Starting This Journey

[bjcheung77]

This seems to imply that 1 graded RA credit + 59 Sophia credits (or 12 Google IT credits + 47 Sophia credits) is enough. Has the requirement for 12 total RA credits, with at least one graded, gone away? If so, and assuming all courses can be completed the first month, this is an entire associate's degree for just over $100!

At this time, Pierpont is a bit... different when it comes to designating what does and does not qualify as "RA credit". Sophia is good enough, but doesn't count as graded credits. UExcel exams are graded credits but they don't count because they're a single exam. So the requirement for 12 RA credits hasn't entirely gone away... it's just interpreted differently. Yes, 59 or 60 Sophia credits + 1 graded non-exam RA credit from ASU, Clackamas, or anywhere else is currently sufficient to get the Pierpont Associate.

Those looking to somewhat "skip" the 12 RA credits may want to think about doing so, the Pierpont BOG AAS is for adult learners who have been out of high school for at least 2 years or more and 20 years of age or older, they may already have credits and looking to finish an Associates for an inexpensive price.  Essentially, the degree is geared for a specific niche, not for "high schoolers" or individuals who already have an associates or higher...

I wouldn't bother with the degree unless it's a stepping stone for a harder to obtain Bachelors degree and you need it right away for a quick promotion or further education.  Basically, you can get a FREE associates en route to a Bachelors when you're going to a Big 3 school, even at CBE institutions such as UMPI, there really is no need for this BOG AAS if you're already going for the Bachelors and will get it in a short time, it'll be redundant, work on your courses for the Bachelors instead.

My response to the member who shared this requirement with Rachel83Az and I:   That's awesome and very interesting indeed.  If it was me, I would keep it for hidden for now, there really isn't a need to spill the beans for this gem.  And I do think if it is shared, potential changes will be made and the degree may not even be offered to individuals without the 12 RA credits.  Since there are numerous options for cheap/inexpensive RA credits, I think it'll be worth it to splurge on those "easy/fun courses for the 12 required credits".

I don't think it would make much difference in the real world, I would still recommend people to take at least 12 Regionally Accredited credits before transferring the remainder through ACE sources.  The reason to this is because of future studies, most if not all schools including COSC/TESU now require a 30 credit RA requirement.  Many schools require 30 credits residency, so having those new people taking 12 Credits RA and transferring to Pierpont would be the best preparation for getting their Bachelors degree.