I am interested in completing my college degree through an accredited institution such as Charter Oak State College. I have earned 110 credits at a state college (1967-71) and would like to complete a degree using testing, if it is possible. I am probably closest to having attained a degree in political science, but some sort of business or management-related degree would probably serve my future career needs best. Questions about tests -- What are the costs for taking them? How much study can one expect to have to do for tests, such as CLEP, etc.? (I am 50+ years old with considerable experience in small business.) Also, this may be a very elementary question, but what is the difference between a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science degree? Thank you, Joseph1
Joseph1, Look up a thread titled 'BA in Four Weeks' by forum participant Lawrie Miller for a (maybe exceptional) account of quickly earning a degree mainly through proficiency exams. Then, take a look at Steve Levicoff's Unofficial Thomas Edison State College (similar to Charter Oak)pages at http://levicoff.tripod.com/tesc.htm . These pages describe the process of getting what you've done and learned since college credited through the portfolio process. Good luck, Mark A. Sykes
Thank you, Mark, but note that the method and the outcome are not at all exceptional. If looked at over a period of, say, 6 months, the result (an earned degree) would comprise the experience of a majority of suitably motivated, mature and knowledgeable learners. If confined to just 4 weeks, perhaps 15% to 20% could achieve the necessary passes at grade "C" or above. In any case, the "4 weeks" bit simply serves to signal what is possible, and provides a convenient platform on which to hang the nitty gritty detail. Reading his post, I think joseph1 may be best served reading the articles comprising the thread "EARN A BUSINESS DEGREE IN 4 WEEKS". This follows the format detailed in "BA in 4 Weeks", but is specifically geared to earning a Business degree from Excelsior College by way of examination. Given his experience, your advice vis-a-vis portfolio credit is spot on too, of course.
