Old timer hoping to finally finish his degree. Advice appreciated.

[Vin]

That's interesting. What is the advantage of doing a BSBA CIS and BACS combo? Is it just to say you have 2 degrees?

[davewill]

That's interesting.  What is the advantage of doing a BSBA CIS and BACS combo?  Is it just to say you have 2 degrees?

If you want to be a software engineer, then a lot of employers will insist on a CS degree. Conversely, if you want to be a manager, then the BSBA might provide a leg up. If you don't need or want to do both of those things, then it's pretty much bragging rights. A few of the posters here can't resist the "hack" of getting two (or more) degrees and bring it up all the time. However, I think that 99% of people should just persue the one bachelors degree they actually need instead of complicating things with a "free" associates or second bachelors or double major.

[rachel83az]

Students who are even halfway considering an MBA in the future should definitely think about getting the BSBA CIS while getting a BACS. While some schools (like WGU) may admit students who don't have a business degree, not all schools will. Plus, even if they admit students without business degrees, they may require students to complete expensive prerequisite courses from them before admittance. Getting the BSBA (or BABA) ahead of time is faster, cheaper, and easier than finding out this information down the road.

[allvia]

Students who are even halfway considering an MBA in the future should definitely think about getting the BSBA CIS while getting a BACS. While some schools (like WGU) may admit students who don't have a business degree, not all schools will. Plus, even if they admit students without business degrees, they may require students to complete expensive prerequisite courses from them before admittance. Getting the BSBA (or BABA) ahead of time is faster, cheaper, and easier than finding out this information down the road.

This is a old wives’ tale (myth) shared on this forum more often than not - although it is true that some MBA programs require a few prerequisites courses that are generally included in a business bachelor, most MBA student did not graduate with a business degree. Actually, an MBA is an ideal way for a non-business undergrad to gain credible (and documented) business knowledge. And although some with say that the articles below are a few years old, the last one points out there has been a decline of enrollment in MBA programs (personally, I believe it still ranks as a top option for many people - especially if you don't have a business bachelor; for reasons stated above).  So, more and more colleges and university are offering MBAs, yet enrollment is declining - that leave far more less programs requiring the prerequisites they once did (less competitive overall); resume/work experience is often more important. Also, there are alternatives to gaining those prerequisites that don't require an entire bushiness degree; two of the most common MBA prerequisites are actually not even business courses (statistics and economics).

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-gr...ba-student
https://www.earnest.com/blog/what-should...et-an-mba/
https://www.onlinemba.com/resources/is-m...ss-degree/
https://www.bestcolleges.com/business/mb...-worth-it/

[ss20ts]

Students who are even halfway considering an MBA in the future should definitely think about getting the BSBA CIS while getting a BACS. While some schools (like WGU) may admit students who don't have a business degree, not all schools will. Plus, even if they admit students without business degrees, they may require students to complete expensive prerequisite courses from them before admittance. Getting the BSBA (or BABA) ahead of time is faster, cheaper, and easier than finding out this information down the road.

This is a old wives’ tale (myth) shared on this forum more often than not - although it is true that some MBA programs require a few prerequisites courses that are generally included in a business bachelor, most MBA student did not graduate with a business degree. Actually, an MBA is an ideal way for a non-business undergrad to gain credible (and documented) business knowledge. And although some with say that the articles below are a few years old, the last one points out there has been a decline of enrollment in MBA programs (personally, I believe it still ranks as a top option for many people - especially if you don't have a business bachelor; for reasons stated above).  So, more and more colleges and university are offering MBAs, yet enrollment is declining - that leave far more less programs requiring the prerequisites they once did (less competitive overall); resume/work experience is often more important. Also, there are alternatives to gaining those prerequisites that don't require an entire bushiness degree; two of the most common MBA prerequisites are actually not even business courses (statistics and economics).

