Transferred in 90 credits to UMPI. Which of these 3 degrees should I choose?

[mriern99]

Hello! I transferred in 90 credits to UMPI, and my academic advisor gave me 3 different degree plans that I'm interested in. Which of these 3 degrees are the "easiest", and/ or least time consuming? I really just need any Bachelors, so if one of these is faster I'd definitely choose that one.
From what I've heard, the education classes aren't difficult per se, but can take a little while to work through. I'd be really grateful to hear your thoughts!

BLS Educational Studies:

1. 300/400 level elective of your choice
   
2. 300/400 level elective of your choice
   
3. 300/400 level elective of your choice
   
4. 300/400 level elective of your choice
   
5. Edu 152 Introduction to Education
   
6. Edu 153 Foundations of Education
   
7. Edu 210 Introduction to Pedagogy
   
8. Edu /SED287 Teaching Students with Special Needs
   
9. Edu 305 Designing and Maintaining Effective Learning Environments
   
10. Edu 357 Children’s Literature
    
11. EDU 364 Foundations of K-12 Content-Area Literacy
    

BLS Business Administration:

1. 300/400 level elective of your choice
   
2. 300/400 level elective of your choice
   
3. 300/400 level elective of your choice
   
4. 300/400 level elective of your choice
   
5. 3-credit elective of your choice
   
6. BUS 101 - Intro to Business
   
7. BUS 150 - Intro to Financial Accounting
   
8. BUS 125 - Intro to Business Computing OR BUS 200 - Intermediate Business Computing
   
9. Com 210 Organizational Communication
   
10. PCJ 315 - Professional Communication OR MAT 140 Mathematics for Business
    

BAS Business Administration:

1. 300/400 level elective of your choice
   
2. 300/400 level elective of your choice
   
3. 300/400 level elective of your choice
   
4. 300/400 level elective of your choice
   
5. 3-credit elective of your choice
   
6. BUS 101 - Intro to Business
   
7. BUS 150 - Intro to Financial Accounting
   
8. BUS 125 - Intro to Business Computing OR BUS 200 - Intermediate Business Computing
   
9. Com 210 Organizational Communication
   
10. PCJ 315 - Professional Communication OR MAT 140 Mathematics for Business
    

[SteveFoerster]

The future is always murky, and especially so nowadays, but I'd guess that a degree in business administration will give you more flexibility in the future than one in education would.

[alwayscurious]

I agree with Steve. I would focus less on difficulty and more on whether the curriculum interests you and advances your professional/academic interests, whether it be now or down the road. There will be more flexibility with a business admin emphasis. That said, I've heard success stories of students completing all variety of UMPI degrees within a single term, though bear in mind this typically required a significant short-term sacrifice of their free time to do so.

[bjcheung77]

Basically, work on the trifecta of certs, degree, experience, I would recommend the BAS with Business Admin (even if you want to add a secondary minor). Here's your previous thread, my recommendation was the BAS with a minor of your choice. Link: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...ng-to-a-BA

[ss20ts]

My take is that classes you find at least somewhat interesting are easier to complete than classes you have little or no interest in. Also what will give you the most value for the future? For many people, a BA in Bus Admin is going to go significantly further than a BLS or BAS in any subject. Many people have never heard of either one and may not believe they're a real degree for whatever reason. Before anyone jumps at me, I have the BLS from UMPI and completed it looooong before anyone else on here. I have been questioned about it when applying for jobs. I completed a second bachelor's degree (BA in Bus Admin) at UMPI, listed that on my resume instead and magically the questions stopped. My BA in Bus Admin also helped me get into an MBA program. It also gave me some basic knowledge in subjects that I would have to learn more in depth as a grad student.

So checking the box is fine, but putting thought into the future can be really helpful. If a BLS isn't going to be beneficial in the long run why spend the time, energy, or money on it? Spend those resources on something that will being value in the long run.