Degree Plan Help, Please

[CatsDomino]

Hello, all.  I’ve gained a lot of insight from this group, and told my husband about it.  He handed me his transcripts just now and requested that I post his classes here to see how close he might be to a BS or BA.  Mostly due to cost, he’s looked at the general studies with information systems concentration through COSC, but is unsure of how things will transfer (I’m no help as I went the traditional route). He doesn’t really care what area of study, though, even a BALS/BSLS would work (he works in IT and likes that and business).    All of his credits and his AAS Information Systems Network Admin/Support are from two community colleges.  He’s worried about the age of his credits since some are from the 90s (pre-kids), but the rest are from 2005-2007.  Any help you guys could offer would be greatly appreciated! 

1990s Credits:

1 – ACA 111 College Student Success
2 – CIS 110 Intro to Computers
2 – CIS 115 Intro to Program and Logic
2 – CIS 130 Survey of Operating Systems
2 – CIS 165 Desktop Publishing 1
3 – CIS 174 Network System Manager 1
3 – CIS 175 Network Management 1
3 – CIS 217 Computer Train and Support
2 – CSC 138 RPG Programming
3 – ENG 111 Expository Writing
3 – ENG 114 Prof Research and Reporting
2 – MAT 140 Survey of Math
3 – REL 112 Western Religions
3 – CET 111 Computer Upgrade/Repair 1
3 – CIS 120 Spreadsheet
3 – CIS 147 Operating Systems Windows
3 – PSY 150 General Psych

2005-2007 Credits:

3 – BUS 151 People Skills
3 – Network System Manager 2
3 – MAT 145 Analytical Math
3 – NET 110 Data Communications and Networking
3 – CIS 282 Network Technology
3 – CIS 287 Network Support
3 – ITN 240 Internet Security
3 – NET 125 Network Basics
3 – CIS 125 PC Diagnostics/Configuration
3 – CIS 275 Network Management 2
3 – NET 126 Routing Basics
3 – CIS 235 Adv. PC Diagnostics/Configuration
3 – DBA 110 Database Concepts
3 – NET 280 Networking Project
3 – SEC 110 Security Concepts

Certification:

*CompTIA Net+ Certification

[rachel83az]

With all those RA credits, a Charter Oak BA in General Studies would almost certainly be the most affordable. A bachelor's in cybersecurity from COSC might also be possible (I don't know if that can be fully tested out of or not). However, I would not discount a BA computer science from TESU either.

As far as I'm aware, with CS credits that old, the best you can hope for is to use them as electives and not in the AOS. I would suggest that if he's interested, he start going through Sophia courses. Those GE credits are going to be needed whether he winds up at TESU or COSC. Check https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/So...lency_List for courses that are accepted at both so he can prioritize those.

He would also need science with a lab if he goes with COSC. Thankfully, Tel Learning can provide this for $267: https://www.tellearning.org/courses-on-demand/

Once he finishes with the Sophia courses that don't overlap with his RA credits (for instance, he shouldn't need psychology but it'd be a good idea to take algebra just in case), apply to both COSC and TESU to see which one is more generous with accepting his credits.

[CatsDomino]

With all those RA credits, a Charter Oak BA in General Studies would almost certainly be the most affordable. A bachelor's in cybersecurity from COSC might also be possible (I don't know if that can be fully tested out of or not). However, I would not discount a BA computer science from TESU either.

As far as I'm aware, with CS credits that old, the best you can hope for is to use them as electives and not in the AOS. I would suggest that if he's interested, he start going through Sophia courses. Those GE credits are going to be needed whether he winds up at TESU or COSC. Check https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/So...lency_List for courses that are accepted at both so he can prioritize those.

He would also need science with a lab if he goes with COSC. Thankfully, Tel Learning can provide this for $267: https://www.tellearning.org/courses-on-demand/

Once he finishes with the Sophia courses that don't overlap with his RA credits (for instance, he shouldn't need psychology but it'd be a good idea to take algebra just in case), apply to both COSC and TESU to see which one is more generous with accepting his credits.

Thank you!  That is incredibly helpful.  With winter approaching, maybe he won't be getting as much overtime at work and can get started.

[allvia]

For his science w/Lab he can do Study.com (SDC) Bio I w/lab cheaper than the TelLeanrning and he'd likely need SDC anyway for missing UL credits. Keep in mind that he will need to plan carefully as COSC has far more UL requirements than TESU (not saying don't choose COSC, saying plan accordingly); your husband wants to make the most of those credits he already has - they are all LL. Here is the post about making the most of Sophia at COSC - https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...es-at-COSC

The age of his credits shouldn't be an issue if not used in the AOS - such as a BS/BA in CS (tech credits tend to loose AOS value after 10 years, but remain good for gen eds/electives)

[CatsDomino]

For his science w/Lab he can do Study.com (SDC) Bio I w/lab cheaper than the TelLeanrning and he'd likely need SDC anyway for missing UL credits. Keep in mind that he will need to plan carefully as COSC has far more UL requirements than TESU (not saying don't choose COSC, saying plan accordingly); your husband wants to make the most of those credits he already has - they are all LL. Here is the post about making the most of Sophia at COSC - https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...es-at-COSC

The age of his credits shouldn't be an issue if not used in the AOS - such as a BS/BA in CS (tech credits tend to loose AOS value after 10 years, but remain good for gen eds/electives)

Thank you for this suggesting SDC and for the link.

[blerdstheword]

Just saw this while being nosy..... since we were talking about FSU, did you know that they accept a lot of Saylor, Straighterline, etc?

[CatsDomino]

Just saw this while being nosy..... since we were talking about FSU, did you know that they accept a lot of Saylor, Straighterline, etc?

