pierpont in December 2023.

I have a 3.5 GPA (I had a couple of terms where I bombed a class) but I've done really well in the last two terms.

I changed my major from Liberal Studies to Liberal Studies/Social Sciences. This term, I'm taking my last two classes: Voices and Views in Criminal Justice (with Dr. Morris Jenkins) and my Liberal Studies Capstone (with Dr. Nickolas Dominello.)  I like both of these classes, but I am really digging the Capstone.  I was so anxious about it for the last year and a half, but "Dr. Dom" is a great mentor for what I'm doing (a capstone about religious identity and technology.)

I have a phone call with my advisor this afternoon.  He said I can apply for March 2026 graduation.

Once I graduate, I have no idea what I want to do (besides go to grad school.)

Something that comes up often in the TESU community is what to do when you’re between terms. Whether you’re waiting on the next session date, an updated evaluation or just trying not to lose momentum, those gaps can feel longer than they need to be.

One approach that a lot of students find useful is picking up a few courses on Study.com during that downtime. It gives you a way to stay active in your degree plan without having to wait for TESU’s next official start date.

A few reasons this tends to work well:

You can start immediately. There’s no calendar to work around, so even a short break can be turned into a couple of finished requirements.
Quick feedback. Assignments typically reviewed in about two business days, which makes it realistic to finish credits within a small window.
Short study blocks. With the newer mobile app, lessons and quizzes fit easily into spare moments during the day, which keeps you from losing the habit of doing schoolwork.

For TESU students, this in-between period is often the perfect time to clear remaining general education courses, electives or individual requirements that would otherwise clutter your next term. It can make the transition into your official TESU workload much smoother since you’re not juggling as many smaller pieces.

Hey everyone, I’m really hoping someone here can help me out.

I ordered my UMPI Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership regalia 2 weeks ago, and Balfour just got back to me saying the hood is out of stock and could take 1–2 months. My graduation photos are THIS Sunday, and I really don’t want to show up without the proper hood.

If anyone has an old UMPI Master’s hood they’d be willing to loan me for a week, I will: • pay for overnight shipping both ways, • pay a rental fee for borrowing it, • take great care of it, and return it right after the photos.This is super time sensitive and I’d be so, so grateful for any help. Thank you so much ??

Suppose UMPI were to announce a BS Computer Science degree in the YourPace program. I should clarify that I made an assumption here today (another thread), and I believe I need to correct it. I recently emailed UMPI inquiring about the availability of a BS Computer Science degree in an online competency-based format. Regardless, perhaps this speculative thread could benefit both international and domestic students in planning their educational pathways.

My proposal outlines a strategy where students would complete their remaining credits at UMPI during a single term (8 weeks) at a cost of $1,800. The primary objective is to minimize overall educational expenses.


I am sure people here who made this course can give a better direction. It is not my case, yet.
My idea here is to think in public. 

Status Update & Inquiry
Note on Timeline: While UMPI has not announced an official launch date for the BS Computer Science degree in the YourPace (competency-based) format, this post explores a strategic framework for students preparing NOW to potentially complete this degree in the fastest and most cost-effective manner possible.
My 2 cents to repair my mistake.


The Opportunity
For those following UMPI's program development, the BS Computer Science on YourPace has been "coming soon" for several years. However, recent community discussions (here and there) suggest possible developments could materialize in 2025-2026. Rather than waiting passively, this guide presents how strategic credit stacking via ACE providers (Sophia Learning, Study.com, Saylor) could enable completion in as little as 1 YourPace term (8 weeks) at $1,800.



Program Structure: What We Know
The traditional BS Computer Science (presential) requires 120 credits comprised of (please correct me if I am wrong, I could not find the complete class to presential BSCS at UMPI):

51 credit hours of CS core courses

40 credit hours of general electives (Math, Probability, English)

29 credit hours of upper-level electives and electives

2 credits University Experience (UNV101)


Critical Finding: 
Approximately 65 credits are lower-level or general education courses that CAN transfer via ACE providers, while 54-55 credits are upper-level CS core courses that CANNOT transfer (must be completed at UMPI).


ACE Transfer Policy Changes (May 2025)
Question for the community: Has anyone confirmed whether UMPI's May 1, 2025 policy changes actually permit 90 credits (75%) of ACE transfers for the BS Computer Science program, or has the acceptance been more restrictive than initially reported?

The policy shift on that date reportedly restricted some upper-level course transfers, but clarification is needed on whether lower-level courses from Sophia Learning and Study.com continue to be accepted as of late 2025.



