New math with an old math mind

[The_Professor]

Bad news. According to the catalog for Excelsior's School of Business & Technology, all business majors must complete both 3 credits of statistics and 3 credits of mathematics at the level of pre-calculus or higher (there is no additional math requirement for the MIS concentration, for what it's worth). The catalog states that elementary and intermediate algebra don't fulfill the requirement, but college algebra does. And according to the current EC publication on credit by exam, DSST College Algebra does not fulfill the requirement. It doesn't specify whether or not the CLEP version does.

You'll have to figure out which is the least detrimental to your progress - the precalc requirement at EC, the minimal certification credits from TESC, or the cost and lack of RA at CSU. Practice those business skills by working out the ROI in cost/time/effort for each option...

Bummer, indeed... Does anyone know what the math requirements are in the Business degree programs at TESC and COSC?

[Gary]

Such a conundrum… As per my unofficial Excelsior application evaluation report, their math requirement is College Algebra, Pre-calculus or Higher. Arrrrrghhh… This may prove to be a serious impediment to going the Excelsior route, which happens to be at the top of my short list of colleges I am considering. I simply do not have the aptitude nor inclination to attempt this, which based on my distant and vague recollection of how bad I did at it in high school way back in the day, would most likely prove to be an effort in futility. What to do, what to do?!?!?

Does any know if this course requirement might be negotiable with Excelsior, who wants me to enroll first before they will talk any further specifics. One alternative is to go with Columbia Southern University (highly-rated but DETC accredited, not Regionally accredited). CSU doesn’t have a stringent math requirement (Principles of Statistics is their only required match course), however, their testing/transfer credit limit is capped at 75% meaning I would need to take at least 10 actual courses with them. Not undoable, but it would be kind of a bummer go this route, increasing the cost of my degree, and extending the process by a number of months, just to avoid that dang Pre-calculus/Algebra. Suggestions or sage words of advice, anyone?

I was where your at not long ago, been out of school a long time and feared any algebra, stats, calc etc. Especially because I knew I needed it and didn't want to learn it. IF you pursue a business degree, you will need math, plain and simple. I went w/the Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies because all I needed was Beginning Algebra through Excelsior College. It doesn't get any easier than that. I took it through ALEK's and it was not bad at all. If you use Algebrator, which is a program you can download for a small fee and then use some of the websites I posted on here under an ALEK's thread, you should have no problem. For many of the problems, the calculators do the work, you just enter the numbers and voila. Some may say it is cheating, I looked at those sites as tutors. I just completed Business Stats through ALEK's and trust me, you DO NOT want to go that route. It was a bear. Take it from someone who had the same concerns as you. If you already have it in your head that you DON'T want to learn any math and you want it as easy as possible, go the BSL route and you only need Beginning Algebra. Keep in mind that if you ever think you might change your mind and want to get a different degree, then you might want the College Algebra through ALEK's. I definitely believe with Algebrator and the various calculator sites you find online to help you, ALEK's can be done rather quickly and painlessly. Their Stats class, even the Introductory Stats is no joke, especially if you are just getting into the swing of math (some say it's not a math, it's an economics, that's BS) In hindsight, I wish I got the Business Degree now. I should have just sucked it up and took the harder route. They would have been the only stumbling blocks since I, like you had no desire to learn something I felt I would never use. And that is the key. You have to want to learn it.

[Gary]

BTW, I would stay away from Columbia Southern University. If you ever think about gov't employment, national accreditation is useless. I don't doubt their courses are good or the school is good BUT for my money, regional accreditation is where it's at. There are quite a few good reviews from people who have completed degrees from there and used them, still regional accreditation is more accepted and versatile. Random thoughts after the mid watch.

[Ruddigore]

Hi,
I am new to this forum and will be taking a Clep test some time soon. I seen that you have taken the college mathematics test and I was wondering if you could give me any pointers on what exactly to study for? I would really appreciate it because I am so nervous since I have not taken a test in years! lol...

Are you taking College Math? If you study the InstantCert Flash Cards and take a few practice tests, such as the free Peterson's practice exams.

I found the test very easy if you have the knowledge and the ability to think mathematically. Hope it goes well.

