Mathematics degree

[Varby]

Hello All,

I have a question that seems to be answered a bunch of times, but I am pretty new to this and feel a bit lost.

First off about me:
I live in NY
I graduated High School
I was hired as a Junior computer programmer right out of high school (12 years ago).
I am now a Director, and have 12 years of computer programming experience, at the same company.
I am looking to turn my focus into earning a degree in Mathematics, not for any particular reason, I just want to start building a portfolio of degrees.
I am extremely proficient in teaching/learning myself.
As long as the school is recognized I do not care where my degrees are from.

So with all that said, I figured this approach would make the most sense.

But in all honesty, I am completely unsure where to start. I have reviewed the CLEP exams (and quite honestly, just for learning reasons I want to take them all) but I focused on the Science & Mathematics and I already have a pretty good grasp.

I guess all these acronyms are throwing me off and I am not sure where to compile a list of all the test-out tests I can/need to take, and what else I would need to do.

If someone can maybe provide some insight, or guidance I would be appreciate it greatly.

[TrailRunr]

Do you already know all of the material that's typical in a yearlong college calculus sequence?

[adavis84]

First question: is the end-goal for a "portfolio of degrees" just purely personal enrichment? (as opposed to job opportunities, grad school pre-req, something else) If so, you may have more flexibility in choices.

I'm finishing up a Math major at TESU and might be able to help you navigate a bit. TESU has a VERY flexible Math major with bare-bones requirements compared to most schools. If this is purely for personal enrichment, that may work for you. If you're looking to leverage this degree later, understand that many math programs are more rigorous than TESU's. For instance TESU does not require differential equations, abstract algebra, or real analysis which could be considered part of your average math major at many schools. Of course, you could work them in but compared to other disciplines, these courses aren't nearly as easy to find cheaply.

In terms of testing out of the area of study, there are next to zero options compared to other fields. The options for the coursework for which there are no tests can get varying degrees of expensive. There are a number of accelerated and self-paced courses out there, though. If you want a math degree, you WILL have to take some full-term courses in addition to testing and self-paced options.

That being said, I did it from scratch, so it can be done. I had nearly all of the credits I needed for general ed requirements and electives and because there is a great deal of info covering that on this board, I'm skipping over how you'll go about accomplishing that.

The good news about the math CLEPs is that they're all very doable with self study (I've taken and passed all of them), but the bad news is that it's highly likely that any math program will only recognize the calc exam at most. Depending on your school choice, you could potentially use the others as gen-eds/electives.

Just to get it out of the way, ALEKS courses get mentioned a lot around here (and I've taken most of them just for fun). However, outside of statistics, I see no use for them in pursuing a math degree. Even then, you may not find aleks stats useful to your needs. It counts towards the stats requirement at TESU, but other math programs may require a calc-based course.

Next, SL (straighterline): I also took the SL sequence of calc I and II. The courses are pretty good, but before you jump into them it's best to know what program you're looking at. A particular school may/may not accept SL for credit/prereq. In my case, I took them before I starting to think about grad school as an option. I would not have done that with my current plans in mind.

Anything beyond calc II is where it starts to get a little messy. These courses will need to be, at minimum, self-paced courses and potentially need to be a full-term course.


To extend TrailRunr's question, where are you in terms of math at present? If you're answer to TrailRunr's question is yes, then I suggest you brush up with the study guide and knock out the calc CLEP at least. You'll likely be able to use it in some capacity for credit, and it will get the ball rolling, so to speak.

ETA: Have you considered a computer science degree? Many of them have calc / linear algebra / discrete math requirements which is a pretty health dose of math in and of itself. Plus, you'll likely be able to capitalize on your professional experience.

[bluebooger]

since you live in new york be sure and look at the
SUNY online network

Search for Online Programs and Courses | Open SUNY


and yeah,with your job experience I think a computer related degree would be a lot easier to complete

you would have an extremely easy time completing this degree

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree program in Computer Information Systems
BSBA in Computer Information Systems Degree Program

and this one wouldn't be too difficult either

Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Technology (BSAST) degree in Information Technology
BSAST Degree in Information Technology | Thomas Edison State University

you might want to try starting out with

Associate in Science in Natural Sciences and Mathematics (ASNSM) degree in Mathematics
Thomas Edison State University: Mathematics

but see the notice at the bottom
"courses that CANNOT be used in the Mathematics Option: College Algebra, Finite Math, Pre-Calculus, or Trigonometry. These courses are not advanced level mathematics courses."

you might also start with this
Associate in Science in Natural Sciences and Mathematics (ASNSM) degree in Computer Science
Thomas Edison State University: Computer Science

the only difficult thing there might be the 8 credits in "Understanding the Physical and Natural World"
but I'm sure a couple of straightrline courses could knock that out

[Varby]

First question: is the end-goal for a "portfolio of degrees" just purely personal enrichment? (as opposed to job opportunities, grad school pre-req, something else) If so, you may have more flexibility in choices.

