Looking for Recognized degree Using Life-experience & Prior Education

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Latif, Nov 23, 2004.

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  1. Latif

    Latif New Member

    Hello guys,

    I'm new to the forum but have a question that I hope someone can help me with.

    I have 19 years of experience in information technology. I have 2 Associate Degrees in computer science and computer programming, and BS degree in computer science. I want to get master degree in Computer science or information technology or Business administration from an accredited school. Can someone help me with information on achieving this fastest way using my work/life experience & previous Education?

    Thanks,

    Latif
     
  2. etech

    etech New Member


    I dont think such a degree program exists. Why not just do a distance/online degree ? its normally 30 credits for a Masters which can be completed in a year or so.
     
  3. dis.funk.sh.null

    dis.funk.sh.null New Member

    Hi Latif,

    I am sure that with your education and experience, you can get into an accredited masters program with advanced standing (get credit for a portion of the degree requirement). I doubt, however, that you can obtain a legitimate masters degree solely through life experience.

    For the former option, there are a few accredited/recognized universities that will welcome you for studies, on-campus or otherwise, but rest assured that you will have to do at least a few graduate courses...

    Also, since you mention Saudi Arabia as your location, I feel I must advise you that Saudi government does not recognize distance education, period! So if you're in a government posting, you will not beenfit much with a masters degree obtained via distance-ed or online.

    I hope this helps you out.

    Regards,
    Mahmood
     
  4. Latif

    Latif New Member

    Thanks Guys willing to take some courses

    thanks guys for your feedback, i am willing to take some courses from any accredited university, but i need a low cost university, i also need the timeframe to be between 3 months to 1 year time, so can anyone provide me some assistance to locate a proper University, beside most of online universities dont mention that the degree earend through online or distance education.
     
  5. Latif

    Latif New Member

    Thanks Guys willing to take some courses

    thanks guys for your feedback, i am willing to take some courses from any accredited university, but i need a low cost university, i also need the timeframe to be between 3 months to 1 year time, so can anyone provide me some assistance to locate a proper University, beside most of online universities dont mention that the degree earend through online or distance education.
     
  6. PhD2B

    PhD2B Dazed and Confused

    I would be leery of any school that is willing to grant you credit for classes based on life experience. I'm not saying that there are no legitimate schools that do this but more often than not, these schools are usually diploma mills.

    In my experience, schools will not accept undergraduate credits for graduate programs. If you already have graduate credits that you are not applying towards another degree, it may be possible to transfer these credits into another program.

    If you are looking to fast-track, then either consider a school that allows you to take courses at your own pace (like NCU) or be prepared to take three to four courses per semester (including summer semester). Most masters programs are between 30 to 36 semester hours.

    Good luck!
     
  7. Anthony Pina

    Anthony Pina Active Member

    One possible option is the Western Governors University. It offers degrees based on assessment of current KNOWLEDGE (not just prior experience). If your work/life experience and prior education are sufficient to pass the assessments, then you could earn an accredited masters degree pretty quickly (probably within your timeline). The bad news is that WGU does not offer a masters degree in computer science or info tech, but in learning and technology.

    Thjis is from WGU's website (www.wgu.edu):

    "How can I benefit from what I already know?
    You progress through a program by demonstrating your competence on our rigorous assessments. Hence, you can progress more quickly if you already possess considerable competency in your field of study.

    There are no pre-determined program lengths, although we have determined standard program lengths for each program. (The details are given with each program description.) Some individuals complete their programs in less than the standard time, while others take longer. Your time to completion will depend upon your current competencies, plus the amount of time and effort you commit."

    Best of luck,

    Tony Pina
    Northeastern Illinois University
     
  8. ham

    ham member

    you will never find such a "school" unless it's a degree mill of some sort.
    At best, traditional universities waive up to 80% credits.
    But even if you've been in your job 19 years, they might discount a part of it as "repetition".
    You can't learn new things everyday; yet you're supposed to do so with every new exam you sit.
    Others run "challenge for credit" exams.
    Believe me, it is just like sitting a regular, comprehensive exam.
    Some may be more lenient than others; yet it is an exam taylored for those who studied on books, not real life people.
    Beware as these waters are almost exclusive dominion of degree mills.
    Some may sound convincing and almost-like-it.
    However they're just novelties.
    If you need a novelty, you decide.
    If you want it to serve a career wise purpose, drop it.
     

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