=======

Optimal Scenario: 1 YourPace Term Strategy



Phase 1: Stack ACE Credits (3 months pre-enrollment)

The plan is to complete 90 transferable credits before applying to UMPI, leaving only 30 credits to be completed during a single YourPace term.


Tier 1 – Sophia Learning (Lower Cost + Easier Testing)

Starting with Sophia offers a strategic advantage: all exams are open-book, making course completion more manageable while stacking credits rapidly.

Monthly cost: $99 base

With available $20 coupon discount: $79/month

Timeline: 1-2 months

Recommended credits: 48-50 credits

Courses to prioritize: 
Introduction to Java Programming (4.5 cr), 
Introduction to Networking (4.5 cr), 
Introduction to Relational Databases (4.5 cr), 
Introduction to Web Development (4.5 cr), 
plus general education requirements (Psychology, History, Sociology, Ethics, etc.)

Important advantage: Sophia offers early access—you can begin studying immediately without payment, allowing you to accumulate completed courses before your paid subscription begins. It is exactly my case.



Tier 2 – Study.com College Saver Plan (CS-Specific Courses)

Study.com's College Saver plan provides access to specialized computer science courses that map directly to UMPI's BS CS requirements.

Base cost: $235/month

With 10% current discount (via promotional links): $211.50

Timeline: 1 month (after Sophia)

Recommended credits: 15-18 credits  (maybe a bit more)

Courses to prioritize: 
Intro to Programming (CS109, 3 cr), 
Data Structures (CS201, 3 cr), 
Discrete Math (3 cr), 
Computer Architecture (CS306, 3 cr), 
IT Fundamentals (3 cr).

Note: College Starter ($95/month) only provides access to ~70 general education courses. For CS-specific courses, the College Saver ($235/month) plan is required.


Tier 3 – Saylor.org ($5 per course)

A critical question: Is Saylor worthwhile?

Saylor offers 17 computer science courses: https://learn.saylor.org/course/index.php?categoryid=9 . However, detailed analysis shows only 6-7 of these courses directly transfer to UMPI's BS Computer Science as lower-level courses (those that transfer): 
Introduction to Computer Science (Java), 
Python Programming, 
C++ Programming, 
Data Structures/Algorithms, 
Computer Architecture and Organization, and Computer Networks. 
The remaining 10-11 courses are upper-level and will not transfer.

For general education requirements, Saylor courses at $5 each could supplement remaining needed credits—but comparison reveals that 2 months of Sophia at $79/month ($158) covers equivalent general education credits more efficiently than Saylor's per-course model.

Recommendation: Use Sophia for both CS fundamentals and general education. Reserve Saylor only if pursuing very specific advanced topics or if your study timeline requires maximum cost minimization. I like Saylor, but I like more to sleep and study fast and easy. If you have time, maybe you can use Saylor for a few more credits.


Financial Breakdown: ACE Phase
Sophia Learning (2 months with $20 coupon): $79 + $79 = $158

Study.com College Saver (1 month with 10% discount): $211.50

Sophia Learning (If necessary, 1 additional month for gen-ed overflow with $20 coupon): $79
Saylor: $__

Total ACE Phase: approximately $369.50-450

Total Credits: 90 (2 or 3 months)








Phase 2: UMPI YourPace Term (8 weeks)
Remaining 30 Credits (upper-level CS core):

The 54-55 (or 30) upper-level CS core courses that cannot transfer must be completed during one YourPace term. These include:

Introduction to Web Design (3 cr), 
Databases and Database Security (3 cr), 
Software Engineering (3 cr), 
Operating Systems (3 cr), 
Algorithm Theory and Development (3 cr), 
Advanced Web Design (3 cr), 
Software Engineering II (3 cr), 
Computational Science (3 cr), 
Parallel and Distributed Computing (3 cr), 
Object-Oriented Programming (3 cr), 
University Experience (1 cr)

Cost: $1,800 for one term


Feasibility: 
With YourPace's self-paced, competency-based format, students capable of dedicating 30-60 hours weekly can realistically complete these 30 credits in 8 weeks.


Total Investment & Timeline (without transcript costs for international students):
ACE stacking phase: $369.50-450 (3 months)
UMPI YourPace term: $1,800 (8 weeks)

Total investment: approximately $2,169.50-2,300

Total timeline: approximately 4 months

Result: BS Computer Science degree


Comparison to Alternatives
WGU BS Computer Science: ~$3,500-4,000, 4-6 months
TESU BA Computer Science: ~$2,500-3,000, 3-4 months
UoPeople:...



Key Questions for the Community

Transfer policy confirmation: 
Can anyone confirm current UMPI policy on accepting 90 ACE credits (approximately 75% of the 120-credit degree) for a future BS Computer Science YourPace program as of November 2025?


