UMHB vs IWU CBE program?

[GoBirds311]

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting here. I'm looking at both of these schools to finish my bachelor's degree. UMHB (University of Mary Hardin-Baylor) has a Bachelor of Applied Studies in Organizational Leadership degree through their MyWay program and IWU (Indiana Wesleyan University) has a Bachelor of Science in Management degree through their uLEAP program. The UMHB program is $3,250 for 6 months and the IWU program is $2,500 for 3 months. If it helps at all, the cost of the program is not really a factor in my decision, nor is the length of each term/semester. UMHB will take around 30 transfer credits and IWU will take 60+ transfer credits. The transfer credits are a more important factor in my decision than the cost of the program but it's still not a big factor in my decision. UMHB reverts to a 3.00 GPA (similar to WGU) for their transcripts, while IWU gives you an actual GPA. Again, this is a more important factor to me than the cost/length of the program but it's still not that important to me. While I like the title "Organizational Leadership" more, I am perfectly fine with "Management" as well, and honestly, both degrees sound pretty similar anyway. For reference, I 100% plan to go to graduate school after completing my bachelor's degree and I'm leaning towards going to law school at the moment.

At the moment, I am leaning towards the UMHB MyWay program, but I have a few reservations. By far my biggest reservation, is the fact that the degree is a "Bachelor of Applied Studies" degree, which is far less common than a "Bachelor of Arts/Science" degree, or even a "Bachelor of Applied Science" degree. Most of the feedback I've received from people is that the name of the degree doesn't really matter, but I still am concerned that it could be viewed differently than a traditional "Bachelor of Arts/Science" degree. My understanding of "applied" degrees is that they are more focused or hands-on/practical and are usually reserved for working adults that may need a degree to get a promotion. In other words, it's my understanding that some people view "applied" degrees as being terminal degrees, and not used as frequently to get into grad school. On the flip side, however, I've also heard people say that an "applied" degree may actually be looked at more favorably since it's a more focused degree.

In truth, I will probably be fine with either degree, and neither will likely be an impediment to getting into grad school or law school. But with that being said, this is my future, and it's a big decision (that I need to make soon), so I'm obviously taking this decision seriously, and I would really appreciate some honest feedback from people here before I move forward with either program.

Which degree would you go for? Which degree do you think is going to be better for me in regard to grad/law school admissions?

[bjcheung77]

Which degree would you go for? Which degree do you think is going to be better for me in regard to grad/law school admissions?

Hey GoBirds311, Welcome to the board... That's a very informative post, it shows you've looked at obtaining the degree and a few angles of why you're wanting to go for the degree and the end goal of a Masters/Law School.  That's a great start, having said that, it's missing very important information asked for on the template and last post addendum here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

At the time being, without knowing your budget, commitments, previous college credits, schedule, etc, it's going to be hard to advice which of the two would be better for you.  Have you done a search to compare the two programs not only by price but by requirements and transferability?  I wrote about UMHB MyWay no longer accepting alternative credits here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...e-provider

[GoBirds311]

Which degree would you go for? Which degree do you think is going to be better for me in regard to grad/law school admissions?

Hey GoBirds311, Welcome to the board... That's a very informative post, it shows you've looked at obtaining the degree and a few angles of why you're wanting to go for the degree and the end goal of a Masters/Law School.  That's a great start, having said that, it's missing very important information asked for on the template and last post addendum here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

At the time being, without knowing your budget, commitments, previous college credits, schedule, etc, it's going to be hard to advice which of the two would be better for you.  Have you done a search to compare the two programs not only by price but by requirements and transferability?  I wrote about UMHB MyWay no longer accepting alternative credits here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...e-provider

Hey, thanks for the reply! I currently have 39 credits from a RA community college and 12 credits from Sophia. As I mentioned in my post, around 30 credits will be accepted to UMHB, and IWU will accept 60+ credits (I'd need to finish some more Sophia credits before admittance into the core program). To be honest, the transfer credits are not that important to me, because I'll be able to move at my own pace regardless since both programs are competency-based. I do prefer the fact that UMHB has 6-month terms, and is more affordable, but again, program cost and length is not a big factor in my decision. UMHB has been doing CBE programs longer than IWU, but both schools are reputable, and I'm sure I'd be happy with either program. Getting into grad/law school is probably the most important factor to me. Also, I'd like to know if the "Bachelor of Applied Studies" designation is viewed any differently than the more common "Bachelor of Arts/Science"?

