COSC concentration vs. Excelsior Focus

From what I understand, all COSC degrees have a 36 (or more) unit concentration. Excelsior has a option for a "focus" which is a 21 unit (or more) program. Now obvisouly, if looking at a transcript there would probably be a large difference in the two programs. However, if only given the name of the degree, and the type of degree it is, is there any difference between the two different options?

 

I don't know anything about COSC. However, it seems that Excelsior has changed terminology lately. In the latest catalog that was sent to me, the Liberal Arts degree has three options:

1 - Liberal Studies option (this is what I am doing) - Two "depth" requirements. Each is 12 credits, at least 3 upper level.

2 - Area of Focus - 21 credits, at least 6 upper level.

3 - Major - 30 credits, at least 15 upper level.

 

Excelsior got permission from its accreditor to rename its "Concentrations" "Majors". There has been no other terminology change. There are specific requirements for each Major, whereas the credits for the Depth Area and Area of Focus can be anything in the given subject at the specified level.

Charter Oak State College says, "The concentration is not called a major because the 'major' is General Studies." http://www.cosc.edu/Advising/concentrationrequirements.cfm
Inevitably people are going to ask you "What did you major in?", so Charter Oak has more stringent requirements (36 credits) for a less impressive credential than Excelsior's "Major".

 

major, major major

catch 22, eh?

How completely weird. I just don't get what either of these colleges is thinking. I mean they have the same accreditors, right?

Goofy stuff indeed.

 

Jodokk writes:

> I mean they have the same accreditors, right?

No, Excelsior College and Thomas Edison State College are accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, but Charter Oak State College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Also, since Excelsior has been privatized, it may be more motivated to do things that will attract students.

 

Thanks

Ah, I see, thanks for the explanation.

 

I talked to an Excelsior advisor today, and I found what they told me to be interesting.

Excelsior area of focus. Degree = "Bachelor of Science" or "Bachelor of Arts". Transcript lists the degree and "Area of focus: your focus here".

COSC. Degree = "Bachelor of Science" or "Bachelor of Arts". Transcript lists the degree and "Concentration: your concentration here".

While the credits needed for each degree are certainly different, I find the naming of the degree, and listing of the degree on the transcript to give the same basic message. If someone had an identical course structure for either of these degrees, would one seem more meaningful than the other?

 

In other words, if you graduate from Excelsior in the MIS program, your degree would read "Bachelor of Science Area of Focus=Management of Information Systems"?

 

Rant writes:

> In other words, if you graduate from Excelsior in the MIS
> program, your degree would read "Bachelor of Science Area of
> Focus=Management of Information Systems"?

No.

First of all, we're talking about Excelsior's Liberal Arts degrees. "Bachelor of Science, Management Information Systems" is a Business degree, not a Liberal Arts degree.

Secondly, Areas of Focus appear on the transcript, but not on the diploma. Majors appear on both the transcript and the diploma.