Degree Completion Next Steps

[trynryan]

Hello!  I am looking for degree completion and am flexible with programs.  My priority criteria is one that can be completed quickly and under 5K.  I am better at test taking than writing but am open if that might be the quickest option.  I am in a computer/IT field currently.  I have started to review WGU CS or Software and also considered UMPI BLS.  I would like to try and find some additional courses from Sophia that could potentially work in either program until I am decided.  I can see math is one area where I will likely need additional credits.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to review this plan and offer suggested next steps, it is greatly appreciated.

Age:27, location: MN

Previous Education:
Community College, Associate Degree completed 2017

Routing Protocols and Concepts- CCNA 2- 3 cr
Network Fundamentals- CCNA1- 3 cr
Intro to Software Apps- 3 cr
PC Hardware and Software- 4 cr 
English 1- 4 cr
English Composition 2- 3cr
Art Appreciation- 3 cr
Macroeconomics- 3 cr
Field Biology- 4 cr
Shakespeare- 3 cr
World regional geography- 3 cr
Fitness Walking- 3 cr
International Film- 3cr
American film- 3cr
Ethics- 3 cr
Intro to Logic- 3 cr
Intercultural communication- 3 cr
Medical terminology- 3 cr
Intro to Oceanography- 3 cr
Intro to Global Studies- 3 cr

Certifications
Google Cloud- In process
CompTIA A+ Certified 2022

[rachel83az]

Not many people are able to complete a WGU degree in 1 6-month term, even with maximum transfer. So, you're probably looking at a minimum of $6k for a WGU degree. As far as gen eds go, I think you're at (or close to) the transfer limit of those for WGU, too. There are very few gen eds at WGU and NO electives. So, I'm not sure if there is anything left that you could take right now that would apply to both WGU and UMPI - except perhaps math.

I'm not sure which UMPI courses have exams, but there are a few. Others have definitely been able to get a degree there in 6 months or less and for under $5k. UMPI degrees, especially the BLS degrees, have a good number of electives. So you can easily whittle it down to only having to take 10 or 12 classes at UMPI.

[ss20ts]

Not many people are able to complete a WGU degree in 1 6-month term, even with maximum transfer. So, you're probably looking at a minimum of $6k for a WGU degree. As far as gen eds go, I think you're at (or close to) the transfer limit of those for WGU, too. There are very few gen eds at WGU and NO electives. So, I'm not sure if there is anything left that you could take right now that would apply to both WGU and UMPI - except perhaps math.

I'm not sure which UMPI courses have exams, but there are a few. Others have definitely been able to get a degree there in 6 months or less and for under $5k. UMPI degrees, especially the BLS degrees, have a good number of electives. So you can easily whittle it down to only having to take 10 or 12 classes at UMPI.

Closer to around $8K for WGU. CS is currently $3920 per term. Few complete this degree in 1 term. Maybe if you could maximize the transfer credits it would be possible. WGU isn't as transfer friendly as UMPI. A BLS can easily be completed in 1-2 terms ($1400-$2800) which is 8-16 weeks instead of 6 months. We have several folks complete their entire UMPI degree in under 6 months. Some have started with 0 credits. OP has some credits. Some of which will fill the GEC and general electives at UMPI.

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Did your Field Biology course have a lab component?

[trynryan]

Not many people are able to complete a WGU degree in 1 6-month term, even with maximum transfer. So, you're probably looking at a minimum of $6k for a WGU degree. As far as gen eds go, I think you're at (or close to) the transfer limit of those for WGU, too. There are very few gen eds at WGU and NO electives. So, I'm not sure if there is anything left that you could take right now that would apply to both WGU and UMPI - except perhaps math.

I'm not sure which UMPI courses have exams, but there are a few. Others have definitely been able to get a degree there in 6 months or less and for under $5k. UMPI degrees, especially the BLS degrees, have a good number of electives. So you can easily whittle it down to only having to take 10 or 12 classes at UMPI.

Closer to around $8K for WGU. CS is currently $3920 per term. Few complete this degree in 1 term. Maybe if you could maximize the transfer credits it would be possible. WGU isn't as transfer friendly as UMPI. A BLS can easily be completed in 1-2 terms ($1400-$2800) which is 8-16 weeks instead of 6 months. We have several folks complete their entire UMPI degree in under 6 months. Some have started with 0 credits. OP has some credits. Some of which will fill the GEC and general electives at UMPI.

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Did your Field Biology course have a lab component?

Thank you both for your quick reply.  Field Biology did have a single credit lab component.

[bjcheung77]

@trynryan, just wondering on a few things... That's a tight budget but should be workable... Which college was this and which associates/program did you get, an AA, AS, AAS? I don't see any course numbers, I assume it's a community college without 4 year bachelors top-up programs then? How many hours can you dedicate to your studies? Are you currently not working and can't get financial aid?

Trying to find additional/extra credits towards transfer from Sophia.org is a great idea, if you know which program/school it'll transfer into. Going with UMPI, WGU are your best options because you have experience. I am leaning towards WGU as you get certifications along with the tuition, you can try to finish in 1 term if you can transfer the max from Sophia.org/Study.com, etc... UMPI BAS/BLS MIS would be my second choice.

[LevelUP]

CompTIA A+ transfer in as IT Foundations & IT Applications so that would get you 76 credits of transfer credits for WGU Software Development
https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/WG...egree_Plan

You could get extra certs to bring it closer to 90 credits

WGU Computer Science you can transfer in 84 credits
https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/WG...egree_Plan

PurdueGlobal has their IT program which is possible to do in 2 terms
https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/PU...egree_Plan

TESU has a computer science program, the flat-rate + grad fee is $5000. Then you also have to pay for the ACE/alt credits.
https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Sa...ience_Plan

I wouldn't go for the BLS at UMPI. You be better off going for the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – Project Management which is a management of information systems concentration.
https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/UM...egree_Plan