BA in Computer Science

[Blarburg]

Hello, I am new to the idea of CBE, and was wondering if anyone had achieved a BA in Computer Science by testing out of courses. I am confused as to what courses my CLEPs and DSSTs will actually get me out of. Will I basically only be able to test out of GEs, or is there a plan where I can test out of some of the CS courses? I am looking primarily at TESC, but if you completed a computer science degree at any of the big 3 and have advice for me, it would be much appreciated! P.S. I am not expecting you to write me an entire plan, just curious what I might actually be able to test out of. Also, would ALEKS be useful to get my math credits? Thank you ahead of time!

[jam123]

For any TESC degree you can usually test out of general education requirements and free electives using CLEP, DSST, Straighterline, Aleks and FEMA credits. I took College Algebra and Statistics using Aleks. I took Calculus I & II plus some other natural sciences at Straighterline. I did 20 CLEP & DSST exams. I did a bunch of FEMA credits to fill in the free electives. I would do this before even applying to TESC.

That leaves your area of study. There are two DSST exams (Intro to Computing and Management Information Systems) that can be used for 6 of the 33 needed credits. That leaves 24 credits plus the capstone.

There is a TECEP for CMP-354 Network Technology.

You can also use IT certifications for credit especially if ACE approved. See this thread.
http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...-your.html

I did the entire degree start to finish in about 18 months. I spent around 12 months doing CLEP, DSST, Aleks, Straighterline and FEMA. I think I got like 15-18 credits from IT certifications.

Search the forums there is a lot of info on TESC computer degrees.

Hope this helps! Good luck.

[Lindagerr]

Did you check out the degree forum Wiki? TESC Degree Plans - Degree Forum Wiki or Degree Forum Wiki.

Also this equivalency sheet might help

Equivalencies by Area: http://degreeplanners.com/media/TESC_Equivalencies.pdf

Equivalencies by Course Number: http://degreeplanners.com/media/TESC..._By_Course.pdf

Sources: Equivalency Sources

[Blarburg]

Thanks to both of you! I could not find my degree on the degree forum wiki, but the equivalencies sheets were very helpful! Also, that is exactly what I was hoping to hear jam123! My plan is to hopefully complete my degree within the next 2 and a half years, so this is very encouraging for me to hear! I know it will take a lot of hard work, but I am certain I can do it if I apply myself

[sanantone]

A word of caution: The Degree Planners document is out of date.

[ryoder]

Good idea going for a BA CS. I am in the computer industry and we need more programmers badly.
I would recommend the following. Work toward the BSBA CIS and BA CS concurrently. What I mean by that is choose gen eds that fulfill the requirements for the BSBA CIS while pursuing your BA CS. You can probably finish the BSBA CIS in one year less than the BA CS so you might choose that option at some point. This is because it requires fewer difficult math classes and fewer pure CS classes.

So if you are starting from point zero, begin by taking the classes and tests common to all BSBA degrees. If you choose not to pursue a BA CS these classes will fill in gen eds.

Macroeconomics, microeconomics, management, marketing, statistics, info sys and comp applications, DSST MIS, college algebra, us history I&II, DSST business ethics and society.

Go pass all of those tests and you will be well on your way to either degree.

[Blarburg]

Thank you for that information, I just found it. That actually makes a lot of sense, and I actually have been thinking about whether I would prefer a BSBA or a BA CS. With this information that makes it a little easier knowing I can in a sense pursue both at the same time.

[ryoder]

Glad to help you. Now keep passing CLEPs. US History I is a great one to start with. You can do Am Govt next with the info you learned on that history exam and by reading the REA book.