I'm finishing up a Math major at TESU and might be able to help you navigate a bit. TESU has a VERY flexible Math major with bare-bones requirements compared to most schools. If this is purely for personal enrichment, that may work for you. If you're looking to leverage this degree later, understand that many math programs are more rigorous than TESU's. For instance TESU does not require differential equations, abstract algebra, or real analysis which could be considered part of your average math major at many schools. Of course, you could work them in but compared to other disciplines, these courses aren't nearly as easy to find cheaply.

In terms of testing out of the area of study, there are next to zero options compared to other fields. The options for the coursework for which there are no tests can get varying degrees of expensive. There are a number of accelerated and self-paced courses out there, though. If you want a math degree, you WILL have to take some full-term courses in addition to testing and self-paced options.

That being said, I did it from scratch, so it can be done. I had nearly all of the credits I needed for general ed requirements and electives and because there is a great deal of info covering that on this board, I'm skipping over how you'll go about accomplishing that.

The good news about the math CLEPs is that they're all very doable with self study (I've taken and passed all of them), but the bad news is that it's highly likely that any math program will only recognize the calc exam at most. Depending on your school choice, you could potentially use the others as gen-eds/electives.

Just to get it out of the way, ALEKS courses get mentioned a lot around here (and I've taken most of them just for fun). However, outside of statistics, I see no use for them in pursuing a math degree. Even then, you may not find aleks stats useful to your needs. It counts towards the stats requirement at TESU, but other math programs may require a calc-based course.

Next, SL (straighterline): I also took the SL sequence of calc I and II. The courses are pretty good, but before you jump into them it's best to know what program you're looking at. A particular school may/may not accept SL for credit/prereq. In my case, I took them before I starting to think about grad school as an option. I would not have done that with my current plans in mind.

Anything beyond calc II is where it starts to get a little messy. These courses will need to be, at minimum, self-paced courses and potentially need to be a full-term course.


To extend TrailRunr's question, where are you in terms of math at present? If you're answer to TrailRunr's question is yes, then I suggest you brush up with the study guide and knock out the calc CLEP at least. You'll likely be able to use it in some capacity for credit, and it will get the ball rolling, so to speak.

ETA: Have you considered a computer science degree? Many of them have calc / linear algebra / discrete math requirements which is a pretty health dose of math in and of itself. Plus, you'll likely be able to capitalize on your professional experience.

Thank you taking so much for your explanations.

The main goal of mine currently, is personal enrichment. Although I have considered the Computer Science major and I probably would have most of the point under my belt at this time. What are your thoughts on that versus Mathematics?

I am definitely OK with taking some courses, and I am really not hard set on anything in particular. I just know that forcing myself into a goal (degree) and forcing myself to study, expand my knowledge, and learn is what I am aiming at.

You think maybe a good starting point would be to start with all the math CLEPs? Even if I take some that don't count or are not accepted, I think it would be OK.

[TrailRunr]

I'm just going to mention TESU options.

It sounds like you don't have the calculus background already for the edX course in differential equations, so I'll just skip it.

The road to a math degree is very long as adavis84 alluded to, even if you already completed calculus. Calc 3, linear algebra, 2 other upper level courses, 3 other 200-level courses, and a capstone stand in your way after the year of calculus. That's 8 courses.

CS is a related discipline, but that path has courses that can't be tested out. Discrete math/linear algebra, data structures, 2 or 3 upper level CS courses, and the capstone. That's 5 or 6 courses. Again, this is assuming you already have that year of calculus.

Many people decide against CS due to the lack of quick and cheap course/test out options and due to the calculus. They end up choosing BS Business Administration in Computer Information Systems (BSBA-CIS).

If you haven't taken calculus, it may be a long slog to get there with plenty of opportunities to slip up. Math is not one of those subjects that can be powered through in turbo mode like many other subjects. Barely passing 70% in math in a prerequisite course (or ALEKS) is a recipe for near-certain disaster.

We also need to know your current math background and ideally a list of college courses you've already got credit for.

[dfrecore]

I think that doing something like a TESU BSBA in CIS might be a good jumping off point instead. Since you're working in the business world now, it might actually be somewhat helpful to you. While you're doing the Gen Ed portions os the degree (which are almost the same as the Math degree), you could take all of the math courses you want (not sure what some of these are considered):

CLEP College Math (MAT-102/103)
TECEP Applied Liberal Arts Math (MAT-105)
ALEKS Intermediate Algebra (MAT-115)
ALEKS College Algebra (MAT-121)
ALEKS Precalculus (MAT-129)
SL Calc I (MAT-231)
SL Calc II (MAT-232)
TX State Correspondence Discrete Math (MAT-270)
OK State IS Linear Algebra (MAT-321)
TCC College Geometry (MAT-361)

ALEKS Statistics (STA-201)
Saylor Business Statistics (OPM-???)
UExcel Quantitative Analysis (MAT-119)
DSST Business Math (BUS-161)

Obviously, there are other ways to take College Algebra & Stats, but I chose the cheapest option (ALEKS).