Course equivalencies: 
Have students currently enrolled in the Information Systems YourPace program identified which courses have equivalent lower-level counterparts in the traditional BS Computer Science program?


Timeline expectations: 
Has UMPI provided any updated timeline for the BS Computer Science YourPace launch? (I'll reply here when they reply my last e-mail)


Sophia/Study.com status: 
Are Sophia Learning and Study.com courses still being accepted as transfer credit by UMPI for non-BLS programs post-May 2025? Any recent denials or issues?


Why This Matters
UMPI's YourPace competency-based format, combined with aggressive credit stacking from ACE providers, could offer one of the most affordable bachelor's degrees in computer science available today—potentially $1,000+ cheaper than WGU with faster completion.


However, the success of this strategy depends entirely on confirmation that UMPI's transfer policies remain accommodating to lower-level ACE credits.


Next Steps for Interested Students
Let's wait for Black Friday's promo codes. Maybe this can be a good time to start to study for the next degree.


Community Input Requested
Has anyone:

Recently transferred credits to UMPI from Sophia or Study.com?

Completed the Information Systems YourPace and identified transferable courses for a CS pathway?

Successfully stacked 90+ credits via ACE providers for another university's degree?

Your insights would help clarify feasibility and timeline expectations for this strategy.

Good morning everyone.

I am a 36 year old who within the last month or so got the itch to finish what I started over a decade ago. I earned over 60 credits from a CC in NJ and after weeks and weeks of research, I came across Competency Based Learning. I eventually also found East Texas A&M and since I currently reside in TX, it was a no brainer to apply to this institution. 

Now, my last big decision to make is which program to pursue. My initial plan was General Studies (GSCB) because my initial motive was 'just get it over with' , basically I just wanted 'any' degree so I could check it off in a possible job application. However upon further thought, I see that many folks opt for doing the Organizational Leadership (ORGL) program because it is apparently even easier and has a little bit more 'specialization' , which would give it a boost when applying for certain jobs or positions.

The good news is that ETAMU essentially accepts all of my credits (60+) in most programs it appears. But , when I utilize the DegreeWorks page, there is some confusion on my part. There are 2 options under the Areas of Study menu, when choosing the Major on the dropdown, there are 2 options for ORGL. When I choose the first one, it essentially accepts all of my transfer credits (just like for Gen Studies) which is great. But it also lists that there are Language requirements, which is odd because according to the official ETAMU page, it specifically states there are no language requirements. When I select the 2nd option for ORGL on the same dropdown menu, it only accepts about half of my transfer credits, and also has the same language requirements.

Can someone help me understand better which are the requirements for the ORGL Competency based program?  If they indeed accept all of my credits just like the GSCB program , I would most likely opt for that option. But the degreeworks page is throwing me off.

I am officially enrolled to the General Studies program (GSCB) but the term doesn't begin until Jan 12, so I think I still have some time to change programs.

Thank you to everyone ahead of time, happy Sunday.

To get a second degree at Tesu looks more credits than a first degree.
What if the first degree is only a NA one?  Does the rule mean second degree If the first degree is RA or does it include an NA as a first degree as well?

Dear all, I’m exploring options for a BS in Computer Science or Software Engineering and would appreciate any insights or recommendations.

Would you suggest going with TESU? I’m trying to understand the total estimated cost and whether it’s possible to complete the bulk of the credits through Sophia and Study, since I already have experience with both. I’ve seen some information, but I’d love clarification from people who’ve gone through it.

I’m also considering the University of the People. The only downside for me is the limit on how many courses you can take per term. If anyone has experience with that structure, I’d really like to hear your thoughts.

Given the way I work, I’d prefer to complete as many credits as possible through Sophia or Study. The TESU double degree in BA CS and BS CIS also caught my attention. If anyone has gone that route, I’d appreciate hearing about the cost, workload, and whether there are generous transfer options or advisors I could reach out to.

For TESU, UoP, or any other schools you recommend, degree plans would be incredibly helpful.

(Disclaimer: I am more interested in Bachelor's than Master's because of professional reasons, but if you want to recommend any master's, I am all ears too). 

Your Location: Europe
Age: 33
Degree goal: Bachelor’s in Computer Science or Software Engineering
Current RA credits: Bachelor’s in Psychology (UMPI), Bachelor’s in Humanities (Europe), Master’s in Design (Europe)
Total credits required: 120
ACE/CLEP/NCCRS: 120
Certifications or military experience: No
Budget: Ideally under 3000 USD, but flexible if the value is good
Commitments: Very flexible
Study time available: About 40 hours per week
Timeline: Preferably within one year
Tuition assistance: None