[bjcheung77]

Hey, I don't have a concrete answer for you, I would not pick either one... I was wondering, are you set on these two options?  Have you explored other CBE programs not mentioned in your previous posts?  There are other similar degrees from TAMUC, UMPI, and so on that are CBE as well if you weren't aware, they're also RA/State, public universities.  Link: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Co...d_Programs

The undergrad degree you will obtain usually doesn't determine what you will get into for grad school, the name of the degree isn't as significant as you would think as well.  The main criteria actually are the prerequisites and/or requirements for each graduate/law program.  Example, you don't need a business degree to get into a business Masters, just hit their prerequisites and requirements for entry.

If you really want an answer, if I was in your shoes, I would go either TAMUC or UMPI and get about 60 graded credits from them.  Just in case you'll dip into asking about GPA in the near future.  Here's an answer in regards to GPA and using alternative credit: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...#pid392941

[dfrecore]

Is there a reason you're looking at those schools, but not UMPI? UMPI has many more options; in addition to a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (with 5 different minors), they also have a BABA (with 5 different minors), and degrees in Accounting, English/Prof Comm/Journalism, Criminal Justice, History, and Political Science. I would think that a degree in English or PoliSci would be a better fit for a law school degree than management or applied whatever. UMPI will also take 90cr of transfer, including ACE. And it's cheaper than either of the schools you listed.

[GoBirds311]

Which degree would you go for? Which degree do you think is going to be better for me in regard to grad/law school admissions?

Hey GoBirds311, Welcome to the board... That's a very informative post, it shows you've looked at obtaining the degree and a few angles of why you're wanting to go for the degree and the end goal of a Masters/Law School.  That's a great start, having said that, it's missing very important information asked for on the template and last post addendum here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

At the time being, without knowing your budget, commitments, previous college credits, schedule, etc, it's going to be hard to advice which of the two would be better for you.  Have you done a search to compare the two programs not only by price but by requirements and transferability?  I wrote about UMHB MyWay no longer accepting alternative credits here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...e-provider

Thank you for the reply. May I ask why you wouldn't choose either one? I have considered those other options as well, but I am leaning towards these two schools because I like the programs and I would be able to start this summer rather than having to wait till the fall (due to financial aid). Why would you suggest TAMUC or UMPI over UMHB? Wouldn't TAMUC be more expensive than UMHB?

---

Is there a reason you're looking at those schools, but not UMPI?  UMPI has many more options; in addition to a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (with 5 different minors), they also have a BABA (with 5 different minors), and degrees in Accounting, English/Prof Comm/Journalism, Criminal Justice, History, and Political Science.  I would think that a degree in English or PoliSci would be a better fit for a law school degree than management or applied whatever.  UMPI will also take 90cr of transfer, including ACE. And it's cheaper than either of the schools you listed.

Thanks for the suggestion. I did consider UMPI as well, but I feel like UMHB and IWU may be looked at as slightly more prestigious than UMPI. Also, I would need to wait till fall to start at UMPI (due to financial aid) and I would like to get the program started ASAP.

[dfrecore]

Which degree would you go for? Which degree do you think is going to be better for me in regard to grad/law school admissions?

Hey GoBirds311, Welcome to the board... That's a very informative post, it shows you've looked at obtaining the degree and a few angles of why you're wanting to go for the degree and the end goal of a Masters/Law School.  That's a great start, having said that, it's missing very important information asked for on the template and last post addendum here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

At the time being, without knowing your budget, commitments, previous college credits, schedule, etc, it's going to be hard to advice which of the two would be better for you.  Have you done a search to compare the two programs not only by price but by requirements and transferability?  I wrote about UMHB MyWay no longer accepting alternative credits here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...e-provider

Thank you for the reply. May I ask why you wouldn't choose either one? I have considered those other options as well, but I am leaning towards these two schools because I like the programs and I would be able to start this summer rather than having to wait till the fall (due to financial aid). Why would you suggest TAMUC or UMPI over UMHB? Wouldn't TAMUC be more expensive than UMHB?