If you did the BSBA, there are 10-11 slots the math courses could fill (Quantitative Literacy, 2 spots in Math, 5-6 spots in GE, and 2 spots in Free Electives). If you ended up in a different degree program, you would have additional spots open to you in Free Electives (9 courses total there).

Also, if you went for the BSBA (for the option of testing out) and later decided to get a 2nd degree in Math or CS, it wouldn't be much different than if you had already decided to do the Math/CS option instead. You would still need a bunch of specific and UL courses. So, you could decide at that point if you actually wanted the Math/CS degree, or if just taking the math courses you'd already taken were enough for personal fulfillment purposes, and you were content with the BSBA.

Anyway, either way you look at it, you can take a bunch of math courses and see what you want to do from that point forward. And, you can also look at getting all of the GE requirements out of the way as well, so you don't have to make any decisions until you get to the point of no return - where it's just courses in your major left to take. THEN, you can decide on which major you want to go with.

[TrailRunr]

I also see you want a portfolio of degrees for personal enrichment. At TESU, I think a double major would work here. TESU is pretty nice for the BA program since there is a lot of room for free electives. The free electives can be used in your 2nd major. The BSBA can be double majored only within the business college. I personally don't like broad majors like liberal arts, natural science and math (NSM), social science, etc. I think they should be in specific subjects so that you're able to go deep. If you care about a career in STEM/CS, definitely go deep with a specific STEM major. The broad majors have maximums per subject that will hinder your ability to go deep. For example, BA in math or computer science would be better than a BA in natural science and math (BA-NSM).

The disadvantage to this option is that it will be costly in terms of time and money. There is no way you'll finish this degree fast. On the other hand, we can show you how to clear the GE requirements very quickly for the first 60 credits.

I like dfrecore's suggestion to work on the GE portion with all those math classes first. Just keep in mind that the math in Calc 2 and onwards is a lot more conceptual and way different than what you saw before with the CLEP courses. There is a lot more rigor going forward. Another way to say it is that math gets a lot tougher.

[adavis84]

I second the CS/Math dual major idea. If a thing's worth doing...

It won't be fast, easy, or cheap but you could learn a ton and have something recognizable to show for it when you're done. Unless there's a reason you specifically see a need/use for a BSBA in CIS, I, personally, wouldn't go that route. It works for some and will be simpler to finish, but its a business degree in the end, not CS. Like TrailRunr, I too favor the idea of specific major rather than broad-field. I was nearing the end of a NSM BA and switched it up because I was a little uneasy with the broad-field major.

As for where to start with CLEPS: If you're considering TESU or another school that takes ALEKS, I'm going to double back on what I said and suggest you try the ALEKS College Algebra. For $20 you'll get a quick litmus test for your math abilities and 3cr along the way. All things considered that's a great deal. See how that goes, if you pass it on the first try, then slam through Precalc right away, too. If you're Col Alg score isn't stellar, that will give you something to think about in terms of what's ahead of you.

[bjcheung77]

Hello All,

I have a question that seems to be answered a bunch of times, but I am pretty new to this and feel a bit lost.

First off about me:
I live in NY
I graduated High School
I was hired as a Junior computer programmer right out of high school (12 years ago).
I am now a Director, and have 12 years of computer programming experience, at the same company.
I am looking to turn my focus into earning a degree in Mathematics, not for any particular reason, I just want to start building a portfolio of degrees.
I am extremely proficient in teaching/learning myself.
As long as the school is recognized I do not care where my degrees are from.

So with all that said, I figured this approach would make the most sense.

But in all honesty, I am completely unsure where to start. I have reviewed the CLEP exams (and quite honestly, just for learning reasons I want to take them all) but I focused on the Science & Mathematics and I already have a pretty good grasp.

I guess all these acronyms are throwing me off and I am not sure where to compile a list of all the test-out tests I can/need to take, and what else I would need to do.

If someone can maybe provide some insight, or guidance I would be appreciate it greatly.

When you mentioned degrees, are these Associates degrees or Bachelors degrees for your areas of study?
I was thinking along the lines of doing a ASBA/BSBA with a General Management concentration or (CIS & Marketing).
I finally decided to just go for the BSBA General Management instead. I may add an ASNSM Comp Sci or Math.
If an Associates is all you need, that ASNSM maybe just your ticket as well, you can always ladder that to a BA/BS.