Does it makes sense to have two AAS Degrees?

[chiquitacobbe]

TESC's BSAST in Information Technology requires statistics, but it doesn't require any other business courses. Charter Oaks' information systems degree requires statistics. TESC and Charter Oak have computer science majors/concentrations, but the required math is much harder than statistics. Both COSC and TESC have general Technology Studies concentrations/majors. My opinion is that the AAS in Environmental, Safety, and Security Technologies is completely worthless. I know a member here posted a job ad that it could apply to, but I looked at the ad and the AAS would not be enough. No offense LaterBloomer. :p

The sciences will kill me. I think the business class would be less painful. My head hurts now.

[cookderosa]

Here's my situation:
I work in IT and concentrate on Public Safety IT Management (police, fire, emergency mngmt). In this field, experience is definitely key over education. It's a very unique area of IT. I decided on my own to go back to school after almost 25 years. I am not the best in school, I am almost finished with my AAS in Applied Computer Studies. I really don't think I can continue on to a bachelors. The course requirements are not my cup of tea (marcro/micro, stats, etc) and my time is limited as police and fire run 24/7 and sometimes require my help after hours. So I was thinking of getting a second AAS in Environmental Safety and Security Technology since my credits will apply to both areas.

I value the opinion of this forum and would love to hear everyones thoughts. Please don't post "get your bachelors" because I know that is the better option but I really don't think that will happen.

I really just want to know what your thoughts are on have two AAS degrees.

THANKS!!!

In my opinion, AAS is the only type of degree that it DOES make sense to have more than one of. You are right, AAS degrees do not transfer smoothly into bachelor's degrees. The reason, is that AAS degrees are "in" something, meaning most of the credit is in a specific field. Your AAS is likely full of computer courses, my AOS (same thing) is full of culinary arts courses. A bachelor's degree generally builds on 60 credits of general education (English, math, psychology, etc) thus not really job training. Both meet a need. Since AAS/AOS degrees are job training types of degrees, picking up a second one (especially one that you already have the core for) you're likely going to find more utility than going into a bachelor's degree. I'm going to guess and say you're 100 credits away from a bachelor's degree, but fewer than 21 away from another AAS. Go for it!

[Daithi]

Have you considered the BALS degree from TESC? They accept nearly a year's worth of FEMA credits and don't require classes like micro/macro economics. I mention this because I'm in a similar situation as you. I've have over 25 years experience in IT and I'm just getting my degree now. My plan is to continue on after getting my bachelors and get an IT related masters.

[chiquitacobbe]

Have you considered the BALS degree from TESC? They accept nearly a year's worth of FEMA credits and don't require classes like micro/macro economics. I mention this because I'm in a similar situation as you. I've have over 25 years experience in IT and I'm just getting my degree now. My plan is to continue on after getting my bachelors and get an IT related masters.

I will look at this now...thanks a bunch!

[cooperalex2004]

HAHAHA I love everyones comments even the ones stating the get your bachelors. Believe me it isn't 100% ruled out yet.

Please note I do not need to take any additional classes to get the AAS in ESST. I have already taken way too many FEMA classes for my job that I have well beyond the required credits for that area of study. And all my IT classes will fill the other requirements. So it would just be paying the extra $300. Just want to know if its worth it. I already paid the $3000 for enrollment and have until July till my year is up.

Don't forget about the new AAS capstone. If you were to add this degree to your list of degrees in progress at TESC they'd require it (and from what I've heard the course isn't yet available). As for the other discussion about getting a second degree, I see it as useful in cases where the content doesn't overlap and you receive a degree which reflects additional coursework areas. In my case, looking at my AA in Mass Comm and then the BA in Communcations doesn't represent a big change, but the certificates, the second "emphasis" in accounting on my AA, and the AAS ESST reflect that I have more coursework completed than my BA in Communications would indicate (I have 154 credits at TESC plus a few more that didn't transfer).

As a side note, my AAS ESST used a custom mix of coursework which I had to approve through the school including:
-Environmental Geology (3) from my CC (GEO-201)
-Environmental Geology Lab (1) from my CC (ENS-399)
-Env & Humanity: The Race to Save the Planet (3) (DSST exam) (ENS-201)
-Airport Safety & Security (2) from ACE workplace credit at a former job (AVM-305)
-Aviation Safety (2) from ACE workplace credit at a former job (AVM-303)
-10 credits from FEMA (EDM courses)
*If you wish to do this and not have FEMA for all of the coursework then schedule a phone appointment with an AAS advisor because some courses may fit which don't default onto the audit (you have to ask them to be moved). As others have said in the past if you try to call the expressline you usually don't end up with someone who can provide specific enough assistance.

Although I completed more FEMA credits than that, I wanted to utilize a better mix of my other credits for the degree and so mine included coursework in geology, environmental science, aviation management (AVM), and emergency management (EDM). My advice to anyone else is to think outside the box. For this degree there are other courses besides FEMA that can be used and you may already have some that you can ask for them to fit in for you. I'm not saying that FEMA courses are bad or that the degree lacks substance if using only FEMA courses, but if you want to add to the back story then feel free to get creative and use some other credits to truly have the coursework to explain why you have knowledge of the environment, safety, and security.

[dcan]

If you have all other requirements met, I would do it even paying for the new capstone. In my opinion this is a good degree for this type of field (public service) because it is flexible. Because of the variety of FEMA courses available you have the ability to tailor how you present it to an employer. It is after all in "environmental, safety, and security". You can emphasize the security aspect to one employer, the safety aspect to another, etc. Plus there was a good dose of leadership training, don't forget that. But that's just my thoughts. I don't work in your specific field so I don't know how much weight they may give it.

[chiquitacobbe]

If you have all other requirements met, I would do it even paying for the new capstone. In my opinion this is a good degree for this type of field (public service) because it is flexible. Because of the variety of FEMA courses available you have the ability to tailor how you present it to an employer. It is after all in "environmental, safety, and security". You can emphasize the security aspect to one employer, the safety aspect to another, etc. Plus there was a good dose of leadership training, don't forget that. But that's just my thoughts. I don't work in your specific field so I don't know how much weight they may give it.

Well now I'm not sure what to do. I would think both would look good for my current career but timing will be off and I'm not sure what I would need to take additionally. It says 12 credits but 12 of what? banghead. My head hurts

[AlbaTiVo]

If you can add the degree now and have the capstone waived like brucet3 did then you will just have to take 12 FEMA classes you have not taken already. If you can get your current AAS done and apply for graduation now, you will receive your degree in June. You can then use the balance of June to complete the 12 FEMA credits and apply for graduation by 7/1. You can do it!

[chiquitacobbe]

Ok I just put in a ticket to TESC to add AAS ESST and BA LS. Once they do this I will try and have the capstone removed. Also got the form for graduation so I can get that in before April 1st. Scheduling Spanish Clep for two weeks from now and the Computer Clep for first week of Apr.

[chiquitacobbe]

Ok I just put in a ticket to TESC to add AAS ESST and BA LS. Once they do this I will try and have the capstone removed. Also got the form for graduation so I can get that in before April 1st. Scheduling Spanish Clep for two weeks from now and the Computer Clep for first week of Apr.

Ok I now have the three listed degrees on my evaluation and of course...BAM!!... there is the capstone requirement for AAS ESST. My question is do I contact them now to have it waived? Even though I may not apply for graduation for that degree until the July 1st deadline. I will not go for that degree if I have to take the capstone. Not worth the time or effort.

Any advice???