---

Is there a reason you're looking at those schools, but not UMPI?  UMPI has many more options; in addition to a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (with 5 different minors), they also have a BABA (with 5 different minors), and degrees in Accounting, English/Prof Comm/Journalism, Criminal Justice, History, and Political Science.  I would think that a degree in English or PoliSci would be a better fit for a law school degree than management or applied whatever.  UMPI will also take 90cr of transfer, including ACE. And it's cheaper than either of the schools you listed.

Thanks for the suggestion. I did consider UMPI as well, but I feel like UMHB and IWU may be looked at as slightly more prestigious than UMPI. Also, I would need to wait till fall to start at UMPI (due to financial aid) and I would like to get the program started ASAP.

I wouldn't consider either of those school "prestigious" in any way shape or form.  I'd say they're all 3 about even.

If I were you, I would get the DEGREE that most aligns with your goals, since the schools are roughly equal.  An English or PoliSci degree from a SLIGHTLY (if any) less prestigious school will get you further than a BAS from a SLIGHTLY more prestigious one.

[GoBirds311]

Which degree would you go for? Which degree do you think is going to be better for me in regard to grad/law school admissions?

Hey GoBirds311, Welcome to the board... That's a very informative post, it shows you've looked at obtaining the degree and a few angles of why you're wanting to go for the degree and the end goal of a Masters/Law School.  That's a great start, having said that, it's missing very important information asked for on the template and last post addendum here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

At the time being, without knowing your budget, commitments, previous college credits, schedule, etc, it's going to be hard to advice which of the two would be better for you.  Have you done a search to compare the two programs not only by price but by requirements and transferability?  I wrote about UMHB MyWay no longer accepting alternative credits here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...e-provider

Thank you for the reply. May I ask why you wouldn't choose either one? I have considered those other options as well, but I am leaning towards these two schools because I like the programs and I would be able to start this summer rather than having to wait till the fall (due to financial aid). Why would you suggest TAMUC or UMPI over UMHB? Wouldn't TAMUC be more expensive than UMHB?

---

Is there a reason you're looking at those schools, but not UMPI?  UMPI has many more options; in addition to a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (with 5 different minors), they also have a BABA (with 5 different minors), and degrees in Accounting, English/Prof Comm/Journalism, Criminal Justice, History, and Political Science.  I would think that a degree in English or PoliSci would be a better fit for a law school degree than management or applied whatever.  UMPI will also take 90cr of transfer, including ACE. And it's cheaper than either of the schools you listed.

Thanks for the suggestion. I did consider UMPI as well, but I feel like UMHB and IWU may be looked at as slightly more prestigious than UMPI. Also, I would need to wait till fall to start at UMPI (due to financial aid) and I would like to get the program started ASAP.

I wouldn't consider either of those school "prestigious" in any way shape or form.  I'd say they're all 3 about even.

If I were you, I would get the DEGREE that most aligns with your goals, since the schools are roughly equal.  An English or PoliSci degree from a SLIGHTLY (if any) less prestigious school will get you further than a BAS from a SLIGHTLY more prestigious one.

I appreciate the advice. Do you think the "Bachelor of Applied Studies" designation is looked at any differently than the B.S./B.A. designation? Are they all viewed equally as bachelor's degrees?

[bjcheung77]

@OP, here's a reference thread from last year if you want to take a read... there are some information that may help you decide on your undergrad and where you want to study for law. It really depends on what you're looking for... Link: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...beral-Arts

My reasons for TAMUC/UMPI are different, each has their own benefits over the ones you mentioned... An example, TAMUC BAAS OL is very similar to the UMHB option, the main difference is, it has 48 credits of free electives to allow you to select a second subject of study if you wanted to or take course you may want to learn more on the subject matter.

[karehiro]

Are you certain that the IWU diploma is even the same as what on-campus students get? I just checked and apparently this degree program is via IWU-National and Global. That's different from the IWU—Marion campus where all the traditional students are according to Wikipedia. Was unable to find the answer on web search but its unclear if your diploma would be the same as on-campus students. Makes me think of Harvard Extension vs Harvard College or Purdue University vs Purdue Global. This school isn't prestigious as the others but I personally wouldn't want to go for a degree for the "prestige" if it's clear that your diploma will be different from on-campus students and that your degree was attained online.