For a CIS/MIS Degree TESC, COSC or Excelsior?

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by jwilliamson, Jul 7, 2001.

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  1. jwilliamson

    jwilliamson New Member

    I have been out of college for about 5 years and have about 65 semester hours. I am looking to finish my BS somewhere that has a respectable reputation, reasonably prices and where I can work at my own pace, as fast or as slow as my free time varies week to week. I have been considering Thomas Edison, Charter Oak, or Excelsior. Could anyone (especially current or former students) give me some info on your opinion or experience with these schools? One of the things I am confused about is that from looking at their web-sites it doesnt seem as if I actually take any courses from them, I either test for credit, get credit for life/work experience or take the classes I need at another university. Is this how it works? If so, doesnt it get expensive being enrolled in two (or more) universities at the same time? Any info posted would be most appreciated. I am having a very hard time finding a DL school I can trust, as I just got out of a situation with Kennedy-Western ( I didnt look before I leapt when it comes to subject of accredidation) and don't want to make the same mistake again.

    Thanks in advance
    james williamson

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    James
     
  2. Jeff Walker

    Jeff Walker New Member

    I think that Excelsior probably has the rest beat in terms of how fast you could get a degree since you can literally test out of everything.
     
  3. Pretty much -- COSC does offer online and videotape-based courses; see http://www.cosc.edu/dl/course_offering_list.htm

    TESC offers undergraduate courses -- Guided Study, Guided Study with E-mail and online; see http://www.tesc.edu/catalog/ They also offer a "Cost Calculator" at http://www.tesc.edu/prospective/calc/ that's pretty nifty.

    Many colleges let students enroll in just a course or two without enrolling. Thus, if you wanted to take several courses from Louisiana State University, for example, you wouldn't have to go through the admissions process and you'd pay only the (pretty low) tuition for the course.


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    Kristin Evenson Hirst
    DistanceLearn.About.com
     
  4. Susan2

    Susan2 New Member

    HI!

    I earned a BS degree in Business Administration/Marketing through Thomas Edison State College. I had a few years worth of credits from other colleges, but the flexible nature of the TESC program is what helped me finally finish my degree.

    I completed all of my credits through testing, which worked out perfectly for me. Depending on the difficulty of the courses, I could take as many tests a month as I could handle. If you're motivated, you can finish very quickly. Also, to save money on course materials, you can substitute similar textbooks -- I used my local library -- to get the same information as if you went out and purchased "new" textbooks.

    The great thing about the testing program (if it's still the same as it was in the early 90's) is that you can purchase a testing guidebook which describes the exams very thoroughly, and tells you in detail how each exam is structured.

    I highly recommend the TESC program. I believe they have some independent study courses that you can take, but since I never used them, I don't have any information about them. I never bothered with trying to get credit for my life experiences because compiling a portfolio seemed like more trouble than just taking the tests!

    If you contact TESC, they will send you a complete information packet. You can email them, but I never had too much luck getting my questions answered via email.

    Good luck with whichever program you choose!

    Regards,
    Susan
     
  5. thquek

    thquek New Member

    Dear Susan

    I am a Singaporean looking into the possibility of earning a degree with a distance. I had contacted TESC and awaiting their input of enrolling into TESC. Understand that they have various ways of earning credits.

    Would appreciate if you can shed some light to my dilema since you graduated from TESC. i want to enroll for Bsc Computer Science or Information Technology

    1. What are the preliminary courses/exam i should take for a speedier entry and gain college credits

    2. What else should i do, who to contact ( faculty advisors, admission advisors ) to complete the said degree ASAP due to job retaining needs.

    3. Have been browsing the net, reading books but not able to have helpful information.
    What i need is some progressive methods / steps of early completion of the said degree,
    for example;

    Step 1 - Take the CLEP , GRE exam
    Step 2 - Submit the Portfolio Assessment
    Step 3 - etc......

    Susan, please be kind to reply as i need alot of help to fulfil my academic needs




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    TH Quek
     
  6. Susan2

    Susan2 New Member

    Hi!

    Sorry I didn't respond sooner, but I just noticed your posting.

    Your best bet would be to contact TESC directly for more information. If you don't have any college credits, the basic CLEP exams may be a great place for you to start, since you can earn many credits quickly.

    TESC also offers their own tests in many subjects, and they publish a test guide that you can purchase to help you choose and prepare for the exams.

    I'm not sure what the course requirements are for the degree you need, but you should contact TESC to make sure you can complete the entire degree through testing. If there are a few courses you can't find tests for, perhaps they can suggest an online course that you can take elsewhere (and transfer the credits to TESC.)

    I didn't earn any credits through Portfolio Assessment, because assembling the portfolio looked like it would take longer than just studying and taking the tests! TESC has advisors that help students with their portfolios, but I don't know much about them.

    TESC has a website which explains some of the basic information, but I would suggest you give them a call and explain your situation. (I never had much luck getting replies to my emails.)

    I wish you the best of luck with your degree. Please feel free to post more messages and let us know how you're doing, and ask as many questions as you'd like.

    Have a great week!

    Regards,
    Susan

     
  7. thquek

    thquek New Member

    Dear Susan

    Appreciate your response. Just like hat you have mentioned, it is quite unresponsive when you try to get some information through emails with TESC.

    i would like to say what you have responded is very helpful to me. At leest i know how to kickstart in my endeavour. Will keep posted in the progress and post questions when i need that needed advice or guidance.

    Once again, thanks Susan

     
  8. Susan2

    Susan2 New Member

    You're welcome, and good luck!!!!

    Regards,
    Susan
     
  9. thquek

    thquek New Member

    Hi Jeff

    Came to know your reply Jwilliamson's quest. i had actually send a couple of mails to Excelsior but to no avail. Do not understand why.

    i am a Singaporean, 12 years into Information Technology but without a degree and now trying to earn a Bsc legally, legitimately and fully accreditated.

    Although the "Big Three" Excelsior, TESC and COSC seems to offer DL on line, i seems not to have any luck with them given the fact that i had sent numerous mails requesting detail information of application and enrollment.

    As a foreign student, maybe my methodlogy of contacting them was wrong.

    Jeff, could you be kind enough to enlighten me on how to get in touch with the respective colleges to earn a degree in the shortest time possible. i do not mind taking as many exams as possible within a month.

    Your assistance will be very much remembered.



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    Regards
    TH Quek
     
  10. danielsan1701

    danielsan1701 New Member

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