Should I persue a BA in Lib Studies fromTESC?

I'm asking because I feel this is the degree I'm closest to completing (less than 12 credits away) through TESC. Also, although I have many credits that would apply to a BSBA, I'm extremely weak in Math and have not been able to successfully complete statistics to this point. I also struggle with accounting. What alternative could I take if i decided to go for the BSBA instead?

From what I understand, the BSBA generally will open far more doors than a BA. I bring this up because I have so many business- area credits. But right now I would just be happy to have a LEGITIMATE college degree.

Please chime in.

 

I think your main concern should be what you plan to do with the degree once you get it. If you just want a degree for the sake of having one, or you need a degree in anything for a job, promotion, etc., then I'd take the path of least resistance and go for the degree I was closest to attaining.

If you plan to go on to graduate school, try to pinpoint what it is you want to study. If you go for an MBA, you'll have a much easier time of it if your undergrad degree is in business, as most MBA's I've seen require undergrad coursework in accounting, management, etc. If you're interested in more general subjects like humanities, then probably any Bachelor's degree will do the trick. I think it all depends on what your future plans are.

Bruce

 

If you intend to stand on your bachelor's degree, and you need one in business, then by all means take the longer route to the BSBA. But I suspect having a degree is more important to you than what that degree is in. If this is true, take the most direct route. The time and effort you spend getting the BSBA might be spent on a graduate degree that will weigh considerably more.

The more experienced the working person, the less important the source and major of the degree are.

I faced a similar dilemma when pursuing my USNY Regents degree. I assumed getting the very generic B.S. in Liberal Arts was going to be the most direct, with the B.S. in Business a little farther out of reach. But because I passed a 30-credit UAP test (sort of a junior GRE, no longer offered) that satisfied 7 of my 9 business requirements, I was way ahead. The credits would have been general electives in the Liberal Arts degree program, which I did not need more of.

I ended up getting both the B.S. in Business and a B.A. in Liberal Arts (Concentration in Sociology). But taking the liberal arts degree would have been just fine, for I really sought the MBA, and wanted the most direct path to it.

Only you can decide, of course, but if it seems like the more direct and available degree will meet your needs, go for it and then go on to the next thing. Good luck!

Rich Douglas

 

I noticed from your profile that you're active duty military.

Have you tried your base or command ESO, Navy Campus, etc.? If they suck maybe you can work through another military installation. While I was in the USN, I used the Navy Campuses at Groton, CT and Newport, RI en route to a BS from Regents.

You can get opinions here, but by working through a counselor who can actively consult your service record and transcripts and who has helped dozens of service personnel like yourself, you'll be able to formulate a plan of action. Heck, you may even be able to get the tutoring you need to pass stats if you decide to go for the BSBA .

Pete

 

I urge you to keep trying to improve your skills in math and statistics. These skills are an important part of business these days. They also allow you to understand the news, and when newsmakers are trying to snow you. If your career goals are not in business management/analysis then I would go with a more general degree.

 

Greetings 4Q,

I agree with what has been said so far. Your ultimate goal with the degree has something to do with which route you take. If you want the stats course I would see if you can find a local college around your base that has an acceptable stats course and do it. That way you can utilize the instructor and what ever tutorial help you can get. Many of the collges operating on bases have mini-mesters, so you may be able to take a stats course over a condensed amount of time (I found myself less likely to forget material in summer school).

If you make it through that issue I would also suggest you look into Touro U which offers Masters degrees free to military (T.A. + Touro's scholarship=free). If you want the M.B.A. it is probably a good idea to get the stats part down.

Lastly, I can sympathize because I have a dislike of math which goes back to a second grade teacher I had .....but that is another story.

Good luck.

North

 

Thanks for very encouraging comments...perhaps I should take a second look at the BSBA. Hmmm...

 

Hi!

Whatever you decide to do, good luck! If you have any other questions about TESC, I'll be happy to try and answer them for you based on my experiences.

One thing I may not have mentioned about going the testing route at TESC is that you can complete your degree very quickly if you're motivated. Truthfully, the idea that I could complete my degree as quickly as I wanted was my primary reason for choosing TESC.

Let us know what you decide!!!

Regards,
Susan

 

Well I would hate to be rude and not take you up on your offer so here goes...

What is your experience with TESC portfolio assessment? Each year I recieve a performance report that documents my responsiblities and specific accomplishments. Have you heard of cases where performance reports suffice to demonstrate college-level learning? After thinking about it, I just might go for the BSBA since it's in line with what I do anyway; supervise a team of 52 people and manage assets worth more than $6m... What do you think?

Kevin

 

Hi Kevin!

I didn't earn any credits using Portfolio Assessment, but here's a link you can click on for more information...
http://www.tesc.edu/prospective/undergraduate/credit/portfolio.php

TESC's web address is www.tesc.edu -- the link above should take you directly to the portfolio assessment information page. Hopefully, you'll find it helpful (if you haven't been there already!)

Although I didn't try to earn any credits by portfolio assessment, many people do. I found that it was easier to take the tests in the subjects I needed than it was to go through the process of assembling a portfolio. (It can be a lot of work unless you're reasonably certain you'll earn LOTS of credits. Before getting started on a portfolio, I'd be sure to speak with an advisor at TESC to see what your chances are! I've heard that some people have really racked up the credits by portfolio assessment -- hopefully someone on this board can provide more info.)

Good luck -- keep me posted!

Regards,
Susan