Yes, I'm familiar with the alternative credit courses at FSU, and mentioned it to him.  He wants to accelerate and complete his bachelor's degree more quickly than he would be able to do so at FSU.  I'm the opposite and need the structure of a regular semester.

[dfrecore]

At TESU, the age of computer-related courses only matters in the BSIT or BS in Cybersecurity - it doesn't matter in the BACS. BUT, he does not have all of the UL math that's required, so I'm guessing he doesn't want a BA in CompSci?

At TESU, if he just wants a BALS, and to bring in as many credits as possible, and get the rest quickly, that's an option. He might think about a BALS w/Concentration in CompSci, and/or a BALS w/Certificate in CIS. Both are totally doable through alternative credit. He'll be allowed 27cr of Free Electives (so non-liberal arts). I'd apply for that and see how they bring in everything.

At COSC and EC, he has the option to get a BSLA/BSLS and bring in up to 60cr of non-liberal arts. But at COSC he will have to choose a concentration (and I'm not sure that's what he'd want to do); but I think EC was getting rid of that option, and allowing you to get an optional Area of Focus. So that's a possibility if he can get enough UL credits to bring in there, or take there.

I'd apply at COSC and see if they will take the old IT credits and let you use those for a concentration. If not, nothing lost.

I'd also apply at EC, and ask the same question, about an Area of Focus. Make sure that you don't have to have 2 breadth's any longer (they said they were getting rid of it).

We can help with the GE's for all 3 schools - especially if he wants to do Sophia. Those are easy, and I already have charts on how to use Sophia for GE's at all 3 schools.

[CatsDomino]

At TESU, the age of computer-related courses only matters in the BSIT or BS in Cybersecurity - it doesn't matter in the BACS.  BUT, he does not have all of the UL math that's required, so I'm guessing he doesn't want a BA in CompSci?

At TESU, if he just wants a BALS, and to bring in as many credits as possible, and get the rest quickly, that's an option.  He might think about a BALS w/Concentration in CompSci, and/or a BALS w/Certificate in CIS.  Both are totally doable through alternative credit.  He'll be allowed 27cr of Free Electives (so non-liberal arts).  I'd apply for that and see how they bring in everything.

At COSC and EC, he has the option to get a BSLA/BSLS and bring in up to 60cr of non-liberal arts.  But at COSC he will have to choose a concentration (and I'm not sure that's what he'd want to do); but I think EC was getting rid of that option, and allowing you to get an optional Area of Focus.  So that's a possibility if he can get enough UL credits to bring in there, or take there.

I'd apply at COSC and see if they will take the old IT credits and let you use those for a concentration. If not, nothing lost.

I'd also apply at EC, and ask the same question, about an Area of Focus.  Make sure that you don't have to have 2 breadth's any longer (they said they were getting rid of it).

We can help with the GE's for all 3 schools - especially if he wants to do Sophia.  Those are easy, and I already have charts on how to use Sophia for GE's at all 3 schools.

Wow!  Thank you so much!  He's pretty interested in COSC, I think.  Do you have a link to the charts for using Sophia for the GEs?  I really appreciate it!

[dfrecore]

At TESU, the age of computer-related courses only matters in the BSIT or BS in Cybersecurity - it doesn't matter in the BACS.  BUT, he does not have all of the UL math that's required, so I'm guessing he doesn't want a BA in CompSci?

At TESU, if he just wants a BALS, and to bring in as many credits as possible, and get the rest quickly, that's an option.  He might think about a BALS w/Concentration in CompSci, and/or a BALS w/Certificate in CIS.  Both are totally doable through alternative credit.  He'll be allowed 27cr of Free Electives (so non-liberal arts).  I'd apply for that and see how they bring in everything.

At COSC and EC, he has the option to get a BSLA/BSLS and bring in up to 60cr of non-liberal arts.  But at COSC he will have to choose a concentration (and I'm not sure that's what he'd want to do); but I think EC was getting rid of that option, and allowing you to get an optional Area of Focus.  So that's a possibility if he can get enough UL credits to bring in there, or take there.

I'd apply at COSC and see if they will take the old IT credits and let you use those for a concentration. If not, nothing lost.

I'd also apply at EC, and ask the same question, about an Area of Focus.  Make sure that you don't have to have 2 breadth's any longer (they said they were getting rid of it).

We can help with the GE's for all 3 schools - especially if he wants to do Sophia.  Those are easy, and I already have charts on how to use Sophia for GE's at all 3 schools.

Wow!  Thank you so much!  He's pretty interested in COSC, I think.  Do you have a link to the charts for using Sophia for the GEs?  I really appreciate it!

Honestly, I'd apply at all 3.  If COSC is your first choice, you are going to have to really question the concentration, because if you HAVE to choose one in a non-liberal arts area, it may be a bad choice.  At least with TESU, you can choose not to have a concentration - COSC doesn't give you that option, and at least a portion has to be in a non-liberal arts area.

Here's the GE through Sophia:

MAXIMIZING SOPHIA COURSES AT COSC
 
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
English Comp I
English Comp II
 
ORAL COMMUNICATION
Public Speaking
 
ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING
Intro to Ethics
 
US HISTORY/GOVERNMENT
US History I
US History II
 
GLOBAL UNDERSTANDING and NON-US HISTORY OR CULTURE
Religion
Ancient Greek Philosophers (maybe)
 
LITERATURE & FINE ARTS
Art History I
Art History II
Visual Communication
 
SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
Psychology
Sociology
Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
 
MATHEMATICS
College Algebra or Statistics
 
NATURAL SCIENCES W/O LAB
Environmental Science