0 credits to BA at UMPI: how long while working FT? (Psych, IGS, PolSci grads pls)

[stateside]

Hey everyone — I’m planning to start UMPI YourPace for a BA in Psychology (also considering IGS or PolSci) and I’d love to hear directly from grads. I’ll be starting with no transfer credits and plan to work full-time (about 6–8 hours/day, remote) while studying. I’m trying to build a realistic timeline and budget.

If you graduated (or are finishing soon), could you please share:

1. Major (Psych / IGS / PolSci)
2. How many terms (8-week sessions) it took you to finish from zero transfer credits — or if you transferred in credits, how many and from where.
3. What resources/credit options did you use to speed things up (Sophia, Study.com, CLEP, Prior Learning Assessment, college transfers, etc.)? Which helped most?
4. Which courses felt the heaviest (lots of writing, research, stats) and which were quickest to pass?
5. Any tips/tricks for balancing a full-time job with YourPace? (time blocking, study hours/day, batching assessments, tutors, templates for papers, etc.)
6. Total investment (only if you’re comfortable of course)

I appreciate any details — even a short “I’m Psych, 4 terms, worked 30–40 hrs/wk, used Study.com for gen-eds, stats was brutal” helps a lot. Thanks in advance!

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My addendum, as recommended by bjcheung77, thanks!

Your Location: Switzerland, EU

Your Age: 26

What kind of degree do you want?: BA in Psychology or IR/Diplomacy/Political Science

Current Regional Accredited Credits: None

Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: None

Any certifications or military experience?: None

Budget: None, currently working as a freelancer in web design, and will likely have a major corporate client on a $4.2k monthly retainer for the most of next year. Will likely go into a full time remote design role after that to make sure I have enough to continue with my degree until I have a Master's.

Commitments: 6-8h/day for work, and about 6h/week for grocery runs and upkeep.

Dedicated time to study: 3-4 hs/day (likely 6-10 PM my time)

Timeline: Ideally a year or less for the Bachelor's. Both Master's programs I'm interested have intakes in Jan, May and Sep each year. I'd like to be ready to start with my Master's by Sep 2026, but would be ok with moving it over to Jun 2027 too, if needed.

Tuition assistance/reimbursement: None available from what I know

[bjcheung77]

Welcome to the board, great initial post with questions to get the ball rolling. It's great to get as much info before starting, the same goes for asking questions and providing a bigger picture so people trying to help can actually help you further. Thus, as I always recommend, please fill out the addendum and template here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

[stateside]

Welcome to the board, great initial post with questions to get the ball rolling. It's great to get as much info before starting, the same goes for asking questions and providing a bigger picture so people trying to help can actually help you further.  Thus, as I always recommend, please fill out the addendum and template here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

Added, thanks!