Excelsior Question

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Christopher Green, Nov 4, 2005.

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  1. Christopher Green

    Christopher Green New Member

    Greetings to the Mighty Forum~

    I have an Excelsior question.

    My situation is, I only need 1 more class and one CLEP to finish. But, I'm rapidly being pulled into the PhD vortex. Since this next fall I will probably be starting in a PhD program, and between now and then I'm finishing an MA at Fuller, I need to know if I can do something with this Excelsior degree which may now be meaningless...

    If I save my transcript, and just keep it, can I be sure that if I reapply some time in the future (indefinitely) that they would accept all of the work I have already done?

    Some of my credits are from TESC portfolio, which they don't do anymore. I'm not confident they will keep my transcript. Also, the CLEP's. What will happen?

    I asked them about "banking" my credits, but they say that this won't help any in the future, necessarily.

    I don't get that.

    I want to have the ability to go back any time I want just in case.

    Chris
     
  2. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Chris,

    I dont' have any direct experience with Excelsior, however I have heard from other members of this forum, that they can (and do) change their requirements quite often. If your not an enrolled student at the time they make the change, then you must follow the new regulation.

    Personally, I would just finish up your last class and CLEP exam. Having an RA degree under your belt is certainly not "meaningless".

    Either way, good luck!

    - Tom
     
  3. Christopher Green

    Christopher Green New Member

    My MBC degree is about to be RA because they are in process. The other thing is my MA degree is accredited, and I have an accredited teaching credential, and 3 years of teaching in CA public schoos (English). I'm not sure what the Excelsior degree would contribute to my portfolio that I don't already have.
     
  4. philosophicalme

    philosophicalme New Member

    I would just finish the degree. Just think...with only two courses you will have another degree. I believe the English Lit degree accompanies the Theology degrees very well.


    Rhonda
     
  5. lchemist

    lchemist New Member

    Hi Chris:

    If you are enrolled at Excelsior, I would take the class and the CLEP. As you were told, the policies at the time of enrollment are valid only while you are enrolled, if you quit and later want to re-enroll, you will have to abide by the new rules, and you may loose credits accepted under the old policy.

    Remember, that even if Multnomah is accredited, your degree does not become accredited, only degrees earned after the school obtains its accreditation are considered accredited.
    An accredited BA will enhance your resume, as you work towards your PhD at Fuller.

    Blessings,

    Luis
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 4, 2005
  6. DesElms

    DesElms New Member

    Then just finish it and stop tempting fate... as pretty much everyone in this thread, so far, has wisely advised.

    Amen!
     
  7. Christopher Green

    Christopher Green New Member

    Well,

    You guys point out the reasons why I'm in the program in the first place.

    My MBC degree with never be accredited, even though the school is now in process...

    If I finish it, it may delay my entry into PhD work another year. Also, most of you know, getting things lined up to do doctoral work is not a cinch. Finances, plans with having kids (we currently dont' have any) and so forth hasten me to enter at the end of next September if possible.

    Between now and then I have a full time job in Bakersfield, and 7 courses to take at Fuller to finish my MA in theology.

    There is no time for me to finish Excelsior if I'm going to enter a PhD program next year. I may have to tempt fate on this one.

    If so, I may be the first on the forum to get a PhD from a major university without finishing a RA bachelor's first!

    ~Chris
     
  8. Christopher Green

    Christopher Green New Member

    I just talked to Excelsior,

    Just for the forum's information, you can get an "Area focus" and not a "major," which means that I could take a test instead of a Lit class for the upper level requirement, drop the major, have a focus in Literature, and pass 2 tests and finish!

    Whew!

    cg
     

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