What after Associates?...help me decide!!

Well, I just got my results for the DANTES exams I wrote on October 28th...I passed Environment and Humanity with an 'A' using an used textbook called "Environmental science: Toward a Sustainable Future". I passed Intro to World Religions with "The Everything Guide to World Religion" I thought I failed it, but also scored an 'A'. I also passed Here's to Your Health with relatively no review, but I am well read on health and disease topics (hypocondriac).

Upcoming test is the CLEP Humanities.

After the Humanities pass (hopefully) and my completion of Excelsior's College Mathematics course, I will be the proud owner of an Associates Degree!

Now, I have to decide whether to continue the testing route and fullfill my upper level requirements, as well as several lower level electives, with various Sociology, Management, and Psychology courses and finish my BS in Liberal Studies at Excelsior, or transfer to AIU and take 10 courses over 13 months to finish up a Bachelors in Business Administration. What do you all think I should do? I can't come to a decision!

Pros to finishing up at AIU are an actual Business Admin degree, not a Liberal Arts degree. I would only need 10 classes since each class is worth 6 semester credits. My employer will cover the inexplainably high tuition.

Cons of AIU include condensed class format- I'm afraid I wouldn't have the time to do well. Cons also include having to take Accounting courses!

Pros of Excelsior are that it is basically self-paced. I love Psychology and Sociology, so I could tailor my degree plan to my wants. AIU is strictly business courses.

Cons of Excelsior are the 'Liberal Arts' degree. I'm afraid that will not be a strong title when seeking employment. Other cons are paying for the ECE exams on my own- my employer won't cover it....

So, anyone think they can help??

Thanks!

Rhonda

 

You seem to be doing well with the testing format. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Jack
(who has never regretted his Bachelors degree in Liberal Arts)

 

Heart or Head?

It seems to me that you are torn between a degree that holds great interest "...I love Psychology and Sociology..." and one that "possibly" holds greater financial potential or perhaps a "possibly" quicker move up the corporate ladder. I say "possibly" because these prospects depend on a host of variables. One of which is your motivation for success in the business community. If your heart isn't in it now what are the chances that you will grow to love it?

If you decide to stay with the liberal arts degree, here is an article that might help give you a more positive outlook on your degree.

http://www.indiana.edu/~career/students/apply/selling_liberal_arts.pdf

As for the difference in school reputation, I haven't a clue. Perhaps others can provide insight on that. I am sorry I couldn't be more definitive in my "2 cents" worth.

Good luck to you,

Susanna

 

Have you considered finishing a BS in General Business at Excelsior? You can test out of the remainder of your courses through a combination of CLEP, DANTES and Excelsior Exams.

 

Rhonda-
This is just my two cents, but if you stick with what you love you'll be happy and that will come through when you're applying for jobs. Plus, the coursework will be much easier. If you get a degree in something you think will give you "job skills", it'll be harder to stick with and you'll find yourself less likely to find a life long career you can enjoy.

Good luck,
Ryan

 

Thank you all for your responses. I agree that if I really enjoy something, I should go along with it. My problem is that I am a Financial Analyst for a government contractor and I have no degree whatsoever. That makes it hard to get ahead (they don't care what you know for some reason) It's a good career, but not something I particularly enjoy. So, I've decided to get my Bachelors in Psychology from Excelsior and then maybe move on to a Master's in Management.

Thanks again for your help!

Rhonda

 

Rhonda, as someone "inside" government circles, usually having a degree, ANY degree, can make a difference. To be honest, it really all depends on what end of your career you're at.

For example, if you're a recent college graduate with no work experience, GPA and area of study make a difference. If you have a lot of work experience behind you in an area of expertise, that becomes the primary consideration with the degree being the "icing on the cake", or difference maker (for example between yourself and a candidate without a degree).

I'll weigh in here with the other posters, and advise that you follow what interests you as opposed to what "may pay off". You'll be far happier.

Dave

 

Stay with Excelsior. Do both the liberal arts degree you love and the business degree that'll get you a job.

 

Rhonda,

I will reiterate what others have stated already. You must pursue what makes you happy. A degree in a field that is rewarding to you will make you that much happier in your job. It doesn't sound like you have to obtain a Business degree in order to stay with your job. Given the ease of which you could obtain a second degree at Excelsior, why not pursue your BA in Psychology and then go back and get a second degree in Business? That way you will have all of your bases covered.

- Tom

 

Thanks for the replies everyone...

It think I will heed this forums advice and focus on my BA in Psychology for now, but then maybe pursue an MBA. My current job usually only hires those with a degree for my position, but I am more the expection than the rule. They are happy with my work, a degree would just give me more leverage. I don't even know if the major would even matter .

Tom, have you started your other course at National yet?

Rhonda

 

Rhonda,

Good for you! Psychology will provide you with an excellent background in the Business world. BTW, you could always take a couple of Business courses and apply them as electives towards your Psych degree.

I start my second course at National Univ. next week. I'll let you know how it goes (hopefully better than the Geography course!).

I've been enjoying my little break between classes. This will be my last break until I graduate in August 2008! One course, every month. Then I'm off to Graduate school (somewhere....).

- Tom