[categ]

UMUC only requires College Math and a Statistics course for a Business degree. When I say "only" let's put it in perspective. Although some have said it was easy, I am not falling for it. It is the one course that strikes fear in my soul. I, against most good advice, am choosing to leave it for last. I will attempt the Clep and if not suck it up and take a course. Blechhhh! You have no idea how little I know in the Math dept. I took Algebra 1 in h.s. and got a D and that was in 1973. So I know about forgetting what i already didn't know.
:o

Look at UMUC as an option. They are liberal in accepting Clep and DSST but I don't know about your other credits.

[The_Professor]

BTW, I would stay away from Columbia Southern University. If you ever think about gov't employment, national accreditation is useless. I don't doubt their courses are good or the school is good BUT for my money, regional accreditation is where it's at. There are quite a few good reviews from people who have completed degrees from there and used them, still regional accreditation is more accepted and versatile. Random thoughts after the mid watch.

Would need to weigh the pros 'n cons of settling for a Liberal Arts degree from an RA school which would not be very applicable to my profession or career track, or a BSBA/IT degree from a reputable DETC institution. Potential future transfer credit eligibility is not a consideration for me, as an undergrad degree is as far as I intend to pursue my education.

Also checked with the HR director with my company (a mid-sized corporation in the IT sector) and they have no issues with accepting a degree from a reputable DETC accredited school, which is an added plus since either way I would qualify for their tuition reimbursement assistance.

BTW, this forum is such an excellent reference in working thru the many variables and issues to consider when pursuing a higher education. Thanks again, one and all!

[LatinTea]

UMUC only requires College Math and a Statistics course for a Business degree. When I say "only" let's put it in perspective. Although some have said it was easy, I am not falling for it. It is the one course that strikes fear in my soul. I, against most good advice, am choosing to leave it for last. I will attempt the Clep and if not suck it up and take a course. Blechhhh! You have no idea how little I know in the Math dept. I took Algebra 1 in h.s. and got a D and that was in 1973. So I know about forgetting what i already didn't know.
:o

Look at UMUC as an option. They are liberal in accepting Clep and DSST but I don't know about your other credits.

Okay, I gotta take College math too. I took Alg. I in 1974, somewhere around there, so we're similar in age. I have homeschooled, but math is not my best subject....just ask my son. He learned Algebra all by himself, using a video course. Bad mom, I know. Anyway, I don't have to take it right now, but whenever you are game, I will schedule mine at the same time, and we can go through the misery together. You know probably shouldn't leave it for last though. The main reason is to have this monkey off your back so you can concentrate better and enjoy the process more.

I trust Ruddigore's advice on this and he says not to worry about it. I know it was 'easy' for him. It won't be for me, but I don't think I will fail it. Understand this, my head is totally NOT geared toward math; I want an Art degree, so I'm more right-brained.

My son says to study IC cards, do the REA practice tests (fortunately, there are ton of practice tests out there 'cuz this is a General Exam). You take a test, see where your weakness lies, then study that concept. Making your own flashcards should help too.

We can do this!

[Gary]

Would need to weigh the pros 'n cons of settling for a Liberal Arts degree from an RA school which would not be very applicable to my profession or career track, or a BSBA/IT degree from a reputable DETC institution. Potential future transfer credit eligibility is not a consideration for me, as an undergrad degree is as far as I intend to pursue my education.

Also checked with the HR director with my company (a mid-sized corporation in the IT sector) and they have no issues with accepting a degree from a reputable DETC accredited school, which is an added plus since either way I would qualify for their tuition reimbursement assistance.

BTW, this forum is such an excellent reference in working thru the many variables and issues to consider when pursuing a higher education. Thanks again, one and all!

Keep in mind that many people change companies and careers quite a few times in their lifetime. You never know when that opportunity might present itself where "YOUR" job is right in front of you AND the only thing separating you from it is that accreditation. Maybe far-fetched but still a possibility. Plus, you never know, after the battle is over and you have that paper, you may regret that you didn't get the RA over the NA.

[The_Professor]

...If you ever think about gov't employment, national accreditation is useless...

I suppose this is referring to the federal government, considering that the CSU website lists dozens, if not hundreds, of state, county and local government agencies as direct CSU partners. Does anyone besides me see the irony in the feds not recognizing the primary national accreditation body, DETC, which is sanctioned by the DOE and CHEA?

[alleycat]

I suppose this is referring to the federal government, considering that the CSU website lists dozens, if not hundreds, of state, county and local government agencies as direct CSU partners. Does anyone besides me see the irony in the feds not recognizing the primary national accreditation body, DETC, which is sanctioned by the DOE and CHEA?

Complete irony Professor!