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-gr...ba-student
https://www.earnest.com/blog/what-should...et-an-mba/
https://www.onlinemba.com/resources/is-m...ss-degree/
https://www.bestcolleges.com/business/mb...-worth-it/

I researched many MBA's before enrolling at Amberton and many did have prerequisites. Even Amberton had 4 prerequisite courses for the MBA program I'm in. Having a bachelor's in business waived me from needing to complete those 4 classes. the prereq course requirements don't mean you can't get into an MBA program. It means you'll need to complete them at the school. I saw this quite a bit with MBA programs.

[allvia]

Students who are even halfway considering an MBA in the future should definitely think about getting the BSBA CIS while getting a BACS. While some schools (like WGU) may admit students who don't have a business degree, not all schools will. Plus, even if they admit students without business degrees, they may require students to complete expensive prerequisite courses from them before admittance. Getting the BSBA (or BABA) ahead of time is faster, cheaper, and easier than finding out this information down the road.

This is a old wives’ tale (myth) shared on this forum more often than not - although it is true that some MBA programs require a few prerequisites courses that are generally included in a business bachelor, most MBA student did not graduate with a business degree. Actually, an MBA is an ideal way for a non-business undergrad to gain credible (and documented) business knowledge. And although some with say that the articles below are a few years old, the last one points out there has been a decline of enrollment in MBA programs (personally, I believe it still ranks as a top option for many people - especially if you don't have a business bachelor; for reasons stated above).  So, more and more colleges and university are offering MBAs, yet enrollment is declining - that leave far more less programs requiring the prerequisites they once did (less competitive overall); resume/work experience is often more important. Also, there are alternatives to gaining those prerequisites that don't require an entire bushiness degree; two of the most common MBA prerequisites are actually not even business courses (statistics and economics).

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-gr...ba-student
https://www.earnest.com/blog/what-should...et-an-mba/
https://www.onlinemba.com/resources/is-m...ss-degree/
https://www.bestcolleges.com/business/mb...-worth-it/

I researched many MBA's before enrolling at Amberton and many did have prerequisites. Even Amberton had 4 prerequisite courses for the MBA program I'm in. Having a bachelor's in business waived me from needing to complete those 4 classes. the prereq course requirements don't mean you can't get into an MBA program. It means you'll need to complete them at the school. I saw this quite a bit with MBA programs.

The Amberton MBA program is a perfect example of what I stated above.  You're correct that when you started the MBA (this year) there were 4 prerequisite - that is no more.  Coincidentally they dropped them right around the time they became ACBSP.  There are a few of thier MBA programs that now have 1 prerequisite, but most do not.

[ss20ts]

The Amberton MBA program is a perfect example of what I stated above.  You're correct that when you started the MBA (this year) there were 4 prerequisite - that is no more.  Coincidentally they dropped them right around the time they became ACBSP.  There are a few of thier MBA programs that now have 1 prerequisite, but most do not.

This change just happened. The prereqs are still listed in my degree audit and it says I still must meet them. There are many MBA's out there with prereqs. I initially didn't apply for the MBA because I didn't have the prereqs. Once I completed my BABA at UMPI I was waived from them. Other schools do this too where if you have a bachelor's in business then the prereqs are waived. 

I just looked at a DBA program which required a graduate stats course as part of the admission requirements. I thought that was an odd one since most MBA's don't have a grad stats course. At least it hasn't been something I've come across often. That DBA had 2 doctoral stats classes required as well. It was an odd degree program.

[dfrecore]

That's interesting.  What is the advantage of doing a BSBA CIS and BACS combo?  Is it just to say you have 2 degrees?

There are some on here who are obsessed with this.  No idea why.  I always think it's best to just get a degree - whichever one you want - and THEN, if you still want another one before you enroll, go ahead and get those courses done as well.

Of course, it's smart to take courses towards a degree you have an interest in on your way towards another if you have time/space for those courses; it's quite another to encourage people to go out of their way and make the path to a degree LONGER.  There are so very many people on this forum who have many, many credits built up, and no degree - so why encourage them to take more classes and get two degrees, when they really just need one.

So, decide which degree works best for you, and then go about the business of getting it as quickly as you can.  If you find that you want another degree towards the end, and it's not much more work for you to add it on, then go crazy.

