Have 50+ grad credits but need degree.

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by g-dawg, Jul 9, 2001.

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  1. g-dawg

    g-dawg New Member

    I have over 50 graduate credits, most earned in MA English (Non-fiction Writing) program. But they didn't approve my portfolio so I never got the degree. At the time it didn't matter so I didn't fight it. Now it matters since it means two or three tracks on the pay scale.
    Do you know of any programs with liberal transfer or life-experience credits where I can get the official degree? I don't mind taking a few coursed, but I don't want to go through the time and expense of earning another 30-40 credits.
    I considered going the Trinity or Western-Kennedy route, but I know that's not a good choice. But those are what I need -- quick and cheap that gives me a piece of paper for the credits I have legitimately earned.
     
  2. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    Master's programs are usually more restrictive than undergrad in the amount of transfer (or previously earned) credit they will accept. The usual seems to be 3-9 semester hours, but I've seen as high as 12-15 in one program which I can't remember at the moment. What field of study are you interested in?

    Please, please do not go the K-W or especially the Trinity C&U route. More than likely your salary advancement is based on a degree from a properly accredited school, which neither K-W or Trinity C&U is. Even if it wasn't, think down the road. A properly accredited degree is one less thing to worry about in the future.

    Bruce
     
  3. Guest

    Guest Guest

    There are options available for a properly accredited master's. Do the research before you enroll in any program, because you could easily regret a quick decision. The routes you mention will give you a piece of paper, but the credibility of that piece of paper will be about what it costs--hardly anything.

    Check out the following sources:

    1. Bears' Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning
    2. www.degree.net

    Russell
     
  4. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    You might want to consider a learner-centered program that is designed by you in conjunction with the school/faculty. You'll still have to do new work, but you might be able to take greater advantage of your prior learning (if not credit-by-credit). But expect to be required to spend at least one year in the program. Consider the Vermont College program at Norwich University as a start.

    As posted above, graduate schools are particularly narrow in their transfer of credit. The master's degree isn't supposed to be an olio of courses thrown together like mulligan's stew. It is supposed to be a comprehensive body of work designed so the student may "master" his/her subject. As such, graduate schools are going to require that you do most of your work with them.

    Rich Douglas
     
  5. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    I'm sorry, one other thing. Did you consider returning to your original school? Perhaps they'd accommodate you and another shot at the degree. If you ask, they might say yes! [​IMG]

    Rich Douglas
     
  6. Michael Wilson

    Michael Wilson New Member

    I believe that Excelsior College allows up to 15 transfer credits. See their program description at <http://www.excelsior.edu/exold/mls/826.htm>.

    Cheers,


    ------------------
    Michael Wilson
     
  7. hworth

    hworth Member

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