[LevelUP]

Complicating things with a "free" associates

I don't see how getting an Associate in Computer Science will complicate things.

You have 5 free electives for the BSBA CIS. 2 of 5 free electives, you would take courses that fit the Associate of Computer Science. Once you are done with BSBA CIS, you need zero extra courses and will receive the Associate in Computer Science for free.

A few of the posters here can't resist the "hack" of getting two (or more) degrees and bring it up all the time. However, I think that 99% of people should just persue the one bachelors degree.

Why do people do double majors or double degrees? 

• It could lead to more job opportunities and higher earnings. A study published by Cambridge University Press found that students who double major in business and a STEM field typically earn more than those with just one major.
  
  
• You'll get a more well-rounded education and a unique skill set you can use in your career.
  
  
• It can make your resume stand out by emphasizing to potential employers your motivation and range of skills.
  
  
• It can give you more career opportunities and a backup plan should your career path change or you can't land a job. For example, maybe you're passionate about photography, even though photography jobs are severely limited. Doubling up with a major in business could increase your chances of finding employment.
  
  
• You'll learn additional skills, viewpoints, and ideas, which you can then apply to your professional and personal life.
  

https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/is-dou...-worth-it/

[Vin]

Sorry didn't intend for this turning into a super long thread but this is all definitely very helpful info. 
I am going to pursue my BSBA in CIS.  I received my transcript eval. see below.

I have 2 accounting courses in Straighter Line can I get them transferred over?  If so should I wait until I take more courses before I get them transferred over? 
Should I just follow the Sample TESU BSBA CIS Plan to fill in the gaps?  Any suggestions on the next course or what order to take them in?  

1: BSBA General Education (45SH) (In progress)
SH Earned: 19
A: INTEL & PRACT SKILLS (In progress)
SH Earned: 7
Written Communication 3SH (Complete)
ENC-101 English Composition I 
ENC-102 English Composition II (Zero Textbook Cost) (Not started)
Oral Communication 3SH (Not started)
Quantitative Literacy (DEGREE REQUIREMENT) 3SH (Complete)
Information Literacy (INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT) 3SH (Not started)
B: CIV & GLOBAL LDRSHP (Not started)
SH Earned: 0
Diversity Intercultural Literacy 3SH (Not started)
Ethical Leadership 3SH (Not started)
Civic Engagement and Awareness 3SH (Not started)
C: KNOWLDG HUMAN CULTRS (In progress)
SH Earned: 6
Social Sciences 3SH (Not started)
History 3SH (Complete)
Humanities 3SH (Complete)
Social Sciences, History and/or Humanities 6SH (Not started)
D: SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE (Complete)
Natural Sciences and Computer Science 6SH
SH Earned: 6
2: Additional General Education (if needed) (Complete)
3: Professional Business Requirements (42SH) (In progress)
A: Financial Acctg 3SH (Not started)
B: Managerial Acctg 3SH (Not started)
C: Business Law 3SH (Not started)
D: Computers 3SH (Not started)
E: Finance 3SH (Not started)
F: Management 3SH (Not started)
G: Marketing 3SH (Not started)
H: Business/Society 3SH (Not started)
I: Macroeconomics 3SH (Complete)
Group 1 (Complete)
J: Microeconomics 3SH (Not started)
Group 1 (Not started)
K: Quantv Skills 3SH (Not started)
L: Statistics 3SH (Not started)
M: Communications 3SH (Not started)
N: Capstone 3 SH (Not started)
4: Computer Inf Sys (18SH: 12SH must be upper level)[b] (In progress)[/b]
SH Earned: 2
A: Programming 3SH (Complete) (only received 2 credits here)
B: Systs Analy/Dsgn 3SH
C: AOS Electives 12SH (Not started)
5: Electives (15SH) (Complete)
 
Program Summary: (In Progress)
Semester Hours (SH) Required:                                                                                120.00
SH Applied to Degree:                                                                                                42.00
SH Remaining:                                                                                                           78.00
SH To Be Planned:                                                                                                     78.00